Major news broke last night in the world of bodybuilding as IFBB Pro League Vice President Tyler Manion laid out new weight rules for the Men’s Classic Physique division. In a recent Instagram post, Manion confirmed athletes of all heights will receive an increase (2-7 pounds) to their allotted weight. This change was made to accommodate shorter competitors who were previously at a disadvantage to their taller counterparts.
Many fans are curious how the new weight rules will affect the future of the division, currently dominated by four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead. At 6’1″, Bumstead has enjoyed a size advantage over shorter athletes of the category, but it appears that could change.
Given the new rules imposed in Classic Physique, athletes with shorter statures such as Terrence Ruffin appear to be among the top beneficiaries. Over the years, the weight and height restrictions were an issue for some competitors.
After being burdened by the weight cap, former two-time Classic Physique Olympia Breon Ansley announced his exit from the category last December. Ansley plans to test the waters as a 212 competitor but has yet to qualify for Olympia in the new division. The last time he checked in with fans he said to expect another ten pounds of muscle in his next outing.
With Ramon Queiroz initially missing weight at last year’s Olympia, the extra few pounds might be a game-changer.
You can find Tyler Manion’s official statement below:
“We’re going to be upping our Classic Physique weights for the Pros slightly, going into effect immediately at the upcoming Pro shows this weekend. We took a look and realized that one height grouping had a little bit of an advantage over other height groups. This height grouping is over 6’1″ and up to and including 6’2”.
The weight jumped from the previous weight goes up to 10 pounds. All the middle height classes and all the other height classes basically goes up by either seven or eight pounds. The lowest height divisions only go up by five pounds. So, what we’ve decided to do was we’re giving the two pounds to the over 6’1″ including 6’2″. So, they also get a little bit of a weight increase. The lowest height classes will be getting seven additional pounds. This will include the two-pound jump that the over 6’1″ up to including 6’2″ got,” explained IFBB VP Tyler Manion.
The IFBB Pro League plans to measure the height of each competitor on three separate occasions, take the average, and use that number as their permanent height for contests. There have been issues with recording athletes’ heights in the past, and Manion hopes these changes will correct that.
Bodybuilders were quick to react to the big news.
In addition to the latest announcement, Tyler Manion revealed in June that new height and weight restrictions are set to take effect in Men’s Physique at the first contest following the 2023 Mr. Olympia, which takes place Nov. 2-5, in Orlando, Florida. Manion offered insight into the change and said the decision was made to ensure athletes aren’t getting too big.
The new Classic Physique rules give seven more pounds to shorter bodybuilders, which makes it easier for them to compete with taller athletes. However, some worry that the increase will push the division closer to the size boasted by Men’s Open competitors.
While athletes appear grateful for the change, time will tell how the new statutes affect the growth and direction of the Classic Physique division.