The phrase "buffs up" can be easily replaced with several suitable synonyms that have the same meaning. Some popular alternatives for "buffs up" are "tones up," which means to strengthen or firm up muscles through exercise, "sculpts," which suggests a more deliberate and artistic approach to muscle definition, and "chisels," a word that evokes images of finely crafted marble sculptures sculpted by a master craftsman.
Other possible synonyms for "buffs up" include "builds," "shapes," "defines," "develops," "conditions," and "trims." No matter which synonym is used, the underlying meaning remains the same, which is that the body is strengthened and conditioned through physical activity and exercise.