Mens Physique vs Classic Physique Judging Standards Comparison

I am currently stuck between two divisions for my show in London and I am looking for a mens physique vs classic physique judging standards comparison. I have a decent V taper but my legs are actually quite strong which makes me think Classic might be a better fit. In the UK it seems like the standards for Physique are becoming more muscular every year.

I have seen some Physique guys who look like they belong in Bodybuilding but they are wearing board shorts. On the other hand Classic Physique really emphasizes that old school aesthetic and the vacuum pose. I am worried that if I go Physique I will be docked points for having too much muscle mass or being too lean.

Has anyone here transitioned from one to the other? I want to know if the posing expectations change the way they look at your flow. It feels like Classic is more about the art of the physique while Physique is about that marketable beach look.

It really comes down to your legs and your midsection. In Men's Physique, you can hide the legs in board shorts, but they want that crazy V-taper and a waist that looks like it's from a cartoon. Classic Physique is all about the 'Golden Era' flow and you actually have to show the wheels.

Totally agree with Mike. If you've got massive quads and a vacuum, Classic is the move. I've seen guys in Texas get marked down in Men's Physique because they were actually too muscular—the judges want 'aesthetic' not 'monstrous' in the shorts.

I disagree that Men's Physique isn't 'monstrous' anymore. Have you seen the top guys lately? They are huge. The main difference I see in the UK shows is the conditioning. MP judges want it bone-dry, whereas Classic allows for a bit more 'fullness' to keep that classic look.

NorthernLass is right about the size. The 'surfer' look is dead. In Canada, if you don't have capped delts and a thick upper back, you aren't winning Men's Physique. But Classic is a different beast because of the weight caps. What’s your height and weight, LondonLad?

I'm 180cm and currently 88kg. I'm worried if I go Classic I'll look too 'small' compared to the guys who are maxing out their weight cap. But my legs are actually one of my strong points.

If you have legs, don't hide them in board shorts! I’m in Toronto and we always say: if you have the wheels, go Classic. The judging standards for Classic really reward that flow from the sweep of the quad into the waist.

Exactly. Plus, the posing is more fun in Classic. You actually get to hit a back double bicep. In Men's Physique, you're stuck doing that 'hand on hip' transition over and over. It gets old.

I disagree on the posing being 'easier' in MP. It’s actually harder to stand 'relaxed' and look perfect for 10 minutes than it is to hit a hard flex. Your obliques will be screaming.

Spot on, Mike. The 'relaxed' pose in Men's Physique is anything but. One big judging difference to note: Men's Physique judges HATE a blocky waist. If your obliques are too thick, go Classic.

Another point: stage presence. Men's Physique is almost like a model walk. You need that 'it' factor. Classic is more traditional bodybuilding. It’s more about the stoic, muscular art look.

That’s a good point about the 'model' vibe. I’m a bit more of a quiet lad, so maybe the Classic 'artistic' posing suits my personality better than the flashy MP style.

Don't forget the 'vacuum' pose. If you can hit a proper vacuum, you’ll dominate in Classic. In Men's Physique, they don't really care about the vacuum as long as the abs are shredded and tight.

Actually, I've seen some MP guys doing vacuums in their transitions lately to keep the waist tight. It's becoming more common.

True, but it's not a 'requirement' like it effectively is in top-tier Classic. Also, consider the tan and shorts colour. MP is all about that bright, beachy presentation. Classic is darker, more serious.

One thing to watch for in London is the federation. Some UK federations judge MP almost like a junior bodybuilding class. Others want the actual fitness model look. Check the previous show photos!

I’ll check the gallery tonight. I noticed the winners last year in MP had massive delts. My shoulders are good, but maybe not 'cannonball' status yet.

Then Classic might be safer. They want balance. MP is very 'top heavy' by design.

Agree with Dave. Classic judges look for symmetry between upper and lower body. If you have the legs to match your upper body, you’ll get higher points there than in MP.

What about the weight cap? 88kg at 180cm gives you a bit of room to grow if you're in Classic. You could really fill out over the next few weeks of prep.