Men’s Physique

MEN'S PHYSIQUE

Physique Division competitors are lean, fit and muscular, yet do not have the muscle mass or extreme leanness required for the Bodybuilding Division.

Athletes wear conventional board shorts cut ABOVE the knee. 11″ inches (28cm) or slightly shorter is allowable. Athletes wearing board shorts at mid thigh length may be scored down.

Judges are looking for:

One hand on the hip on all poses
Nicely shaped and balanced muscle throughout
A small waist
Good V-taper
Abdominal definition
One hand shall be placed on the hip on all quarter turns to differentiate from bodybuilding
No bodybuilding poses are allowed
Physique divisions are height based and split according to athlete numbers keeping events competitive but fair.

Tanning, grooming, suit choice, posing, stage walk, and overall aesthetic appeal are taken into consideration as judges look for the best overall package.

Athletes are judged in two (2) rounds, please scroll below for more details.

Below are some general stage walk guidelines for physique athletes. Many venues vary in accessibility so athletes should reach out to perspective promoters about stage walk specifics so that you can prepare properly.

MEN'S PHYSIQUE CLASSES

FIRST TIMER

A first timer is someone who has never competed before in any division or class. For example, if you have competed in mens physique before and wish to compete in bodybuilding then you are no longer a first timer.

TEEN

JUNIOR

NOVICE

OPEN

MASTERS

GRANDMASTERS

Above classes may be split based on the athlete's height into different classes. The height classes might be as follows;
163CM-, 170CM-, 177CM-, 177CM+

The height/weight class numbers are displayed for reference purposes, we will change/adjust according to the average height/weight of the competitors who have signed up.

* smaller divisions like teens, juniors, masters, might have fewer classes as the number of contestants are fewer.

JUDGING

Judges are looking for a lean, fit, muscular physique that is balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Athletes should be groomed properly, possess a pleasing muscle shape, good v-taper (highlighted by relatively wide shoulders and a small waist) and a well-developed mid-section are prominent in the judges’ criteria. Judges are not looking for the level of muscle mass or extreme leanness that are necessary for success in bodybuilding.

The two rounds judged are:

1. Fitness & Balance

Round shoulders, defined abs, soft lines in legs, and tight glutes. Over lean, muscular, or hard or vascular physiques will be scored down

2. Physical Appearance/ Stage Walk

The overall appearance of the athlete. Stage presentation, suit choice, tanning, hair, makeup, etc. is encompassed in this round.

Download Men's Physique Division Judging Criteria

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