For my ladies who are curious about competing in a bodybuilding, physique, figure, fitness or bikini competition – this post is for YOU!
FEMALE DIVISIONS
Each division of bodybuilding has a separate set of criteria on which they are judged, and these can also vary by Federation (the professional organization that is hosting a particular show).
Each division emphasizes different levels of muscular development, conditioning, size, posing styles, and attire. Let’s take a closer look at the most common bodybuilding divisions.
FEMALE DIVISIONS
Bikini requires the least amount of muscular development, so it’s best for beginners, or women who don’t want an overly muscular look. Judges look for a small waist with a balanced, curvy structure and long, shapely legs with some muscle tone. Bikini competitors perform model walks, and hit front, rear, and over-the-shoulder poses. This division allows for the most “personality” and variety in the posing. There are no quarter turns or mandatory poses.
Wellness (the new kid on the block) is for females with athletic physiques that showcase more mass in the hips, glutes and thighs. The upper body is developed but not to the same degree as the lower body, and not as much as you would see in the Figure division. The posing is more in line with figure, with quarter turns required. Judges look for conditioning on par with bikini athletes, but with slightly more muscle, slight separation, but no striations and not as lean and conditioned as figure or women’s physique.
Figure requires a more developed physique with muscular symmetry and proportion. They do strict quarter turns in a neutral position, making it harder to hide flaws from the judges. Figure athletes should have good muscularity, with separation but with no visible striations. The judges are looking for shapely lines and overall firmness, without being excessively lean. The ideal figure competitor has wide shoulders and a small waist (the “X” frame).
Fitness features a standard physique (posing) round as well as a fitness routine performed to music featuring elements of dance, strength moves, and gymnastics. The posing is the same as in figure, but the athletic requirements make up 2/3 of the total score. The ideal fitness competitor has a similar shape as figure, loves to perform, can put together a routine, and is willing to devote ample time to perfecting both her physique and performance. (Note: In the WBFF, the Fitness division does not include a performance aspect, but does include a “theme wear” round. See more about federations, below.)
Women’s Physique kicks it up a notch! Judges look for symmetry, shape, proportion, muscle tone, and poise. Athletes are barefoot onstage, and the posing is similar to bodybuilding with quarter turns as well as mandatory poses. Open-handed front and back double-biceps shots (considered more feminine than the close-fisted bodybuilding versions) are unique to women’s physique. Competitors perform an individual posing routine, as well as a 90-second routine to music at the finals. The ideal women’s physique competitor puts on muscle easily and is comfortable with a higher level of development.
Women’s Bodybuilding features the most muscular women’s physiques, and many show promoters have swapped women’s physique for bodybuilding. Judges are looking for the so-called “total package”, which is a balance of size, symmetry, and muscularity. Athletes do quarter turns and mandatory poses, including traditional closed-fisted muscle shots, and perform individual posing routines. This division is not for the faint of heart and takes years, if not decades, to develop to this level.
A NOTE ON FEDERATIONS (ASSOCIATIONS)
The largest and most widely known federation is the NPC (The National Physique Committee – the amateur arm) and IFBB (Int’l Federation of Bodybuilding Fitness – professional arm). These are the federations that host the infamous “Arnold Classic” and “Mr. Olympia” competitions. They also have multiple affiliate associations all over the world.
Due to widespread performance enhancing drug (PED) use over the years, many fringe bodybuilding federations were founded to provide a more even playing field for “natural” athletes. These are known as “natural” or “drug-tested” federations, which abide by a strict list of banned substances and employ various drug-testing protocols to maintain the integrity of the organization. Some of the most well-known of these federations are the WNBF, INBA/PNBA, IPE, OCB, Fitness Universe, and Musclemania.
Still, other federations arose out of a desire to showcase their athletes and provide opportunities to develop careers in modeling, fashion, and show biz. The WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion Inc) is one such federation which bridges the gap between beauty pageantry and bodybuilding. (This is the federation where I currently hold my Pro status!)
SELECTING A DIVISION & FEDERATION
The sport of bodybuilding is all about learning, growing, and having FUN! If you’re considering competing and aren’t sure which division or federation is right for you, start with a google search of “bodybuilding competitions near me”. It’s always best to stay close to home and look for local shows you can attend, before you sign up for one!
From there, check out the federation’s website and get a feel for it. Look through photos and/or videos from past shows and past winners. Which has the look you admire most? Which sort of physique is your ideal?
Ultimately, you are building your body for YOU, so pick a division that lines up most with the body you want to live in, and the posing style that suits your personality.