November 4, 2010 By Isaac Hinds

 When the NPC Board of Governors met in Atlanta, Georgia a new division was announced… “Men’s Physique”. Next year (2011), the NPC will implement the division and we could see the IFBB follow suit in 2012. We’ll have to wait and see on the IFBB front but let’s focus on the NPC for now.

  The new division is more a Muscle & Fitness / Men’s Fitness look and one that is sure to attract a following.

 “Men who could do well at this show might have won a local level bodybuilding show but have no chance at a top spot on the National Bodybuilding scene. It’s not a bodybuilding competition, so you won’t see any front double biceps or most muscular poses here.”
                                -Isaac Hinds
                                                                                                    
 Recent shoot w/ Rone Stone                                      ADAM STRACHMAN                           ADAM STRACHMAN
 
The RULES & GUIDELINES for MEN’S PHYSIQUE: *(credit to source hardbody.com;article By: Isaac Hinds)

Men’s Physique Division
Beginning in 2011 a new division for men will be introduced – Men’s Physique. The following are the guidelines/rules.

Judging Criteria:

* Muscularity and Body Condition
Judges will be looking for fit contestants who display proper shape and symmetry combined with muscularity and overall condition. This is not a bodybuilding contest so extreme muscularity should be marked down.

* Stage Presence and Personality
Contestants will be asked to walk in board shorts (shorts must be just above the knee in length and can be one inch below the belly button, no spandex and no logos are permitted on the board shorts however a manufacturer’s logo such as Nike symbol or Billabong are acceptable. Competitors will enter the stage without a shirt and barefoot. No lewd acts are allowed. Example: The moon pose. Judges are looking for the contestant with the best stage presence and poise who can successfully convey his personality to the audience.

COMPETITION JUDGING

Presentation:
* Competitors will walk to the center of the stage alone and perform quarter (1/4) turns with optional pose of hand on hip or hand in pocket, face the judges as directed then proceed to the side of the stage.

Comparison Round:
* The competitors will be brought back out in a group and directed to do quarter turns
* Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in quarter turns.

Promoters can choose to have one class or two. For contests with two classes:

* Up to including 5’8”
* Over 5’8”

National level contests do not permit competitors to crossover into Bodybuilding. All other competitions are permitted to have crossovers at the discretion of the promoter with district chairperson’s approval.

Who Qualifies for National Level Men’s Physique Competitions:

Competitors that place in the top five (5) in each class at national qualifying contests will have a one year qualification for national level events.

Note: For 2011 a place in the top five (5) of any Men’s Physique contest will qualify you for national level contests.

QUALIFYING FOR IFBB PROFESSIONAL STATUS:

* NPC JUNIOR USA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top 2 placers in the overall comparison earn IFBB Pro Card
* NPC JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top 4 placers in the overall comparison earn IFBB Pro Card
* TEAM UNIVERSE – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card
* NPC USA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card
* IFBB NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top 2 placers in the overall comparison earn IFBB Pro Card
* NPC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card