Are you considering entering a bodybuilding competition? If so, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is which division is right for you. With many different divisions available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your experience level and goals. In this blog post, we will discuss the different bodybuilding competition divisions and provide tips for deciding which is right for you.
The divisions include categories such as Masters (40+) Men’s Bodybuilding and men's physique, which is also featured in various competitions.
Overview
The competition is a bodybuilding event that has been a cornerstone of the sport in the United States for decades. As a pioneering title, it has helped launch the careers of numerous notable bodybuilders. This competition is open to both professional and amateur athletes, offering a range of divisions for men and women. Among these are the Masters (40+) Men’s Physique, Masters (40+) Men’s Bodybuilding, and Masters (35+) Figure. These categories provide seasoned athletes with the opportunity to showcase their hard-earned physiques and compete against peers in their age group.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to compete in these competitions, athletes must meet specific criteria. Firstly, competitors must be at least 18 years old for amateur divisions or hold a current card for professional divisions. Additionally, participants must be U.S. citizens or have USA residency, which can be proven through a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, green card, or a visa showing student or work status for a minimum of four months. Furthermore, athletes must have competed in an competition since January 1, 2023, for amateur divisions. Each division, such as Masters 35 and Masters 40, has its own specific eligibility requirements that must be met.
The Different Types of Bodybuilding Competitions
Bodybuilding competitions come in many shapes and sizes, and deciding which one is right for you is important. There are a variety of different divisions to choose from, depending on your experience level and goals.
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Novice Division – This division is the perfect starting point for those new to bodybuilding. It’s designed for those who have never competed before, so the criteria is less stringent than other divisions. You will likely compete against fewer competitors, as the division is usually reserved for first-time bodybuilders.
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Open Division – This division is open to all levels of bodybuilders, from beginners to experienced competitors. The criteria are stricter than the novice division and you will be competing against more experienced bodybuilders.
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Masters Division – This division is for experienced bodybuilders who are 40 years of age or older. As with the other divisions, the criteria are more stringent, and you will compete against a more experienced group of bodybuilders.
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Teenage Division – This division is for teenage bodybuilders who are between 13 and 18 years old. The criteria are generally less stringent than other divisions, but it is still important to take proper precautions when competing in this division.
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Women’s Division – This division is specifically for female bodybuilders and the criteria are similar to that of the Open Division. It includes categories like Classic Figure, open to all pro women as crossover, highlighting their inclusion in competitive events.
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Classic Physique Division – This division was recently introduced by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) and features athletes with a classic aesthetic that focuses on symmetry, proportion, and muscularity without the extreme size required in other divisions. This division provides an alternative for those who prefer a more streamlined physique reminiscent of bodybuilders from the golden era.
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Men’s Physique Division – This division focuses more on a lean, athletic look rather than sheer muscle mass. Contestants wear board shorts instead of posing trunks, and the emphasis is on an overall appealing physique with a focus on aesthetics.
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Bikini Division – In this division, female athletes are judged on symmetry, shape, and overall presentation rather than extreme muscularity. Bikini competitions focus on a toned, lean look with a feminine appearance.
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Figure Division – Figure competitions are for women who have a more muscular physique than the bikini division, but still retain a focus on symmetry and aesthetics. The judges look for muscular definition, balance, and proportion.
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Fitness Division – This division is for female competitors who not only showcase their physique but also perform a routine that demonstrates athletic ability, flexibility, and strength. The fitness division combines physical appearance with performance.
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Bodybuilding Division – In the traditional bodybuilding division, men and women compete by showing off the size, symmetry, and definition of their muscles. It’s the most rigorous division in terms of muscular development and stage presence.
The criteria for each division can vary from competition to competition, so it’s important to read up on the specific rules and regulations for the competition you plan to enter. Knowing the different types of bodybuilding competitions and what is expected of you can help you decide which division is right for you.
How to Choose the Right One for You: Eligibility Requirements
Deciding which bodybuilding competition division to compete in can be a challenging decision. You need to consider your current level of fitness, goals, and competitive style when deciding which category is right for you.
