Overview

The Classics Bodybuilding Championships were created to honor the art and tradition of bodybuilding. Unlike shows that emphasize extreme size, our judging places equal weight on symmetry, muscle shape, conditioning, and posing/presentation. This page provides the full posing and guidelines for each division, plus best practices for athletes on show day.

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General Guidelines for All Competitors

• Competitors should maintain professionalism and respect both on and off stage.

• Posing should showcase your physique in the best light, emphasizing balance, aesthetics, and stage presence.

• Walks, transitions, and routines must remain family-friendly: no sexually themed or overly revealing attire.

• Competitors may enter multiple categories if eligible (Novice, Open, Masters, Teen).

• Music for posing routines (Classic Bodybuilding & Women’s Physique) must be submitted by October 25, 2025.

• Official tanning provider is Jan Tana – book appointments early through the event site.​

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Division Guidelines

Men’s Bodybuilding

• Categories: Novice, Open, Teen, Masters (35+, 40+, 50+, 60+)

• Judging Criteria (25% each): Symmetry, Muscle Shape, Conditioning, Posing & Presentation

• Pre-Judging:

  • Quarter turns (front, side, rear)

  • Mandatory poses: Front Double Biceps, Front Lat Spread, Side Chest, Side Triceps, Rear Double Biceps, Rear Lat Spread, Abdominals & Thigh

  • Note: The motorcycle pose has been removed.

• Finals:

  • 60-second posing routine (competitor’s music, family-friendly)

  • Pose down for class winners

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Men’s Physique

• Categories: Novice, Open, Teen, Masters (35+, 40+, 50+)

• Judging Criteria (25% each): Symmetry, Muscle Shape, Conditioning, Posing & Presentation

• Mandatory Poses: Front pose, back pose, side pose, mandatory Side Triceps pose (new for this year)

• Walk-out Routine: Competitors perform a short presentation walk including front and back poses, with clean transitions. No individual posing routines at finals.

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Women’s Physique

• Categories: Novice, Open, Masters (35+, 40+, 50+, 60+)

• Judging Criteria (25% each): Symmetry, Muscle Shape, Conditioning, Posing & Presentation

• Pre-Judging: Quarter turns and mandatory bodybuilding poses (same as Men’s Bodybuilding)

• Finals:

  • 60-second posing routine (competitor’s music, family-friendly)

  • Pose down for class winners

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Women’s Figure

• Categories: Novice, Open, Masters (35+, 40+, 50+, 60+)

• Judging Criteria (25% each): Symmetry, Tone & Shape, Conditioning, Stage Presence

• Mandatory Poses: Front pose, side pose, and quarter turns. No rear glute pop pose permitted.

• Walk-out Routine: Spotlight walk to center stage with transitions, front and side poses, and walk off. No individual posing routines.

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Women’s Bikini

• Categories: Novice, Open, Masters (35+, 40+, 50+, 60+)

• Judging Criteria (25% each): Symmetry, Tone & Shape, Conditioning, Stage Presence

• Presentation:

  • Walk to center stage, front pose, side pose.

  • Rear walk to the back of the stage, transition turn, walk back to front pose.

  • Spotlight walk should flow with grace and personality.

• No individual posing routines at finals.

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Women’s Wellness

• Categories: Novice, Open, Masters (35+, 40+, 50+, 60+)

• Judging Criteria (25% each): Symmetry, Tone & Shape, Conditioning, Stage Presence

• Presentation:

  • Front pose, side pose.

  • Rear walk to the back of the stage with a transition turn, returning to front pose.

• Walk-out routine required, no individual posing routine.

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Art Physique (Exhibition Only)

• Open Class Only

• Not judged; athletes receive stage time to showcase creativity.

• 45-second routine (music required, family-friendly).

• Tasteful costumes encouraged (examples: superhero, gladiator, golden era theme).

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Best Practices: Tips for Success

• Practice Transitions: Judges notice smooth flow between poses as much as the poses themselves.

• Command the Stage: Eye contact, confidence, and posture matter. Carry yourself like a professional athlete.

• Conditioning and Presentation: Arrive stage-ready—tan, oil, and attire should be neat and professional.

• Respect Time Limits: Keep routines to the 60-second maximum. Respect stage staff and fellow athletes.

• Stage Etiquette: Do not speak or gesture excessively during comparisons. Maintain composure and professionalism at all times.

• Posing Trunks/Attire: Men’s bodybuilding requires classic posing trunks; Men’s Physique requires board shorts. Women’s divisions follow standard figure, bikini, or wellness attire guidelines.