Judging Criteria:

1. Overall Appearance:
   • Contestants are judged on overall aesthetics, including facial beauty, hair, makeup, and overall presentation.
2. Physique:
   • Emphasis on a toned, lean physique without excessive muscularity.
   • Judges look for balanced muscle development and conditioning.
3. Symmetry and Proportion:
   • Balanced proportions between upper and lower body.
   • Symmetrical muscle development.
4. Presentation:
   • Stage presence and confidence.
   • Poses, grace, and overall presentation.

Attire:

• Two-piece bikini, which can be plain or decorated with rhinestones, beads, etc.
• The bikini must cover at least 1/3 of the gluteal area and the entire frontal area.

Footwear: High heels are required, typically 5-inch heels with a platform.

Jewelry: Jewelry is allowed but should not be excessive or distracting.

Posing:

1. Front Pose:
   • One hand on the hip, the other hand relaxed.
   • Feet positioned to show the physique to its best advantage.
2. Back Pose:
   • Both hands on the hips or one hand on the hip, the other relaxed.
   • Feet slightly apart to show glute and hamstring development.
3. Transitions:
   • Smooth and graceful movements between poses.
   • Confidence and poise during transitions.

Round Structure:

1. Prejudging:
   • Initial assessment where judges compare contestants in groups.
   • Focus on front and back poses.
2. Finals:
   • Individual presentations.
   • Comparisons may be conducted again.
   • Scored on overall performance, stage presence, and physique.

Important Guidelines:

1. Tanning:
   • Proper, even tanning is required to enhance muscle definition.
2. Hair and Makeup:
   • Professional and stage-ready appearance.

Wellness division is a category in bodybuilding competitions that emphasizes a specific body type characterized by developed muscle mass and definition, with an emphasis on the lower body. Below are the official division rules for the NPC Worldwide Wellness division:

General Requirements:

Competitors are divided into height classes to ensure fair competition. The number of classes can vary by competition.

1. • Example classes might include:
     • Up to 158 cm (5’2”)
     • Over 158 cm (5’2”) up to 163 cm (5’4”)
     • Over 163 cm (5’4”) up to 168 cm (5’6”)
     • Over 168 cm (5’6”)

Judging Criteria:

1. Physique Assessment:
   • Lower Body Dominance: Emphasis on a more muscular and developed lower body (glutes, hips, and thighs) compared to the upper body.
   • Symmetry and Balance: Judging focuses on overall symmetry and balance of the physique, ensuring the lower body is in harmony with the upper body.
   • Conditioning: Proper muscle tone and definition without excessive muscle separation or striations.
   • Presentation: Overall stage presence, confidence, and presentation, including the ability to display the physique effectively.
2. Posing:
   • Front Pose: Competitors face the judges, displaying the front of the physique. Feet can be together or slightly apart with one leg in front of the other.
   • Side Pose: Competitors turn to the side, displaying the side profile of the physique. Focus on glute and thigh development.
   • Back Pose: Competitors face away from the judges, showcasing the back of the physique. Feet can be positioned similarly to the front pose.
   • Individual Presentation: Competitors perform an individual presentation routine, typically involving a series of poses to highlight their physique.

Attire:

1. Bikini:
   • Design and Fit: A two-piece bikini that is well-fitted and enhances the competitor’s physique.
   • Colour and Fabric: No restrictions on colour or fabric, allowing for personal expression and creativity.
   • Adornments: Crystals, rhinestones, sequins, and other embellishments are allowed.
   • Bottom Coverage: The bikini bottom must be V-shaped, covering a minimum of 1/3 of the glute area, and should not be a thong.
2. Footwear:
   • Heels: High heels are required. The height and style of the heels can vary but should complement the competitor’s presentation.

Additional Rules:

1. Tanning: Tanning products are allowed to enhance muscle definition and overall presentation. Excessive use that results in staining or blotchy appearance is discouraged.
2. Jewellery and Accessories: Tasteful jewellery and accessories can be worn but should not distract from the overall presentation of the physique.
3. Hair and Makeup: Competitors should have hair and makeup that complement their overall look and enhance their presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

-Level of conditioning?

