Muscle worship

Muscle worship is a social behavior and fetish where a participant, or "worshiper," touches the muscles of a more physically dominant participant, known as the "dominant." This practice is often associated with the bodybuilding community and can involve both same-sex and opposite-sex participants.

History

The origins of muscle worship can be traced back to ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures, where physical strength and muscular development were highly valued. This admiration for muscularity was often expressed in the form of statuary and frescoes, depicting gods and heroes with idealized muscular physiques.

Modern Practice

In the modern context, muscle worship often takes place within the bodybuilding community or in private settings. It can be a part of BDSM culture, where it is often associated with dominance and submission dynamics. The dominant, usually a bodybuilder or someone with a highly muscular physique, allows the worshiper to touch, feel, and admire their muscles.

Psychological Aspects

From a psychological perspective, muscle worship can be seen as a form of body fetishism. The worshiper derives pleasure and satisfaction from the physical presence and touch of muscular bodies. This can be linked to a variety of factors, including the association of muscles with power, dominance, and masculinity.

Criticism and Controversy

Muscle worship has been criticized for promoting unhealthy body image standards and for its potential to lead to body dysmorphia. Critics argue that it can contribute to an obsession with physical perfection and can lead to harmful behaviors such as excessive exercise and steroid use.

See Also

• Bodybuilding
• Fetishism
• Dominance and submission
• Body dysmorphia

References

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