Meet the ‘spornosexuals’: Male body trend is back for 2025 and it has an extreme new twist

It seems like there’s a new label for everyone these days—from “tomato girls” to “hot rodent boyfriends.” But now, an old term from the 90s is making a comeback.

The word “spornosexual” describes men who are extremely focused on their appearance, inspired by fitness and media. It was first popularized in 2014, but now, social media is full of muscular men proudly sharing their workouts and healthy lifestyles.

It’s not just fitness influencers—celebrities from all industries are joining in. Many are posting their gym sessions, post-workout selfies, and even sharing their favorite supplements.

Over the last decade, beauty standards have shifted. While the late 2010s favored a lean, slim look, the past few years have seen a return to stronger, muscular physiques. Women have been encouraged to follow fitness trends like “Pilates princess” routines, while men are now aiming to get “swole” and stay consistent with their nutrition.

In 2016, researchers suggested this trend could be linked to economic struggles, making men focus more on physical appearance for confidence and status. A study in the Journal of Gender Studies found that since the 2008 financial crisis, young men have been sharing more fitness-focused images online. However, this also coincided with the rise of social media itself.

Journalist Max Olesker explored this idea in a recent Esquire article, trying to achieve a superhero-level physique in 12 weeks. He had done a similar experiment in 2014, questioning how much effort goes into looking strong and fit.

Stormzy, 31, credits Beyoncé for inspiring his fitness journey. After watching her documentary, he hired a nutritionist to prepare for his live performances.

Tom Holland, 28, has also transformed physically. While training for “Spider-Man,” he followed intense workouts and is now focused on gaining muscle for future roles.

Henry Cavill has spoken about his fitness journey, overcoming childhood health challenges to build strength. He now frequently shares workout advice and supplement recommendations.

Zac Efron bulked up for his role in “Iron Claw,” but fitness experts warn that extreme training routines can put stress on the heart.

The rise of the spornosexual trend shows how fitness and body image continue to evolve, with many embracing a healthier, stronger lifestyle.