ANBF Sanctioned
Classic Physique competitors will be judged in solid color spandex shorts or trunks of any color. Classic Physique posing trunks that are worn in competition must be no less than 4-1/2 Inches on the sides/hips. When considering whether to wear shorts or trunks, competitors are advised to choose the style that best displays their physique’s strengths per the judging criteria below.
Division Overview
Muscularity in Classic Physique competition involves assessing muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame. This includes the shape and size of muscles and how they align with the competitor’s skeletal structure. Classic Physique competitors are expected to have a slightly more muscular appearance than Men’s Physique but less than traditional bodybuilders, especially in the lower body. The ideal physique features a harmonious structure that seamlessly flows from one muscle group to another, with shoulders and lats contributing to an X-frame look. This X-frame should be balanced with the waist and lower body, with biceps and triceps proportionally sized to complement the overall physique. A distinct V-taper from the lats should be visible from both front and back, flowing into the abs and oblique areas from the front and the lower back from the rear.
Conditioning in this division refers to the muscle tone’s firmness and the visible differentiation between muscle sections or fibers. While leanness is crucial, overly dieted appearances that produce stringiness or an emaciated look are not desirable. Competitors should show visible abdominal separations, clear distinctions between shoulder, bicep, and tricep muscles, and defined quad/hamstring separations. Muscles should appear full and round, with clear details. However, terms like “ripped,” “shredded,” or “vascular” should not describe the ideal Classic Physique, as the focus is on a healthy, well-defined look without extreme muscular striations or vascularity.
Judging Criteria
- Muscularity: Classic Physique competitors should have a muscular build that exceeds Men’s Physique but remains less pronounced than traditional bodybuilding, particularly in the lower body. The ideal physique features a balanced X-frame created by well-proportioned shoulders and lats, with a V-taper visible from front to back that smoothly integrates into the abs and lower back.
- Conditioning: Leanness is important in Classic Physique competition, but an overly dieted appearance that leads to a stringy or emaciated look is not advantageous. Competitors should exhibit visible abdominal, delt, bicep, tricep, and quad/hamstring separation with full, round muscles; however, descriptors like ripped, shredded, or vascular should not apply
- Symmetry and Proportion: Judges prioritize symmetry and proportion, seeking a balanced development between upper and lower body, highlighted by a defined waist to create a clear X-frame silhouette. The physique should be evenly developed, contributing to a proportionate overall appearance.
- Stage Presence: Presentation is critical. Competitors are judged on their confidence, poise, and the ability to present themselves in a way that highlights their best features.
- Posing and Walk: The ability to pose and walk in a manner that is both graceful and flattering to the physique is essential. Competitors should be able to transition smoothly between poses and convey their personality on stage.
- Competition Attire and Aesthetics: When considering whether to wear shorts or trunks, competitors are advised to choose the style that best displays their physique’s strengths
- 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 – This should be performed in a way that accentuates your physique best. The vacuum pose was popular in the era that inspired this division, but it is not expected. Use your judgment to present your hard work best
- Side Chest – Foot closest to the judges should have a spiked calf about the midline of a planted rear foot. The back leg should press against the front leg to present the hamstring. Back arm should be pressing against the chest to present fullness with hand placement near the wrist on your lead arm. A slight turn of the back shoulder can create a fuller appearance, but not over dramatized.
- Rear Double Biceps – Right calf should be spiked to show definition. Tighten hamstrings to show definition. Be sure to open up nice and wide with the lats to not cause pinching. Glutes will be covered with the required posing trunks.
- Abs and Thigh – One quad should spiked, vacuum optional (use your judgment if it fits your physique), abs flexed, and arms behind the head.
- Classic Pose of Choice – Victory pose, archer, single bicep with other arm raised, twisting double bicep, one arm flexed and one behind head