Bodybuilding has evolved into several styles that highlight different aspects of a physique. Who doesn’t love seeing massive muscle, extreme definition, and aesthetic symmetry?
Isn’t it cool how different divisions dictate training and contest strategies?
You’ll find several types of bodybuilding for men and women. Each division caters to a specific taste in physiques and a set of criteria.
This guide will help you understand the different types of bodybuilding and what it takes to be successful in each.
Overview of Bodybuilding Types
Bodybuilding is an art form that changes with the times. Over the years, especially from the 1950s to the 1980s, we’ve seen a dramatic change in what the ideal bodybuilding look is.
From lean and mean to big and buff, the sport has undergone a significant transformation. This shift has created different bodybuilding styles that cater to various tastes and eras.
These styles have emerged from fitness trends, contest standards, and natural differences in body types.
Recognizing your bodybuilding style can help you tailor your workout to your goals for size, definition, and look.
Men’s Bodybuilding Styles
Men’s bodybuilding has several styles that highlight different aspects of muscle development and looks. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- Open Bodybuilding: Big and buff with lots of mass.
- Classic Physique: Balanced and symmetrical with a vintage vibe.
- Men’s Physique: Lean and athletic with a focus on shape.
Each style suits different body types and training goals, so you’re sure to find a fit.
Open Bodybuilding
Open Bodybuilding is all about size and conditioning. Competitors aim for massive legs, huge arms, and a chiseled, ripped midsection.
On stage, they pose to highlight their most massive and detailed developments. Judges evaluate overall size, definition, and posing abilities.
This style is all about size and drama.
Classic open bodybuilding competitors are a testament to the art of bodybuilding, with years of dedication and hard work paying off in a beautifully chiseled package.
Classic Physique
Classic Physique is inspired by the early days of bodybuilding. It’s a style that emphasizes balance and proportion.
While size is still important, classic physique competitors are judged on overall symmetry and harmonious proportions more than massive size.
Height and weight requirements help level the playing field and ensure a fair competition.
In fact, competitors wear shorter posing shorts and hold classic poses that showcase their proportions.
This style is great for those who want a traditional physique look.
Men’s Physique
Men’s Physique is all about a lean and athletic look. Judges evaluate defined abs, chest, and shoulder development.
But here, competitors wear board shorts and perform quarter turns instead of mandatory poses.
This style is more forgiving than other divisions, and it’s perfect for those who want a symmetrical look without extreme muscle mass.
Men’s physique competitors can be slightly heavier and still look amazing on stage.
Women’s Bodybuilding Styles
Women’s bodybuilding has several styles that cater to different looks and goals.
Here’s a brief breakdown:
- Women’s Bodybuilding: Big and buff with a focus on proportion.
- Women’s Physique: Muscular with a feminine touch.
- Figure: Balanced and symmetrical with a focus on detail.
- Wellness: Fit and healthy with shapely hips and thighs.
Each style has its own set of criteria and suits different goals and body types.
Women’s Bodybuilding
Women’s Bodybuilding is all about size and substance. This style focuses on developing large, ripped muscles while maintaining a proportional physique.
Judges evaluate muscularity, conditioning, and overall symmetry. Competitors perform routines to music, showcasing their chest, biceps, and legs.
This style requires dedication and a strong nutrition plan to build the necessary muscle mass. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a great goal for women who want to push their physiques to the extreme.
Women’s Physique
Women’s Physique is a great style for those who want to be buff but not beastly. This division balances muscularity with femininity, focusing on overall symmetry and presentation.
Moreover, Judges evaluate muscle size and definition, but overall presentation and poise are just as important.
Figure
Figure competitors focus on a well-balanced and detailed physique. This style is all about beauty and proportion.
Figure judges look for wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and defined legs. Competitors wear two-piece outfits and high heels to showcase their shapely figures.
This division is perfect for those who want to develop a more feminine physique.
Wellness
The Wellness division is a relatively new addition to the bodybuilding scene, introduced in 2020.
This style focuses on a healthier look with shapely hips, thighs, and a rounded butt. Judges evaluate a balanced physique with less emphasis on muscle separation and definition.
Natural Bodybuilding
Competing in natural bodybuilding shows the world what a true athlete you are.
It’s about creating a symmetrical physique that is achieved through hard work and dedication. When you compete naturally, you’re leveling the playing field so that everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
To ensure that everyone has a fair shot, there are certain rules that need to be followed.
Like other organizations, natural bodybuilding has strict guidelines in place that ban certain substances and competitors are also subject to regular testing to ensure they meet anti-doping standards.
World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF)
The World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) is one of the most well-known and respected natural organizations in the sport.
To ensure the integrity of natural bodybuilding, the WNBF has strict drug testing policies in place.
Random urine testing and blood testing are used to screen for a wide range of substances and substances.
If you choose to compete WNBF, you can expect urinalysis as part of a wider drug-testing program.
With a focus on thorough testing, the WNBF provides a level playing field for natural athletes who want to compete and be drug-free.
International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)
The International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) is another great option for natural bodybuilders.
The INBA is also dedicated to drug-tested competitions and promotes natural bodybuilding as a healthy and achievable goal.
Like other organizations, the INBA offers athletes a chance to compete on a level playing field and showcase their hard-earned physiques.
The INBA and WNBF both sponsor contests around the world, and both organizations are committed to creating fair and drug-free environments for natural athletes.
Whether you choose to compete WNBF or INBA, you can be sure you’ll be part of a community that values natural bodybuilding and fair play.
Defining Muscles & Separation
Muscle definition is all about seeing the different muscles in your body. To achieve this, you need to have a low body fat percentage and well defined muscles.
Although, It can be challenging, but the end result is worth it. Genetics play a role in how defined your muscles are, so we all respond differently to workouts.
Varying your rep range at the gym is key to building size & detail in your muscles. And it’s during rest periods that your body actually builds strength.
For competitors, muscle separation is everything. You want to be able to see defined muscles and have detail to showcase all of your hard work.
Read More : Long Bicep vs Short Bicep
Genetics
Your genetics play a huge role in how your body develops. It determines the shape of your muscles and where they attach to your body.
It also determines your overall look, such as your proportions and length of your limbs. Also I recommend to know your body type (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) so it can help you figure out what training and nutrition split works best for you.
Weight Classes
Weight classes are in place for bodybuilding competitions to ensure fairness. You want to compete against other guys in your weight class.
Different organizations have different standards, so weight classes vary from show to show.
Every organization has specific weight limits for each division.
Some shows limit you to only competing in one weight class, while others let you stack multiple weight classes.
Final Thoughts : What’s Right for You?
There are several different types of bodybuilding and it’s important to understand each style and division before you start your journey.
Whether you want to compete or you just want to look good, choosing the right type of bodybuilding is important.
Each type has its own challenges and rewards. Natural bodybuilding competitions are a great way to ensure fair play and drug-free competition.
And, muscle definition is key to any bodybuilding competition. Don’t forget to share this guide to your friend.
