The mean lean myth

These days, it seems like everyone is obsessed with lean. People are trying to “lean in” at work and “lean out” at the gym. This concept of a lean physique gets thrown around a lot, but what does being lean really mean? Is is possible to get lean muscles?

A person’s physique can generally be described as lean when they have a low percentage of body fat versus their percentage of lean body mass (which is the combined weight of their muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and internal organs). But the concept of a lean body type is totally subjective. While there are technical ways to measure lean tissue, most people tend to use the phrase lean to describe a person that has minimal body fat yet doesn’t have Schwarzenegger-esque muscles.

In fact, the term “lean muscle” is completely redundant. The basic definition of lean is “to have very little fat” and muscle fibers are composed of very little fat. The entire concept of “lean muscle” more or less started as a fitness marketing ploy aimed at women. The idea of elongated, thin muscles was (and often still is) considered to be more desirable that stereotypically “masculine-looking” muscles. As a result, lean morphed into a term that meant you were strong and fit, but not too bulky.

There are many lean body misconceptions. A lean body isn’t devoid of body fat (remember, fat isn’t a bad thing). Lean is most often used to describe idyllic standard a woman with low body fat and some muscle (but not too much!). It’s important to understand that if you lose fat and start to strength train, you will look “leaner”. But you cannot build a specific kind of muscle. It all comes down to the balance between your diet and fitness routine and what makes you feel strong + beautiful. Do not get caught up in the mean, lean myth because it is a subjective standard!

Girl, just do happy + healthy, you.