Classic Bodybuilding &
Games Classic Bodybuilding
Important Notice – Tanning Products:
The IFBB prohibits all tanning products that can be wiped off.
An official will inspect the tan of all athletes backstage. If the tan can be removed simply by wiping, the athlete will be required to remove the product before stepping on stage.
Additional Guidelines:
- The tanning must not contain gold shine, glitter, or any reflective additives.
- Only natural-looking tan shades are allowed.
- Tanning must be evenly applied and must not stain clothing, towels, or the stage.
To avoid disqualification or delays, athletes are strongly encouraged to use professional, competition-approved tanning products that meet these requirements.
Posing Attire Requirements
The posing trunks (posing slip) must be one solid color and have a minimum height of 15 cm on each side (measured vertically at the narrowest point).
No multi-color designs, logos, metallic finishes, or patterns are allowed. The suit must be clean, well-fitted, and present a professional appearance.
Athletes not complying with these requirements may be asked to change their attire before being allowed on stage.
Round 1: Line-up & Mandatory Poses:
At the start of Round 1, all athletes will come on stage together in a single line-up, standing side by side. During this phase, you will be asked to perform the mandatory poses. The head judge will announce each pose, and you must follow the instructions exactly as given.
If you perform the wrong pose or miss a cue, the stage manager will correct you in a clear and respectful way. It is essential that you always pay close attention to and follow the stage manager’s directions throughout the round.
After the initial round of mandatory poses, the head judge may instruct the stage manager to reposition athletes within the line-up. This allows the judges to evaluate all competitors under the best lighting and viewing angles.
The mandatory poses will be compared in the following order:
Front:
- Double biceps
- Lat spread
Side (best side):
- Side chest
- Side triceps
Back:
- Rear double biceps
- Rear lat spread
Front (again):
- Abdominals and legs
Round 2: Individual Posing Routine:
Each athlete must perform a solo posing routine of MAXIMUM 60 seconds. Music must be provided on a USB stick only.
Important Guidelines for Music Submission:
- You are free to choose any music you like for your routine.
- The USB stick must contain only one audio file—no folders, no additional songs.
- The file must be in a standard audio format (e.g., .mp3 or .wav) and must be tested to ensure it works.
- If your USB stick is not functioning or you do not bring music, the DJ will select a random song from their own library.
- The DJ and organizers will not download or stream music from YouTube or any online platform. You are fully responsible for bringing your own music.
Communicate Clearly with the DJ:
You must inform the DJ how and when you want your music to start:
- Do you want it to start before you walk on stage?
- Do you want it to start as soon as you are on stage?
- Or will you give the DJ a specific cue to start the music?
Clear instructions are essential—we operate on strict timelines, and delays due to miscommunication will not be accepted.
IFBB Men’s Classic Bodybuilding – Height & Weight Limits
In Classic Bodybuilding, symmetry and proportion matter more than just muscle size. That’s why each class has specific height-to-weight rules. Use the formula below to calculate your maximum allowed weight.
📐 FORMULA
Max Weight (kg) = Your Height in cm – 100 + [allowed kg]
SENIOR MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING
Height Class | Max Weight Formula |
Up to 168 cm | Height – 100 + 0 kg |
Up to 171 cm | Height – 100 + 2 kg |
Up to 175 cm | Height – 100 + 4 kg |
Up to 180 cm | Height – 100 + 7 kg |
Over 180 cm | Based on exact height: see below ⬇️ |
📏 If over 180 cm:
Height Range | Max Weight Formula |
180.1 – 188 cm | Height – 100 + 9 kg |
188.1 – 196 cm | Height – 100 + 11 kg |
Over 196 cm | Height – 100 + 13 kg |
✅ Note: All of these athletes compete in the “Over 180 cm” category.
JUNIOR MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING
(16–20 & 21–23 years: Open class per age group)
Height Class | Max Weight Formula |
Up to 168 cm | Height – 100 + 0 kg |
Up to 171 cm | Height – 100 + 1 kg |
Up to 175 cm | Height – 100 + 2 kg |
Up to 180 cm | Height – 100 + 4 kg |
Up to 188 cm | Height – 100 + 5 kg |
Up to 196 cm | Height – 100 + 6 kg |
Over 196 cm | Height – 100 + 7 kg |
MASTER MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING
(40–44, 45–49, and 50+ years: One open category each)
➡️ Same weight rules as Senior Men’s Classic Bodybuilding
(See section above for formulas)
MEN’S GAMES CLASSIC BODYBUILDING
(2 height classes: Up to 175 cm / Over 175 cm)
Height Class | Max Weight Formula |
Up to 162 cm | Height – 100 – 2 kg |
Up to 165 cm | Height – 100 – 1 kg |
Up to 168 cm | Height – 100 + 0 kg |
Up to 171 cm | Height – 100 + 1 kg |
Up to 175 cm | Height – 100 + 2 kg |
Up to 180 cm | Height – 100 + 4 kg |
Up to 188 cm | Height – 100 + 5 kg |
Up to 196 cm | Height – 100 + 6 kg |
Over 196 cm | Height – 100 + 7 kg |
JUNIOR MEN’S GAMES CLASSIC BODYBUILDING
(16–20 & 21–23 years: One open class per group)
Height Class | Max Weight Formula |
Up to 162 cm | Height – 100 – 3 kg |
Up to 165 cm | Height – 100 – 2 kg |
Up to 168 cm | Height – 100 – 1 kg |
Up to 171 cm | Height – 100 + 0 kg |
Up to 175 cm | Height – 100 + 1 kg |
Up to 180 cm | Height – 100 + 3 kg |
Up to 188 cm | Height – 100 + 4 kg |
Up to 196 cm | Height – 100 + 5 kg |
Over 196 cm | Height – 100 + 6 kg |
Crossovers Allowed
Athletes in Classic Bodybuilding may also join:
- Games Classic Bodybuilding
- Classic Physique
- Bodybuilding
👉 Only if they meet weight & height rules for each category.
❗ VERY IMPORTANT
- These height and weight limits are strictly checked during official weigh-in.
- If you are even 0.1 kg over the limit, you will not be allowed to compete in Classic Physique.
However, you will have the opportunity to try again, as long as the registration period is still open:
- If you do not meet the requirement at your first measurement, you are allowed to leave the registration room to take action — for example:
➤ Go for a quick run
➤ Use the toilet
➤ Adjust hydration levels
➤ Or simply relax and return later - You can return for re-measurement as many times as needed, as long as it is within the official registration hours.
- In some events, registration happens over two days. If you attempt on day one and do not meet the weight, you may return the same day or the next day during the posted registration times.
✅ Tip: Always monitor your weight closely before competition day, and allow room for flexibility. Bring your own scale if needed.
Official IFBB representative in Thailand (TIFBB)
