Intro to Competing
So you have decided to compete…..awesome! Now, do you know what you are getting yourself into? Competing is a whole new animal. You become part of something elite when you prepare to display your physique on stage, yet it is also one of the most testing things you may ever go through in your fitness life.
What is a bodybuilding show?
Competitors present their physique on a stage and are scored by a panel of judges. There are several organizations of competitions, such as the National Physique Committee (NPC) and FAME World Events. Contests begin at a Local/Regional level, which may qualify to Junior National and National levels, then progress to Professional World Levels. You must become a member (of NPC, go to www.nationalphysiquecommittee.com to find order form.)
So how is a bodybuilding show run?
Competitors are brought out onto a stage in front of a panel of judges. A comparison round and a presentation round is performed based on the guidelines for each division. Competitors are scored, and then are placed into top 5 placements. The night before the contest, competitors check in with the judges and promoters to receive their number pin. The morning of the contest, there is a Mandatory Athletic Meeting, then Prejudging (where the actual scoring is done), and in the evening there are Finals (where the placements and trophies are given.)
What are the divisions of a competition, and what are the judges looking for?
Female Divisions:
Bikini (classes by height): Competitors are brought out in a bikini, jewelry, and heels of choice. A Front and Back pose are performed for a Comparison Round, then a Presentation round allows competitors to display their physique to show personality. Judges are looking at the degree of leanness (about 12% bodyfat), slight muscularity (development of shoulders, abs, thighs, and glutes), skin tone, personality, and the “total package” of the Bikini competitor look (think Pro volleyball player or fitness model).
Figure (classes by height): Competitors are brought out in a two piece V-cut suit of choice, clear heels, and jewelry. Quarter turns are performed for a comparison round, then a presentation round is done with poses of choice. Judges are looking at the degree of leanness (about 10% bodyfat), muscularity (overall development with exaggerated shoulders, V-taper, thighs, and glutes), symmetry and proportion, and separation of muscle groups, skin tone, personality, and the “total package” of the Figure competitor look (think Muscular Barbie).
Physique (classes by height): Competitors are brought out in a two piece V-cut suit of choice. Six mandatory open handed poses are performed for Comparison, then a routine with poses and music of choice. Judges are looking at the degree of leanness (about 6-8% bodyfat), muscularity (overall development, slightly more mass, striations and vascularity than Figure), symmetry and proportion, and separation of muscle groups, skin tone, personality, and the “total package” of the Physique competitor look (think 1970-1980’s female bodybuilding).
Bodybuilding (classes by weight): Competitors are brought out in a two piece V-cut suit of choice. Six mandatory closed fist poses are performed for Comparison, then a routine with poses and music of choice. Judges are looking at the degree of leanness (about 4% bodyfat), muscularity (overall development, more mass, striations and vascularity than physique), symmetry and proportion, and skin tone, personality, and the “total package” of the Bodybuilding competitor look (as much muscle as one can carry with being very lean).
Male:
Physique (classes by height): Competitors are brought out in trunks of choice. 2 poses, Front & Back, are performed for Comparison, then a free posing presentation round is done. Judges are looking at the degree of leanness (about 6-8% bodyfat), muscularity (overall development with small waist, slight mass, striations and vascularity), symmetry and proportion, and separation of muscle groups, skin tone, personality, and the “total package” of the Physique competitor look (think fitness model.)
Bodybuilding (classes by weight): Competitors are brought out in a V-cut suit of choice. Six mandatory closed fist poses are performed for Comparison, then a routine with poses and music of choice. Judges are looking at the degree of leanness (about 4% bodyfat), muscularity (overall development, more mass, striations and vascularity than physique), symmetry and proportion, and skin tone, personality, and the “total package” of the Bodybuilding competitor look (as much muscle as one can carry with being very lean).
What Next?
Top five placings of each division receive trophies. If the show is a National Qualifier, usually the top 5 placings qualify for Junior National contests, Top 3 usually qualify for National Level contests. Pro Cards are given at Jr National and National levels, dependent on the contest qualifications. Professional contests are at a World level, and winners are paid.