Victor Forge
Within the LGBTQ community, there are various subcultures and slang terms to describe them. One such term is bear, which describes a hairier and/or heavier-set gay, bisexual, or pansexual man. Bear culture values the larger, hairier male body and authentic, down-to-earth masculinity. One type of bear is a muscle bear, which refers to a bear whose size comes from muscle rather than fat. Muscle bears are typically hairy-chested gay men of middle age or older who are well-muscled, often from bodybuilding or progressive-resistance gym work. They tend to be very proud of their masculinity and avoid any behaviours that could be perceived as feminine or culturally gay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Large, muscular, stocky, bulky |
| Body fat percentage | 15-20% |
| Physique | Masculine, natural musculature |
| Body parts | Wide shoulders and hips, small waist, full legs, large hands and feet, round stomach, heavy jowls |
| Facial features | Dense head hair, thick chest hair, facial hair (goatees, full beards) |
| Clothing | Plaid lumberjack shirt |
| Workout | Weightlifting, cardio, strength training, squats, bench presses, pull-ups/chin-ups, rows, presses, deadlifts, lunges, shoulder presses, barbell curls, dips, HIIT, neck extensions, neck flexion exercises, behind-the-neck presses, flyers, shrugs |
| Diet | Cut back on bread, sugar, and Coke; eat more fruits; no food after 6 pm |
| Lifestyle | Going to the gym, consistency in workout routine |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle bears are typically gay or bisexual men
Within this community, a "muscle bear" is a specific type of bear who is dedicated to building muscle mass and overall size. They may engage in specific exercises like weightlifting, squats, and cardio targeting the back, shoulders, and core muscles to achieve their desired physique. This often includes a focus on the upper body, with wider shoulders and necks, to create a visually imposing presence, even when clothed.
To achieve their goals, muscle bears may adopt specific workout routines and dietary plans. They may seek out trainers and nutritionists to guide them in their journey. This can involve a caloric surplus in their diet and specific strength-training exercises to build muscle mass and increase strength and endurance.
The muscle bear identity is also reflected in media and pop culture, with references in comic strips and gay porn. The term "muscle bear" itself has evolved to include a broader range of characteristics, including a focus on natural musculature, masculinity, and maturity, often reflected in fashion choices and facial hair styles.
While the muscle bear community promotes a diverse and inclusive image, there have been criticisms of discrimination within it. Some self-identified muscle bears have been criticized for excluding men who do not fit their standards, particularly those with higher body fat percentages. This has sparked ongoing debates about the definition of a "bear" and the community's lack of racial diversity.
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They have a muscular, stocky, or bulky build
The term "bear" in the LGBTQ+ community typically refers to gay or bisexual men with a large (muscular or overweight) build and body hair. The bear movement emerged in the 1980s in response to the exclusion of gay men from mainstream spaces due to their non-conformity to normative male beauty standards.
The "muscle bear" is a subtype of the bear body type, characterised by a muscular, stocky, or bulky build. This body type is often described as having wider shoulders and hips, with an even waistline. The distribution of fat and muscle is key to achieving this physique, and it is considered more attractive due to its emphasis on natural musculature.
To attain the muscle bear look, one must focus on building muscle mass and overall size. This involves engaging in strength training exercises such as squats, bench presses, pull-ups, rows, and presses. Weightlifting and compound lifting movements are also popular choices, with specific exercises targeting the upper body, including the neck, shoulders, and traps.
Additionally, those aspiring to achieve the muscle bear physique may consider adopting a caloric surplus diet with a focus on proper nutrition. This can help build muscle and burn fat, contributing to the desired bulky stature associated with the muscle bear body type.
It is important to note that the bear community has been criticised for its lack of inclusivity towards men who do not fit the physical standards of a "real bear," often excluding those with higher body fat percentages.
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They often have body hair and visible muscles
The term "muscle bear" refers to a specific body type and aesthetic within the bear community, an LGBTQ subculture. The bear community valorizes larger, hirsute male bodies and authentic, "down-to-earth" masculinity that emphasizes camaraderie over competition between gay men.
Muscle bears are typically gay or bisexual men with a muscular build, body hair, and visible muscles. They often have broader shoulders, full legs, large hands and feet, a small waist, and a round stomach. The hair is usually present on the chest, with some muscle bears also sporting facial hair such as goatees or full beards.
To achieve the muscle bear look, individuals focus on building muscle mass and overall size. This involves engaging in strength training and exercises such as squats, bench presses, pull-ups, rows, and presses. Weightlifting and compound lifting movements are also popular, targeting multiple muscle groups. Additionally, muscle bears maintain a body fat percentage of around 15-20%, which is higher than that of bodybuilders who aim for low body fat percentages.