We are looking for conditioning almost on par with Bikini athletes, but the athletes will have slightly more muscle. We want to see a little body fat with slight separation but no striations.

-Abs defined like Figure or less defined like Bikini?

As it currently is in Bikini.

-Shoulders? Rounded & Capped like Figure and Women’s Physique or less pronounced like Bikini?

Slightly more developed than Bikini and a little less than Figure, but not as lean and with no striations. Not like Women’s Physique.

-How much definition for quads?

The quads should display an athletic appearance with slight separation but no striations. Not as lean and defined as Figure and Women’s Physique.

-Glute Development?

Full round glutes with a slight separation between the hamstring and glute area but no striations, as is in place for the Bikini Division. Glutes will be bigger than current Bikini competitors. They will not be as lean and defined as Figure and Women’s Physique.

1. Physique Assessment

• Muscle Tone: Firmness and definition without excessive bulkiness.
• Symmetry: Balance and proportion of the physique.
• Presentation: Poise, confidence, and overall stage presence.

2. Posing and Presentation

Competitors must perform the following poses:

• Quarter Turns: Four poses (front, left side, back, right side) to showcase the physique from all angles.
• Walk: Presentation walk which includes entering the stage, performing the required poses, and exiting the stage.

3. Attire

• Suit: Two-piece figure suit that is in good taste and fits well. No thongs or T-back suits are allowed.
• Shoes: High heels are required, usually with a clear or neutral color.
• Jewelry and Accessories: Tasteful jewelry is permitted but should not distract from the physique.

4. Judging Criteria

• Shape: Judges look for a V-taper, where the shoulders are broad and the waist is narrow.
• Condition: The physique should show a level of leanness that highlights muscle definition without being excessively dry or vascular.
• Presentation: How well the competitor showcases their physique with confidence, elegance, and poise.

5. Prohibited Actions

• Bodybuilding Poses: Traditional bodybuilding poses such as a front double biceps are not allowed.
• Excessive Oil: Competitors should avoid using too much oil, which can detract from the overall look.

6. Competition Stages

• Prejudging: Competitors perform their quarter turns and mandatory poses.
• Finals: Top competitors are called back to perform a series of poses and comparisons to determine final placements.

Physique Criteria:

1. Overall Appearance:

1. • Athletes should have a lean, muscular, and aesthetic physique with a small waist and broad shoulders.
   • Emphasis is placed on the upper body, particularly the chest, back, shoulders, and arms, while maintaining a balanced and symmetrical physique.

1. Muscularity and Definition:

1. • Competitors should have a moderate level of muscularity with clear muscle separation and definition without excessive size or striations.
   • Aesthetic appeal and overall conditioning are crucial.

1. Symmetry and Proportion:

1. • Balanced development between muscle groups is essential.
   • Symmetry from one side of the body to the other and proportion between the upper and lower body are evaluated.

Presentation:

1. Posing:

• • Competitors perform a series of mandatory poses including:
    • Front pose
    • Back pose
    • Side poses may also be included at the judges’ discretion.
  • Poses should display the physique’s symmetry, conditioning, and muscularity without appearing overly muscular or striated.

1. Presentation and Stage Presence:

1. • Competitors must display confidence, charisma, and poise on stage.
   • Smooth and graceful transitions between poses are important.
   • The athlete’s overall presentation, including grooming, skin tone, and stage presence, is evaluated.

Attire:

1. Board Shorts:
   • Competitors wear board shorts that are just above the knee in length.
   • Shorts should be plain in design, without any large logos, except for a small manufacturer’s logo.
   • Shorts should not be tight-fitting; they should present a more casual, beach-ready look.
2. Footwear:
   • Competitors must be barefoot.

