The Waist to Hip Ratio for the Adonis Effect

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there still is a universal formula for beauty called the Golden Ratio. When the Golden Ratio is applied to features of the human body, a symmetrical, balanced effect with a pleasing appearance is achieved. The Adonis effect relies upon a waist to chest proportion related to the Golden Ratio. Desirable hip size for the Adonis Effect is in ratio to the Adonis waist. Those who are trying to turn up the amps on their own or their spouses sex appeal, can use this formula as a guide.

Adonis Effect

Adonis of Greek mythology epitomized male beauty and virility, and women fell in love with him just from looking upon his handsome countenance. Many modern-day men seek to acquire the same manly good looks of Adonis, called the Adonis Effect, through exercise and bodybuilding. The Adonis Effect relies upon particular proportions of the male body. Proportions are not related to height, but are related to the size of one body part in comparison to another. Chest, waist and hips are of particular concern.

Measurements

Measure your chest, waist and hips. Keep the measuring tape level -- the same distance from the floor all around as you take each measurement. Place a measuring tape around the fullest part of your bare chest. Record the number. Measure your waist at the smallest part of your torso, or just below your belly button. Suck in your breath, if you desire, and hold the tape firmly, but not tight. Record your waist measurement. Next, place the tape around the fullest part of your buttocks, and record the number.

Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio, represented by the Greek letter "phi," is widely used in art and architecture, as well as body sculpting. The actual number is approximately 1 to 1.618. This proportion on the body naturally occurs in relation to the length of hands and forearms, distance between eyes and eyes and chin, and other parts. It is the parts that gain or lose weight due to energy expenditure, food consumption and exercise that must be manipulated through a bodybuilding program to achieve or maintain the Golden Ratio.

Ratios

Achieve the Adonis Effect by building your chest muscles and slimming your waist until these measurements are equal to the Golden Ratio. Divide your waist measurement into your chest measurement to see how you stack up. For instance, if your chest is 48 inches and your waist is 30 inches, you would be very close. Thirty divided into 48 equals 1.6. A slight increase in chest or decrease in waist puts you right on the mark. With these measurements in the correct proportion, you can compare your hip to waist measurement to see if you have the perfect Adonis body. John Romaniello states the ideal waist to hip proportion for men is .95, with the waist slightly smaller than the hips. Determine your number by dividing your waist size into your hip size. Dr. Mehmet Oz is a bit more generous in his proportions, indicating that a 1 to 1 ratio is ideal for men.