Fitness and figure competition

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Fitness and figure competition is a class of physique events for women bearing a close resemblance to female bodybuilding, but with significantly less emphasis on muscle size. These competitions are frequently held as part of the same event 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.

[edit] Fitness competition

Fitness competition consists of a swimsuit round and a routine round. In the swimsuit round, the competitors wear two-piece swimsuits with high heels, and present their physiques with a series of quarter or half turns. Physique guidelines for fitness typically indicate a preference for a small amount of muscularity with separation, but no visible striations or excessive leanness. The swimsuit must cover at least fifty percent of the glutes; no thongs or G-strings are allowed. The routine round requires a performance including aerobics, dance, or gymnastics.

The two most prestigious professional fitness contests are the Fitness Olympia and the Fitness International.

[edit] Figure competition

Figure competition is a newer division of fitness that blends the physique guidelines of fitness with the competition style of bodybuilding. The competitors are judged solely on symmetry and muscle tone, though as in fitness, with much less emphasis on muscle size than in bodybuilding. Figure competition is a good option for women who want to compete, but without the athletic demands of the fitness routines, and without building the extreme muscle needed for bodybuilding.

A typical figure competition includes three rounds, though this may vary depending on the organization. In the symmetry round, the competitors appear on stage 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 all sides. In the next round, again wearing high heels, the competitors execute a series of six mandatory poses: front biceps, side chest, side triceps, back / biceps, abdominal / legs, and abdominal / serratus. All of these poses must be done with open hands (no clenched fists). In the final round, each competitor has 90 seconds to display her figure, physical conditioning, personality and overall presentation through a free posing routine set to music. The routine is athletic, but does not include any kind of acrobatics. The competitors should demonstrate endurance, and may include mandatory poses, though as in the mandatory round, there is no posing with clenched fists.

The two most prestigious professional figure contests are the Figure Olympia and the Figure International. The 2003 Figure International was the first professional IFBB figure contest. The first NPC Figure Nationals were held in 2001.