Judging:

1. Scoring:

1. • Judging is based on the overall package, including physique, presentation, and stage presence.
   • Judges use a point system to rank competitors, with lower scores indicating better rankings.

1. Comparisons:

1. • Competitors are brought out in groups and individually to perform mandatory poses.
   • Comparisons between athletes are made to determine who best meets the criteria of the division.

Weight and Height Regulations

• Weight Classes: Competitors are divided into different weight classes based on their height. Each height class has a maximum weight limit to ensure athletes present a “classic” physique rather than an overly muscular one. The exact height and weight limits are specified by the NPC and can vary slightly depending on the competition.

2023 NPC MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE UPDATE.

After reviewing the large number of competitors it was decided to increase the weight in each class by five pounds. NPC national competitions and regional and state contests will have the option to offer 4 height classes or to stay with the 2 or 3 height classes they are currently using. Here are the breakdowns for the different height classes starting with 4 height classes.

Check the 2023 updates in the division: https://npcnewsonline.com/classic-physique/

Attire

• Posing Trunks: Competitors must wear solid-coloured, clean posing trunks that cover a reasonable portion of the glute area. The trunks should not be too revealing and must adhere to the NPC’s standards. They should be in good taste and suitable for a family audience.
• No Shoes: Competitors are not allowed to wear shoes during the competition.

Posing

• Mandatory Poses: Competitors are required to perform specific mandatory poses to showcase their physique. These poses typically include:
  • Front Double Biceps
  • Side Chest
  • Back Double Biceps
  • Abdominals and Thigh
  • Favorite Classic Pose (which can be a pose of the competitor’s choosing that highlights their best features)
• Individual Routine: Each competitor performs an individual posing routine to music, typically lasting up to 60 seconds. This routine allows them to display their physique and personality creatively.

Judging Criteria

• Symmetry and Balance: Judges look for well-balanced and symmetrical physiques. Muscle groups should be proportional and evenly developed.
• Muscularity and Condition: Competitors should display a muscular physique with a high degree of muscle definition and separation. The condition includes muscle hardness and the absence of excessive body fat.
• Presentation and Stage Presence: Competitors are judged on their overall presentation, which includes posing ability, confidence, and stage presence. How well they present their physique and engage with the audience and judges is crucial.

Competition Rounds

• Comparisons: Competitors are brought out in groups and compared side-by-side in the mandatory poses. Judges compare their physiques against each other to determine their rankings.
• Individual Presentation: Competitors also perform their individual posing routines. This allows them to highlight their strengths and minimize any weaknesses.

Additional Rules

• Tanning: Competitors must apply a tan before the competition. The tan should be even and not excessively dark.
• No Props: Competitors are not allowed to use props during their posing routines.

Judging Criteria

1. Muscularity: Judges assess the size, shape, and density of the muscles. Competitors must display well-developed muscles in all areas of the body.
2. Conditioning: This refers to the leanness and definition of the muscles. Competitors should exhibit low body fat levels and visible muscle striations.
3. Symmetry: Judges look for balanced muscle development on both sides of the body. Proportions between the upper and lower body are also evaluated.
4. Presentation: This includes the competitors’ posing routines, stage presence, and overall presentation. A well-executed posing routine can significantly impact the final score.

Mandatory Poses

Competitors must perform a series of mandatory poses to showcase their physique from different angles. These poses typically include:

• Front Double Biceps
• Front Lat Spread
• Side Chest
• Side Triceps
• Rear Double Biceps
• Rear Lat Spread
• Abdominals and Thighs
• Most Muscular (optional)

Posing Routine

• Competitors perform a choreographed posing routine to music of their choice, highlighting their strengths and hiding any weaknesses.
• The routine typically lasts for about 60-90 seconds.

Comparison Rounds

• Competitors are brought to the stage in groups for direct comparisons.
• Judges may request specific poses to be performed for better comparisons between athletes.

Attire

• Men typically wear posing trunks that cover a minimal portion of the body, allowing judges to see the muscle definition clearly.