Ideal measurements

Sometimes it's hard to know what your ideal measurements are. But it's important to know them because that way you can set a goal!

The most important thing is that you are symmetrical. Even though you still haven't reached your goal, it's important always to be symmetrical. Steve Reeves for example, was known as one of the most symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing bodybuilders of all time, even though he was not “huge” by today’s standards.

Reeves wrote about ideal measurements frequently and was always striving for his idea of perfection in this regard (and came close to achieving his own personal ideal). One of his criteria for ideal proportions included having his arms, calves and neck measure the same.

Steve Reeves Measurements:

Arms: 18.5 inches
Calves: 18.5 inches
Neck: 18.5 inches
Thighs: 27 inches
Chest: 54 inches
Waist: 30 inches

In his “classic physique” book, Reeves said his formula for “ideal proportions” was as follows:

Muscle to bone ratios:
Arm size= 252% of wrist size
Calf size= 192% of ankle size
Neck Size= 79% of head size
Chest Size= 148% of pelvis size
Waist size= 86% of pelvis size
Thigh size= 175% of knee size

Steve Reeves’ height and weight chart for a bodybuilder (natural):

5’5” 160lbs
5’6” 165lbs
5’7” 170lbs
5’8” 175lbs
5’9” 180lbs
5’10” 185lbs
5’11” 190lbs
6’0” 200lbs
6’1” 210lbs
6’2” 220lbs
6’3” 230lbs
6’4” 240lbs
6’5” 250lbs

Symmetry Chart for Bodybuilders based on the Mr. America's from 1940 and 1970


I= ideal
Ch = Champ

In the chart the two levels, ideal and champion, are integrated. The first line at each height gives the ideal measurements, the second the champion. The height scale goes from 5’2” to 6’4” (62 to 76 inches) in two-inch increments. If your height is at an odd-numbered inch, just select the measurements that would be halfway between the lower and upper figures.

Here is an example on how to use the chart. Take the height of 5’8” (68 inches). The ideal measurements follow in a horizontal line: weight, 165; neck, 15.9; arm, 15.4; forearm, 12.5, etc.

A word on how to measure:

• Measure the arms and legs tensed, or flexed.

• Measure at the largest girth, except on the thigh. The thigh should be measured midway between the outer hip bone and the knee. This takes in the hamstrings and the middle portion of the quadriceps.

• Measure the forearms with the fist bent in but the arm held straight.

• The hip should be measured at the largest circumference, which will be around the middle of the buttocks.

• Measure the chest standing straight but relaxed. Do not expand the ribcage or spread the lats.

• The bi-deltoid measurement will be the most difficult to make. The easiest method is to stand relaxed with your back touching a wall. Have someone place a ruler alongside your deltoid and mark a line on the wall with a pencil. Do the same with the other deltoid. Then measure between the two lines.

Use this chart as an aid in planning your training routines. After you have taken your measurements, you will have incontrovertible evidence of your weak parts. Measurements are not everything, however. How you look to others, particularly from the rear, which you cannot see in a mirror, is important. Qualities like thickness cannot be measured with a tape. They must be seen by the knowledgeable eye. Your strength level in each bodypart should give you some indication of the development as well. If you are weak on certain exercises, you are probably underdeveloped in the bodyparts that perform those movements.

Keep an eye on the three pillar indexes: neck, calf and upper arm. Even some of the champion bodybuilders are notoriously small in the neck. So if your neck is not up to your arm, start doing neck exercises, and if you belong to one of the rare gyms that have the wonderful Nautilus neck machine, use it. If your calves are under par, work on them. A half inch difference is all you should allow yourself between these three body-parts. If there is an inch difference, it’s too much. Work on it.

A little exact science introduced into a sport or art always helps illuminate it and expand understanding. I hope that his symmetry measurement chart will create greater enthusiasm and will help you set physical goals for yourself.

other interesting link about measurment with a calculator and Grecian Ideal! http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/drobson207.htm