Adaptive Class

An Adaptive Bodybuilding athlete on stage with his medal

A class in every category

Strength, resilience and determination

Adaptive Bodybuilding is for athletes with lasting physical disabilities or conditions that significantly impact their mobility, strength or physical function. You can enter it as a class within any category, competing against athletes with similar functional abilities.

Two adaptive classes

Athletes are grouped by how their condition affects muscle control, coordination and development, so everyone is judged fairly.

Neurological

Conditions affecting the nervous system, which may impact muscle function, coordination and symmetry.

For example: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injuries with neurological impairment.

Non-Neurological

Structural or limb-related impairments that affect mobility but don't directly impact muscle control or function.

For example: amputations, joint disorders, congenital limb differences, or spinal injuries without neurological impairment.

Your choice: if there are no other adaptive athletes in your category, you can choose to be judged on your own, or against the non-adaptive athletes.

Who can enter

A physical disability or condition with a lasting impact on your mobility, strength or physical ability.

Eligible

Conditions such as

Permanent wheelchair use, e.g. spinal cord injury or spina bifida
Limb differences, e.g. amputation or congenital limb deficiency
Neuromuscular disorders, e.g. cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
Other permanent impairments that need adaptation in training and competition

Not eligible

Standard classes instead

Temporary conditions, such as a broken bone or an injury that will fully heal or has healed
Athletes who can compete without adaptation in the standard classes

Proof of your condition: you may be asked for a letter from a licensed physician describing your condition and that it's permanent, or certification from a recognised adaptive sports or disability organisation.

On stage

Poses, adapted to you

You follow the posing guide for the category you enter, adapted to suit your abilities.

Your needs are reviewed individually so the right accommodations are in place, such as ramp access or a tailored posing routine.

Adapting your poses

Modify any pose to suit your abilities, keeping it safe and comfortable while showing your physique.
Keep an upright, aligned posture, with smooth transitions and a composed, confident presence.
Wheelchair users: rotate 90 degrees for each quarter turn, staying upright, and adjust your arms to show each side.
Limb differences: adjust your arm positions to show symmetry and muscle definition.

What to wear

Wear your category's attire. Heels are optional and barefoot is allowed.
Wheelchair users may wear tracksuit bottoms or leggings with sneakers.

Ready to step on stage?

Choose your category, then enter the Adaptive class when you register.