Fitness and figure competition is a class of physique-exhibition events for women; while bearing a close resemblance to female bodybuilding, it emphasizes muscle tone over muscle size. These competitions are frequently held as part of the same events as bodybuilding contests.
Fitness and Figure are two distinct forms of competition. However, the physique guidelines are similar, and many women cross over from one to the other.
Fitness competition
A typical Fitness competition consists of a swimsuit round, and a routines round. In the swimsuit round, the competitors wear two-piece swimsuits and high-heeled shoes, presenting their physiques with a series of quarter- or half-turns toward the judges and audience. Physique guidelines for fitness competitions typically suggest a small amount of muscular mass; clear separations between muscle groups (but, no visible striations); and, leanness. The swimsuit must cover at least fifty percent of the gluteus maximus muscle; no thongs or G-strings are allowed. The routine round requires a physically-active stage performance; most competitors attempt aerobic, dance, and/or gymnastic routines.
The two most prestigious professional fitness contests are the Fitness Olympia and the Fitness International.
Figure competition
Figure competition is a newer sub-category of Fitness contests; Figure shows exclude the routines round common to Fitness shows. The competitors are judged solely on muscular symmetry and tone; as in Fitness shows, muscle size is downplayed. Figure competitions appeal most to women who want to compete in a body competition, but wish to avoid Fitness shows' additional athletic and creative demands (for the routines round), or bodybuilding's demands for heavy muscle mass.
A typical figure competition includes two rounds, though this varies by organization. In the symmetry round, the competitors appear on stage in high-heeled shoes and a one-piece swimsuit in a side-by-side line that faces the judges. They execute a series of quarter-turns to the right, allowing the judges to view and compare them from all sides for symmetry, presentation, and other aesthetic qualities such as skin tone, hair, make-up, and stylishness of clothing. In the next round (the group comparisons), competitors return in high heels and a two-piece bathing suit, executing a series of quarter-turns. At this stage, they are judged more critically against the others for conditioning, leanness, and how "feminine" and "athletic" (as opposed to brawny) their muscularity is. Included in either of these rounds, or perhaps just the evening show, the competitors come out individually on stage for a model walk where they are judged on presentation, gracefulness, confidence, poise, and professionalism.
The two most prestigious professional figure contests are the Figure Olympia and the Figure International in the IFBB arena. There are other organizations for fitness and figures such as FAME and IFSB which hosts the Ms Fitness competitions around the world and have their own rules and requirements. The 2003 Figure International was the first professional (i.e., IFBB-sanctioned) figure contest. The first NPC Figure Nationals was held in 2001.
See also
- Fitness model
- List of female fitness & figure competitors
External links
- Olympic Medalist, Health & Fitness Personality Vanda Hadarean: Ms.Fitness World
- Figure, Fitness, Bikini & Bodybuilding Products - FitnessProDirect:
NPC WOMEN’S FIGURE COMPETITION GUIDELINES: http://www.lindsayproductions.com/figureguidelines.htm
- Figure Competition Guides and Training Ebooks: http:
Fitness Women Muscle Gallery
Fitness Woman Post your photos here! Best Form receives thousands of hits a day so it's ... Tricia Kelly Fitness & Promo Model / Fitness Figure Competitor My name is Tricia Kelly.
Bodybuilding.com - Fitness Competition Articles!
Watch as NPC/FAME Figure & Fitness Competitor Linda Cusmano takes you through her 4-months-out ... About two years ago, I was a 20 year old young woman with no idea of what I wanted ...
Scott’s Training Systems - Figure Competition
Figure competition is a mix of bodybuilding and fitness for females. It is perfect for women who want to show ... have reasonable levels of body fat (this will vary for each woman ...
Go Figure - The Fitness Site for today's Active Figures - Bodybuilding
Wonder Woman - Profiles; Novice Guide to Bodybuilding; Hunk of the Moment ... Keri Onyewu's high flying fitness routine video : Open Figure Tall routines video
Heidi Hansen Fitness Woman Gallery Female Figure Competitor Model
Please Click On Our Sponsors. FREE WEEKLY FITNESS TIPS NEWSLETTER Bodybuilding / Health / Fitness weekly e-mail tips, stay informed and stay motivated, join today!
Upcoming Shows
Brooklyn Bodybuilding Fitness & Figure Championships Open Men, Women Teenage Woman's Fitness & Figure John Rivera 917-642-4001 Matt Bristol 917 306 8376
Windham News : Windham woman takes title for fitness and figure ...
BY JIM DEVINE With less than a year of experience competing in national fitness and figure contests, Chrissy Burton took a national title for an overall competition on the West ...
Iron Woman Errata – Loose Lips Make Blips | Iron Man Magazine: Ruth ...
October 12, 2008 · Posted in Contests, Figure, Fitness · 374 Views ... Despite her hectic schedule as a nurse, trainer and woman with a family, she ...
Go Figure - The Fitness Site for today's Active Figures - Wonder Woman ...
27 Oct 09. There was 16 in Lisa Bailey's physique class and 170 athletes all up. Unfortunately she didn't make the top 5 in the field of 16 but we're told she was outmassed (wow ...
Figure it Out Fitness.com
There's no doubt about it, today's woman leads a busy life! At Figure it Out w e realize this, and have the tools in place to help you be successful at fitting fitness into ...