The IFBB Bodybuilding Rules for Men’s Classic IFBB Bodybuilding are designed to promote the sport of Men’s Classic Bodybuilding and to ensure that all competitions are fair and transparent. The rules cover a wide range of topics, from eligibility requirements to the format of competitions. They also establish guidelines for judging, as well as drug testing and enforcement procedures. By following these rules, the IFBB ensures that Men’s Classic Bodybuilding remains a healthy and safe sport for all participants.
The Men’s Classic Bodybuilding division of the IFBB is a relatively new addition to the world of professional bodybuilding. Classic Bodybuilding is designed for those who prefer a more aesthetically pleasing physique, as opposed to the “mass monsters” of the other divisions. Classic Bodybuilding places an emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and aesthetic appeal. As a result, many Classic Bodybuilders have physiques that are reminiscent of the golden era of bodybuilding.
Height and Weight Criteria: Men’s Classic IFBB Bodybuilding Rules
HEIGHT |
WEIGHT |
| Up to and including 5’ 4” (163 cm) |
Up to and including 170 lbs (77 kg) |
|
Over 5’ 4”, up to and including 5’ 5” (165 cm) |
Up to and including 175 lbs (79 kg) |
|
Over 5’ 5”, up to and including 5’ 6” (168 cm) |
Up to and including 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Over 5’ 6”, up to and including 5’ 7” (170 cm) |
Up to and including 185 lbs (84 kg) |
|
Over 5’ 7”, up to and including 5’ 8” (173 cm) |
Up to and including 192 lbs (87 kg) |
| Over 5’ 8”, up to and including 5’ 9” (175 cm) |
Up to and including 200 lbs (91 kg) |
|
Over 5’ 9”, up to and including 5’ 10” (178 cm) |
Up to and including 207 lbs (94 kg) |
| Over 5’ 10”, up to and including 5” 11” (180 cm) |
Up to and including 215 lbs (98 kg) |
|
Over 5’ 11”, up to and including 6’ 0” (183 cm) |
Up to and including 222 lbs (101 kg) |
| Over 6’ 0”, up to and including 6’ 1” (185 cm) |
Up to and including 230 lbs (104 kg) |
|
Over 6’ 1”, up to and including 6’ 2” (188 cm) |
Up to and including 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| Over 6’ 2”, up to and including 6’ 3” (191 cm) |
Up to and including 247 lbs (112 kg) |
|
Over 6’ 3”, up to and including 6’ 4” (193 cm) |
Up to and including 255 lbs (116 kg) |
| Over 6’ 4”, up to and including 6’ 5” (196 cm) |
Up to and including 262 lbs (119 kg) |
|
Over 6’ 5”, up to and including 6’ 6” (198 cm) |
Up to and including 270 lbs (122 kg) |
| Over 6’ 6”, up to and including 6’ 7” (201 cm) |
Up to and including 277 lbs (126 kg) |
|
Over 6’ 7” (201 cm) |
Up to and including 285 lbs (129 kg) |
Mandatory Poses
Each competitor is called on the stage individually in numerical order and given the maximum time of 60 seconds to perform the following 5 mandatory poses in the order shown.
Front double biceps
The front double biceps bodybuilding pose is one of the most classic and recognizable poses in the sport. Also known as the “mirror muscle” pose, it showcases the athlete’s chest, shoulders, and arms. To achieve the pose, the athlete stands with their feet shoulder-width apart and their knees slightly bent. They then flex their biceps and bring their hands to their chest, palms facing out.
Side Chest Bodybuilding Pose
The side chest bodybuilding pose is a classic stance that highlights the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms. To perform the side chest pose, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Then, turn to the side so that your front arm is facing forward and your back arm is facing backward. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward from the waist. You should feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold this position for a moment before returning to the starting position.
Back Double Biceps Bodybuilding Pose
The back double biceps pose is a staple of bodybuilding competitions. It is also one of the most difficult poses to execute correctly. The key to success is in the placement of the hands and feet. The feet should be placed so that they are directly under the hips, with the hands behind the head and the elbows pointed forward. This will create the illusion of a completely round back. From this position, the competitor will then flex their back muscles, bringing their shoulder blades together and arching their spine. The result is a pose that showcases both the size and definition of the competitor’s back muscles.
Abdominals and Thighs Bodybuilding Pose
The Abdominals and Thighs Bodybuilding Pose is a classic pose that has been used by bodybuilders for decades. The pose highlights the abdominal and thigh muscles, which are key muscle groups for bodybuilders. In order to properly execute the pose, bodybuilders must first flex their abdominal muscles. Once the abdominals are flexed, bodybuilders will then raise their thighs into the air, keeping their knees straight. The last step is to hold the pose for a few seconds before returning to the starting position.
Favorite Classic Pose (not most muscular)
Perform Your Favorite Classic Pose in Bodybuilding Competition based on your choice.
Other Competition Rules
For all rounds, competitors must wear trunks that are clean and decent and that meet the following specifications:
- Style must be Plain, opaque (no briefs or underwear).
- Solid black Color.
- Fabric must be Spandex (no shiny, rubberized, velvet, metallic or lamé material).
- No padding in the trunks.
- No advertising or endorsements except that small manufacturer logos such as Nike, Under Armour, etc are permitted.
Bonus Tip From Sheru Classic
In order to be an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, there are certain requirements that one must meet.
- Firstly, they must have competed in and won a pro qualifying contest.
- Secondly, they must have held a pro card for a minimum of two years.
- Third, they must have competed in at least four pro shows.
Along with these requirements, there are also a few rules that Pro Bodybuilders must follow.
- Firstly, they must not use any illegal substances.
- Secondly, they are only allowed to compete in one show per year.
- Lastly, they are required to maintain their pro card status by competing in at least two pro shows every three years.
By following the rules, Pro Bodybuilders can ensure that they are able to compete at the highest level and maintain their status as professional athletes.
