PSYCHOLOGY
A Closer Look: Why Are Men Attracted to Athletic Women?
Physical fitness is one of those things you need to think about when you join the dating market.
A lot of people believe that you have to look good and feel good so you get good odds of attracting the kind of partner you want, whether for a casual relationship or long-term commitment.
Most of the time, the onus is on the guys to hit the gym and get that six-pack to be considered sexy and desirable. But what do they have to say about fitness and health being important aspects of romance?
Exactly why are men attracted to athletic women?
What Do Athletic Guys Look for in a Girl?
According to a study conducted in 2013, men are twice as likely as women to be interested in sports across 50 different countries.
This doesn’t really come as a surprise. Historically, men have always been concerned with strength due to their traditional role in society that is associated with physical labor. As a result, obvious signs of a man’s brawn, like defined muscles and endurance, are common traits that women look for in a potential partner.
However, this doesn’t mean guys aren’t looking for the same things in their ideal lady.
In fact, plenty of women are now signing up for spin classes and strength training to achieve their own dream body, one that is capable of deadlifting just as much weight as her buff Romeo.
But whether this preference of men is an appreciation for a certain kind of female form or a desire for a lover who can also be a gym buddy remains to be seen.
Dating an Athletic Girl
So why are men attracted to athletic women if it’s the men who are expected to be physically fit?
Well, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, especially with modern dating practices. It appears there are also a lot of advantages for men dating an athletic woman.
In an article by Cosmopolitan, guys shared that they love being with women who are active because they tend to be independent, motivated, and always up for an adventure.
They are confident and tough, both inside and out. Athletic women are also often flexible, and they respect their bodies by nurturing a strong and resilient outlook in life.
Physical activities can also be great for couples who want to improve their bond and connection. Things like hiking and rock climbing or even just regularly going to the gym together can establish trust and healthy communication between partners.
Do Men Like Soft Women?
But just because a lot of men prefer sporty ladies who have fitness goals, it doesn’t mean that soft women have no place in their hearts.
The answer to the question “Why are men attracted to athletic women?” isn’t necessarily because they don’t like women who aren’t physically fit or who don’t care about yoga or getting firm muscles.
It all boils down to personal preference.
After all, just because a girl is athletic doesn’t automatically mean she’s a great girlfriend or wife. Many relationships can still be loving and successful even if women are dainty or delicate, traits that are considered traditionally feminine.
What’s important is both partners complement each other, skillfully navigating each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
References
Kluger, Jeffrey. 2016. “Men and Sports: Science Explains Why Men Love Sports.” Time. https://time.com/4322947/men-women-sports-evolution/.
“10 Things Guys Love About Dating an Athletic Woman.” 2015. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a36478/things-guys-love-about-dating-an-athletic-woman/.
