Category

Men's Physique

Men's Physique competitors on stage Ban Studios

At a glance

Men's Physique

  • 2Criteria
  • 4Quarter turns
  • 35sI-Walk

What to wear: Conventional board shorts with an inseam of 6 to 11 inches (15 to 28 cm) and a waistband no lower than 3 inches (7.5 cm) below the navel. The legs should fit well and accentuate your physique.

Class Eligibility Guide

Official WNBF Criteria

  1. Criteria 1 of 2

    Symmetry & Muscle Tone

    Judges look for a lean, fit, muscular physique that is balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Athletes should be groomed properly, possess a small waist, and have a good V-taper from the shoulders to the obliques. Judges are not looking for the level of muscle mass or extreme leanness necessary for success in bodybuilding.

    • Small waist & V-taper
    • Capped delts & wide back
    • Deep abs & serratus

  2. Criteria 2 of 2

    Presentation

    Judges assess overall appearance, including shorts selection, stage appearance, and grooming. Posing should look natural and flowing, with sharp, composed transitions and a relaxed confidence, never stiff or over-flexed.

    • Shorts selection & fit
    • Natural & composed posing
    • Tanning & grooming

Every class is scored by a panel of 5 to 7 judges. How judging works

Posing guide

Athletes make 4 quarter turns at the discretion of the Head Judge, with one hand on the hip in every turn. No bodybuilding poses, and smiling is expected.

1 / 4

Front Pose

  • Shoulders, hips and feet face the judges, feet parallel. Toes may point slightly out.
  • One hand on your hip, lats flared to show your V-taper.
  • Hands may rest at your sides briefly, but it shouldn't look like a bodybuilding front relaxed pose.

Posing tip: Keep it fluent and natural. Over-flexing, clenched fists or bodybuilding poses will affect your presentation score.

2 / 4 Quarter turn right

Side Pose Left

  • Hips to the right side of the stage, head turned to the judges.
  • Shoulders turned up to 35 degrees towards the judges to show your V-taper.
  • One arm hanging, the other hand on your hip.
  • Feet staggered, back leg set back with the heel raised and calf tight.

Posing tip: Turn your head and shoulders, not your hips, and keep it relaxed and natural.

3 / 4 Quarter turn right

Back Pose

  • Face the rear, feet parallel and flat. Toes may point slightly out.
  • Spread your lats to show your V-taper.
  • Hands may rest at your sides briefly, then one hand on your hip.

Posing tip: Avoid a bodybuilding back pose. Keep it relaxed, with one hand on your hip.

4 / 4 Quarter turn right

Side Pose Right

  • Hips to the left side of the stage, head turned to the judges.
  • Shoulders turned up to 35 degrees towards the judges to show your V-taper.
  • One arm hanging, the other hand on your hip.
  • Feet staggered, back leg set back with the heel raised and calf tight.

Posing tip: Turn your head and shoulders, not your hips, and keep it relaxed and natural.

1 of 4

Calvin Kuan

Official Media Team: Ban Studios

I-Walk

Stage order

  1. 1 Enter, front pose Face the judges in the front pose.
  2. 2 Judging comparisons: quarter turns 4 quarter turns at the discretion of the Head Judge.
  3. 3 I-Walk (not scored) Return one by one for up to 35 seconds.

I-Walk

The I-Walk is separate from the judging comparisons and isn't scored, but it may be used to break a tie. It's your chance for some individual stage time to show grace, poise and confidence, in 35 seconds or less.

Once per category: you only do your I-Walk in the first class you compete in for each category on the day. For example, if you enter Novice and Open in Men's Physique, you will only do your I-Walk in the Novice class.

On stage
  • Hit a front pose at rear centre stage, then walk to the front.
  • Present your front, preferred side and back poses, plus any other poses or transitions you choose. You can use any WNBF Men's Physique approved poses, or simply the quarter turn poses.
  • Hold each pose for no more than 3 seconds.
  • Keep it tasteful and confident. Over-exaggerated posing or moves outside Men's Physique, such as bodybuilding poses or gymnastic moves, aren't permitted.
Music
  • The I-Walk is done to music chosen by WNBF Australia.
  • You have 35 seconds maximum for your I-Walk.

Ready to step on stage?

Check the 2027 show dates and register for your first Men's Physique class.

Register for a show See the classes