Picking your Fitness Class

Women's bodybuilding is a relatively new sport that began in the late 1970s. Just as men do, female bodybuilders strive to add muscle and reduce body fat to achieve a balanced, muscular body .The idea that a women would want to become a bodybuilder was just unheard of. Little did those men know what was coming at them. For quite a while women’s bodybuilding was the only option women had in the industry. The world of women’s bodybuilding is extremely close to that of the men, they have the same type of physique, which is judged similarly. Even the classes are broken down according to weight such as the men because it makes no sense for a woman bodybuilder that weighs 165lbs to be judged against a woman who is 115lbs. Even though women’s bodybuilding is not what it used to be it has had one huge impact on the women’s portion of the industry today: It laid the road blocks for the figure and bikini divisions. The figure and bikini divisions grow larger every year as women realize that bodybuilding does not have to be about Testosterone, masculine features and being bigger then is even attainable for most women.

Figure competition is by far, the fastest growing segment of bodybuilding. It allows women to show off their hard work they've put in at the gym without having to be overly muscular. Make no mistake about it, a figure competition IS a bodybuilding contest... Just not done to the same degree as your typical bodybuilding standard. In general figure judges look for a combination of:

• 1. Muscularity
• 2. Symmetry
• 3. Stage presence
• 4. Body shape
• 5. Muscle shape
• 6. Presentation: posing, poise, grace and confidence

Overall the physique of a figure competitor should be less in size of those in bodybuilding and they are not typically as vascular or lean. There needs to be an obvious separation of muscle but generally striations are frowned upon. Competitors should have a balanced athletic build, with clearly defined musculature. Size of the muscles is not important in this division like in bodybuilding, but these competitors should still have beautiful symmetry. Figure competitors are also judged on their overall appearance. This includes areas such as: stage presentation, hair and make-up, suit selection, feminine qualities, and posing. Competitors should appear confident and elegant very similar to that of a regular pageant.

Just like Figure Bikini is its own type of division in its own right. There's one major difference between Ms. Bikini and Figure competitors - body condition. Though bikini competitors must have an athletic build it is with a more shapely and sexy appearance. Generally these women will have a rather low body fat percentage then that of the average women but they will be noticeably softer then the figure girls. Not all bodybuilding fans are excited about this newer division, they seem to think that the bikini contest should be left at spring break. These people take on the opinion that this division is simple to attract attention and people to the sport for money purposes and nothing else. These women work just as hard and diet as much to get into competition shape as the bodybuilding and figure girls and if they are going to put in the time and effort shouldn’t they be rewarded as well?

Competing can be a fantastic way to test your limits, build discipline, and learn a lot about your body, but it is a commitment not to be taken lightly. When you decide to start training for a competition, many things in your life will change. It will be a struggle, and if you do it right, your life won’t ever be the same.