Figure and fitness competitions

There’s a ‘new’ category in Figure Competitions, called the “Master’s Division”. If you take a look at these women, who definitely are well beyond their thirties, you will see that fat loss and amazingly ripped bodies aren’t a fantasy, they are a reality.

What’s the difference between Fitness and Figure Competitions? The main thing is the “routine”. Fitness competitors perform a gymnastics type of routine to music. Figure competitors do a “walk” across the stage. Both groups perform a mandatory set of poses/turns before a group of judges.

Some well-known fitness competitors are: Monica Brant (now a Pro-Figure Competitor), Mandy Blank, Jen Hendershott, Nicole Wilkins Lee (Pro Fitness and Figure), Timea Majorova, etc. There are a lot of women in each cateory, but the Figure category seems to be growing by leaps and bounds, since there is no gymnastics routine involved. This is a great category if you don’t have gymnastics expertise or if you are “not in your twenties”!! and you just want to showcase your physique. You could also enter the “Bikini” category, but it doesn’t typically support a very muscular physique.

If you are interested in becoming either a Fitness or a Figure competitor, there are a lot of on-line resources. For a list of “Bodybuilding” Organizations, click here Natural Bodybuilding Organizations. Take the time to check out the individual organizations, see which ones will promote contests in your area, and which ones support the look you have. For example, the NPC is usually known for supporting a more muscled look. If you don’t have the level of musculature that they are looking for (too little or too much) you may not place well in their show. However, you could win Overall in a show promoted by a different organzation. So check it out before you decide.

Some other organizations to look at are also the Ms. Fitness Olympia, the Ms. Fitness website, and the Fitness Atlantic Expo. You can also see if there are any locally sponsored events in your area. That might be a good place to start.