Is for athletes that want to put on more size & muscularity than Men's Physique, but not to the extreme of a Bodybuilder. Classic Physique bridges the gap between a Bodybuilder & Physique. While symmetry and muscularity are still important, the focus in Classic Physique is on the Classic Physique posing, presentation, and execution of classic poses.

Judging Criteria

1. Class Breakdown

Classic Physique classes shall consist of 3 weight classes:

1. Lightweight – up to 156 ¼ lbs.
2. Middleweight – over 156 ¼ lbs. to 172 ¼ lbs.
3. Heavyweight – over 172 ¼ lbs.

The promoter has the option to run one class with four or less competitors.

2. Criteria

The judges look for fit athletes that display symmetry, proportion, muscularity, and overall conditioning, as well as stage presence and personality. Excessive muscularity, vascularity, separation, and striation will be marked down. A prominent Vdtaper shall be more definite compared to the Men’s Bodybuilding class. Classic Physique Competitors are judged on the overall quality of their muscular development. In addition to the classic poses, judging is based upon the presentation of:

1. Mass
2. Definition
3. Proportion
4. Symmetry
5. Stage Presence

Mass:

A natural competitor must have large developed muscles with visible separation in order for judges to accurately critique the shape, symmetry, proportion and conditioning of the athlete's full physique.

Definition:

Indicates the degree of muscularity brought about by the absence of subcutaneous body fat. Athletes must come in at a body fat percentage that allows for clear visually defined lines between all muscles. Defined muscularity is necessary to fully display the development of the physique. Definition is only of value when it allows massively developed muscles to be displayed. The Classic Physique competitor is not shredded with excessive striations like the Bodybuilder.

Proportion:

Implies an even balance of muscular development in comparison to each muscle group. Athletes must strive for equal development between all muscle groups. Proportion specifically indicates a comparison of muscle groups. As an example, large biceps and small quads will indicate a nondproportionate physique.

Symmetry:

Symmetry is simply equal development of muscularity on both right and left sides of the physique. As an example, a left bicep less developed than the right bicep indicates a lack of symmetry.

Stage Presence:

Includes execution of classic poses and other factors influencing general appearance such as skin tone, grooming, charisma, and poise that gives judges a classic aura from back in the days of “Arnold”. Effective stage presentation is essential to display the physique to its maximum potential.

3. Attire – Solid color black spandex shorts. The NGA logo is the only bodybuilding organization logo allowed on shorts.

Structure of an NGA Classic Physique Competition

NGA Classic Physique competitions consist of the following:

Prejudging (Day Show)

1. Symmetry Round - Quarter turns
2. Muscularity Round - Mandatory Poses
3. Front Double Biceps
4. Side Chest
5. Back Double Biceps
6. Abdominal and Thighs
7. 3 Classic Poses of athlete’s choice which may not include the most muscular pose nor any of the mandatory poses

Symmetry Round

Relaxed poses from front, left side, rear, and right side. Competitors should be semid flexed, not aggressively posing. The feet should remain flat on the floor and the body and head facing stage left and stage right for the side shots.

Muscularity Round-Mandatory Poses

Athletes will be called in groups of three to six to stage front for Mandatory Pose comparisons. Judging panels associated with the NGA shall use the following mandatory poses. These poses should be presented such that the judge may make a clear determination of comparisons, with contestants not turning from sidedtodside (unless instructed). Contestants must hit the pose and relax on the command of the Head Judge, or he/she will be penalized with lower placement for not following instructions.

The poses are:

Front Double Biceps

Contestants should stand on two feet and have upper arms out to the sides parallel to the floor, with elbows bent at approximately 90-degrees with forearms parallel to the torso. Legs, lats, chest, abdominals, and arms should be flexed.

Side Chest Pose

Contestants should stand on foot farthest from the stage with the front leg bent to show the calf and leg development. The front arm should be bent at approximately 90ddegrees with unclenched hands and wrists. The chest should be lifted and the abdominals pulled in tightly. The competitor may pick a side of choice to display to the judges unless told otherwise.

Back Double Biceps

This pose is exactly as the frontal version except that the contestant must bring the leg of choice toward the judges and "spike" the foot to show calf and leg development. Contestants should not lean excessively toward the rear of the stage, nor lean backwards too far toward the judges.

Overhead Abdominal Pose

The contestant must stand facing the judges with one leg extended slightly forward, and with hands clasped behind the neck. The abdominals must be fully flexed, with air expelled, with the legs and chest also tight. Onedarm variations of the abdominal pose are PROHIBITED unless instructed by the Head Judge.

Finals(Evening(Show)

1. Presentation of the linedups (should be omitted for classes of five or less)
2. Posing routine shall include all mandatory poses plus at least 3 classic poses. The 3 classic poses may not include the most muscular pose nor any of the Mandatory poses
3. Announcement of the top five per class
4. Pose down (class)
5. Presentation of class awards
6. Symmetry and muscularity comparisons for class winners (judged)
7. Pose down (overall)
8. Presentation of overall awards