The goal of this post is to compare the muscular development of men’s physique competitors to that of bodybuilders from the Golden Era of Bodybuilding [the 1970s].
The evaluation is based on statistical data taking into account bodyweight, height, body fat estimates and FFMIs [Fat Free Mass Index].
All bodybuilders and men’s physique models are divided into four height categories:
- 5’8”/172.7cm
- 5’9”/175.3cm
- 5’10”/177.8cm
- 6’/182.9-6’2”/188cm
The categories between 6′ and 6’2″ are merged because there wasn’t enough data from the 70s to keep them all separated. In other words, not many bodybuilders are 6’2” tall.
Each segment includes five top-level competitors in every height division. The last column shows the estimated FFMI of each individual at 7% body fat.
Note: It’s impossible to know the exact body fat percentage of everyone, but since they are all exceptionally lean, it’s clear that most are in the single-digit realm. Consequently, a number like 7% is a logical middle-ground that will not produce ultimate accuracy, but the output should be sufficient for overall analysis.
via: pixabay.com
PART 1: Men’s Physique
Height: 5’8”/172.7cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Brandon Hendrickson | 185lbs/84kg | 26.160 |
| Jason Poston | 185lbs/84kg | 26.160 |
| Jeremy Buendia | 175lbs/79.54kg | 24.746 |
| Joseph Lee | 170lbs/77kg | 24.039 |
| Devin Zimmerman | 175lbs/79.54kg | 24.746 |
| Average | 178lbs/80.9kg | 25.1702 |
Height: 5’9”/175.3cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Andre Ferguson | 185lbs/84kg | 25.407 |
| Andre Smith | 165lbs/75kg | 22.660 |
| Tyrone Bell | 175lbs/79.54kg | 24.034 |
| Collin Joseph | 205lbs/93kg | 28.154 |
| John Nguyen | 190lbs/86.36kg | 26.094 |
| Average | 184lbs/83.6kg | 25.2628 |
Height: 5’10”/177.8cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Kyron Holden | 210lbs/95.45kg | 28.022 |
| Ryan Terry | 187lbs/85kg | 24.953 |
| Chase Savoie | 185lbs/84kg | 24.686 |
| Ryan Spiteri | 185lbs/84kg | 24.686 |
| Craig Capurso | 215lbs/97.72 | 28.690 |
| Average | 196.4lbs/88.45kg | 26.2074 |
Height: 6’-6’2” 183-188cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Raymont Edmonds | 235lbs/106.81kg | 28.060 |
| Zac Smith | 225lbs/102.275kg | 26.866 |
| Jeremy Scott | 205lbs/93.181kg | 24.478 |
| Michael Anderson | 195lbs/88.63kg | 23.284 |
| Jonny Bernstein | 205lbs/93kg | 25.153 |
| Average | 213lbs/96.81kg | 25.5682 |
The legendary Mike Mentzer | via: pinterest.com
PART 2: Bodybuilders
Height: 5’8”/172.7cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Mike Mentzer | 225lbs/102.272kg | 31.816 |
| Tom Platz | 225lbs/102.272kg | 31.816 |
| Dale Adrian | 200lbs/90.9kg | 28.281 |
| Richard Baldwin | 200lbs/90.9kg | 28.281 |
| Bob Birdsong | 212lbs/96.36kg | 29.978 |
| Average: | 212.4lbs/96.5kg | 30.0344 |
Height: 5’9”/175.3cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Andreas Cahling | 210lbs/95.45kg | 28.840 |
| Roger Callard | 198lbs/90kg | 27.192 |
| Bill Grant | 195lbs/88.63kg | 26.780 |
| Dave Johns | 215lbs/97.72kg | 29.527 |
| Ray Mentzer | 220lbs/100kg | 30.214 |
| Average: | 207.6lbs/94.36kg | 28.5106 |
Height: 5’10”/177.8cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Jim Morris | 218lbs/99kg | 29.090 |
| Bertil Fox | 235lbs/106.8kg | 31.358 |
| Pete Grymkowski | 241lbs/109.5kg | 32.159 |
| Steve Michalik | 210lbs/95.4kg | 28.022 |
| Average: | 226lbs/102.74kg | 30.15 |
Height: 6’-6’2” 183-188cm
| Name | Weight | FFMI @ 7% BF |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger | 235lbs/106.8kg | 28.060 |
| John Brown | 230lbs/104.54kg | 29.010 |
| Dave Draper | 225lbs/102.2kg | 28.379 |
| Mike Katz | 240lbs/109kg | 29.447 |
| Serge Nubret | 212lbs/96.36kg | 26.739 |
| Average: | 228.4lbs/103.8kg | 28.327 |
Final Comparison
In the tables below, you will find a comparison between the average contest weight and FFMI of men’s physique competitors and the 70s bodybuilders representative of the same height category.
