THE ARTICLE
We often get a little side tracked in our line of thinking and believe that everyone knows what we know, especially in regards to simple topics like ‘what is a bodybuilding competition’. I received an email last week asking that very question, so I thought I would cover this in this weeks topic.
So, what is a bodybuilding competition?
OK, here’s go. There are some differences of competition structures between the different federations, but this will give you a basic understanding of what competitions are and how they are judged.
A bodybuilding building competition is a competition organised for fitness enthusiasts to compare all their hard work in the gym. Competitors are assessed in divisions according to the federations judging. These can be organised by:
- Height
- Weight
- Classes (novice, intermediate, juniors, seniors, open etc)
Note: Check with your federation to see which standards they use
Under these divisions, competitors will come under 4 different rounds of judging:
- Symmetry Round
- Muscularity Round
- Free Posing Round
- Pose-down
Symmetry Round
In this round the competitors will stand facing the judges and they will perform four one quarter turns - the first will be facing the judges. Next has the competitor facing the judges with their left side, turning to face the judges by the rear, then a final turn to face the judges via their right side. This enables the judges to view the competitors physique from every angle.
In this round judges are looking for the following:
- Structural Flaws - Faults within the competitor's skeletal structure.
- Proportion - The balance of one muscle group to another eg. Lower body to upper body, biceps to calves
- Balance - The left side of a competitor's body compared to the right, the front compared to the rear.
- Symmetry - The competitor's overall shape and line.
Muscularity Round
In this round judges are comparing competitors for the following:
- Muscularity - The shape, thickness and quality of muscle.
- Proportion - The balance of one muscle group against another.
- Definition - Muscle separation, definition and vascularity.
- Balance - Left side of body compared to the right, front compared to rear.
In this round competitors perform the following compulsory poses:
- Front Double Biceps
- Front Lateral Spread
- Side Chest (either side at the choice of the competitor)
- Side triceps (again either side)
- Rear Double Biceps (spike one calf)
- Rear Lateral Spread
- Abdominal and Thigh
Free Posing Round
Many competitors view this round as not important as the other two rounds, which can greatly undo an otherwise impressive performance. The free posing round is your chance to let your personality fly. You can show off your physique’s highlights, minimise your weak points and show the judges your physique under your most advantageous conditions.
Some federations has restrictions on whether you can use props or not, free posing time restraints etc, so when you contact the promoter make sure you ask them these details
Pose-down
Many athletes do not view this as a round, but just a bit of fun at the end of the day. Well I am here to tell you, if the competition is close, this round will be judged. This is a posing free-for-all with all the competitors in your division, and is your last chance to show the judges exactly what you are made of. This can also be one of the most exciting, so enjoy the opportunity to ham it up with your fellow competitors.
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