Pose Once Performed by Legends Like Ronnie Coleman and Tom Platz Is Now Banned in Bodybuilding- Here’s Why?

The Moon Pose: It was popularized by Tom Platz in the 70s and 80s. The ‘Quadfather’ used this pose to show his hamstrings and glutes. After all, he was known for his leg development. The moon pose involved bending forward to show off the leg muscles, and that’s why only the most flexible bodybuilders would do it. This pose would not only highlight the muscles but also provide a great stretch in the soft connective tissues of the ankle and knee.

In fact, eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman also used this pose during his early career, but not as much as Platz. But why did the pose fade away?

Well, the pose was inspired by a yoga pose called the forward fold stretch but was surrounded by controversies. It got banned globally, including by the IFBB, because of its sexual connotation and hence it was prohibited from being used on stage. Anyone who disregarded this rule would be disqualified from the competitions- as stated in the regulations. But there are some other reasons behind the ban.

As reported by MensXP, back in the day, people suspected that the judges indulged in copulation with the contestants. That’s how people started to see this pose as vulgar and as an attempt to entice the judges. Then, there were people who also thought that the pose shifted away the sport’s attention from muscular symmetry and aesthetics.

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Hence, to save the reputation of the competition and competitors, the bodybuilding community banned the pose. This marked a very rare occurrence in the sport where a pose was banned.

What is the alternative to the Moon Pose?

Believe it or not, the rear lat spread is an alternative. Yes, the back’s definition, width, and silhouette are evaluated during the rear lat spread. However, judges also consider the shape and proportion of the lower body during this post. And that would include the same muscles flexed during the moon pose.

Additionally, there are several other poses that show the development and separation of the glutes, hamstrings, and calves.

Now, you may not be able to strike the moon pose on the stage or in your gym, but you can surely do it at home. It happens to be a great stretching exercise to loosen the hamstrings and thus prevent potential injuries. What do you think?

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