Bodybuilding divisions are broken down by height (no weigh-ins). Short class, Medium class, and Tall class. (promoter may or may not have height classes as listed, but opt for one class or split to just two classes, all based on competitor turnout.) Competitor is to wear current/standard posing trunks/suits, plain in color with no stones or decorating. Trunks/suits cannot have a logo or writing anywhere on the suit.

Height Classes are as follows:

   Men

  • Short Class (up to and including 5'7") 
  • Medium Class (Over 5'7" up to and including 5'10")
  • Tall Class (Over 5'10")

   Women

  • Short Class (up to and including 5'6") 
  • Tall Class (Over 5'6")

Bodybuilding classes are as follows:

  • Novice (must not have placed 1st in any division, class or category, in any federation)
  • Open
  • Masters (both men and women masters classes are set at 40 and up) 

Prejudging comparisons and Overall comparisons at Finals will include the following mandatory poses for all bodybuilding classes:

  • Quarter Turns
  • Front Double Biceps
  • Front Lat Spread
  • Hands Overhead Abdominal and Thigh
  • Rear Double Bicep
  • Rear Lat Spread
  • Most Muscular (men only)
  • Most Symmetrical (women only)
  • Either Side Chest
  • Either Side Serratus
  • Either Side Triceps

A 60-90 seconds posing routine will be performed (with music of choice provided by each competitor - no vulgarity or profane lyrics allowed) at Finals only. **NEW FOR 2020 Finals routines will be judged and will account for ~15% of final placings.

Judging criteria and therefore placings for bodybuilding are based on leanness, symmetry, muscle fullness and posing ability. Contestants should strive to achieve low bodyfat levels, but not at the price of sacrificing muscle fullness and symmetry. Muscle separation, striations and full muscle bellies on a v-tapered frame are trademarks of top finishers. 

CROSSOVERS: Men's bodybuilding may crossover into Men's Classic Physique, Men's Physique or Men's Transformation as they choose. * Crossovers in amateur divisions are limited to one per athlete excluding Fitness Model and  Power Body. 

JUDGES FEEDBACK: You can receive feedback immediately following Finals by approaching the judges table, and speaking with ANY OF OUR JUDGES - they are asked to stick around and provide such feedback for as long as you need. You can also request feedback in the days following your show from ANY OF OUR JUDGES - they are asked to be prepared to receive email requests and to respond accordingly. We don't assign one particular judge to a particular category simply because we feel since the entire panel is qualified and required to judge each and every competitor, as well as take notes on each and every competitor, you should have access to that feedback. Furthermore, we are confident in the highly qualified judges we select and assign to your show and therefore their ability to provide consistent feedback even when you contact more than one judge.