Men’s Bodybuilding: The Ultimate Guide to Competing in the IDFA

This detailed breakdown of the Men’s Bodybuilding Division within the IDFA outlines everything an athlete needs to know before stepping on stage. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, understanding these guidelines is crucial for success in competition.

Is Men’s Bodybuilding for You?

Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned veteran, Men’s Bodybuilding is your stage to showcase the ultimate blend of size, symmetry, and definition. Your physique, with broad shoulders, narrow waist, powerful legs, and deeply carved abs, embodies the iconic V-taper of a champion.

Beyond the muscle, you bring confidence and presence to the stage, using each pose to highlight your hard-earned progress. Your routine is a testament to your dedication, discipline, and pursuit of perfection.

This is your moment to inspire, excel, and prove what’s possible through hard work and determination.

Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help. Contact Shaun or join our Free Facebook group, IDFA Room, to connect with fellow competitors and get inspired.

Athlete Attire: What do you Wear?

Posing Suit:

1-piece posing suit. It must cover a minimum of half of the gluteus maximus and all of the frontal area. No G-strings, thongs, etc.
Must be in good taste and approved by the IDFA prior to competition.
Worn during both the Judging round and Presentation & Awards round.
All suits will be checked at Athlete Registration/Check-in.

Jewellery:

Only small earrings and wedding rings are permitted.

Classes: Where do you Fit?

Novice Men’s Bodybuilding:

Competitors who have not placed in the top 3 in an Open class equivalent in another organization or in the Novice class in an IDFA sanctioned event.
If more than 10 competitors, there will be 2 classes divided fairly and evenly based on weight.

Open Men’s Bodybuilding:

Competitors who have placed top 3 in the Novice class in an IDFA sanctioned event or in the Open class equivalent in another organization.
If more than 10 competitors, there will be 2 classes divided fairly and evenly based on weight.

Winners of the Open class will earn IDFA Pro Status, provided there are at least 3 athletes in the class.

Masters 40+ Men’s Bodybuilding:

Competitor is at least 40 years of age on day of competition.
One class for all Masters 40+ Men’s Bodybuilding competitors.

Masters 50+ Men’s Bodybuilding:

Competitor is at least 50 years of age on day of competition.
One class for all Masters 50+ Men’s Bodybuilding competitors.

Pro Men’s Bodybuilding:

Competitors who hold a current IDFA Pro Card
Competitor has earned Pro Status in a recognized natural organization and has been approved to compete in the IDFA Pro Division. The IDFA must approve this prior to competition.

One class for all Pro Men’s Bodybuilding competitors.

Crossovers: Competing in Multiple Classes & Divisions

Masters 40+: Competitors in the Masters 40+ class can also enter the Novice and/or Open classes.
Masters 50+: Competitors in the Masters 50+ class have the option to enter the Novice and/or Open classes. Additionally, they can also compete in the Masters 40+ class.
Novice Competitors: Novice competitors may be allowed to enter the Open class as well, but this requires approval by the Promoter on a show-by-show basis.
Multiple Divisions: Athletes are allowed to enter more than one Division in the same show. For example, you can compete in both Bikini and Fitness Model, or in Men’s Bodybuilding and Men’s Classic Physique at the same event.

This flexibility allows you to showcase your physique across different divisions and classes, maximizing your competitive experience and opportunities to shine on stage.

Judging Criteria: How will you be Judged?

Judges will assess:

Muscularity: Judges will assess the overall muscle development, looking for size, shape, and density across all muscle groups. The physique should be powerful and well-rounded.
Definition: This is determined by muscle separation and the absence of body fat. Judges seek clear distinctions between muscle groups, with visible striations and vascularity, showcasing a lean, shredded appearance.
Proportion: Proportionality is key, with all muscle groups harmoniously developed relative to one another. The physique should be balanced, with no area appearing disproportionately large or small.
Symmetry: Symmetry requires equal development on both sides of the physique. Judges will look for even muscle size, shape, and definition across the entire body, with no noticeable imbalances.
Stage Presence: This includes the athlete’s posing, skin tone, and confidence on stage. Judges will evaluate how well the athlete presents their physique, with effective posing, even skin tone, and a strong, engaging stage presence.

Judging Round: What do you have to do on stage?

Competitors will:

Line up in numerical order, facing the front in a relaxed pose.
Execute a series of mandatory poses as directed by the Head Judge.

Mandatory Poses:

Front Double Biceps

Front Lat Spread

Side Chest Pose (choice of side)

Side Triceps Pose (choice of side)

Rear Double Biceps

Rear Lat Spread

Abdominal and Thigh Pose

Most Muscular Pose

Poses are called out in this order:

Front Double Biceps
Front Lat Spread
Side Chest Pose (choice of side)
Side Triceps Pose (choice of side)
Rear Double Biceps
Rear Lat Spread
Abdominal and Thigh Pose
Most Muscular Pose

Presentation & Awards Round: Amateur (Novice, Open, Masters)

Competitors will:

Line up in numerical order, facing the front in a relaxed pose.

Competitors will be introduced one at a time. When they are introduced, they will come to the front line, center, and perform a Free Posing Round to background music, lasting 30 to 45 seconds, highlighting 4-6 poses.

Presentation & Awards Round: Pro

Pro competitors perform a 60-second Posing Routine with music provided in advance (MP4 format preferred).
No required mandatory poses. Competitors choose poses that best showcase their physique.
Scoring mainly occurs during the Judging Round, but the Presentation Round may act as a tiebreaker.
No props or costumes allowed.

Awards Presentation:

After the presentation round for each competitor in the class is completed:

All competitors in the class will exit the stage behind the curtain. If there are 5 or fewer competitors in the class, they will remain on stage.
The top 5 competitors will be called back to the stage, in no particular order, to the back line. Awards will be handed out to the top 5 on stage during the show. Note: Every athlete in the class will get an official placing on the IDFA website after the show.
The awards presenter will place a medallion around your neck as you line up on the front line of the stage. Competitors will be arranged in order from 5^th to 1^st place. The top 5 placements will be officially announced on stage.
After the awards are handed out, a photo will be taken of the Top 5, then the Top 3, and finally, a solo photo with the Winner.
Note: For the Pro Classes we will Official place every one of them on the stage at the event. For example, if we have 8 Pro competitors, we will place them 8^th to 1^st place at the show with medallions.

Award Details:

Amateur: The Top 3 will receive Large IDFA Custom Medallions, while 4th and 5th place will receive smaller IDFA medallions.
Pro: The Top 10 will receive Large IDFA Custom Medallions. Cash prizes may be awarded, and these will be announced prior to the event.

This is the process for awarding competitors in all classes, ensuring a clear and organized presentation.

This comprehensive guide ensures that you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the competition, from attire to posing and judging criteria. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for the Pro division, this information will help you present your best self on stage.