Men's Physique Criteria

Considering the Men's Physique Category?

This category fits competitors with more muscle development in the upper body than the lower. They have a lower degree of overall muscularity than classic. Focus on Wide shoulders, full chest, and tapered waist with a well-developed midsection. Leg development is not the focus, but having fit, moderate leg muscularity will complete the physique look. Overly conditioned, sweeping thighs and or upper-body muscle size that would fit the classic or bodybuilding category will be scored down.  On a scale of 1-5, with five the most extreme and one the least in the criteria. Men's Physique muscularity 3 and conditioning 3. 

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—Due to the focus on more muscle development in the upper body. Think V shape is the focus. Wide shoulders, tiny waist, and developed mid-section. The legs are not directly judged but have moderate growth compared to the lower body development. The symmetry look will follow the asymmetrical balance.  We looked at each half separately and compared the total body presented. 

Muscularity—Bodybuilding has the most extreme degree of overall muscle development. The classic will not have that extreme but a degree of muscular development and fullness. Physique is the least of all. It is an athletic upper body that has well-developed broad shoulders, tapered lats to small waste, and a developed midsection. Legs are toned and not overly developed as in classic or bodybuilding. The competitor should not show quad sweep or overly developed calves. Upper body focused. 

Conditioning—Bodybuilding is the most extreme category in terms of conditioning. Classic is less of a degree with less detailed separation and no striations. Physique is a similar level of conditioning as a classic. Mild separation in shoulders, arms, back, and detailed midsection acceptable, but lower back and chest striations will be graded down. 

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 Group Comparison / Presentation Judged

Front Pose: Face the judges with feet parallel, arms to the side, and in a flexed position to highlight the upper body. A slight hip shift with one arm on the hip and a slight turn of the feet to accommodate the shift is acceptable. 

Side Pose: Hips are facing the side of the stage with a slight turn in the upper body to detail the V Taper, lats, and narrow waste. The far shoulder, arm, and chest should be seen from the turn.  The arm close to the stage is on the hip. The leg facing the judges can be slightly extended, with the other leg with less extension—the final positioning of the leg's position should be displayed to complement the body structure.  

Back Pose: Face the back of the stage. Feet are parallel, with a slight toe pointed out. Arms slightly bend as the lats are flared out, with the back completely flexed. Hands are to stay to the side. The focus is on the V-taper. Arms reaching the parallel position are not acceptable. The focus is a V-taper, and the overall flow of broad shoulders tapered lat to a tiny waist. 

Round 3 Presentation (Pro Competition Judged only)

Competitors will do a T Walk marked on stage, allowing a pose of choice at each point. Competitors are free to do a non-mandatory pose that is G-rated. Example: Front bicep pose. 

Men's Physique wears board shorts. They are no higher than just above the knee in length and sit just below the belly button. They can be solid colors or with print, but no other than the brand logo. They can be form-fitting but not skin on a grape. Remember that the judge focuses on the upper body,  avoid a busy print on shorts.