P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here. 

Figure competition is a new division of fitness and is judged in almost the same way. Some sanctioning bodies include an athletic and posing routine to music, while others do not. “Figure” is a blend of bodybuilding and fitness. It is an option for those who want to compete but do not want to use acrobatics in routine or build muscle to the extreme of a bodybuilder.

In some organizations, there are three components to “figure” – symmetry round, posing round, and routine round. There are several areas the judge’s look for when comparing athletes and choosing a winner. These include: a high degree of definition and striation, poise, coordination, skin tone, artistic presentation and a high display of elegance, personality and glamour.

1. Symmetry Round

Competitors are onstage in high heels in a straight line facing the judges. They execute a series of quarter turns to the right allowing the judges to view and compare them from front, left side, back and right side. The judges are looking for femininity, poise, tight lines, skin tone, and smiles. Always practice in the mirror so you feel and look confident when onstage.

2. Mandatory Round

 Once again, in high heels and numerical order, the competitors execute a series of six poses. All posing is performed with open hands – no clenched fists. The mandatory poses are: front biceps, side chest, side triceps, back/biceps, abdominal/legs, and abdominal/serratus.

Posing is difficult to master and must be practiced over and over again in order for the judges to see exactly what you have been working so hard to achieve. Some organizations have pictures of these poses on their web site for you to print and practice with.

My best suggestion for you is no matter how good a model shows a pose on print, find someone who is a bodybuilder or figure competitor and ask him/her to demonstrate and help you pose. This person can tell you which leg is best to pose with when you show abdominal or the best angle for your biceps when showing the back.

 These are some things that even a mirror alone cannot help us with. It is a good idea to have a third person videotape this so you can watch and remember what you look like when posing. This is exactly what I did. I have a friend who is a former bodybuilder. In the locker room of our gym she taught me how to pose and place my arms and back, etc. in the correct position while another friend recorded.

I went home, watched the tape and practiced. I began to be more confident with this round as I felt food about posing. Although this was my first competition, as the emcee announced the poses, I never felt that I didn’t know what I was doing. Thanks, Annette and Stacey.

3. Free Posing Round

Each competitor has a maximum of 90 seconds to display her figure, physical conditioning, personality and overall presentation through a free posing routine set to music. This routine is athletic, demonstrates endurance and may contain mandatory poses. This does not contain any type of acrobatics or posing with clenched fists.

The routine is meant to give the judges some idea of the competitors’ physical condition and abilities. It also gives the competitor the opportunity to express her creativity, personality and interest. Competitors are encouraged to have fun and may use props.

 Since my intention at the start of training was to compete in fitness, I ended up needing to change my routine. I used different music and though not knowing quite what the judges were looking for in the routine, I ended up putting it together the last minute and practiced in my hotel room the night before and in the women’s bathroom the next morning.

I included posing in between dance and flexibility moves. It was kind of like fitness only without the acrobatics and strength moves. I had fun choreographing it and presenting it. The judges’ feedback was that it was high energy, athletic and fun to watch.

I encourage you to step up to the plate today and set that goal you may have been putting off. The world of fitness has so much to offer; fitness, figure, bodybuilding and obstacle course competitions. Check out the many web sites for different organizations and find that place where you belong.

P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

The NPC/IFBB Figure category is booming. The surprising allure is the absence of a talent/routine round. This is great news for competitive women who are in great physical condition who don’t have the desire to put together a routine to compete in the Fitness category.
 
Angela Mraz in a one-piece and a two-piece.
There are two scoring rounds for Figure, a two-piece round and a one-piece round. Both require suits that meet regulation guidelines and both are to be worn with high heels.

Get your contest info and guideline rules online on the popular NPC website: www.npcnewsonline.com.

There is contact info right there for you to ask NPC Women’s Representative, Sandy Ranali, or your own state district chairperson.

Another favorite website offering more extensive direction for stage apparel and protocol is Jon Lindsay’s www.musclecontest.com. These guidelines help out quite a bit on suits but just mention “high heels”.

There are right and wrong choices here in the shoe department for stage:

1. Remember the power of illusion.
What you want from your shoe is the illusion creating an extension of your leg, not an abrupt, harsh cut across your foot shortening your leg length appearance.
If you are trying to add length or have thickness in your ankles, calves or thighs you are trying to compensate for, stay away from ankle straps. You don’t want a cut across your ankle to detract from your illusion of sleekness.

2. Beware of any heel over five inches and a front platform over one inch. The judges also do not like “clunky” heels.
Last year before the Arnold Classic Monica Brant and I went shoe shopping on Hollywood Blvd. together. Our mission: clear heels. Hers for the inaugural 2003 Figure International at the Arnold Classic and me, new sexy shoes for photo shoots. We ended up falling in love with the exact same shoes! Clear, six-inch with a slightly thicker spike heel, two-inch clear platform and four silver criss cross straps across the top of the foot. We both bought them.

