A Guide to the Categories and Evaluation Criteria

Bodybuilding is a diverse sport that offers a variety of categories and classes to suit the individual physique and training goals of athletes. Each class has its own requirements, judging criteria, and incentives for specific physique characteristics. In this article, we take a detailed look at the different bodybuilding classes, the judging factors, and the crucial aspects such as symmetry, physique, and genetics that play an important role.

The Most Important Bodybuilding Classes

1. Men's Bodybuilding (Men's Open - Professional Class)

The classic bodybuilding class focuses on maximum muscle building and definition. The goal here is to present a massive yet balanced physique.

In addition, this class is divided into weight classes at the amateur level to ensure fair competition:

• Men 1: Up to 70 kg
• Men 2: Up to 80 kg
• Men 3: Up to 90 kg
• Men 4: Up to 100 kg
• Men 5: Over 100 kg

However, these weight classes do not exist in the professional world; all athletes compete against each other in the Men's Open class. The exception is class 212, which is for athletes who weigh a maximum of 212 pounds (approx. 96 kg).

Clothing regulations:

• Men's Open & 212: V-cut posing pants are mandatory; thongs are not permitted. The pants must be solid color and may not contain any decorations or lettering.

Evaluation criteria:

• Muscles: Size, density and definition of muscles
• Symmetry: A harmoniously proportioned body in which no muscle group is overly dominant or underdeveloped
• Definition: The muscles must be clearly visible and separated from each other
• Presentation: The way the athlete presents his body on stage, including posing and charisma

2. Classic Physique

This class combines the aesthetics of the golden era of bodybuilding with a focus on proportion and a classic silhouette. There are weight guidelines based on height, limiting excess muscle mass.

Clothing regulations:

• Classic Physique: Posing pants in the classic style, slightly longer than in the Men's Open class, but also V-shaped.

Evaluation criteria:

• Classic proportions: broad shoulders, a narrow waist and aesthetic lines
• Muscle definition: Clearly recognizable muscles, but without the extreme mass focus
• Symmetry and balance: Evenly developed upper and lower body
• Presentation: An elegant posing that emphasizes the classic look

3. Men's Physique

This class is aimed at athletes with an athletic and defined physique. Unlike bodybuilding classes, there is less focus on maximum muscle mass.

Clothing regulations:

• Men's Physique: Athletes wear knee-length board shorts that are not too tight and should not have any eye-catching patterns or logos

Evaluation criteria:

• Slim line: A narrow waist and defined muscles
• Symmetry: The focus is on a harmonious overall presentation
• Posing: Presentation with focus on upper body, legs are not judged

4. 212 (Professional Class)

The 212 class is a professional bodybuilding category for athletes with a body weight of 212 pounds (approximately 96 kg) or less. This class allows smaller or lighter athletes to compete at a high level.

Evaluation criteria:

• Compact muscles: density and definition on a small frame.
• Symmetry: Harmonious proportions despite smaller body size.
• Presentation: Maximum muscle development with clean lines.

5. Wheelchair Bodybuilding

This class offers people with physical disabilities the opportunity to showcase their musculature and symmetry. Athletes compete in wheelchairs and are judged according to the same criteria as other classes.

Evaluation criteria:

• Upper body muscles: Focus on chest, back, shoulders and arms.
• Symmetry: Harmonious proportions within the upper body.
• Presentation: Strong stage presence and controlled posing.

6. Bikini (Women)

The bikini class is aimed at women with a feminine, defined, and aesthetic physique. Muscle mass is less important than overall aesthetics.

Clothing regulations:

• Bikini: Two-piece bikini with V-shaped bottom, thongs are not allowed

Evaluation criteria:

• Slim and defined silhouette: emphasis on elegance and femininity
• Overall aesthetics: Presentation is just as important as physique
• Symmetry: Harmony between upper and lower body

7. Wellness (Women)

The wellness class emphasizes the development of the lower body, especially the buttocks and legs, while the upper body is less muscular.

Clothing regulations:

• Wellness: Two-piece bikini with V-shaped bottom, thongs are not allowed

Evaluation criteria:

• Emphasized leg and buttock muscles: The lower body is significantly more pronounced
• Symmetry: Despite the emphasis on the lower body, the body must appear harmonious

8. Women's Physique

The Women's Physique class is aimed at women who want to present a muscular but not extreme appearance.

Clothing regulations:

• Women's Physique: Two-piece bikini with V-shaped bottoms, thongs are not allowed

Evaluation criteria:

• Muscles: Well developed and defined muscles
• Symmetry: Proportionality and harmonious lines
• Posing: Dynamic posing that emphasizes the muscles

9. Figure (Women)

In the Figure class, the focus is on an athletic and muscular appearance. Women must demonstrate a good balance between muscle mass and femininity.

Clothing regulations:

• Figure: Two-piece bikini with V-shaped bottom, thongs are not allowed

Evaluation criteria:

• Muscle definition: Clearly visible, but not excessive muscles
• Symmetry: Proportionality between all muscle groups
• Presentation: Elegance and charisma play a major role

Rules

The exact rules for posing, clothing regulations and judging criteria may vary depending on the association.

Evaluation Criteria in Bodybuilding

Regardless of the class, there are basic criteria that form the basis for the assessment:

• Symmetry: A balanced physique is crucial. No muscle group should be overly dominant or underdeveloped.
• Proportions: The relationships between upper body, lower body, shoulders and waist must be harmonious.
• Muscle definition: The muscles must be clearly visible and separated from each other.
• Presentation: Posing, posture and charisma are essential aspects on stage.

IFBB or NPC? If you want to learn more about the differences and significance of these two major bodybuilding federations, check out our in-depth article: IFBB vs. NPC – Differences and Significance.

Conclusion: The Variety of Bodybuilding Classes

The different bodybuilding classes offer a suitable category for every athlete to present themselves on stage. From maximum muscle mass to aesthetic elegance - with hard work, discipline and a strategic approach, every athlete can get the most out of their body and make the most of their genetics.