Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding differ in several key ways. Classic enforces strict weight limits based on height, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and aesthetic appeal reminiscent of 1970s physiques. Open has no weight restrictions, prioritizing maximum muscle mass and extreme conditioning.
Your training approach varies, too. Classic focuses on balanced development while Open demands heavier weights and higher caloric intake. These differences impact not just your competitive strategy but also your long-term health and career longevity.
The Origins and Evolution of Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding
While bodybuilding has existed for decades, the formal division between Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding represents a significant evolutionary fork in the sport’s history.
Open bodybuilding emerged first, emphasizing maximum muscle mass without weight restrictions. This division produced icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger before evolving into today’s mass monsters with extreme size and conditioning.
The IFBB introduced Classic Physique in 2016 as a response to growing concerns about open bodybuilding’s direction. This newer division aims to recapture the golden-era aesthetics of the 1970s, prioritizing symmetry, proportion, and a more attainable physique over sheer size.
With its strict height-to-weight ratios and emphasis on smaller waists, Classic Physique represents a return to bodybuilding’s artistic roots while open bodybuilding continues pushing the boundaries of human muscular development.
Judging Criteria and Scoring Differences Between Divisions
Although both divisions fall under the bodybuilding umbrella, Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding operate under distinctly different judging criteria that reflect their core philosophies.
In Classic Physique, judges prioritize muscle symmetry, proportion, and a V-tapered silhouette reminiscent of the golden era. Judges evaluate your overall flow and aesthetic appeal, with points deducted for excessive mass that disrupts classical lines.
Open Bodybuilding judges, however, reward sheer muscle size, separation, and conditioning without upper limits. While symmetry matters here too, the emphasis shifts decidedly toward maximum development and freakish proportions.
These differences also affect the poses that bodybuilders must do. Classic competitors must do more traditional, artistic poses, while Open athletes do poses that show off their huge muscles and size.
Physical Requirements and Weight Restrictions
One of the most important differences between Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding is how they handle weight limits. In Classic Physique, there are strict weight limits based on your height. It makes sure that the division focuses on proportions and symmetry. If you are 5’7″, for example, you might not be able to weigh more than 175 pounds on stage.
On the other hand, Open Bodybuilding doesn’t have any weight limits at all. This unrestricted approach lets competitors build as much muscle as they want without worrying about weight limits, which is why this division is so big. Open competitors usually weigh 30 to 50 pounds more than Classic competitors of the same height. It is because there are no weight limits.
Training and Nutrition Approaches for Each Category
The training philosophies of Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding are very different because they have different aesthetic goals. In Classic Physique, you’ll work on building a body that is balanced, proportional, and has clear muscle definition. Your training philosophy should focus on building quality muscle instead of just getting bigger, and you should pay close attention to the ratio of your waist to your shoulders.
For Open Bodybuilding, your approach shifts toward maximum muscle accumulation. You’ll typically train with heavier weights, higher volume, and more isolation work to develop extraordinary mass. Nutritionally, Classic competitors often employ more moderate caloric surpluses and strategic cutting phases, while Open bodybuilders consume notably higher calories to support their extreme growth demands.
Recovery becomes increasingly critical for Open competitors due to the intensified training demands and higher risk of injury from pushing physical limits.
Career Longevity and Health Considerations for Competitors
When looking at career sustainability, the differences between Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding become very important. Open competitors often have shorter careers because they need a lot of mass, which puts a lot of stress on the heart and joints.
Athletes who compete in Classic Physique usually have better long-term health while still getting in great shape. The weight limits in this division stop people from having to do too much physical activity, which can cause long-term injuries and metabolic problems.
Many veterans in these physique categories note that the sustainable approach of Classic Physique allows competitors to remain competitive for additional years, sometimes a decade longer than Open bodybuilders. Former Open competitors convert to Classic as they age, seeking a balance between competitive success and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much More Do Open Competitors Earn Than Classic Physique Athletes?
Open bodybuilders typically earn 2-3 times more than Classic competitors through higher prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements. You’ll find top Open pros making six-figure purses while Classic winners receive smaller payouts.
Can Women Compete in Classic Physique Divisions?
No, women can’t compete in Classic Physique divisions. The category is exclusively for male competitors. If you’re a female athlete interested in bodybuilding, you’ll need to compete in women-specific divisions instead.
How Do Supplement Protocols Differ Between the Two Divisions?
Your supplement protocol will differ based on goals. Classic Physique athletes often use moderate PEDs focusing on muscle quality, while Open competitors typically utilize higher doses of anabolics to maximize extreme mass development.
Which Division Requires More Financial Investment for Competitors?
Open Bodybuilding typically demands more financial investment as you’ll need larger quantities of food, supplements, and possibly PEDs to achieve and maintain extreme mass compared to Classic Physique’s more moderate requirements.
Do Classic Physique Competitors Transition to Open Bodybuilding as They Age?
Some classic physique competitors do shift to open bodybuilding as they age, often because their bodies naturally gain mass over time and they’ve reached their genetic potential within Classic’s weight limits.
