When Symmetry Seemed to be More Important

[stuntmovie]

Over the years it has become evident that size has become more important than symmetry when judging pro bodybuilding contests.

You gotta be huge to stand up there with the pros.

Many fans say that it's become a "size contest" and symmetry is being over-looked. (Debatable!)

Many years ago, 'size' was a detriment because 'size' meant 'bulky'. But now the pros are able to present the 'size' without the 'bulk'.

But  it does appear that the pro judges still continue to place a lot of emphasis on size and less on symmetry. (Debatable?)

Here are some shots in an attempt to compare size with symmetry. (Who has/had both?)

If you had the ability to reach your full potential, which build would you prefer to have?

And while you're at it ... see if you can name the competitors in the photos. Some are easy and others are difficult as they are relatively unknown.

[~UN_$ung~]

who gives a shit


are you looking for spirited debate..

[stuntmovie]

Big or symmetrical?

[Van_Bilderass]

Seems like stunt doesn't actually know the meaning of the word symmetry.

[stuntmovie]

OK! For the sake of argument, let's not argue!

I merely posted those photos to show the huge difference between two vastly different but very impressive competitive bodybuilders. (One of which I personally think is more symmetrical than the other -  Within those photos at least!)

But do you agree or do you not agree that size has become more important than symmetry within the past 20 years or so?

[dj181]

I think the correct term is proportion. I'd take a 17 inch arm with a 30 inch waist over a 20 inch arm with a 42 inch waist anyday of the week.

[NarcissisticDeity]

Seems like stunt doesn't actually know the meaning of the word symmetry.

Great post , 99% of people don't. the word has many meanings in the bodybuilding context

[arce1988]

  Both

[MAXX]

Jays legs arn't very symmetrical

[NarcissisticDeity]

Jays legs arn't very symmetrical

If by symmetrical you mean exact copies of each other NO they aren't and neither are anyone's , nothing in nature is truly symmetrical , people will always have stronger sides and slightly bigger muscles on the dominate side

[Van_Bilderass]

But do you agree or do you not agree that size has become more important than symmetry within the past 20 years or so?

Compared to 1990 I'd say it's about the same. If you go back further, say to Arnold's time, I'd say symmetry is more important now.

All things being equal, the bigger man has always won. Guys are just bigger overall.

I know of course that your talking about aesthetics and not about symmetry, about your personal preference. You think the guys are just too big now, not that they're unsymmetrical per se.

[BIG ACH]

I've posted this before and I will post it again...  Frank Zane = SYMMETRY

[NarcissisticDeity]

I've posted this before and I will post it again...  Frank Zane = SYMMETRY

Frank had great symmetry he also had great muscle balance & proportion

[#1 Klaus fan]

Wether someone is symmetrical or proportional it's up to a person's opinion...there aren't facts.

[MAXX]

I've posted this before and I will post it again...  Frank Zane = SYMMETRY

another one that doesn't understand the word symmetry

[James Blunt]

Cutler is THE MAN

[Sherief Shalaby]

If by symmetrical you mean exact copies of each other NO they aren't and neither are anyone's , nothing in nature is truly symmetrical , people will always have stronger sides and slightly bigger muscles on the dominate side

yes but in some ppl it's much more obvious!!.. like jay's quads (even before he injured his right quad), jay's biceps, and dorian's biceps (before he torn his left bi)!!..

[the_swami]

Nasser El Sonbaty had the perfect blend of never before seen gargantuan mass ALONG WITH symmetry +amazing shape whilst maintaining a tiny waist with no gut distension

[NarcissisticDeity]

Nasser El Sonbaty had the perfect blend of never before seen gargantuan mass ALONG WITH symmetry +amazing shape whilst maintaining a tiny waist with no gut distension

no gut distention at all   real tiny too 

[johnny1]

None better than the one and only Steve Reeves in the late 1940s to Mid 1950s and Bob Paris Lead the way in the 1980s, in 1983 his Balance and Proportions were Extraordinary and near Flawless. 

[Sherief Shalaby]

Nasser El Sonbaty had the perfect blend of never before seen gargantuan mass ALONG WITH symmetry +amazing shape whilst maintaining a tiny waist with no gut distension

hands down nasser is the most symmetrical mass monster ever!!..

[Mr Nobody]

Frank had great symmetry he also had great muscle balance & proportion

Great pics ND of Zane.