Classic Physique

Posing guide

Athletes face the judges in the front symmetry pose, then make quarter turns to the right as called by the Head Judge. These are the same symmetry poses as Bodybuilding, with feet flat throughout.

1 / 4 Entry position

Front Symmetry

Face the judges, torso upright, feet together or slightly apart, toes forward and feet flat.
Arms by your sides, not touching your body or flared too wide.
Open your lats to show your V-taper.

Posing tip: Focus on displaying the X-frame and overall symmetry, not flexing individual muscles.

2 / 4 Quarter turn right

Side Symmetry Left

Turn to face the right side of the stage, torso upright.
Feet together or slightly staggered, flat on the stage.
Arms by your sides, not touching your body or flared too wide.
Twist your upper body slightly to show your rear shoulder and V-taper.

Posing tip: Focus on displaying the X-frame and overall symmetry from the side, not flexing individual muscles.

3 / 4 Quarter turn right

Rear Symmetry

Face the rear, torso upright, feet together or slightly apart and flat on the stage.
Arms by your sides, not touching your body or flared too wide.
Spread your lats to show your V-taper.

Posing tip: Focus on displaying the X-frame and overall symmetry from the rear, not flexing individual muscles.

4 / 4 Quarter turn right

Side Symmetry Right

Turn to face the left side of the stage, torso upright.
Feet together or slightly staggered, flat on the stage.
Arms by your sides, not touching your body or flared too wide.
Twist your upper body slightly to show your rear shoulder and V-taper.

Posing tip: Focus on displaying the X-frame and overall symmetry from the side, not flexing individual muscles.

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Athletes perform the 5 mandatory Classic Physique poses, then 2 favourite classic poses of their choice. Posing skill is judged directly in this round, so hold each pose without visible effort or shaking and keep your transitions smooth.

1 / 6

Asymmetrical Front Double Biceps

Face the judges and raise both arms in a double biceps pose.
Make it asymmetrical with one leg out to the side, one hand open, a hip shift, or any combination.

Posing tip: Posing skill is scored directly in this round, so hold the pose statuesque, without visible effort or shaking.

2 / 6

Side Chest Fists Touching Hip

Stand side-on as for the Bodybuilding side chest.
Bend your wrists so your knuckles touch, palms facing down.
Rest your fists against your hip.

Posing tip: Turn enough to show your V-taper, and push through the balls of your feet to flex your legs.

3 / 6

Classic Side Triceps

Perform it like the Bodybuilding side triceps, but angled more to the front.
Show one quad facing the judges. No calf display.

Posing tip: Draw your stomach in or flex your abs, and keep your lungs full to hold your V-taper.

4 / 6 One hand open

Rear Double Biceps

Face the rear, showing one calf and hamstring.
Raise both arms with one hand open. Your arms don't need to match.
Stand straight-on or angled.

Posing tip: Don't lean or step too far back, or you may lose control of your hamstrings and calves.

5 / 6

Abdominals and Thighs

Face the judges with both hands behind your head.
Flex your abs and thighs, as in the Bodybuilding version.
A vacuum is optional.

Posing tip: Keep your elbows wide and flex your biceps to accentuate your V-taper.

6 / 6 Your choice

2 Favourite Classic Poses

Choose 2 poses that show your posing skill and strengths, such as rear twisted back double biceps, side mantis, archer, rear archer, victory, teacup or vacuum pose.
No kneeling poses.
Not allowed: lat spreads, most muscular poses, the other Classic mandatory poses or their Bodybuilding versions, or Men's Physique poses.

Posing tip: These two poses are judged largely on presentation, so this is where your posing skill shines.

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