When the NPC established the Men’s Physique Division for male competitors in its bodybuilding events back in 2011, it fueled an impressive interest in competing among men who were in great shape but not big enough to compete in the bodybuilding division. Suddenly a division popped up which did not demand the extreme muscularity that characterizes Men’s Bodybuilding. But what are judges looking for in the Men’s Physique Division? They want to see men who are fit and who display great shape, muscularity, conditioning and symmetry. Overall proportion trumps massive muscle bellies here, but keep in mind that Men’s Physique competitors have a decent level of muscularity.

Men’s Physique competitors are split up into different classes on the basis of height instead of weight. Local and regional events will usually have an Open division (all ages), Masters 35+, and at times a Masters 45+ division. At the national level, only a couple of contests feature a Masters Division, forcing many older competitors to compete against those much younger in the Open Divisions. IFBB Men’s Physique Pros compete in one class regardless of height or age.

Attire for Men’s Physique competitors consists of board shorts which sadly cover the majority of the quadriceps and the hamstrings. Competitors compete barefoot.

During judging, each competitor is expected to walk to the center of the stage individually and perform front and back poses for the judges. Once each competitor has had a chance to hit his poses, judges will call out competitors to the center of the stage for comparisons.