“What is classic” discussion

[CorgisOnTren]

Thought this may be a fun discussion. Been seeing this discussed all over lately. What does it mean to you? How do interpret the actual criteria? What did you think of Mike vs Logan?

To me, I view it pretty simply; nearly same as open with more focus on aesthetics, where size and conditioning are still important but shape is more considered.

 

[Sectør]

I agree with you that I think classic is moreso just open bodybuilding with less emphasis on mass and more emphasis on aesthetics and different proportions (and obviously has a weight cap)

The mike vs Logan debate is an interesting one. Logan looks like the epitome of what classic bodybuilding should be, but Mike undeniably looked the most impressive on stage so that’s really a tough one and really depends on the direction the judges want to take the division

 

[bbxtreme]

Complete symmetry is classic to me. A controlled midsection, flawless conditioning, deep lines and complete physique.

In open you are chasing size and your goal is to come in as large and conditioned as possible on stage. You are always chasing the next level of size.

Classic gives us a weight cap and limit to make the most of our physique and genetics as it’s more of an art and process to refine the physique in classic.

The only reason Mike beat Logan was because he had no gaps in his physique. He checked every box.

 

[CorgisOnTren]

The only reason Mike beat Logan was because he had no gaps in his physique. He checked every box.

Agreed. Some may say Logan is more “classic”, but at the end of the day everything else still matters. It’s still bodybuilding.

 

[FrenchBench22]

Complete symmetry is classic to me. A controlled midsection, flawless conditioning, deep lines and complete physique.

In open you are chasing size and your goal is to come in as large and conditioned as possible on stage. You are always chasing the next level of size.

Classic gives us a weight cap and limit to make the most of our physique and genetics as it’s more of an art and process to refine the physique in classic.

The only reason Mike beat Logan was because he had no gaps in his physique. He checked every box.

Shaun Clarida fits into the weight cap for classic, but I think his physique is objectively not classic. He has one of my favorite physiques, and I think his 2020 and 2022 (photo attached) Olympia looks were superb.

Someone like Shaun is handily more muscled then Mike, and arguably had better symmetry and conditioning.

I do believe the flow of the physique is just as important. Guys like Terrence or Robert Timms (photo attached) demonstrate this "flow" and balance of the physique without the "freak factor" of guys like Shaun.

But at the end of the day, it's up to who's up there next to each other on the day.

 

[bbxtreme]

Shaun Clarida fits into the weight cap for classic, but I think his physique is objectively not classic. He has one of my favorite physiques, and I think his 2020 and 2022 (photo attached) Olympia looks were superb.

Someone like Shaun is handily more muscled then Mike, and arguably had better symmetry and conditioning.

I do believe the flow of the physique is just as important. Guys like Terrence or Robert Timms (photo attached) demonstrate this "flow" and balance of the physique without the "freak factor" of guys like Shaun.

But at the end of the day, it's up to who's up there next to each other on the day.

Excellent point. Waist size is a key element. I have a 28-29 inch waist. Most open guys are 34 inches and up.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

personally, and I know I am on an island with this take, but I think there should be less (to a degree) emphasis on conditioning. Golden era guys were just not skinless.

agree 100% that shape and flow are imperative. Terrance has that, Chris has / had it. Breon has it.

I don't personally think Dino or Urs have it.

This is a perfect example of the difference, and yes I know Keone is not in open, but he epitomizes the classic category when he was in it.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[CorgisOnTren]

but I think there should be less (to a degree) emphasis on conditioning. Golden era guys were just not skinless.

This issue here is if they want to max out their weight cap, they’ll essentially have to be shredded to the bone. This does raise the question too… does classic MEAN representing the Golden Era? Imo, not necessarily.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

This issue here is if they want to max out their weight cap, they’ll essentially have to be shredded to the bone. This does raise the question too… does classic MEAN representing the Golden Era? Imo, not necessarily.

I 100% agree that it is physique dependent, and not era dependent, as in "all guys from the golden era embody the classic look. That said, I think a lot more guys from that era has classic look because they didn’t push the drugs as hard or use as many, and were not trying to be absolutely grotesquely huge and peeled so a lot of them just looked that way. I mean once we started seeing guys chase extreme levels of mass and conditioning in the years after the golden era is when we started seeing the loss of shape and flow, and blockier perhaps unaesthetic physiques, though again it is still highly genetic and individual, obviously we had guys from those later years that were still very aesthetic.

Charlie Clairmonte and Francis Benfatto are guys that always comes to mind, but I just don’t think people really want to see this type of physique. From a shape and flow standpoint they are it, but I believe if they trotted a guy like this out here now, they would say way to small, and not lean enough, even though both look phenomenal. Hell, physique guys are way bigger and leaner than this now.