The muscle bear look is often seen as more attractive than the stereotypical bodybuilder physique due to its emphasis on natural musculature and masculine qualities. It's important to note that the bear community has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity towards men who do not fit the physical standards of a "bear" and for its lack of racial diversity.
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Muscle bears are proud of their masculinity
Bear culture is an LGBTQ subculture that emerged in the 1980s in response to the exclusion of gay men from mainstream gay spaces and normative male beauty standards. The bear movement was characterised by the rejection of effeminate and youth-focused gay culture. Those who identify as bears are typically gay or bisexual men with a large (muscular or overweight) build and body hair.
Muscle bears are a subset of this group, who are proud of their masculinity and aim to achieve a muscular physique. They focus on building muscle mass and overall size, particularly in the upper body, to create a powerful and imposing presence. This involves dedicated strength training, such as weightlifting and compound lifting movements, as well as proper nutrition to build muscle and burn fat.
The muscle bear look is characterised by a combination of muscular definition and body hair. This includes visible forearm muscles, six-pack abs, full legs, large hands and feet, a small waist compared to broad shoulders, a round stomach, facial hair, and thick chest hair.
Achieving the muscle bear physique requires dedication and consistency in both workout routines and diet. Many muscle bears focus on exercises that target the back, shoulders, and core muscles, such as pull-ups, deadlifts, squats, and bench presses. Cardio workouts, such as running, cycling, swimming, and boxing, are also incorporated to burn fat and build endurance.
In terms of diet, muscle bears may reduce their intake of bread and sugar, avoid eating after 6 pm, increase their water intake, and consume more fruits. Some may follow a caloric surplus diet with a focus on gaining muscle mass quickly, known as "Bear Mode" or "dirty bulking". This involves a consistent workout routine and a daily caloric surplus of 300-500 calories.
Muscle bears strive to embrace and showcase their interpretation of masculinity, often distancing themselves from behaviours or traits perceived as feminine or culturally gay. They value an authentic, "down-to-earth" form of masculinity that fosters camaraderie with other gay men.
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This subculture emerged in the 1980s
The muscle bear subculture emerged in the 1980s, a time when gay culture was undergoing significant changes and transformations. The 1980s saw the rise of gay fitness culture, with an increasing number of gay men embracing health and fitness as a way to improve their physical appearance and attract potential partners. This shift towards physicality and aesthetics was influenced by the gay liberation movement of the 1970s, which had encouraged gay men to celebrate their bodies and their sexuality.
As gay men became more comfortable with their bodies and their place in society, they began to embrace new forms of self-expression, and the muscle bear identity emerged as a celebration of masculine, bear-like characteristics combined with a focus on physical fitness and health. Muscle bears typically have stocky, muscular builds, with broad shoulders, chest hair, and facial hair, embracing a more natural, rugged aesthetic. This look was a departure from the slender, smooth-bodied ideal that had previously been popular in the 1970s, reflecting a shift in gay tastes and a growing appreciation for different body types.
The 1980s also saw the rise of gay subcultures and communities, with gay men finding each other through social networks, bars, and emerging gay publications. Muscle bears found particular acceptance and community within the burgeoning leather subculture, which celebrated masculinity, toughness, and a working-class aesthetic. Leather bars and events provided a space for muscle bears to connect, socialize, and express their unique identity, often through dress codes that emphasized their physicality, such as tight-fitting tank tops and jeans.
During this decade, the muscle bear identity also became intertwined with the growing popularity of gay pornography. Adult film stars such as Ron Jeremy and Jack Radcliffe embodied the muscle bear aesthetic, and their popularity helped to solidify the appeal of this body type within the gay community. The rise of gay pornography also contributed to the increasing objectification of the male body, with muscle bears becoming sought-after and fetishized by those who appreciated their combination of strength, masculinity, and body hair.
The emergence of the muscle bear subculture in the 1980s was a significant development in gay culture, reflecting a shift in tastes, a growing acceptance of diverse body types, and a celebration of masculine aesthetics. This subculture provided a sense of community and belonging for those who embraced it, and it continues to thrive and evolve today, with muscle bears remaining an important and visible part of the wider gay community. This evolution of gay culture and the emergence of the muscle bear identity reflect the dynamic and ever-changing nature of social norms and self-expression.
Overall, the 1980s marked a pivotal decade for the muscle bear subculture, with gay men embracing new forms of self-expression, celebrating their bodies, and finding community and acceptance within this unique identity.
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Frequently asked questions
A muscle bear is a subtype of bear. A bear is a gay or bisexual man with a large (muscular or overweight) build and body hair. A muscle bear is a bear whose size comes from muscle and not from fat.
Celebrity examples of muscle bears include John Travolta, James Gandolfini, and Robin Williams.
Other subtypes of bears include cubs, otters, chasers, chubs, polar bears, sugar bears, jocks, twinks, wolves, and chasers.
