ANBF Sanctioned
Men’s Physique competitors will be judged in board shorts and bare feet. Shorts may be of any color or pattern, but may not contain words or advertising. Shorts must be just above the knee in length and may only one inch below the belly button. No spandex.
Division Overview
In Men’s Physique competitions, muscularity is evaluated based on how muscle size and shape complement the competitor’s frame. Competitors should display a noticeable but not excessive level of muscularity, avoiding the bulk typical of bodybuilders. The ideal physique features well-defined muscles with a harmonious flow, including rounded delts transitioning smoothly into biceps and triceps, and a tapered lat line extending into the obliques and upper thighs.
Symmetry is essential, focusing on the balance and integration of body parts to ensure no muscle group dominates. Conditioning should show visible muscle separation and a toned appearance without the extreme leanness seen in bodybuilding. Competitors should have clear abdominal separation and distinct muscle boundaries without being overly ripped or vascular. The goal is a balanced, aesthetically pleasing physique that exemplifies health and fitness, rather than extreme muscularity.
Judging Criteria
- Muscularity: Men’s Physique competitors should exhibit a significant level of muscularity with well-defined muscles that flow evenly throughout the physique, including rounded delts that seamlessly transition into the biceps and triceps, and a taper in the lats that extends into the obliques and upper thighs. However, excessive muscularity resembling traditional bodybuilding will be penalized to maintain the division’s standards.
- Conditioning: Men’s Physique competitors should show visible muscle separation and conditioning, including clear abdominal separation and distinct lines between the delts, biceps, and triceps, without striations. Descriptors such as ripped, shredded, or vascular should not apply, as the division emphasizes a naturally toned, not overly muscular or lean appearance.
- 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 posing board shorts, 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
After the individual presentations for each competitor are complete, the class is brought to front center stage and is guided through quarter turns to display physiques from the front, left, back, and right. Quarter turn transitions should be fluid with no stiff, jerky, military-style or overly suggestive movements.
Front Pose
- Competitors should stand facing the judges.
- Feet should be parallel, although slight angling of the toes is permitted.
- Hands can be placed at the sides briefly to showcase symmetry; however, the arm facing the judges should rest on the hip.
- The arm not facing the judges should remain in a relaxed position close to the body.
- Overly flexed poses and clenched fists are discouraged.
Side Poses
- Side poses are flexible, allowing competitors to choose stances that best highlight their physiques.
- Feet positioning can vary; they may be placed together or one foot slightly in front of the other.
- Hands can be positioned at the sides or one or both may rest on the hips.
- Competitors may twist at the waist to angle their upper torso towards the judges.
Back Pose
- Competitors will turn to face the back of the stage.
- Feet should stay parallel, though slight toe positioning adjustments are permitted.
- Lats must be flared to emphasize the V-taper, and one hand may rest on the hip.
Individual Presentations
The presentation portion will immediately follow group comparisons for the class. After a class files off, the first person in the class will return to the stage to perform their individual stage walk. The competitor will walk out to music of their choice. The stage walk will consist of the following: walk to center stage and perform two poses of the competitor’s choice, then proceed to the same side of the stage they entered from and display two poses of their choice, then proceed to the opposite side of the stage where they will perform two poses of their choice. To complete the walk, the competitor will return to center stage and perform a final pose and wave before exiting the stage.
Individual presentations should be done tastefully and be conducive to a family atmosphere. Bodybuilding-type poses are permitted, but should not be presented as the majority of the routine. Props or costumes are permitted.
Note
Competitors not following other ANBF posing guidelines may, at the discretion of the head judge, be corrected. If the competitor fails to adjust when corrected, then judges are instructed to address this in their scoring. Failure to comply with ANBF posing guidelines will result in a lower placement in the presentation/posing round.