Height: 5’8”/172.7cm
| Men’s Physique | Golden Bodybuilders | |
| Average weight | 178lbs/80.9kg | 212.4lbs/96.5kg |
| Average FFMI | 25.1702 | 30.0344 |
| Weight differences in % | +16.1% | |
| FFMI difference in % | +16.2% |
Conclusion: The bodybuilders from the Golden Era were roughly 16% bigger than men’s physique competitors in this height category.
Height: 5’9”/175.3cm
| Men’s Physique | Golden Bodybuilders | |
| Average weight | 184lbs/83.6kg | 207.6lbs/94.36kg |
| Average FFMI | 25.2628 | 28.5106 |
| Weight differences in % | +12.82% | |
| FFMI difference in % | +12.85% |
Conclusion: The bodybuilders from the Golden Era were roughly 12.8% bigger than men’s physique competitors in this height category.
Height: 5’10”/177.8cm
| Men’s Physique | Golden Bodybuilders | |
| Average weight | 196.4lbs/88.45kg | 226lbs/102.74kg |
| Average FFMI | 26.2074 | 30.15 |
| Weight differences in % | +15% | |
| FFMI difference in % | +15% |
Conclusion: The bodybuilders from the Golden Era were roughly 15% bigger than men’s physique competitors in this height category.
Height: 6’-6’2” 183-188cm
| Men’s Physique | Golden Bodybuilders | |
| Average weight | 213lbs/96.81kg | 228.4lbs/103.8kg |
| Average FFMI | 25.5682 | 28.327 |
| Weight differences in % | +7% | |
| FFMI difference in % | +10.7% |
Conclusion: The bodybuilders from the Golden Era were roughly 7% bigger than men’s physique competitors in this height category.
What Could Explain the Difference in Size?
Three explanations come to mind:
Leg mass. Men’s physique competitors pose in beach shorts hiding their upper leg development. In other words, you don’t get points for having the biggest legs on stage. Meanwhile, in bodybuilding, legs are judged with scrutiny, and if they are not up to the required level, your score suffers.
Does this mean that the men’s physique guys don’t work their legs? No. Many of them not only train legs but have great wheels. Nonetheless, they have a direct incentive to overlook leg development.
Leanness. Many men’s physique competitors get ultra-shredded and reach leaner states than some of the bodybuilders from the 70s. That leanness comes at a price – lighter bodyweight.
Aesthetics. Physique divisions are limited not only by height but by weight too. Consequently, the competitors cannot maximize their weight whereas bodybuilders do not face similar restrictions.
70s BBler wanted to be huge. Were huge for that period. Mens Physique class wants to achieve aesthetics. Big legs would destroy their lines. But the level went up and up. I think this class is more for the light framed BBler.
Raymond Edmonds. Very light bones. No legs. Despite of that 106,8kg. He is tall, wide shoulders, fantastic look for his class . Without gear he would struggle to get 80 kg in shape on the scale.
Grymkowski with 109kg was a mass monster in the 70s. The Big Ramy of his time.
You can see: times are changing!
Man…virtually every one was on some type of gear. They are all heavy (with the odd exception)