Protéalpes looked at the muscle-related searches carried out by the French to identify what matters most to them.
This new analysis of 635,000 monthly muscle-building searches reveals an even more accurate picture of body concerns.
Over and above trends, these figures reveal a true cartography of the parts most worked on, pains and aesthetic aspirations.
The analysis reveals that abdominals are the most sought-after muscle group, followed by glutes, back and pectorals.
Top 12 most sought-after muscles in France
Abs: an obsession for years
With over 15% of total concerns, abs literally crush the competition.
This percentage can even be estimated at more than 22%, if we include in the same category searches related to strengthening (muscular abs) and aesthetics (flat stomach).
The extraordinary diversity of queries (634 different terms analyzed) shows that we're looking from every possible angle to understand and transform this part of our body.
And this fixation on abs is nothing new. If we look at the trends, we can see that this area has always been the #1 concern over the last 5 years.
Highly seasonal aesthetic concerns
A closer look at these trends reveals a clear seasonal pattern for certain muscle groups:
- Winter/spring peaks: searches explode in January-April (New Year's resolutions, summer preparations)
- Summer dips: noticeable drop in July-September (vacations, outdoor activities)
- Autumn recovery: slight upturn in October-November with the start of the new school year
Buttocks in 2nd place
Buttocks occupy 2ᵉ place among the most searched muscle groups, with over 91,000 monthly searches.
This high volume reflects a dual objective: aesthetic (shapely buttocks, especially for women) and functional (power, posture, prevention of lower back pain).
The requests are varied: targeted exercises, home training, minimal equipment.
The analysis also reveals a strong search for terms such as "lift", "firm" or "fatten" the buttocks, reflecting differentiated objectives.
This muscle group also benefits from viral trends on social networks, reinforcing its popularity with fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts.
The back: mirror of our times
The back is the third most important muscular concern, reflecting the ills of modern society.
The diversity of research reveals a medicalized approach: not only is the aim to have a "beautiful back", but also to treat chronic pain.
Specialized terms such as "lumbar", "dorsal" or "trapezius" show a population that is increasingly educated about anatomy, probably out of necessity.
Breakdown of searches by muscle group
The emergence of a technical approach
This study reveals a growing sophistication in our research. Precise terms such as "vastus medialis", "transverse" or "greater dorsalis" indicate that we are moving beyond the basic approach to look at anatomical details.
This technicalization bears witness to the influence of social networks, where fitness influencers popularize notions once reserved for professionals.
Taboos fall
The inclusion of the perineum among the top concerns marks a silent revolution.
Long ignored, this muscle is finally becoming visible, thanks in particular to the liberation of post-partum speech and a better understanding of its role in overall health.
Research on intimate zones (penis, vagina) confirms that bodily intimacy is no longer taboo in our quest for wellness.
These figures paint a picture of a population in search of control over its body. The extraordinary diversity of searches (over 4,000 unique queries in total) shows that we're no longer content with generic solutions. We want to understand, target and optimize every part of our anatomy.
This silent revolution bears witness to an era when the body becomes a personal, almost technological project, when every muscle can be isolated, worked and perfected. Behind these figures lies a society that rejects genetic fatality and claims the right to sculpt its own body, statistic by statistic, research by research.
