The bodybuilding world is always full of surprises and last weekend was no different. After a Men’s Wellness division was on display at the Roraima Classic, a regional bodybuilding show, fans, and bodybuilders gave their opinions of the concept.
The IFBB Pro League welcomes competitors from all walks of life and it routinely showcases talent from a number of different divisions, all of which have their own judging criteria and ideal physique standards.
For Men, athletes have the opportunity to test themselves in the Men’s Open, Men’s 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, and Men’s Wheelchair divisions. Conversely, women have their categories, including Women’s Bodybuilding, Figure, Women’s Physique, Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness.
The Women’s Wellness division awards competitors heavily off their lower bodies, especially glutes definition. While no one expected a Men’s Wellness division, the new addition has certainly caused a stir online, with big names such as Classic Physique’s Mike Sommerfeld calling attention to the surprising news.
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Men’s Wellness Division? Bodybuilding World Reacts
After the Brasilbodybuildingnews Instagram handle shared the post, fans were left conflicted about a potential Men’s Wellness division.
“What do you think? Mens Wellness category was created by @roraimaclassic and had a championship this past weekend where @ssan_moraes was featured at this regional show (I believe the category should not be added to national high expression shows)
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👉🏻 Today this issue went viral and our colleague @rafaelmgatto made some comments about (swipe to the side)
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👉🏻 we also left in the post the announcement of the @ssan_moraes championship about the subject and some images of the @roraimaclassic physique” shared the Brasilbodybuildingnews Instagram handle.
Shortly after Mike Sommerfeld posted about the Men’s Wellness division, fans, and other IFBB Pro bodybuilders gave their two cents online, some calling it a ‘slap in the face to women’s competitors.’
San Moraes, who labeled himself the first-ever Men’s Wellness bodybuilding competitor on Instagram, was overjoyed to show off his physique at the contest. While this division was only part of a regional bodybuilding event, some in the sport are unsure if Men’s Wellness will grow in popularity internationally before being included on the IFBB Pro League calendar.
Based on the backlash in Instagram comment sections, perhaps fans will have to wait a while longer before the Men’s Wellness division comes to a show near you. Regardless, the bodybuilding community is buzzing about the possibility, for better or worse.
Let us know in the comment section, what do you make of this new Men’s Wellness division?
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