Various women's weight class divisions in Ms. Olympia explained

Bikini Line at a Pro Show
Bikini Line at a Pro Show (Image Source: Melina Katarina Keltaniemi's Instagram)

The 2024 Mr. Olympia is just nine weeks out, and fans are excited for the show for men's bodybuilding and also for titles like Ms. Olympia and other women's bodybuilding titles. Women's bodybuilding was added to Mr. Olympia after 15 years from 1965. Since then all the women's divisions have become fans' favourites.

Let's find out more details about these divisions.

#1 Women's Bodybuilding (Ms. Olympia)

Women's Bodybuilding is the Men's Open Bodybuilding for females and was first introduced in 1980. This division has been through a lot and fans started to lose their interest in the division and was canceled in 2014. But five years later in 2020, it was re-introduced on the Mr. Olympia stage.

However, the rules are the same as the Men's bodybuilding, and the female bodybuilders are judged on their size, muscle symmetry, and definition. Iris Kyle is the only bodybuilder to win the Ms. Olympia title ten times and etched her name in the history books.

Different classes in the Women's Bodybuilding at Mr. Olympia

  • Class A- Up to and including 115 lbs
  • Class B- Over 115 lbs up to and including 125 lbs
  • Class C- Over 125 lbs up to and including 140 lbs
  • Class D: Over 140 lbs
  • Masters- Over 35 (one class)

#2 Fitness

The Fitness division is the most versatile and hybrid division on the Mr. Olympia floor. The division includes bodybuilders and also a mixture of gymnasts, cheerleaders, and dancers. In the Fitness division, athletes showcase their muscle size, definition, strength, and agility.

For their judging, the female athletes perform a quarter-turn while wearing a two-piece bikini and high heels. Despite being muscular, bodybuilders have to display their physical fitness and strength on the stage. The posing routine is also different from all the divisions; they need to perform push-ups (any kind), high kicks, straddle holds, and side splits.

Different classes in the Fitness division at Mr. Olympia

  • Class A- Up to and including 5’2”
  • Class B- Over 5’2” and up to and including 5’4-1/2
  • Class C- Over 5’4-1/2”

#3 Figure

The Figure division is similar to the Men's Physique division. The bodybuilders perform a series of quarter turns, showcasing their overall developed physique with good muscular symmetry and proportionate physique. Competitors need to be careful and not be excessively lean while displaying good muscularity and muscle separation.

The judges pay more attention to muscle groups like the hamstrings, glutes, shoulders, and back, and along with that, they also consider your striations. The bodybuilders also need to display their feminine side with their impressive physiques on the stage. (Stated by Middle Easy's article)

Different class in the Figure division at Mr. Olympia

  • Class A- Up to & including 5'1" / 155cm
  • Class B- Over 5'1" & up to & including 5'2 1/2" / 155cm - 159cm
  • Class C- Over 5'2 1/2" & up to & including 5'4" / 159cm - 163cm
  • Class D- Over 5'4" & up to & including 5'5 1/2" / 163cm / 166cm
  • Class E- Over 5'5 1/2" & up to & including 5'7"/ 166cm - 170cm
  • Class F- Over 5'7" / 170cm
  • Masters- Over 35 (one class)

#4 Bikini

The Bikini division is one of the most popular divisions of the Mr. Olympia event. This division is a fashion show for bodybuilders and has the highest number of competitors of any other division. The Bikini division is all about achieving a perfect beach body. Athletes need to build fewer muscles than any other division.

The judges give scores based on the athlete's muscle balance, shape, and overall physical appearance, including complexion, hair, skin tone, poise, and overall presentation.

Different classes in the Bikini division at Mr. Olympia

  • Class A Up to & including 5'1" / 155cm
  • Class B Over 5'1" & up to & including 5'2" / 155cm - 158cm
  • Class C Over 5'2" & up to & including 5'3" / 158cm - 160cm
  • Class D Over 5'3" & up to & including 5'4" / 160cm - 163cm
  • Class E Over 5'4" & up to & including 5'5" / 163cm - 165cm
  • Class F Over 5'5" & up to & including 5'6" / 165cm - 168cm
  • Class G Over 5'6" & up to & including 5'7" / 168cm - 170cm
  • Class H Over 5'7" / 170cm
  • Masters Over 35 (one class)

#5 Women's Physique

Women's Physique was introduced along with the Men's Physique in 2012. The division primarily focuses on aesthetics rather than just putting on a hefty amount of muscle. The judges prefer shape and symmetry in the physiques, along with factors like proportion, muscle tone, poise, stage presence, and overall presentation.

Different classes in the Women's Physique division at Mr. Olympia

  • Class A- Up to & including 5'2" / 158cm
  • Class B- Over 5'2" & up to & including 5'4" / 158cm - 163cm
  • Class C- Over 5'4" & up to & including 5'6" / 163cm - 168cm
  • Class D- Over 5'6" / 168cm
  • Masters- Over 35 (one class)

#6 Wellness

The Wellness was introduced in 2021 and is one of the latest additions to Mr. Olympia's divisions. This division is a muscular version of the Bikini division with a main focus on the lower body of the athletes.

"This division is for females with athletic physiques that showcase more body mass in the hips, glutes, and thigh areas. The upper body should be developed, but not to the same degree as the lower body," says IFBB Pro League (via FitnessVolt).

Different classes in the Wellness division at Mr. Olympia

  • Class A- Up to & including 5'2" / 158cm
  • Class B- Over 5'2" & up to & including 5'4" / 158cm - 163cm
  • Class C- Over 5'4" & up to & including 5'6" / 163cm - 168cm
  • Class D- Over 5'6" / 168cm
  • Masters- Over 35 (one class)
Edited by Samya Majumdar