Being a great bodybuilder isn’t just about being big and strong, it’s also about having balance and the right shape.
You might think that being bigger is always better in bodybuilding, but actually, how tall you are can really make a difference.
Tall people often have a tougher time getting as bulky as shorter people. This is because there’s a strange connection between height and muscle growth.
Nobody knows for sure why this happens. Some experts think it might be related to how proteins are made in the body or how efficiently someone fills out their body shape.
Good news for not-so-tall people: you might have a little edge when it comes to building a lot of muscle!
Keep reading to find out the average height of a bodybuilder and learn about those who don’t stick to the usual rules.
How tall are bodybuilders on average?
Open bodybuilders are really special because they don’t have to be a certain height to do well.
Even though the average height for male open bodybuilders is 5 feet 7 inches, you’ll see some who are way taller or shorter than this.
Some of the most famous Mr. Olympias ever, like Schwarzenegger and Coleman, were taller than the average 5′ 7″. They’re remembered as two of the best bodybuilders of all time.
But even though they were tall, they were often outdone by people of average height. This shows that how big or small you are doesn’t really matter when it comes to being a successful bodybuilder.
What is the ideal height for bodybuilding?
Being short enough to fill out your body shape and use your strength well in the gym is a big plus for anyone trying to get the best results from bodybuilding.
Research shows that the best height for bodybuilding is between 5’8″ and 5’10”. At this height, you can look sleek and show off all the muscles you’ve worked so hard to build.
Not only does being this height make you look all-around great, but it also gives you a bit of a boost. It can help you lift heavier weights and build even more muscle.
Is it possible for bodybuilders to be tall?
Bodybuilding is for everyone, no matter how tall or small you are. You might think at first that taller people would have a harder time with bodybuilding, but that’s not really true!
Tall bodybuilders often have a plus because their height makes it easier to look fit and perform cool poses on stage during a contest.
Every bodybuilder, whether they’re tall or short, should try to build lots of muscle to show off all their hard work. Taller people have a special advantage. They can make their opponents look tiny on stage because of their natural height!
Does Height Influence Judging?
Being a bodybuilding judge is no easy task. To decide who deserves a pro card, you have to sit and judge the competitors. This takes a lot of knowledge and a good eye.
Height often comes into play. Taller individuals tend to do well in the posing rounds and have a certain presence that can’t be denied.
However, height is not specifically judged. While it can give an advantage to taller contestants, size shouldn’t be overlooked.
Even if you are short, you can still win by making sure that your double biceps, lat spread, and midsection appear full and sharp.
Remember, hard work pays off in this sport, no matter your height!
What about 212 category?
The 212 category in bodybuilding is really amazing.
There’s a weight limit of 212lbs, and the competitors are usually shorter than those in the Open category. But they show off some of the best shape and fitness. That’s why Derek Lundsford has won the Mr. Olympia title six times in this category!
What’s more, these athletes have managed to build up a lot of muscle and keep in great shape, even though they’re usually between 5’5″ and 5’7″ tall.
This really shows what you can do, even with certain limits. It’s pretty impressive when you think about their size and how fit they are.
These athletes deserve a lot of respect. They make the most of their weight limit and prove they’re awesome champions.
How tall and big are the professional bodybuilders?
Being fit isn’t just about being big and muscular like Dorian Yates was in the late 80s anymore.
Now, bodybuilders aim to have a pleasing shape, like Chris Bumstead, who recently won the Classic Mr. Olympia this year.
A lot of pro-bodybuilders now weigh between 5’7″ and 320 lbs when they’re not competing but are getting ready for a competition.
However, on Instagram, athletes can appear smaller due to posing, filters, and photo editing.
Big Ramy found a way around this. He showed off his large physique on stages all over the world. This proved that in bodybuilding, being big will always be popular.
Is there a minimum height requirement for bodybuilding?
It doesn’t matter if you’re short or tall, anyone can get started with bodybuilding!
The great thing about it is that there is no minimum height requirement, so anybody of any build can get in the gym and start working on their muscles.
There’s no better way to get strong and fit than to push yourself through weight training and progress each week. It can be incredibly rewarding for those willing to put in the work.
Of course, proper form and technique should be given priority as you progress, but beyond that, all that matters is how hard you’re willing to go at it.
So don’t be fooled by your height, anybody can take part in bodybuilding and see incredible results!
Height of Arnold Schwarzenegger While Bodybuilding
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a big deal in more ways than one.
He’s 6’2” tall, which makes him one of the tallest people to ever compete in Mr. Olympia. He’s also known as one of the best bodybuilders ever, with seven Olympia titles under his belt.
His look is different from a lot of today’s bodybuilders who have more extreme shapes. This shows how Arnold sticks to the traditional ways in fitness.
As one of the most successful bodybuilders and fitness stars, it’s no wonder that Arnold has inspired so many people who want to be athletes.
Chris Bumstead Bodybuilding Height
Chris Bumstead is a three-time Classic Mr. Olympia and is on his way to becoming a four-time champion! Standing at 6’1″, he already towered over some of the top Open competitors.
But it’s not just his tall frame that allowed him to dominate the bodybuilding landscape during this classic era. It’s also his impressive physique. It features all the key characteristics of classic bodybuilding: a small waist, massive quad sweeps, and V taper. He also sported an optional mustache.
Chris continues to bring his A-game and gives us an incredible show as he marches towards another historic win. We cannot help but be in awe of what dedication, hard work, and athleticism can achieve!
Best David Goliath Bodybuilder Battles
Jamie Christian and Shaun Clarida recently faced off in what many termed an epic ‘David & Goliath’ moment on the bodybuilding stage.
Jamie, better known by his nickname “The Giant,” stands at a towering 6’5″, while Shaun, nicknamed “The Giant Killer,” is a diminutive 5’1″.
By appearances alone, it looks like Jamie would have a clear advantage. However, these comparisons alone don’t tell the whole story. This is especially true for bodybuilding contests.
It turns out that height can be a liability for taller competitors when it comes to filling out frames before carb-loading for a show.
As a result, many shorter competitors often go toe-to-toe with their taller counterparts and often come out on top!
How tall is too tall to compete in bodybuilding?
Being “too this” or “too that” is rarely a concern in bodybuilding, no matter your size or stature.
Many IFBB Pro bodybuilders are tall, short, thick, and thin. They have achieved immense success in their respective careers.
The same idea applies to those on the taller side; there’s no such thing as being ‘too tall’. If you happen to be of the lofty variety, your training should take into account any differences in your frame.
You should focus on small areas that need developing and use certain movements that don’t put too much strain on the back.
Conclusion
Stepping into the world of bodybuilding can be intimidating. Especially when looking at numbers like the average height of male and female bodybuilders!
When considering a career in competitive bodybuilding, it’s important to know that the average height for male bodybuilders is 5’7”. The average height for female bodybuilders is 5’4”.
Of course, some competitors fall outside of those averages, both taller and shorter! But this provides a good snapshot of the sport.
Finding the right inspiration and hard work are keys to competing, no matter your size or shape!
Hi, I'm Dave Moffat the founder and Chief Editor of steroidsourcetalk.com and certified International Personal Trainer and Certified Nutritionist. My passion has always been bodybuilding but with 15 years' experience in weight loss programs too, it's hard not to mention all that when you're working at your fitness level fullest (I hope). When Im not in the gym or spending time away from my family i often think about what advice would help others achieve theirs goals just like these inspired mine.