ANBF Sanctioned
Classic Physique competitors are judged in plain black spandex shorts or approved Classic Physique shorts. Shorts must have no branding or logos, must be no less than 4.5 inches on the sides/hips, and must provide adequate rear coverage. Bodybuilding posing trunks are not permitted.
Competitors should choose attire that best displays their structure, proportion, X-frame, V-taper, and overall physique while remaining within ANBF attire standards.
Division Overview
Classic Physique is a men’s division that rewards muscularity, structure, proportion, X-frame, V-taper, and classic aesthetic presentation. Competitors should display more complete muscular development than Men’s Physique, including visible lower-body development, but the division should not be judged as open Bodybuilding.
The ideal Classic Physique competitor should show full, round muscles, clear separation, strong structure, balanced proportions, and controlled conditioning. Shoulders and lats should help create a strong X-frame, with a distinct V-taper visible from the front and back. The waist should remain controlled, and the physique should flow smoothly from one muscle group to another.
Conditioning should show muscle tone, firmness, and visible separation without creating an overly dieted, stringy, depleted, or emaciated look. Classic Physique should be muscular, polished, and well-defined, but not pushed into the extreme size, density, vascularity, or hardness expected in open Bodybuilding.
Judging Criteria
- Muscularity: Classic Physique competitors should display a muscular build that exceeds Men’s Physique but remains less open-ended than Bodybuilding. The ideal physique should show developed shoulders, chest, back, arms, abs, quads, and hamstrings while maintaining structure, proportion, and classic shape.
- Conditioning: Leanness and conditioning are important in Classic Physique competition. Competitors should display visible abdominal, delt, bicep, tricep, quad, and hamstring separation with firm muscle tone and full, round muscles. Extreme dryness, excessive vascularity, stringiness, or a depleted look may be scored down when it moves the athlete away from the intended Classic Physique standard.
- Symmetry and Proportion: Judges prioritize symmetry, proportion, and structural balance. Classic Physique places strong emphasis on X-frame, V-taper, shoulder-to-waist ratio, waist control, upper and lower body balance, and smooth flow from one muscle group to another.
- Stage Presence: Presentation is critical. Competitors are judged on confidence, poise, control, polish, command, and the ability to display their physique effectively. Classic Physique presentation should be strong, controlled, polished, and aesthetic.
- Posing and Walk: Competitors should pose and transition in a controlled and flattering way. Movements should highlight structure, X-frame, V-taper, muscularity, and classic shape. Transitions should not be stiff, jerky, military-style, or overly suggestive.
- Competition Attire and Aesthetics: Competitors must wear plain black spandex shorts or approved Classic Physique shorts with no branding or logos. Bodybuilding posing trunks are prohibited. Shorts must be no less than 4.5 inches on the sides/hips and must provide adequate rear coverage.
- Grooming and Hair: Professional, stage-appropriate grooming and hair are important. These should enhance your natural features without overpowering your overall look.
- Tanning: A smooth, even competition tan is crucial to highlight muscle definition and stage presence.
Group Comparisons
Front Pose
- Head and eyes aligned with body direction; heels and toes together.
- Arms within 2 inches of the hip, whether at the front or side.
- Lats spread wide to highlight the V-taper.
- Shoulders and chest elevated, avoiding hunching toward the ears.
Side Poses
- Head and eyes aligned with body direction; heels together, front foot may slightly shift forward without space between feet.
- Legs straight or with a slightly soft knee.
- Allow for a mild twist to display the rear shoulder, avoiding excessive twisting.
- Front arm (facing judges) positioned no further than the middle of the hip.
Back Pose
- Head and eyes aligned with body direction; heels and toes together.
- Arms within 2 inches of the hip, whether at the front or side.
- Lats spread wide to highlight the V-taper.
- Shoulders and chest elevated, avoiding hunching toward the ears.
Muscularity Poses
- Front Double Biceps – Competitors should perform this pose in a way that best highlights their structure, V-taper, arm development, waist control, and overall classic presentation. A vacuum pose is optional when it fits the athlete’s physique. The pose should show balance, symmetry, and classic shape without exaggerated presentation that harms the overall structure.
- Side Chest – The foot closest to the judges should have the calf spiked near the midline of the planted rear foot. The back leg should press against the front leg to present the hamstring. The back arm should press against the chest to create fullness, with hand placement near the wrist on the lead arm. A slight turn of the back shoulder may help create a fuller appearance, but the pose should not be overdramatized.
- Rear Double Biceps – One calf may be spiked or positioned to show lower-body detail. Hamstrings should be tightened to show definition. Lats should be opened wide to avoid pinching and to display back width. Glutes will be covered by the required Classic Physique shorts.
- Abs and Thigh – One quad should be extended or spiked to display thigh development. A vacuum pose is optional when it fits the athlete’s physique. Abs should be flexed, with arms positioned behind the head.
- Classic Pose of Choice – Competitors may choose a classic-style pose such as a victory pose, archer pose, single bicep with the opposite arm raised, twisting double bicep, one arm flexed with the other behind the head, or another approved classic-style presentation pose. The pose should highlight the athlete’s structure, proportion, flow, and classic presentation.
Individual Presentations
- ANBF will implement a 10ft wide box or rectangle on stage for all presentations, routines, and walks.
- This restriction ensures optimal lighting, efficient use of time, and better photos and videos.
- The promoter decides the length of each routine, walk, or presentation.
- Some promoters may opt to have Stage Presentation Walks before the group comparisons for divisions that do not require a full routine.
Music for Routines and Presentations:
- Bodybuilding and Classic Physique athletes must submit their own music for routines. If they do not, they will pose to house music or music chosen by the promoter.
- All other divisions will perform their walks and routines to house music or music selected by the promoter unless specified by the promoter. Some ANBF events will request all athletes in all divisions to submit music for presentation/routines/walks.
Note: If a competitor has already performed a stage walk or routine in a previous class, they will not do the stage walk or routine a second time. If the competitor has crossed over to another division, Figure to Women’s Physique for instance, the competitor may perform their walk/routine in subsequent class.