MUSCLE PHYSIQUE — DIVISION & RULES

Workout Warrior Athletics (WWA)

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This page outlines the rules, judging criteria, athlete attire, classes, posing, and advancement structure for competitors in the Muscle Physique division.

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WHAT IS MUSCLE PHYSIQUE?

 

Muscle Physique is the most muscular men’s division in Workout Warrior Athletics Physique Sports.

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It is:

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A blend of classic-level muscularity and traditional bodybuilding standards, with an emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and overall athletic presentation.

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WHO SHOULD COMPETE IN MUSCLE PHYSIQUE?

 

Muscle Physique is ideal for athletes who:

• Possess advanced muscular development

• Display clear separation between muscle groups

• Maintain balanced proportions from top to bottom

• Present a strong, confident, athletic presence

• Want to showcase muscularity without extreme or unhealthy conditioning

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If an athlete’s muscularity exceeds Physique standards, Muscle Physique is the appropriate division.

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ATHLETE ATTIRE — MUSCLE PHYSIQUE

 

(Read this before registering)

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Required Attire

• Fitted athletic shorts

• Square-cut or “dad short” style

• Approximately 3 to 4 inch inseam

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Attire Guidelines

• Shorts must fit properly and sit at the waist

• Clean, solid colors or subtle patterns preferred

• No baggy, excessively tight, or distracting designs

• No offensive logos or graphics

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Grooming & Presentation

• Neat grooming is required

• Jewelry should be kept minimal

• Overall look must be clean, professional, and stage-appropriate

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Overall Look

• Athletic

• Confident

• Strong

• Professional

• Media-appropriate

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Physique Sports Presentation Standards

Physique Sports is built around athleticism, performance, and lifestyle.
Athlete attire reflects this philosophy by presenting competitors as athletes first, while maintaining a professional, family-friendly, and media-appropriate standard.

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All attire must be:

• Athletic in appearance

• Suitable for public and family settings

• Comparable to what would be worn in a gym, fitness event, or athletic environment

• Clean, fitted, and professional

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Failure to meet attire standards may result in scoring penalties.

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CLASSES (LEVELS) IN MUSCLE PHYSIQUE

 

Muscle Physique offers the following competitive classes:

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• U21 (21 and under)

• Novice

• Open

• Masters 40

• Masters 50

• Masters 60

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NOVICE, OPEN & PHYSIQUEMANIA — ADVANCEMENT RULES

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Novice → Open Advancement

• Top 3 placement in Novice at a WWA sanctioned event
  → Athlete advances to Open the next time they compete

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Experienced Competitors

• Athletes with previous competition experience may be placed directly into Open.

• This includes competitors from other federations.

• Final division placement is at the sole discretion of Workout Warrior Athletics (WWA).

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Open → PHYSIQUEMANIA Qualification

• Top 3 placement in Open at a WWA sanctioned event
  → Athlete earns PHYSIQUEMANIA Qualification.

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PHYSIQUEMANIA Qualfied Athletes

• Only athletes who have earned PHYSIQUEMANIA Qualification may compete at PHYSIQUEMANIA.

• IDFA Pro Athletes receive automatic PHYSIQUEMANIA Qualification.

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CROSS-ENTRY RULES

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U21 (21 years of age & under)

• Athletes competing in U21 may also enter Novice or Open, depending on experience level.

• Final placement into Novice or Open is at the sole discretion of Workout Warrior Athletics (WWA).

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Masters Classes (40+, 50+, 60+)

• Masters classes are age-based, not experience-based.

• Athletes may enter only one Masters class, based on their age at the time of competition.

  • Example: An athlete aged 50–59 must enter Masters 50+ and may not also enter Masters 40+.

• Athletes entering a Masters class may also compete in Novice or Open, depending on experience.

• Final Novice or Open placement is at the sole discretion of Workout Warrior Athletics (WWA).

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Competing in Multiple Divisions

• Athletes may enter more than one division at the same event, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each division.

• This applies to both Men’s and Women’s divisions.

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Examples:

• A Men’s Physique athlete may also compete in Muscle Physique.

• A Women’s athlete may compete in Bikini Model and Fitness Model.

• A Women's athlete may compete in Fitness Model and Muscle Model.

• A Transformation athlete may compete in another Divison (s).

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Purpose of this rule:

• Allows athletes—especially new competitors—to explore divisions.

• Helps athletes determine which division best suits their physique, strengths, and presentation.

• Encourages long-term athlete development without penalization.

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​​​​JUDGING CRITERIA

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1️⃣ PHYSIQUE DEVELOPMENT

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Judges assess:

• Muscle size, density, and shape

• Balanced development across all major muscle groups

• Full, round muscle bellies

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2️⃣ SYMMETRY & PROPORTION

 

Judges evaluate:

• Upper-to-lower body balance

• Left-to-right symmetry

• Overall structural aesthetics

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3️⃣ CONDITIONING

 

Conditioning should be:

• Lean and controlled

• Clearly defined

• Healthy and sustainable

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Extreme dryness, vascularity, or unhealthy appearance is not required and may be marked down.