 
Monica Brant at the 2003 Arnold Classic.
Thanks to VPX for the pics!
Although Monica doesn’t have trouble walking gracefully, one of the point deductions she took while competing was on her shoe height and platform style. When Monica narrowly missed first place after the point tally, it really brought home the importance of shoe detail.

The judges told her to lower her heel and platform height.

She now wears clear five-inch heels with a one-inch platform for competition. She continues to wear our other more trendy heels for shoots and tells me they are her favorite. I love mine as well and wear them for shoots and trade shows where I like to dress sexy. The moral of this story, shoes for competition may have to be different than the ones you might choose as your favorites for other reasons.
3. Choose a neutral color.
I prefer clear myself. I have also seen success with silver and gold when tastefully added as accent colors. Again, you want your shoes to blend not detract.
4. Wear you shoes around the house for some days to break them in and get more comfortable in them.
You will be stuck backstage for hours for both pre-judging as well as the awards ceremonies during the night show. Do not have this be the first time you have spent time in your shoes or your feet may suffer. Not good. It’s hard to present yourself at your best when your feet are killing you.
The number one issue I have been noticing that needs improvement on the competitive figure stage is polish in presentation. The answer does not lie with more hair and make up. What is sorely needed here is practice, practice, PRACTICE! I always like to work from the judges’ perspective.
What Other Things Judges Look For…
 

Along with the basic symmetry comparisons the judges seem to include just as much subjective opinion in their scoring.

It will be the details that push the points up into your favor. Think about it for a second, what would your decision be if faced with two similar body types in the same good condition? This is where the intangibles involving subjectivity comes into play big time. Make it work for you rather than against you by paying close attention to details.

Many times the judges are drawn to one competitor or another without being able to pin point the exact reason. This is a clear example of polish.

Polish is apparent in its presence as well as apparent in it’s absence. Look at any Figure line up and you will be able to easily spot both. Pay close attention to what draws you to one competitor or another. What attracts your eye? Find out how you can add this to your own presentation.

The audience notices the glaring unease and stiffness of women who are not comfortable walking in their high heels and presenting their quarter turns. If an untrained eye sees this, you can bet the judges take note as well and score accordingly.

Walking gracefully in plastic heels that are not made of supple material requires practice. You must practice until you are smooth, comfortable and graceful. It is possible. My coach always had his women athletes’ practice our walks and quarter turns in the heels we would be wearing after routine rehearsal. We spent just as much time on this as our routines.

It is important to practice on the surface you will be competing on with the same shoes you will be wearing. You cannot use your carpeted living room or somewhere that does not have a long strip to walk in a straight line. Remember you are trying to emulate the stage conditions.

I have seen line-ups where it looks like many women have never walked in their heels before. Ever. This is not what you want to bring to the stage.

Get with a coach or another set of eyes you trust and have them take you through a mock stage set up containing a walk out, quarter turn sequence and walk off.

I used a technique from dance called sliding. Sliding is walking with your feet facing forward onto stage usually from the side wings while turning your shoulders 1/4 turn so they are square with the audience. It looks great when done correctly.

Make use of your full potential in your presentation scores by putting time and effort into details like the right shoes and walk to pull together your best look.

P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

You’ve spent months preparing your body for a figure competition. How can you ensure that you will look your best on stage? We asked some industry pros and uncovered 8 tips to help you sparkle on the stage:

8 Competition Tips

1. Strike Your Best Pose:

In a figure competition, you need to have the right moves. Shannon Leroux, WNSO Pro Figure Athlete and Pro Fitness Model, says, “This is a sport like no other because there are so many different components.” Your physique might be up to par, but you have to master other elements including posing and stage presence.

“First, know your six mandatory poses really well,” advises Leroux. The judges will also ask you to showcase one of the six poses, so choose wisely. “Know what is the best pose for your body and be able to move into that pose flawlessly,” says Leroux. She suggests practicing everyday. “Practice in front of the mirror, but then practice away from the mirror and in front of other people.”

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Also, have a well-rehearsed relaxed pose, a pose used when you’re on stage waiting for other competitors. Leroux says, “Remember to never drop your smile and maintain your relaxed pose. Even when the judges are assessing other competitors, someone could still be watching you.”

Leroux also advises competitors not to rush through their routine. “Practice to keep your movements fluid and breathe, Leroux says. “You have one opportunity to showcase all the work that you have done.”

2. Bond With Your Suit Designer:

While you will never be judged on the suit you are wearing, how well it fits and complements your physique can have a big impact on your overall look and confidence. The suit you wear on stage should showcase your best assets. A custom suit designer can create a suit that’s tailored to your body.

