Bodybuilding Divisions

The divisions in the sport of Bodybuilding each have a distinct look and posing style. New divisions have emerged over the years as the sport grew in popularity in both men and women. Each division has their own criteria for judging and the athletes that best fit the criteria will win. 

When someone thinks of Bodybuilding they typically picture athletes such as Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Ronnie Coleman, or Phil Health. Those athletes make up the Men’s Bodybuilding Division. The other divisions for men are Classic Physique and Men’s Physique. Each division has a different look and suit on stage. For Men’s Classic Physique and Men’s Physique, judges look for contestants who display proper shape and symmetry combined with muscularity and overall condition. 

Women’s divisions have evolved over time as well. They now include Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Figure, Fitness, Bikini Wellness, and Bikini. Women’s bodybuilders are the largest and most muscular scaled down to Bikini who are the smallest and least muscular.

Each division is scored based on the “NPC Total Package” which is a balance of size, shape, and symmetry. Women’s Physique athletes should be more muscular and denser than seen in Figure. They should display muscle separation, a small amount of striation with full muscle bellies and balanced muscle between upper and lower body. Figure athletes should display an overall balance of muscular development, a “V” taper, and a balanced physique between lower and upper body. Wellness athletes should display proper shape and symmetry combined with muscularity and overall condition. Bikini athletes should display a foundation of muscle with round glutes and shoulders with a conditioned core.