Two-time Arnold Classic Physique champion Terrence Ruffin is considered one of the best posers in bodybuilding, not just in the Classic Physique division, where he competes. It may surprise that someone considered an elite poser would lean on a coach for…posing.
However, it is true, and Ruffin has relied on Christopher Barnett to help him be at his best when he takes the stage at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro on the weekend of May 10-11, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Barnett asked Ruffin to change his back double biceps pose, slightly lowering his arms while flexing. On his phone, he showed a side-by-side comparison and expressed being pleased with the change.
I showed this to a judge. He preferred the one on the right.
Barnett explained the concept of “overposing,” meaning Ruffin goes through many motions before entering the pose. Barnett suggested Ruffin work on contracting the teres major and lats without crunching down or moving the elbow.
I’m imagining doing a lat pulldown but without moving my arms and shoulders.
Barnett coached Ruffin to do a crucifix pose to help maximize Ruffin’s width. This detail may appear extreme to novice bodybuilding fans. Still, judges have often said that every detail matters in pro shows, especially at the Olympia, where Ruffin has finished second twice in his career.
Ruffin performed the pose, trying to honor Barnett’s coaching tips. He focused on keeping his legs closer together to show his shape. Even though it is called the back-double-biceps pose, the judges always evaluate the entire physique in each position.
The effort it takes to flex every muscle in poses repeatedly, as Ruffin will have to do, has been shown to require vigorous intensity and effort similar to training. (1)
2025 Pittsburgh Pro
The lineup for the Pittsburgh Pro had not been released at the time of this article’s publication. When Ruffin takes the stage in Pittsburgh, he’ll aim to win and qualify for the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia.
Ruffin did not compete in the 2024 contest. Thanks to the retirement of six-time winner Chris Bumstead, the 2025 edition is guaranteed a new champion.
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Reference
- Peixoto, D. L., Nacimento, D. C., Moura, R. F., de Moraes, W. M. A. M., Magalhães, B., de Sousa, L. L., Rolnick, N., & Prestes, J. (2024). A quasi-experimental study on the energy expenditure, exercise intensity, and rating of perceived exertion of a male bodybuilding posing training. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme, 49(11), 1529–1538. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2024-0151
Featured Image: @ruff_diesel on Instagram
