Classic Mens Bodybuilding

[steve_o]

Why is there no National qualifier for Classic Mens Bodybuilding in Ontario when there is a category at the Canadian Nationals? You would think they would have categories at the provincial level if they have it at Nationals in Saskatoon. Any suggestions on how to qualify?

[Dryvrgrl]

we have mens classic in MB

[steve_o]

I think I might have to make the trip in order to come and qualify. We had a provincial qualifier last year but there was no provincials so I am not sure how that works.

[JonnyO]

WHats the diff between Classic and Open?

[steve_d]

I thought they did have a category, and if they don't then just compete in your weight class and place top 5. Then you'd be allowed to do classic at world qualifier.

The only argument here is that it might be harder to qualify, however if you can't place top 5 at the ontario naturals in your weight class (usually there is barely over 5 in all weight classes), then you won't be ready for classic division at the world qualifier anyway.

[steve_o]

WHats the diff between Classic and Open?

The difference between the 2 is classic incorporates height and weight. Ex. Take height in cm - 100 = weight in Kgs + a weight allowance just in case.

For me it would be 89kg + 8kg weight allowance so 97kg or 213.4lbs.

Open is weight classes only.

[steve_o]

I thought they did have a category, and if they don't then just compete in your weight class and place top 5. Then you'd be allowed to do classic at world qualifier.

The only argument here is that it might be harder to qualify, however if you can't place top 5 at the ontario naturals in your weight class (usually there is barely over 5 in all weight classes), then you won't be ready for classic division at the world qualifier anyway.

They have the one in sudbury but that is only a provincial qualifier. But there is no provincial show in order to qualify for nationals. I would be competing in the heavy weight category so I am sure I would get destroyed being just shy of 6'3. I think I would have a better shot of just waiting for the hamilton show and place top 5 and get a by to compete at world qualifier like you said.

[steve_d]

you wouldn't get destroyed at the natural provincials. there would be 3 competitors in your class....worse you could come is 3rd.

[steve_d]

Oh, wait a minute...I think I understand what you're saying. You say you would get destroyed at provincials (IE non-tested provincials). Basically this is how it works:

the only way to qualify for world qualifier (ie the national natural show) is to do the provincial natural show in september. I could be wrong, but I think there is classic there. And if not, just do the heavyweight class and come top 5. Doing the non-tested show will not qualify you in any way for the world qualifier even if you win your class.

[steve_o]

you wouldn't get destroyed at the natural provincials. there would be 3 competitors in your class....worse you could come is 3rd.

Haha very true. I would qualify with a last place finish.

[steve_d]

Why is there no National qualifier for Classic Mens Bodybuilding in Ontario when there is a category at the Canadian Nationals? You would think they would have categories at the provincial level if they have it at Nationals in Saskatoon. Any suggestions on how to qualify?

There always has been a classic division at national qualifier. So 99% sure there will be again this year.

There is no classic division at the non tested nationals. If you read that there was somewhere, it must be a mistake.

[steve_o]

Here is the link to the nationals that are being held in Saskatoon
bodybuildingchamps.com/html/competition_info/
It has classic as a category which I was very surprised with as well.

There is always a classic category at the naturals yes so that will be my only option I suppose. I was just looking for a contest that was sooner but just gives me more time to diet down.

Good luck next month. I am sure you are going to do very well in Sudbury.

[steve_d]

strange...I doubt they are doing it though. It would be strange to combine classic with the non-tested nationals. there certainly won't be many cross-over competitors with open and classic at that show!

[steve_d]

I stand corrected...I looked on cbbf.ca, and they also seem to have it listed there. Again, I find it odd...Perhaps another attempt to get a few more entries at the national event. I wonder if they'll have it at both world qualifier and nationals as well? Classic was invented to lower the chances of having a "juiced-up" look since it would be harder to be within the weight limit for it. So will now its "non-tested' classic and tested classic...

Personally, I think they should get rid of classic at either show. Too many divisions, especially if they start telling judges you have to look at a classic division different than an open division...Basically to me, classic = the no legs division. If you have good legs, you probably can't make the cut off...But alot of the classic guys look awesome in the upper body, since it doesn't affect their weight as much as having thick legs.

