“Everyone Is Now Gonna Compete in Classic Physique”: As the IFBB Eliminates the Added Advantage of a Height Class, Bodybuilding Coach Anticipates a Sterner Competition Ahead for Reigning Champion Chris Bumstead

The game of bodybuilding has multiple facets to it. To present their best physique, bodybuilders have to consider their height and weight dynamics, and practice posing routines apart from diet and training regimen. The aesthetics and symmetry of bodybuilders greatly rely on their height. The IFBB had strict height-to-weight standards in the Classic Physique that had restricted many short bodybuilders to bulk up for a perfect physique. 

Now, the governing agency decided to increase the weight demarcations in the Classic physique to provide equal leverage to all its athletes. IFBB Pro coach, who often addresses crucial aspects in the arena, responds to this latest development in the sport. 

Greg Doucette responds to the latest rules in Classic Physique

Like every other sport in history, bodybuilding also has a set of rules for the athletes to compete. The major divisions of the men’s include bodybuilding, classic physique, and men’s physique. The 212 division will have athletes weighing less than 212 lbs. However, to compete in the classic physique and men’s physique categories, the bodybuilders had to meet the desired height categories. 

The height norms in classic physique have affected short bodybuilders, according to experts, and leveraged tall bodybuilders like Chris Bumstead, who is 6’1”. So, the IFBB has come up with a new set of rules that bodybuilders have to adhere to in the coming Mr. Olympia competition. The bodybuilders with 6’1” to 6’2” height range can bulk up to 10 lbs while middle and other height classes can go up to 7 or 8 lbs.

The news got the elite coach Greg Doucette to respond, “Why would anyone in the right mind compete at 198 pounds when they could die it down an extra six pounds in competing classic physique.” He further added, “So what I’m gonna see is practically everyone is now going to compete in classic physique.”

How Chris Bumstead will be affected by the recent change in rules

Chris Bumstead, the 4x Mr. Olympia champion, had an added advantage over the years because of his height. The shorter bodybuilding can now bulk up given the relaxation in the weight.

Urs Kalecinski and Ramon Dino can gain massively, according to the IFBB Pro Greg Doucette. As these bodybuilders are compromising over 20 lbs of muscle earlier due to past norms, can now keep up the game to make the upcoming event more competitive.

Read More: “Don’t Expose Me”: As Chris Bumstead Bench Presses 280 Lbs, Coach Hany Takes a Hilarious Jibe at His “Electronic Weights”

Given the new set of rules, CBum had to mold his training regime according to the new norms, and the shorter bodybuilders can bulk to become more massive. Only a couple of months from now, the Mr. Olympia 2023 will be interesting to watch given the new set of rules. What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments below!

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