Finally! An amateur bodybuilding competition that make sense!

The Mr Iron Age Contest

In 2009 amateur bodybuilding competition took a small tentative step in the right direction. The guys at Iron Age decided that enough was enough. It was time to do something to change the course of physique competitions.

The Mr Iron Age contest was born.

Let's face it, bodybuilding shows are not what they once were. Long gone are the inspiring AAU Mr. America shows of the Iron Age era. Classic showdowns like those seen in Pumping Iron are a thing of the past.

Mass has seemingly become the main judging standard since the mid 90's. This, combined with an athlete's desire to win, has really taken the sport of competitive bodybuilding down the wrong road.

Since the 1940's, when physique competitions gained popularity, and through the 1980's there were classic standards by which physiques were judged. Points were awarded to those individuals displaying the most pleasing combination of proportion, symmetry, muscularity, and size. The Greek ideal was kept as a reference point.

Men like Steve Reeves and Frank Zane could come out on top when competing against men carrying much more muscle. Muscle for the sake of muscle was not a positive thing. We would argue that this is still the case.

To remedy the situation judging standards have to change. They have to change back to the classic standards of the Iron Age. The physiques will eventually reflect the desire of the judges in any bodybuilding competition. Change the judging, change the physiques. It is that simple.

Therefore, we here at Iron Age give you the Mr. Iron Age contest. An amateur bodybuilding competition which is based on realistic physique judging standards. Our intention is to have a positive impact on the future of bodybuilding.

If you love classic bodybuilding....real bodybuilding, join us in our effort. Spread the word, encourage other organizations to follow our lead, and...if you've got what it takes, enter the Mr. Iron Age competition!

Inaugeral 2010 Mr Iron Age winner

2011 Mr Iron Age winner

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