[steve_o]

I stand corrected...I looked on cbbf.ca, and they also seem to have it listed there. Again, I find it odd...Perhaps another attempt to get a few more entries at the national event. I wonder if they'll have it at both world qualifier and nationals as well? Classic was invented to lower the chances of having a "juiced-up" look since it would be harder to be within the weight limit for it. So will now its "non-tested' classic and tested classic...

Personally, I think they should get rid of classic at either show. Too many divisions, especially if they start telling judges you have to look at a classic division different than an open division...Basically to me, classic = the no legs division. If you have good legs, you probably can't make the cut off...But alot of the classic guys look awesome in the upper body, since it doesn't affect their weight as much as having thick legs.

Ouchhhhhh!!! I don't feel the same way. How is it fair that I would have to compete against a guy that is 5'5" at 205 lbs and I weight in at 205lbs as well but am almost 10" inches taller. It is way easier for smaller guys to put on size compared to a taller individual, they fill out alot more as there muscle bellies are smaller therefore looked more jam packed with dense muscle. It just doesn't seem fair to me.
The only way to fix that would be to have a heavy weight category with people over or under say 202 like the Olympia and have over 5'11" category or something.

[natenator]

Ouchhhhhh!!! I don't feel the same way. How is it fair that I would have to compete against a guy that is 5'5" at 205 lbs and I weight in at 205lbs as well but am almost 10" inches taller. It is way easier for smaller guys to put on size compared to a taller individual, they fill out alot more as there muscle bellies are smaller therefore looked more jam packed with dense muscle. It just doesn't seem fair to me.
The only way to fix that would be to have a heavy weight category with people over or under say 202 like the Olympia and have over 5'11" category or something.
I'm 6'3 and compete against guys who are shorter than me and I don't consider it unfair at all.

You make the choice to enter and compete. No one forces you to do it. So what if you don't win? Big deal. As long as you prepped hard enough to win and we're better than you were 6 months ago or the last time you competed than that's all that matters.

I am sick and tired of hearing taller guys complain about filling out their frame, blah blah blah. I have a friend who is about 5'7, has 21" arms and 25" quads. On a stage I own his arms with 20" arms, 32" quads and and a chest, back, calves and delts to match. Being 6'3 nothing is really that out of proportion on me whereas on him it is. He wins shows against smaller guys because he does have decent size going for him but against a complete package with conditioning he will lose.

[Adonis13]

I'm 6'3 and compete against guys who are shorter than me and I don't consider it unfair at all.

You make the choice to enter and compete. No one forces you to do it. So what if you don't win? Big deal. As long as you prepped hard enough to win and we're better than you were 6 months ago or the last time you competed than that's all that matters.

I am sick and tired of hearing taller guys complain about filling out their frame, blah blah blah. I have a friend who is about 5'7, has 21" arms and 25" quads. On a stage I own his arms with 20" arms, 32" quads and and a chest, back, calves and delts to match. Being 6'3 nothing is really that out of proportion on me whereas on him it is. He wins shows against smaller guys because he does have decent size going for him but against a complete package with conditioning he will lose.


Well said nate. i concur. lol. being 6"2 i have people telling me all the time that im too tall to compete at a level with guys who are short and stalky. being tall usually means that it takes a little longer to fill up those muscle bellies. all it is is hard work and consistancy. then when u go onstage u just walk infront of the little guys and make em dissapear. lol. this "classic physique" almost seems to be a way to bring in competitors from the beach or fame competitors.

[dainbramaged]

Being shorter myself, I find it hard to sympathize with taller guys. I mean, c'mon, what percentage of short guys make up other professional sports ranks? Bodybuilding does give a shorter guy an advantage, and yes, a taller guy will take longer (if not geared up). But as Nate says, you choose to get into this. Just like every other sport, some have advantages and some disadvantages to build up from. I think the Classic physique is an effort to bring back some appeal for a mainstream very muscular physique. Maybe to reel things in from the bloated, stomach distended, larger than life (but at a cost) type of physique. Even though not all may like it, mainstream is where the money is; broad appeal for bigger bucks.

[steve_o]

I'm 6'3 and compete against guys who are shorter than me and I don't consider it unfair at all.