 

[control]

I've always understood classic as being a compromise between men's physique and men's open. Just basically a happy medium between the guys in board shorts and the guys that are 5'8" 285 pounds.

Also, let's be honest, more money for the IFFB.

 

[Growthman]

I understand the call of the question is seeking our subjective opinions, but I was curious about this issue as well since I’ve only ever done open, so I’m applying my analytical framework from law school, to objectify the answer.

Issue
What are the official NPC and IFBB guidelines for Classic Physique, including weight restrictions, required poses, judging criteria, and competition attire?

Rule
1. Height & Weight Limits:
• NPC Classic Physique:
• Weight limits vary by height (e.g., 5’10” = max weight 192 lbs)
• IFBB Classic Physique (Pro League):
• Slightly stricter weight caps per height category compared to NPC.

2. Mandatory Poses:
• Front Double Biceps
• Side Chest
• Back Double Biceps
• Abdominals & Thighs
• Classic Pose of Choice

3. Judging Criteria:
• Symmetry, proportion, muscle tone, conditioning
• Presentation and stage presence
• Absence of extreme muscularity (compared to Open Bodybuilding)

4. Competition Attire:
• Classic-cut posing trunks (no board shorts or briefs)
• No excessive oil or body paint beyond normal tanning


Analysis
Here, Classic Physique aims to capture the aesthetic look of Golden Era bodybuilding, prioritizing balanced proportions over sheer mass. NPC guidelines apply to amateur competitors, while IFBB Pro League guidelines are stricter. The height-weight limits ensure competitors maintain a specific size relative to height, preventing excessive mass. Posing criteria focus on aesthetics rather than sheer size or conditioning alone. Athletes must also follow attire regulations to maintain a classic presentation.


Conclusion
Both NPC and IFBB Classic Physique divisions enforce structured rules to maintain a balanced, aesthetic look. Competitors must adhere to height-weight restrictions, master mandatory poses, present a well-conditioned and proportionate physique, and wear approved posing trunks to compete successfully.

Based on the aforementioned rules and analysis, Logan? should have beat Mike? in classic imo. (Not sure if the names are accurate but the #2 guy should have won based on the judging criteria.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

I understand the call of the question is seeking our subjective opinions, but I was curious about this issue as well since I’ve only ever done open, so I’m applying my analytical framework from law school, to objectify the answer.

Issue
What are the official NPC and IFBB guidelines for Classic Physique, including weight restrictions, required poses, judging criteria, and competition attire?

Rule
1. Height & Weight Limits:
• NPC Classic Physique:
• Weight limits vary by height (e.g., 5’10” = max weight 192 lbs)
• IFBB Classic Physique (Pro League):
• Slightly stricter weight caps per height category compared to NPC.

2. Mandatory Poses:
• Front Double Biceps
• Side Chest
• Back Double Biceps
• Abdominals & Thighs
• Classic Pose of Choice

3. Judging Criteria:
• Symmetry, proportion, muscle tone, conditioning
• Presentation and stage presence
• Absence of extreme muscularity (compared to Open Bodybuilding)

4. Competition Attire:
• Classic-cut posing trunks (no board shorts or briefs)
• No excessive oil or body paint beyond normal tanning


Analysis
Here, Classic Physique aims to capture the aesthetic look of Golden Era bodybuilding, prioritizing balanced proportions over sheer mass. NPC guidelines apply to amateur competitors, while IFBB Pro League guidelines are stricter. The height-weight limits ensure competitors maintain a specific size relative to height, preventing excessive mass. Posing criteria focus on aesthetics rather than sheer size or conditioning alone. Athletes must also follow attire regulations to maintain a classic presentation.


Conclusion
Both NPC and IFBB Classic Physique divisions enforce structured rules to maintain a balanced, aesthetic look. Competitors must adhere to height-weight restrictions, master mandatory poses, present a well-conditioned and proportionate physique, and wear approved posing trunks to compete successfully.

Based on the aforementioned rules and analysis, Logan? should have beat Mike? in classic imo. (Not sure if the names are accurate but the #2 guy should have won based on the judging criteria.

I liked Logan over Mike, and am still unsure why Mike won. Not taking away anything from Mike (who has a phenomenal physique) and his win.

 

[Yousef12O2]

personally, and I know I am on an island with this take, but I think there should be less (to a degree) emphasis on conditioning. Golden era guys were just not skinless.

agree 100% that shape and flow are imperative. Terrance has that, Chris has / had it. Breon has it.

I don't personally think Dino or Urs have it.

This is a perfect example of the difference, and yes I know Keone is not in open, but he epitomizes the classic category when he was in it.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Urs would look much better if he did open. The guy is in the 270s now and shredded and has to cut down to about 220 to make weight. Loses a lot of muscle in the process.

