training should be for purpose, for me the main purpose of training is so when it comes down to having to use your body then u are fit and healthy, just like if someone tries to mug you you need to be able to defend yourself, therefore training should be so u can defend yourself, and if the back to basics approach works better than curls, bench press etc then the back to basics approach should be used, but yeah, these days most people train for aesthetics, but aesthetics is good too because i'm sure a large, bulky man/woman who has a massive chest from the bench press would be more intimidating than
a man who uses the back to basics approach, but that's just my opinion even though i have no experience of martial arts i think it would be the best thing to do to stay in shape is take up a martial art, because it will keep you fit and you learn how to defend yourself.