What Is A 'Sleeper Build?' The TikTok Term Explained

Within so-called "GymTok" circles on TikTok, bodybuilding heads are currently obsessed with a new, ideal body type called the "sleeper build." Although the term's been used prior to the weightlifting community picking it up, sleeper builds and their aesthetic are akin to anime protagonists, seemingly unachievable by a mere mortal.

So then, who are these kids on TikTok with baby faces and massive arms flexing their "sleeper builds" on camera for likes? Are they just SARMs Goblins or are their builds "natty?" Let's explain.

What Is A 'Sleeper Build?'

A "sleeper build" is a weightlifting and bodybuilding slang term that means looking weak, skinny or physically inexperienced yet being jacked, strong and muscular upon further examination or after the flexing of one's bicep.

Therefore, having a sleeper build is a matter of curated surprise, as in, people with sleeper builds wear baggy or unassuming clothing that conceals their build, only to roll up their sleeves and showcase what they've got.

Where Did The Term 'Sleeper Build' Come From?

As stated, the phrase "sleeper build" was not always a bodybuilding term. In fact, the term was originally used in the PC builder community. A PC with a sleeper build means a computer that looks like it's from the 80s or 90s but has the computing capability of a modern system. Also, the term "sleeper build" was used in car communities, as in a car that has a vintage body but the engine and interior of a modern sportscar.

It wasn't until August 2022 that the term "sleeper build" became a trending topic on GymTok. The physique all stems from one Russian TikToker named @saifiev who started posting surveillance, VHS-style videos showing himself flexing his surprisingly large biceps in an elevator. Following his virality, many dubbed him the "sleeper build," starting the trend that soon encompassed many TikTokers.

How To Get A 'Sleeper Build'

Now that you know what it is, of course you want to get a "sleeper build" yourself. Imagine the social prowess it would lead to. You could provoke anyone, leading to a fight, and they'd never know you're packing until the crucial moment.

There are a lot of tutorials on achieving a sleeper build. According to TikToker @theajbaron, it's about three things:

1. Getting your a** in the gym
2. Drinking a lot of protein shakes
3. And eating a lot of pasta (to burn calories)

According to him as well, the skinnier you are at the start, the easier it is to achieve the sleeper build. Therefore, it seems to all be in the arm workouts and leaving the rest (besides maybe abs) to the wayside.

For the full history of sleeper builds, be sure to check out our entry on the slang term here for even more information.