You make the choice to enter and compete. No one forces you to do it. So what if you don't win? Big deal. As long as you prepped hard enough to win and we're better than you were 6 months ago or the last time you competed than that's all that matters.

I am sick and tired of hearing taller guys complain about filling out their frame, blah blah blah. I have a friend who is about 5'7, has 21" arms and 25" quads. On a stage I own his arms with 20" arms, 32" quads and and a chest, back, calves and delts to match. Being 6'3 nothing is really that out of proportion on me whereas on him it is. He wins shows against smaller guys because he does have decent size going for him but against a complete package with conditioning he will lose.

I hear you nate. Being taller does have its disadvantages but this is the sport we are in. I guess it is just an excuse to make me feel better when other guys that are shorter look twice the size of me. Thanks for keeping me in check. I should be competing against myself and I lost site of that. If I come in 5lbs or 10lbs heavier then last time and have better conditioning then that is all that matters.

Time to step up I suppose.

[steve_d]

Ouchhhhhh!!! I don't feel the same way. How is it fair that I would have to compete against a guy that is 5'5" at 205 lbs and I weight in at 205lbs as well but am almost 10" inches taller. It is way easier for smaller guys to put on size compared to a taller individual, they fill out alot more as there muscle bellies are smaller therefore looked more jam packed with dense muscle. It just doesn't seem fair to me.
The only way to fix that would be to have a heavy weight category with people over or under say 202 like the Olympia and have over 5'11" category or something.

I am 5'6 and there is always a chance some 5'2 guy is 165 pounds and makes me look skinny...So the fact that someone is tall just means they need to compete in a heavier weight class. I suppose they could make height classes instead of weight classes...But then what will happen? all these guys that are 5'6 and 140 pounds will complain that they need to go against a guy whoe is 5'6 and 195 pounds.


Classic division wasn't invented for tall people - it was invented for a more "natural" physique where if you weigh too much, you can't make the cut-off. Personally, I would make it your GOAL to not be able to make the cut-off for classic.

[steve_d]

If I come in 5lbs or 10lbs heavier then last time and have better conditioning then that is all that matters.



Well said. Even if same weight and better conditioned. It's all about improvement, 1 year at a time.

[steve_d]

by the way. I am not trying to put anyone down who compete or want to compete in classic physique. I liked the new category when it came out in theory. I just think that since its not all that popular, if anyone had the choice, go in your weight class as you'll have more fun competing against more than 1 or 2 other guys.

Winning a trophy by default isn't all that satisfying! In all my years competing, I only did a few shows where there were more than 3 people in my class...I would much rather compete against 30 guys and come 2nd than compete against 2 and come 1st.

[steve_o]

by the way. I am not trying to put anyone down who compete or want to compete in classic physique. I liked the new category when it came out in theory. I just think that since its not all that popular, if anyone had the choice, go in your weight class as you'll have more fun competing against more than 1 or 2 other guys.

Winning a trophy by default isn't all that satisfying! In all my years competing, I only did a few shows where there were more than 3 people in my class...I would much rather compete against 30 guys and come 2nd than compete against 2 and come 1st.

When I did my first classic show last year there were 5 guys in my class but all the other classes for classic had 2 guys in them so everyone placed. You are so right. Nice trophy when you get it due to default. Not that rewarding in my eyes.

I think I might go in both categories and see what happens. It is more fun like you said and it makes you want to grow that much more.

[Bbuilder31]

I am doing the 2010 Ontario Naturals in September and plan on doing both the light middle weight class and the classic division. I did the classic at the Ottawa's this past november. It was different - so I figured I would try again - only headache was having 2 button and doing the back to back posedown - it was brutal - it almost burnt me out completely lol. I can't wait for the show though - I am hoping I will place in the top 3 - I would like to keep this winning train going. I would like to have the bragging rights to say I am on the only World Competitior in the circuit with an honest to god heart condition - prove people that mind of matter works :)

[tiramisu]

Bodybuilding favours the 5' 10' heavy/superheavy's in most cases. At 6' 3" a bodybuilder needs to be around 300 pounds on stage to compete with a 250 pound 5' 10" physique. 300 pound on stage bodybuilders won't start appearing till bodybuilding pays more than the NFL (no times soon).