Male Category Mandatory Poses

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How judging works: the Free Posing I-Walk and mandatory poses

Every male category starts with the Free Posing I-Walk: you walk a straight line across the stage, free posing to show off your physique, presentation and personality.

Then comes the comparison round. You perform the mandatory poses for your category, shown below, side by side with the other athletes in your line-up, so the judges can compare you directly.

Front pose: Athletic Physique, Fitness Model and Transformation

Relaxed, facing the judges and audience.

Athletic Physique, Fitness Model and Transformation front pose at Pure Elite

Front pose: Men's Physique

Front pose with one hand of your choice, and one leg slightly out to the side.

Men's Physique front pose at Pure Elite

Front pose: Muscle Physique

Straight on, with hands on the waist, hands together in front of the waist, or most muscular.

Muscle Physique front pose at Pure Elite

Side pose: Athletic Physique, Fitness Model, Men's Physique and Transformation

Side pose for Athletic Physique, Fitness Model, Men's Physique and Transformation at Pure Elite

Side pose: Muscle Physique

Side chest of choice.

Muscle Physique side chest pose at Pure Elite

Back pose: Athletic Physique, Fitness Model, Muscle Physique and Transformation

Back double bicep.

Back double bicep for Athletic Physique, Fitness Model, Muscle Physique and Transformation at Pure Elite

Back pose: Men's Physique

Back lat spread.

Men's Physique back lat spread at Pure Elite

Classic Physique

After the I-Walk, Classic Physique athletes perform the mandatory bodybuilding quarter turns: front relaxed, side left, back, side right. Then come the five mandatory poses:

1. Front double bicep

Classic Physique front double bicep at Pure Elite

2. Side chest of choice

Classic Physique side chest of choice at Pure Elite

3. Rear double bicep

Classic Physique rear double bicep at Pure Elite

4. Abdominals and thighs

Classic Physique abdominals and thighs pose at Pure Elite

5. Classic pose of choice

You can pick any classic pose you like. Below are three examples.

Classic Physique classic pose examples at Pure Elite

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Ready to step on stage?

Now you know the poses, the next step is choosing your show. Men's Physique, Classic Physique, Athletic Physique, Muscle Physique, Fitness Model and Transformation are all open in our Amateur division, whether it's your first show or your fiftieth, and every athlete gets the same premium experience, from their first stage to the World Championships.

See show dates and enter

Want to nail your poses before the day? Book a posing lesson with our team, or a posing assessment with Stewart, our Head Judge: you are judged exactly as you would be on stage, then given tips and advice on what to improve. Posing lessons | Posing assessment

Not sure which category is right for you? Compare categories or book a call with the team.

First show? Read our guide: What to expect at your first physique show