How accurate are period dramas about men's bodies in ancient and early history?

by talisonthethrone

I only ask this because it feels unlikely that men in these times would have perfectly sculptured abs/pecks without the kind of gym-obsessed lifestyles we see today; and yet a lot of early and renaissance art does portray male figures in this way. Was it enough to just be a soldier or farmhand? Or did only certain men in particular professions look like that?

CJGibson

Hopefully this doesn't discourage further discussion, but there's a response from /u/Iphikrates in the FAQ to the question How ripped did Ancient Greeks get that might provide you with what you're looking for.

There are a couple other ones about ancient "workout" routines, that you might also find interesting.