 Click Image To Enlarge.
Trust Your Suit Designer To
Choose The Right Style For Your Body.
You should contact a designer as soon as you know you’re entering a competition, or at least two months in advance. Also, Leroux says, “Have a good relationship with your suit designer and be confident that they can choose the right style for your body type.”
“The Suit You Wear On Stage
Should Showcase Your Best Assets.”
A veteran competition suit designer Karen Phillips, believes that choosing a suit style should also be a collaborative effort. “You and your designer are working together,” says Phillips. She suggests trying on a variety of suit styles with your designer. Then the two of you can decide which one fits you best.
3. Have A Smart Suit:
 
A competition suit should fit you like a glove. Phillips says, “You have to feel one-hundred percent confident in the suit you are wearing. Otherwise, you won’t feel confident when you walk on the stage.” If a suit doesn’t fit you properly you can receive deductions from the judges. A suit that’s too small may also result in demerits – as your suit must adequately cover all “private” areas of the body – if it does not meet the spec requirements of the competition.

 Click Image To Enlarge.
You Have To Feel Confident In Your Suit.
When it comes to quality, Phillips says, “Suits should be made of the best quality fabric with flattering adornments/crystals, when allowed.” Just don’t go overboard. “Too many crystals can be distracting for the judges. You want to sparkle on stage, but you don’t want it to take away from the look of your body,” says Phillips. Also, choose a vibrant suit color that makes you stand out in a crowd.

A pale pink that looks beautiful up close, for example, may appear white under intense stage lighting and cause you to look washed out. Finally, Phillips tells competitors that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a suit. She says, “Stick to your budget when it comes to your suit. No matter what your budget is you can still look amazing on stage.”

 Check Out Our Full Selection Of Posing Suits Here.
4. Put Your Best Foot Forward:
 
Before you get to the stage, practice your walk. Sheri Newton, WNSO Pro, 2006 FAME Figure North American Champion and FAME Fitness Model athlete says, “As much as you work on your body and dieting you should also be practicing your walk and your poses in the shoes you’re going to be wearing on stage.”

 Click Image To Enlarge.
Practice In The Shoes You Will Be Wearing On Stage.
This will give you time to get comfortable in your shoes. “Don’t put on heels you’ve never worn the day before the show,” says Newton. “When I first started, my coach had me walking in my heels weeks before the show.” When selecting a pair of shoes for the stage, Newton suggests a clear or neutral tone. “The stage look doesn’t come together in colored shoes,” she adds. In fact, colorful shoes can actually take away from the whole body.
FORUM THREAD
 Competition Shoes.
Hello. Someone who knows were I can buy clear shoes for a fitness figure competition? I need some really nice shoes. – Started By Define
[ Click here to learn more. ]
 

5. Accentuate Your Makeup & Hair:
 
When applying makeup, Newton says to keep in mind, “Regular makeup and stage makeup are two very different things. Stage makeup is more elaborate, more colorful.” You want avoid looking pale and washed out under the stage lights.

Newton says, “You have to work so hard to get your body in shape, you don’t want to go on stage looking blah.” She advises competitors to visit a cosmetics counter before the show and have a makeover. Then practice their make up application.

For hair care, Newton tells competitors to have perms or color done about a week before the competition. “You need to give yourself time for corrections if needed,” says Newton.

She also recommends hair attachments, such as ponytails or hair clips. “Hair attachments can add sophistication to a hairstyle,” she says. “And that’s what I do with my hair.” It’s practical and easy to apply. “When you get to a venue, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time on your hair.”
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6. Be Prepared & Have A Plan B:
 
“The most important thing I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected,” says Newton. This motto has served her well. During one competition, Newton remembers, “I messed up my suit with tanning product and I had another suit. I didn’t have to worry about cleaning it off.”
“Bring An Extra Suit, Self-Tanner,
Cosmetics And Anything Else You Might Need.”
She has also seen competitors rip or misplace a suit during a competition. To avoid problems, she advises people to come prepared. Bring an extra suit, self-tanner, cosmetics and anything else you might need. “If you’re doing a routine, have extra music,” says Newton. “I bring 4 CDs.” She makes lists of everything she needs for the competition, so she can focus on doing her best performance on stage.
Another piece of advice is to be prepared and polished. Finally, you want to pay attention to the details to give yourself that extra polish. Get a manicure and pedicure before competition day and make sure you have practiced using your self tanner advises Shannon Leroux.

 Click Image To Enlarge.
Get A Manicure Before Competition Day.
“You want to get an idea of how it works before hand,” she says. “Test it to see how many coats it takes to achieve the color that’s right for your complexion.”
 View Top Selling Self Tanning Products Here.
7. Get Support:
 
Bring friends to your competition. They can be your own personal cheerleading squad and boost your spirits. A friend can also help you stay organized. “Each competition, I have been fortunate enough to have my friend help me stay organized,” says Leroux.
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Her friend helps make items easy to find and accessible by putting them into clear bags. She also bags and labels her competition outfits, which helps a lot. “You really need to stay organized,” Leroux says. Having someone take care of these small details makes a big difference.

