Choosing the Best Natural Bodybuilding Divisions for You

Stepping onto a bodybuilding stage is one of the most powerful moments in an athlete’s life — and choosing the right place to stand is the first step. Whether you’re preparing for your very first show or returning to the stage with new goals, this guide will help you understand exactly where you fit within NatBod’s natural bodybuilding divisions.

No confusion.
No guesswork.
Just a clear, athlete‑first system designed to help you compete with confidence and enjoy every moment of your journey.

Start Here — Your NatBod Divisions Overview

You’re here because you want clarity.
You want to know which category and division suits you best — without confusion, without comparing federations, and without second‑guessing yourself.

This quick snapshot gives you the whole system at a glance:

NatBod Divisions at a Glance

Main Categories

Athletic Bodysculpting
Classical Bodybuilding

Core Divisions

Junior • Rookie • Masters • Open

Special Divisions

Posing Routine • Doubles • Fitness Journey

Pathway

Overalls → NatBod Pro Division

Why NatBod’s System Works (and Why It’s So Simple)

Natural bodybuilding doesn’t need dozens of confusing categories.
It needs clarity, fairness, and logic — and that’s exactly what NatBod delivers.

Why it works:
Because every part of the structure is built around real natural physiques, consistent judging standards, and a sport‑first philosophy. Nothing is added unless it serves the athlete.

Why it’s simple:
Because you only need to understand two categories and a small set of divisions. No clutter. No contradictions. No “grey areas.” Just a clean, athlete‑first system that makes sense the moment you see it.

NatBod’s natural bodybuilding divisions are built on one promise:

You will always know exactly where you belong.

No guessing.
No confusion.
No categories created just to fill a stage.

Just a structure that respects your effort, honours your physique, and gives you a clear path forward.

Picture yourself under the lights — your name called, your pose landing with purpose, the crowd rising as you stand exactly where you’re meant to be. You feel the certainty in your body, the confidence in your stance, the quiet pride of knowing you belong on that stage and this moment is yours.

The NatBod Categories (Clear and Simple)

NatBod has two main natural bodybuilding divisions.
They’re not based on “body types” or “looks.”
They’re simply two different presentation styles that let natural athletes showcase their physique in the way that feels most authentic to them.

The only structural difference is that Athletic includes a height‑based weight limit, which naturally limits the level of muscular development shown on stage.
Classical has no weight limit, giving athletes full freedom to display their maximum natural potential.

Athletic Bodysculpting

Athletic Bodysculpting is a clean, modern presentation of natural athletic development.
It highlights shape, balance, and conditioning through a streamlined set of poses and a sport‑inspired look.

There’s no expectation of a specific “type” of physique — if you enjoy a sharper, sport‑style presentation, this category may feel like home.

Posing Attire — Women

• Crop-top style sports bra (minimal back coverage preferred)
• Booty shorts
• Sneakers
• No bling (no sequins, rhinestones etc.)

Posing Attire — Men

• Athletic/fitness shorts
• Shorts must sit above the knee
• Shorts may be as short as preferred
• No tights or compression wear
• No boardshorts
• Sneakers

Mandatory Poses

• Front Double Biceps
• Side Oblique
• Back Double Biceps
• Front Abdominals

• Use our weight limit calculator here.
• Learn the mandatory poses here.

Classical Bodybuilding

Classical Bodybuilding is the traditional expression of natural muscular development.
It uses the full suite of bodybuilding poses and allows athletes to display their physique without a weight limit.

Again — no “type” required.
If you enjoy the artistry, structure, and full expression of classic posing, this category may be the one that resonates with you.

Posing Attire — Women

• Crop-top style sports bra (minimal back coverage preferred)
• Bikini bottoms
• No bling (no sequins, rhinestones etc.)
• No heels

Posing Attire — Men

• Classic “briefs-style” posing trunks
• Traditional cut (not modern bodybuilding trunks)
• Any colour or pattern allowed
• Must maintain appropriate coverage

Mandatory Poses

• Front Double Biceps
• Front Lat Spread
• Side Chest
• Side Triceps
• Back Double Biceps
• Back Lat Spread
• Abs & Thighs
• Most Muscular

• Learn the mandatory poses here.

The NatBod Divisions (Natural Bodybuilding Divisions Explained)

Every competitor deserves fair judging and proper stage time.
That’s why NatBod limits each lineup to six athletes.
If more than six enter a division, the lineup is split evenly by height to keep comparisons fair and consistent.

Divisions are based on experience and age, helping you compete on a level playing field while still choosing the category (Athletic or Classical) that feels right for you.

Divisions may be merged or split depending on entry numbers.

Core Divisions (Athletic & Classical)

Athletic Bodysculpting

• Junior U23
• Rookie — 1st year competing
• Masters 40+
• Open

Divisions may be merged or split depending on entries.

Classical Bodybuilding

• Junior U20 & U25
• Rookie — 1st year competing
• Masters 35+, 45+, 55+ & 65+
• Open

Divisions may be merged or split depending on entries.

Overalls & Finals

NatBod awards four Overall Titles:

• Men’s Athletic Overall
• Women’s Athletic Overall
• Men’s Classical Overall
• Women’s Classical Overall

How the Overalls Work

• Open winners automatically qualify for the Overall Final.
• If more than six finalists qualify, Semi‑Finals are held:
  • Semi‑Final A: Masters winners
  • Semi‑Final B: Rookie / Junior winners
• Top athletes advance to the Overall Final.

Winning an Overall Title earns qualification into the NatBod Pro Division.