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4️⃣ PRESENTATION & STAGE PRESENCE

 

Judges look for:

• Confidence and composure

• Controlled transitions between poses

• Professional demeanor on stage

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JUDGING ROUND — MUSCLE PHYSIQUE

 

During the Judging Round, athletes will be evaluated on muscular development, symmetry, proportion, conditioning, and overall athletic presentation.

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Judging Round Procedure

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Athletes will:

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• Line up on stage in numerical order

• Face the judges in a Front Relaxed Pose

• Execute a series of mandatory poses as directed by the Head Judge

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Athletes should remain composed, confident, and attentive to instructions at all times.

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MANDATORY POSES

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Mandatory poses for Muscle Physique are called in the following order:

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1. Front Double Biceps

2. Abdominal and Thigh

3. Side Chest (choice of side)

4. Side Triceps (choice of side)

5. Rear Double Biceps

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MANDATORY POSES & DESCRIPTIONS

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1️⃣ FRONT DOUBLE BICEPS

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Purpose:
Showcase arm development, shoulder width, chest fullness, and overall upper-body balance.

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How to Perform:

• Face the judges

• Raise both arms and flex the biceps

• Elbows slightly forward to enhance balance

• Open the chest and engage the lats

• Maintain upright posture with tight core and legs engaged

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Judges Look For:

• Biceps size and shape

• Shoulder width and symmetry

• Upper-body balance and structure

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2️⃣ ABDOMINALS AND THIGH

 

Purpose:

Display abdominal definition, core control, and quadriceps development.

 

How to Perform:

• Face the judges

• Place one or both hands behind the head

• Exhale and tighten the core to contract the abdominals

• Extend one leg forward and flex the quadriceps

• Maintain tall posture and controlled tension

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Judges Look For:

• Abdominal definition and control

• Quadriceps separation

• Balance between upper and lower body

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3️⃣ SIDE CHEST (Athlete’s Choice of Side)

 

Purpose:
Highlight chest thickness, arm development, shoulder structure, and leg density.

 

How to Perform:

• Turn to the side of your choice

• Lift the chest and contract the pectorals

• Engage the biceps and triceps

• Slight bend in the front leg with rear leg flexed

• Maintain strong posture and balance

 

Judges Look For:

• Chest fullness and depth

• Arm and shoulder development

• Leg density and symmetry

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4️⃣ SIDE TRICEPS (Athlete’s Choice of Side)

 

Purpose:
Showcase triceps size and definition, side-body conditioning, and overall balance.

 

How to Perform:

• Turn to the side of your choice

• Extend and contract the triceps

• Keep the chest lifted and shoulders aligned

• Engage the core and legs

• Maintain controlled, upright posture

 

Judges Look For:

• Triceps development and clarity

• Side-body balance

• Controlled, athletic execution

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5️⃣ REAR DOUBLE BICEPS

 

Purpose:
Display back width, thickness, arm development, and overall rear symmetry.

 

How to Perform:

• Face the back of the stage

• Raise both arms and flex the biceps

• Open the lats to show back width

• Engage glutes and hamstrings

• Maintain balance and control

 

Judges Look For:

• Back width and muscular detail

• Rear deltoid and arm development

• Glute and hamstring conditioning

• Overall rear-body symmetry

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RULES & POLICIES

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• Athletes are compared only within their division and class

• Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or disqualification

• Failure to meet attire or presentation standards may result in scoring penalties

• Workout Warrior Athletics reserves the right to:

  • Verify eligibility

  • Assign appropriate division or class placement

  • Enforce all competition rules

 

All judging and placement decisions are final.

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DRUG-FREE SPORT POLICY

 

Workout Warrior Athletics (WWA) is committed to preserving the integrity of Drug-Free Physique Sports, built on discipline, dedication, and long-term health.

 

To ensure a fair and level playing field, WWA enforces strict drug-free standards at all official and sanctioned events.

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Drug Testing

• WWA may conduct polygraph testing, voice stress analysis, and/or urine analysis at any sanctioned event

• Event organizers may utilize one or multiple testing methods at their discretion

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Prohibited Substances

• Drug testing standards align with the 2026 Prohibited List under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), as maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

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Drug-Free Eligibility Requirement

• To be eligible to compete in WWA Physique Sports, athletes must have been free of all prohibited substances for a minimum of five (5) years

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Enforcement

• All athletes competing in WWA events agree to comply with drug-testing requirements

• Failure to meet drug-free standards may result in disqualification and loss of eligibility

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Workout Warrior Athletics exists to honor earned physiques, fair competition, and athlete integrity.

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