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Experience Level: Beginners should consider the novice divisions, while experienced lifters can choose from a wider range of categories. If you’ve never competed before, it’s a good idea to start in the novice division to ease into the competition experience. As you gain experience, you can progress to more advanced divisions.
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Age: Age-specific divisions, such as Masters or Teenage, allow you to compete against others in your age group, ensuring a fair playing field. This is an important consideration if you’re looking to compete with athletes of a similar age and experience level.
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Physique and Goals: Your body type and goals play a significant role in choosing the right division. If you prefer a lean, toned physique, divisions like Men’s Physique or Bikini might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for maximum muscle size and definition, the Bodybuilding or Classic Physique divisions may be more appropriate. Achieving the status of overall winners can be a significant goal for competitors.
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Competitive Style: Some divisions, like Fitness, involve more than just posing. If you enjoy performing and showcasing your athletic ability, a division that incorporates routines, such as Fitness, could be a great fit.
Entry Process
Entering these competitions involves a straightforward process. Athletes need to complete the online entry form and pay the entry fee, plus a processing fee. Proof of eligibility, such as a birth certificate or membership card, must be submitted along with the entry form. It is crucial to register for the competition at least 10 days prior to the event to avoid any late fees. Late registrations will incur additional charges, so timely submission is highly recommended.
What to Expect at a Competition
Bodybuilding competitions are an intense and thrilling experience, with athletes competing in a wide variety of divisions. Knowing what to expect at a competition can help you prepare and ensure that you have the best chance of success.
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Weigh-ins: The competition day often begins with weigh-ins, where athletes are grouped into different classes based on their weight. Achieving the correct weight class is critical, as it ensures you’re competing against individuals with a similar physique. Mandatory check-ins are also required before the competition begins, emphasizing the importance of confirming attendance and submitting necessary materials.
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Pre-Judging: This phase involves mandatory poses, where athletes showcase their physique to the judges. The key here is proper posing and presentation, as judges will evaluate you on criteria like symmetry, muscle size, and conditioning.
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Final Judging: The top athletes from each division return for the final judging round, where they perform additional poses, and the winners are announced. Depending on the division, there may also be a posedown, where competitors battle it out on stage.
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Awards Ceremony: Winners receive trophies, medals, and sometimes cash prizes. It’s an exciting moment, capping off the months of hard work and dedication that went into preparing for the competition.
Stage Presence
During the competition, athletes will be required to perform a posing routine on stage. This routine must adhere to specific guidelines. Athletes are required to wear approved posing trunks or suits, and they have the option to perform to their own music, which must be provided by the athlete. The routine includes an I Walk, where athletes pose at the back center, walk to the front center, perform 3-4 poses, wave, and then walk to the diagonal. For the top 5 athletes in Classic Bodybuilding, Women’s Bodybuilding, and Men’s Bodybuilding, a routine no longer than 60 seconds will be performed.
How to Prepare for a Competition: Posing Trunks
The most important part of any bodybuilding competition is proper preparation. Here are some tips on how to get ready:
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Training: Start training early, with a focus on building muscle, improving conditioning, and perfecting your posing. Most competitors begin their contest prep 6 to 12 months in advance.
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Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for success. Ensure you’re following a diet that supports muscle growth and fat loss. A nutrition coach or bodybuilding mentor can be beneficial for helping you dial in your diet.
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Posing Practice: Posing is one of the most important aspects of competition. Practice regularly to perfect your form and stage presence.
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Competition Attire: Invest in quality competition attire, including posing trunks, bikinis, or board shorts, depending on your division. Make sure they fit well and complement your physique.
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Rest and Recovery: As competition day approaches, ensure you’re getting adequate rest to allow your body to recover from intense training. Sleep is vital for muscle repair and mental clarity.
Conclusion
Competing in bodybuilding competitions can be a rewarding experience, but choosing the right division is crucial for success. Each division caters to different levels of experience, age groups, and physique goals, so it's important to match your abilities and aspirations with the category that fits best. Whether you are a first-time competitor entering the novice division, a seasoned athlete ready for the open division, or somewhere in between, proper preparation and understanding of the competition format will help you make the most of your journey. With the right division and a solid training plan, you can showcase your hard work and dedication on stage and enjoy the thrill of competing in bodybuilding.
