Divisions & Classes

The sport of bodybuilding has grown to encompass different competitive divisions for different types of fit and aesthetic physiques from the biggest, leanest, and most muscular to a more shapely model look. Here are the breakdowns of each...

"Division" - means "judging criteria." Competitors entering a division are all judged to the same standards and different divisions look for and want different things. Similarly, one division may favor, for example, leanness, while another would mark excessive leanness down based on the "look" the judges want for that particular division. Division judging standards are set and enforced by the league judges.

"Class" - a group of competitors bundled together or divided based on certain characteristics like height, weight, age, disability, military service, as well as competition history. The class offerings depend on the show promoter, the number of participants, as well as the league guidelines.

 

Bodybuilding Sport Divisions
Men Attire Preferred Look Distinction
Men's Physique Board shorts Abs & Broad shoulders Big
Classic Physique Boxer briefs Muscular & Aesthetic Bigger
Bodybuilding Speedo Muscular & Striated Biggest
Women Attire Preferred Look Distinction
Wellness Bikini, Heels Full figure hips Healthy
Bikini Bikini, Heels Hourglass shape & Lean Fit
Women's Figure Bikini, Barefoot Muscular & Lean Athletic
Women's Physique Bikini, Barefoot Muscular & Striated Big

 

Common Competition Classes in all Divisions
True Novice A competitor's first show, first time competing. You only get one shot at this, so enter this class at your first show!
Novice Reserved for people who have either never won their class or never placed Top 3 in their class, depending on how the show promoter defines it for their show
Masters/Juniors/Teen Classes segregated by the age groups listed (must be that age the day of the competition - proof required)
Open The main class! Winning an Open class qualifies you to compete for the "Overall" title at that show and an opportunity to compete at a National-level show later on
Natural For competitors who refrain from using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for a time specified by the promoter (maybe for life or the last 7 years, for example). Status would be determined through polygraph and/or urinalysis of the winners, of random competitors, or some combination thereof.

 

Men's Bodybuilding Weight Classes (NPC)
Weight Class Lower Limit (lbs) Upper Limit (lbs)
Bantam 0 143.25
Light 143.25 154.25
Middle 154.25 176.25
Light-heavy 176.26 198.25
Heavy 198.25 225.25
Super-heavy 225.25 999
(Last Verified at NPCNewsOnline Dec 28, 2023)

 

 

Men's Classic Physique Height/Weight Limits (NPC)
Class Height Up to Weight Max (lbs)
Division "A" <=5'4" 167
  5'5" 172
  5'6" 177
  5'7" 182
Division "B" 5'8" 187
  5'9" 194
  5'10" 202
Division "C" 5'11" 209
  6' 217
Division "D" 6'1" 224
  6'2" 232
  6'3" 239
  6'4" 246
  6'5" 253
  6'6" 260
  6'7" 267
  >6'7" 274
(Last Verified at NPCNewsOnline Dec 28, 2023)


UNSURE WHICH CLASS OR DIVISION IS FOR YOU?

Sometimes what you think would be right for you, your body isn't right for. That means you need to either rethink things or change your physique to best fit the judging criteria. Coach Biff can help you find the best fit for YOU and help you look your most competitive! Click the button below to discuss it with him!