ANBF Sanctioned
Women’s Physique competitors will be judged in two-piece suits that may be of any color, pattern, and style. Suit should cover at least 30% of the glutes and should crisscross over the lower back, with the straps hooked into the bottoms. Suits should be in good taste; no thongs/T-back bottoms will be permitted. ANBF promoters reserve the right to disqualify a competitor from competing in a specific show if their suit is inappropriate. Competitors are advised to bring two suits to check-in to avoid this. Jewelry and hair ornaments will be allowed during all rounds of judging.
Division Overview
Women’s Physique competitors are expected to exhibit a level of muscularity and definition that surpasses that of Figure competitors but remains less extreme than that of traditional bodybuilders. The ideal Women’s Physique should maintain the overall aesthetics and balance of a Figure competitor with enhanced muscular features. This includes well-defined muscles with a significant level of development, particularly noticeable in the quads, hamstrings, and glutes which should appear full, round, and firm. The physique should demonstrate a pronounced V-taper from the lats into the obliques, seamlessly flowing into the upper thighs.
Muscle definition should be clear, with visible separation between the delts, biceps, and triceps, as well as distinct abdominal separation and a noticeable quad-to-hamstring flow. Some striations and vascularity are appropriate, contributing to the overall muscular appearance. However, competitors should avoid appearing too “ripped” or “shredded,” as the desired look is one of balanced muscularity with visible but not excessive striations. This intermediate conditioning places Women’s Physique competitors between Figure competitors and bodybuilders in terms of muscularity and overall presentation. This division has NO SHOES.
Judging Criteria
- Muscularity: The Women’s Physique Division demands a blend of Figure aesthetics with increased muscularity. Competitors should show greater muscle development than Figure competitors, featuring well-defined muscles that include round delts, a clear V-taper from the lats to the obliques, and well-defined lines extending to the thighs. Key characteristics also involve significant quad and hamstring development, alongside full, firm glutes, creating a harmoniously muscular physique
- 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: The suit should be well-fitting and flattering. It’s important to choose a color and style that complements your skin tone and physique.
- Makeup and Hair: Professional, stage-appropriate makeup 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
- For front and rear stances, ensure head and eyes align with body direction; heels and toes must be together.
- Knees may be slightly soft but should not bend excessively.
- Arms should remain within 2 inches of the hips (front and side), relaxed from the elbow down through the fingers.
- Spread lats wide to emphasize the V-taper.
- Keep shoulders and chest high without hunching toward the ears.
Side Poses
- In side stances (left and right), ensure the head and eyes align with the body direction, with heels together or the front foot slightly ahead of the rear without space between the feet.
- Legs must remain straight during the pose; bending of either knee (front or back) is not permitted.
- Competitors may execute a mild twist at the waist to allow the rear shoulder (furthest from the judges) to be visible but should avoid excessive twisting.
- The front arm (closest to the judges) should not extend beyond the midline of the hip.
Back Pose
- For front and rear stances, ensure head and eyes align with body direction; heels and toes must be together.
- Knees may be slightly soft but should not bend excessively.
- Arms should remain within 2 inches of the hips (front and side), relaxed from the elbow down through the fingers.
- Spread lats wide to emphasize the V-taper.
- Keep shoulders and chest high without hunching toward the ears.
Muscularity Poses
- Front Double Biceps – Open hands displaying flexed biceps with one leg posted to the side and flexed to accentuate the quad.
- Side Chest with Arms Extended –Hips facing the right or left of the stage with the leg closest to the judges extended and flexed to display the quad and the rear leg bent. Hips are pushed back. Arms are extended out in front of the competitor’s body with one hand placed over the other and the rear shoulder tilted upward to open the chest and display the chest to the judges.
- Side Triceps with Leg Extension – Hips facing the right or left of the stage, with the competitor’s upper body slightly twisted to face the judges. The leg closest to the judges should be extended and flexed to display the quad with the rear leg bent. Hips should be pushed back and chest should be high. Competitors may hold the arm facing the judges by reaching behind the back to display the triceps or they may place the rear hand on the hip and twist forward with the arm closest to the judges flexed with the palm down to display the triceps.
- Rear Double Biceps – Open hands displaying flexed biceps with one leg posted to the rear and out to the side and flexed to display the hamstring.
- Abs and Thigh – Hands reached behind the competitor’s head and abs flexed (air blown out) with one leg extended forward and flexed to display the quad.
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 routine. Routines should be no more than 60 seconds in length and should be used to show the competitor’s individuality using posing, dance moves, etc. Routines should be done tastefully and be conducive to a family atmosphere. Bodybuilding-type poses and fitness moves (like push-ups) are allowed. Props or costumes are permitted.
Competition Attire
- Competitors must wear a two-piece figure or posing suit that crosses over and attaches in the back.
- The suit should be tasteful; thongs or T-back bottoms are prohibited.
- Embellishments such as rhinestones, sparkles, and sequins are allowed to enhance the suit’s appearance.
- Jewelry including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets is permitted, but it must not obscure the physique or be in poor taste. Body piercings are allowed if they are not deemed offensive.
- The Head Judge reserves the right to deduct 1 point for non-compliance with these guidelines.
Poses