 

[Growthman]

I liked Logan over Mike, and am still unsure why Mike won. Not taking away anything from Mike (who has a phenomenal physique) and his win.

I just saw a clip where Bumstead said the same thing.

 

[PST_Dyno]

Thought this may be a fun discussion. Been seeing this discussed all over lately. What does it mean to you? How do interpret the actual criteria? What did you think of Mike vs Logan?

To me, I view it pretty simply; nearly same as open with more focus on aesthetics, where size and conditioning are still important but shape is more considered.

I'm pretty sure the judging criteria is the exact same for Classic and Open right? The only difference is the poses, but the categories of judging are the same and I don't think they are weighted differently between the different classes of bodybuilding. If so, if you make weight for open or weight/height for classic and you have the better score card combo for size, conditioning, symmetry, shape, etc. You win. Classic doesn't or shouldn't mean you look like Arnold or Chris. A lot of classic era bodybuilders had very different physiques from each other. It means you met the criteria for your class and you scored the highest overall at that show.

That is not to say that judges aren't human and don't have bias or preconceptions. Certainly the best looking physique has been known to lose for various factors that shouldn't come into play. But that's not the same as going by the rules and criteria.

Mike won by a long shot. Logan looked amazing.

 

[PST_Dyno]

3. Judging Criteria:

• Absence of extreme muscularity (compared to Open Bodybuilding)

I don't see anything in the official rules for NPC or IFBB discussing this point about extreme muscularity as an actual points criteria, but I am not overly familiar with the rule book and may be looking at an old one. Is this something you added or is it in the official rules? Genuine question, not trying to offend you.

 

[Growthman]

I don't see anything in the official rules for NPC or IFBB discussing this point about extreme muscularity as an actual points criteria, but I am not overly familiar with the rule book and may be looking at an old one. Is this something you added or is it in the official rules? Genuine question, not trying to offend you.

No offense taken at all and appreciate the question regarding the judging criteria for Classic Physique divisions in both the NPC (National Physique Committee) and IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness).

NPC Classic Physique Judging Criteria:

The NPC’s official rules for Classic Physique do not explicitly mention penalties for “extreme muscularity.” The focus is on overall aesthetics, symmetry, and proportion.

IFBB Classic Physique Judging Criteria:

Similarly, the IFBB’s rules for Classic Physique emphasize the assessment of symmetry, proportion, and overall aesthetics. There is no specific mention of marking down competitors for excessive muscularity.

Clarification on Previous Information:

The mention of penalizing “extreme muscularity” is explicitly stated in the NPC’s Men’s Physique division rules, not in the Classic Physique division. According to the NPC Men’s Physique guidelines:

“This is not a bodybuilding contest so extreme muscularity will be marked down.”

In summary, while the Men’s Physique division explicitly penalizes extreme muscularity, the Classic Physique divisions in both NPC and IFBB focus on overall aesthetics without specific penalties for muscularity levels.

And I apologize for getting physique and classic mixed up! As mentioned, I’ve only ever competed in open so these classes are new to me and I got them mixed up!

 

[Siggy]

I dont know what the actual proper criteria is as defined by people like Tyler Manion, but if they are serious about a division harkening back to times before before extremely heavy usage of every compound (Steroids, HGH, Insulin, Peptides and SEO) then they should put a premium on muscle detail, muscle separation and conditioning. These things should be prized above mass in this division, just my two cents.

 

[PST_Dyno]

I think they should change the name to something aligned with the judging criteria which is no different from Open. Perhaps "Open" and"Height Restricted". Unless there is going to be an alignment of the scoring system with a different criteria. Calling it Classic is highly subjective and everyone has a different idea of what or who their favorite Golden Era physique looks like anyway which makes the discussion even more subjective. But, if one were to read only the judging criteria you would have to come away with the understanding that the only difference is a height and weight restriction.

I may prefer Platz, you may prefer Zane, someone else may prefer Ferrigno. They are all great classic era bodybuilders that don't look alike at all and don't fit into the box that the term Classic implies beyond the judging criteria.

 

[Biggerp73]

We could distinguish between what the judging criteria is, and what the judging criteria should be

and when it comes to what the judging criteria is, we could further distinguish between what the rules/guidelines stipulate vs. what the judges actually do in competitions

it seems to me at some level the judges are often looking for guys who simply "look like" another guy who used to compete decades ago

at times it seems like its more a "look alike" contest than a bodybuilding contest

but what should the actual criteria be? I would say the criteria should be the exact same as open, with this single caveat: any appearance that indicates GH/Insulin use be a penalized

its not as if the contests in the 70's/80's would have rewarded "extreme muscularity" or mass monster freaks any less than we would want to reward them today

but if we want to make sure its a "classic" look, we would want to do everything we could to rule out guys that are abusing GH/Insulin

otherwise, best man wins