Classic Criteria

Considering the Classic Category?

Think less extreme muscularity and limited in detail, separation, and conditioning than bodybuilding. In this class, you should not see glutes, chest, and quad striations.   On a scale of 1-5, with five the most extreme and one the least in the criteria. Classic muscularity 4 and conditioning 4. 

Judges will evaluate the 4  Criteria.

Symmetry/ Balance- This refers to the balance and proportions of muscles on the frame of the athletes for the classic competitors.  A balanced body has no body parts that stand out from the rest—considering the symmetry using the X for illustration. Focus on  Think: big shoulders, upper back, tiny waist, and muscular thighs. At the top of the X, you'll have sweeping, broad shoulders and a thick upper back. In this aesthetic, the X (your body) will taper into a relatively trim waist that flares into the bottom of the X — muscular thighs and defined calves. 

Muscularity—Bodybuilding has the most extreme degree of overall muscle development. The classic will not have the extreme but a degree of muscular development and fullness and a lesser degree of separation within the developed muscle. 

Conditioning- Bodybuilding is the most extreme category in terms of conditioning.  Classic is less of a degree with less detailed separation, no striations, and less vascularity shown: a full muscle belly and healthy appearance. A clear definition of the mid-section should be the most detailed part, with visual separation between the hamstring and quads.  The unhealthy look of a flat muscle,  face drawn to the point of dehydration, is frowned upon and should be scored accordingly. Any striations should be marked down as that level of condition is rewarded in the bodybuilding class. 

Presentation/Posing—This is where the athlete will display their hard work in the required 1/4 poses and the mandatory poses. They should show a healthy look and full muscle bellies. Drawn, flat muscles and drawn sunken cheeks are signs of dehydration and should not be embraced. Tan, grooming, good posture, and confidence are essential for standing out. Pro Athletes will also have their posing presentation added to their overall score. 

Round 1 Quarter Turns/ Presentation Judged

Start by facing the judges, turning to the right for a side view, then facing backstage, turning to the right to show the other side, and facing the front again. This is called a relaxed pose. 

Round 2 Group Comparison / Presentation Judged

The mandatory poses:

Front double Bicep

Side Chest to either side

Back Double Biceps spike either calf

Abs and thighs

Most muscular of choice

Hands-on thighs or Crab 

Favorite Classic Pose

Round 3 Presentation (Pro Competition Judged only)

Amateurs get 60 seconds of free posing, and Pros get 90 seconds

Costumes and or props are permitted but not mandatory. 

They need to be accommodated to be able to judge their physique. 

Men wear classic black trunks, which are not thongs. They cannot be narrowly cut to the back to show the glutes.