Special Divisions

Special Divisions welcome all athletes. They’re a space to express your creativity, perform individually or as a pair, and share the parts of your journey that go beyond traditional judging — whether that’s your posing style, your personality, or the story that brought you to the stage.

Individual & Doubles Routines

The posing and doubles routines highlight the artistic side of NatBod, inspired by the golden era of bodybuilding. We offer both men’s and women’s individual routines, as well as doubles routines in any gender combination. All athletes from any category or division are welcome to take part.

Posing Routine

A 60‑second individual routine where athletes can express their style, creativity, and stage presence.

Judged on:

• pose selection
• choreography
• execution
• physique

Doubles Routine

A 60‑second duo routine performed by any combination of gender or category.

Judged on:

• pose selection
• choreography
• execution
• physique
• synchronisation

Fitness Journey

A non‑competitive celebration of transformation, resilience, and personal growth.

This division honours athletes who have experienced:

• significant body transformation
• recovery from injury or health challenges
• overcoming disability
• mental health improvement
• lifestyle change and personal renewal

Format includes:

• fitness‑wear outfit of your choice
• stage walk and posing
• MC narration of your story
• before/after images displayed on the projector

It’s one of the most meaningful and inspiring moments of every NatBod event.

Teams Division

If you want to share the excitement and camaraderie of competing with friends, family, or gym mates, you can enter as a team.

Teams can represent:

• gyms
• coaches
• local areas
• friends & family

Teams compete for the NatBod Bodysport Team Award, using a points system similar to an Olympic medal tally.

Team Points per Placing

1st Place 6 points

2nd Place 4 points

3rd Place 2 points

Outside Top 3 1 point

A minimum of three members is required, with no maximum team size.
The team with the highest average score wins the trophy.

Pro Division

The NatBod Pro Division is reserved for athletes who rise through our amateur ranks.
We don’t recognise pro status from other organisations — NatBod Pros are built through NatBod.

You qualify by winning an Overall Amateur Title, with the opportunity to step into the Pro Division if it is on offer at the event.
In exceptional cases, Pro status may also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

As a NatBod Pro, you compete for free, have the opportunity to earn prize money, and gain access to media features, partnerships, and a supportive community of fellow Pros who share your passion for natural bodybuilding.

“But What If…?” — Your Questions Answered

“I’m not good enough.”

Every champion started somewhere.
NatBod divisions exist to make sure you’re competing on fair ground — Junior, Rookie, Masters, Open.
There is always a place for you, no matter your experience level.

“These divisions aren’t the same as other federations.”

You’re right — and that’s a good thing.
NatBod was built to make competing clearer, fairer, and more enjoyable for athletes.
Our natural bodybuilding divisions are intentionally simplified so you always know where you belong, how you’ll be judged, and what’s expected of you.
Different doesn’t mean confusing — it means designed with your experience in mind.

Choosing Your Best Category

Choosing your category at NatBod is simple — and it’s based on logic, not trends.

Step 1

Check your stage weight against the Athletic weight limit.

⬇

If you’re within the Athletic weight limit

→ Choose Athletic

If you’re above the Athletic weight limit

→ Choose Classical

⬇

If you qualify for both

→ You’re welcome to enter both.

There’s no guesswork, no “look‑based” typecasting, and no pressure to fit a trend.
Your physique determines your category, not someone else’s idea of what you should look like.

No matter where you land, you will always fit somewhere.

You Can’t Go Wrong With This System

No matter your age, experience, or physique, there is a place for you in NatBod.
Our natural bodybuilding divisions are designed so every athlete gets fair judging, clear expectations, and proper stage time — without confusion or bias.

You will be judged on what matters.
You will be seen for the work you’ve put in.
You will walk away proud of your performance and your progress.

NatBod’s system is built to support you, not limit you.
Wherever you start, you’re starting in the right place.

Why NatBod Uses Only Two Categories

Natural bodybuilding has biological limits.
Without P.E.Ds, the size range of natural physiques is far more consistent than what modern multi‑category federations suggest.

That’s why NatBod keeps things simple.
Two core categories separated by a weight/height limit are all that’s needed to reflect the real spectrum of natural development.

This philosophy comes straight from the old school — the era of Steve Reeves, Reg Park, and John Grimek.
Three icons, three completely different looks, all competing on the same stage.
That diversity is what made the sport exciting.

NatBod protects that spirit.
We don’t follow the modern trend of typecasting athletes into hyper‑specific “looks” shaped by the drug using side of the sport.
Doing so would strip away the individuality, creativity, and magic that natural bodybuilding is built on.

Instead, we follow the logic of real sport:

• clear rules
• fair divisions
• equal judging
• no gendered expectations
• no heels
• no bling
• no gimmicks

Just natural athletes competing on equal ground — each with their own unique expression of strength, symmetry, and development.

Choose Your Division and Start Your Journey

You’ve learned how the system works.
You’ve seen where you fit.
Now the next step is yours.

Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or returning with new goals, NatBod gives you a clear path forward.
Pick your division, commit to the process, and let your hard work speak for itself.

Every athlete starts somewhere.
Every journey is unique.
And every stage moment is earned.

Your division isn’t a label — it’s a launch point.
Choose yours, step into the sport with confidence, and begin the chapter you’ll look back on with pride.

📅

Contest Calendar & Info

See upcoming shows, locations, and entry details.

📸

Instagram

Follow athlete stories, updates, and the NatBod community.

💬

Facebook Group

Join the conversation and connect with natural athletes.

P.S. Clarity is a gift — let it lift the weight of uncertainty off your shoulders.