Sometimes a small thing like a missing earring can distract you from concentrating on your stage performance. Leroux says, “In this kind of thing, the devil is in the details.”

8. Remember To Smile & Have Fun:
 
It’s your big moment on stage. Don’t forget to enjoy it. Leroux says, “My biggest tip is to smile, smile, smile on stage. Walk on stage and absolutely love being there, and know without a shadow of a doubt that you’ve done you’re very best on stage.”

P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

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. There are many women who have enough muscle and symmetry to compete if they would just lose enough body fat to bring out their physique… and there are many more who could compete with 6 months to a year of solid training. If competing in figure has ever crossed your mind, or if you are not sure what a figure competition is all about then read this article and give it some thought.

What are the judges looking for?

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

In general the figure physique should show less size, definition and vascularity than a bodybuilder’s physique. There should be a small amount of fat, without excessive leanness. There should be separation of the muscles without visible variations within the muscle groups. Overall the judges are looking for a ‘physically fit’/‘athletic’ and well balanced physique.

Emphasis is placed not only on how you pose your physique but also on how you present yourself on stage. Confidence and poise are very important.  Judges want to see an athlete who is confident, walking with poise and grace with the ability to transition between different poses smoothly and effortlessly.

This takes much practice!

P.S: If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

Prejudging: Morning show

 Quarter turns:

Figure competition revolves around a series of quarter turns done in the morning show (prejudging). These quarter turns show the judges all 4 sides of your physique: front, left side, right side, back. Some organizations allow you to do a slight twist while in the side poses so that the judges can get a better view of your physique.

 You will be compared to the other competitors while posing, therefore, what you do in these quarter may determine whether you win, lose or place. You must understand each pose and what the judges are looking for. You must  learn to pivot gracefully in and out of each pose, smile and look confident… All while squeezing every muscle in your body!

 The pros make it look effortless, but this comes from months, sometimes years of practice. If you’ve never tried to flex all of your muscles at once, you will be surprised at how difficult it can be. I train first time competitors for at least 3 months, 3-4 times per week on posing before they compete. Do not wait until the last minute to practice posing. Find someone who understands figure posing and start practicing early!

Night Show: Figure Walk

The evening show is where you get to strut your stuff for the audience. The degree to which the evening show counts toward your overall score will depend on the organization, promoter etc. Therefore your night show performance can mean the difference between winning and losing.

The figure walk consists of walking across the stage and hitting a series of poses. The poses are usually variations of the prejudging poses. You want to add a little flair but not too much. Always execute your walk with good taste. You will stop 4 times during your walk to pose (twice in the middle, once at the far end, once near your entrance to the stage, before you exit).

A good figure walk takes much preparation:

    1. Learning variations of the side, front  and back poses

     2. Developing the ability to transition  smoothly between poses

    3. Walking confidently with good  posture

     4. Learning to flex your muscles hard but still move fluidly

Far too many competitors wait until the last minute to prepare a routine. This can lead to an awkward and disappointing night show performance. Although the pre-judging will count for the majority of your score…… The audience comes to see the night show! So make sure you give them a good one.

If you want to know what figure competition diet I followed to win my figure competition then Click Here.

 Preparing for figure competitions is tough enough you and it might look like it’s pretty tough to find the perfect pair. But hey I’m telling you right now, it’s not. You’ve got to stick to what’s appropriate and what looks good, not flashy!

 Clear or colored?

 Rule #1 – Your shoes should be CLEAR! Girlfriend, I’m telling you, don’t get any colored ones or they’ll ruin your stage presence. Why? Clear shoes gives the appearance that your legs are longer than they are J So the judges “think” you’re a little taller than you really are. We can all use a little help right? Clear shoes won’t also distract the judges and they’ll focus on the good parts of your body and not some flashy neon shoe. So go clear.

 What about the heel?

 Make sure the heel’s an least 5” high. Anything under 5” will not have a good effect on your legs and will make your legs look stubby. Don’t trust me? OK try this simple test and you’ll see what I mean by 5 inches and how it will help your legs:

 First, stand on your flat feet. Now look at your calves. OK not slowly, lift your heel a little off the floor. Can you now see the calf flex a little bit? Now stand up on your tip-toes and imitate a 5 inch or more heel under your foot. Look at how tight your calf gets. J See I told you! Make sure your shoes are at least 5 inches tall.

 Actually the higher your heel, the better your legs will look, specially for short women. But it’s also helpful if you’re tall too. I am 5’9” tall and I wear 5 inches on stage and believe it or not, I am still looking at 6” heels for next season. I want anything that is going to lengthen my body and make me stand out in the presence of the other competitors and in front of the judges.

 Hope this helps you!