Classic Physique: Chris Bumstead Says Vacuum Pose Should Not Be Mandatory

It's a hot topic currently up for much debate.

Last Updated onMarch 19, 2019

The 2019 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio was an amazing showcase of the best fitness athletes in the world and there were many memorable moments. One of which Arnold Schwarzenegger asked the Classic Physique winner George Peterson to perform vacuum pose after his victory.

Well, let’s just say his attempt was not impressive and many people feel as if Arnold was poking fun at the current athletes who are not able to do a vacuum pose. Now, the vacuum pose is where you suck your stomach all the way which creates an awesome look and back in Arnold’s day it was a common and well-executed pose.

But, the times and athletes are much different nowadays and even many of the best bodybuilders cannot do a proper vacuum pose. Elite Classic Physique competitor Chris Bumstead gave his opinion on whether or not the vacuum pose should be a mandatory pose, and he’s doesn’t at all think it’s necessary since it has nothing to do with the best looking physique.

Check out the video where Chris Bumstead gives his opinion on vacuum pose…

“I do not at all think that vacuums should be a mandatory pose in Classic Physique that seems a little bit silly. Some people just can’t do it, it doesn’t look better on them”. “I think more of Classic physique is just about structure, it’s something you can just look at and tell,” Bumstead explains.

He says physiques with longer waists look better doing the vacuum pose and guys like Breon Ansley and George Peterson don’t necessarily have a structure to make the pose look good. But despite this, they have won the Classic Physique competition making the pose irrelevant to their wins.

However, Bumstead does believe the vacuum pose makes a bodybuilder look more Classic without a doubt.

“I do believe 100% that it does make you look more classic”. “They did it in the Golden Era and it accentuates a long, slim waist that just brings that tiny little waist and separates it from the rest of the body”.

Many would agree with Chris Bumstead as a vacuum pose doesn’t equal a better physique. George Peterson and Breon Ansley can look as good or better than anyone without being able to do the vacuum pose which makes its importance irrelevant unless it becomes required of bodybuilders.

Do you think the vacuum pose should be mandatory for Classic Physique competitors?

This article was written by Sr. Editor & Content Strategist, Tom Miller, who has 10 years of experience in the field of Powerlifting and Personal Training. Passionate about providing accurate and trustworthy information, Tom is committed to delivering top-quality content that is informative, engaging, and reliable. Learn more about our editorial process here.

If you have any questions or need further clarification about this news, please leave a comment below, and Tom will get back to you as soon as possible.