Which Bodybuilding Federation do people choose to compete in and why?

[Rebel101]

As I have been away from the bodybuilding world for a reasonable length of time I am trying to reacquaint myself with the various options for competing in body building and why people choose one federation or the other.

With 3 or 4 federations now present in NZ there is a reasonable choice of alternatives for people to compete in but what reason would you choose one over another.

• NABBA clearly seems to be making itself accessable to a wide range of people by offering shows in many regional centres.
• NABBA/WFF have several well promoted shows mainly in larger cities.
• NZIFBB offfers well promoted shows in the main centres at good times for the competition year.

But more than this what else makes you choose one federation or another?

[nate225]

If you have aspirations of being an IFBB Pro go NZIFBB. Big numbers in North Island shows, good quality in most classes. Definitely the place to compete if you wanna do boardshorts. Downside its a political beast with guys like Swift vocally stating unless you're in the in crowd & promoting certain supplements or using certain trainers you wont win. From an objective opinion I've seen some shitty judging calls a few years back but the last few shows the judging seemed legit so could be tall poppy stuff? Tight knit  crew running things - Moe M owns the Federation (it's a company), Tarryn McCall, Bronwyn Inglis are some key contacts

NABBA-WFF definitely the only way to do the Mr / Ms Universe or other international NABBA or WFF shows. New Pro division starting up, to be seen if this goes far? Pretty athlete focused group that run as an incorporated society with transparent books, easy to see their money goes back into funding athletes. Strong classes at most shows but a strategy of running fewer better shows rather than shows everywhere. Key contacts Alex & Leeanne Simays.

NAABA NZ good local shows for new competitors, pretty weak in mens bodybuilding classes but strong figure presence. Upside is there are a lot of shows so fits in with busy people and seem to be less political than NZIFBB locally. Weak international affiliation with shows cancelled and of mediocre standards. Key contacts Peter Hardwick, Jim Pitt, Marrianne ?

Personally I've competed in all three (well NZFBB as opposed to rebranded NZIFBB) and I think an athletes decision really comes down to what pathway they're after. If its just doing a show for a shows sake just go where you've got people you know to support you. 

Maybe contact the presidents of each, Moe, Alex, Jim and ask them why you should choose their federation over others? Afterall you'll be paying to compete there!

[Realtalk]

Swift lol im guessing he didn't win?

[Leeroid]

>everyone telling him he gonna win that physique pro card
>steps on stage
>doesn't even has abs
>doesn't place
>"politics"
>anyone that places better than him is "fondlingdemsacs"

[Realtalk]

>everyone telling him he gonna win that physique pro card

>steps on stage

>doesn't even has abs

>doesn't place

>"politics"

>anyone that places better than him is "fondlingdemsacs"

Lol Natty loser who ain't even Natty.

[Gym rat]

Nabba/ wff is the way to go like when I made up my mind to compte  in late 2012 and spending some time by reading the rules for all three Feds hear in nz. I picked nabba/ wff plus liked the way it was run being one show format plus it makes things easy for the athlete instead of going back to the venue for the night show no disrecpet to the other two Feds that are out there. I like competing in nabba/wff plus it is cool competing in the same fed as the Ortan brothers, mark Anderson ,Lisa Bailey , Phil k etc.

[nate225]

One show format is great and all NABBA-WFF comps run this way. That said I see both NABBA NZ & NZIFBB offer some shows in a similar format.

One important point I missed is finding the fed that suits your desired look, e.g. Figure tend to be bigger & softer in NZIFBB than both NABBA feds. Also look at all the classes, with feds there are differences e.g NABBA WFF have both NABBA & WFF classes which judge on different looks & have different weight / height criteria.

[Realtalk]

While we are talking about it... Why do all these ppl want pro cards? And why are they getting given them? The way I see it is that all it's doing is diluting the pool of top bodybuilders in New Zealand. And damaging the depth of the sport in nz which is amatuer level. The people getting pro cards look like amateurs the latest one has an awesome physique but doesn't have a back... Where's the logic in that? How would he do well in a pro competition when he turns around?

what is the actual benefit in having one, it isn't gonna make them rich or much money at all if anything having 'pro status'... Do these people just wanna have a piece of paper to wave round and put "ifbb pro" after their name on FB... There is no standard to meet, you don't even have to win an overall title to get one. How does that mean anything when people have pro cards and can't even win titles. Sounds like you just gotta be parts the boys club to get one...

and in before all the people calling me jelous or a hater, I don't even do or like bodybuilding just want to ask questions.

[nate225]

A Pro Card has often been the way to end your bodybuilding career! I think a lot of people would like one to get on stage with their idols, but to be competitive is a task not many have the genetic potential or income to acheive. The 212 class probably makes things a little easier but even then the level is so high at the top.

Unless you are one of the select few that can cut it I'm picking the value in a pro card is limited to marketing supplements or a PT business.

I would have loved to dream that I could get on the Pro stage but then in 2000 I met Ronnie Coleman and had a dose of reality! I suggest anyone hoping to be a pro comes to expo and stands next to Johnnie Jackson, and hes not top 10, but he'll freak you out with size & quality of mass for sure.

[Gym rat]

One plus about nabba/wff  is that there shows finish at good time. Which gives the athlete more time for enjoying there post comp meal at a good hour Leanne Simays is very helpful on answering my emails I have any questions about the classes etc

[Pseudonym]

Why do all these ppl want pro cards? ... Sounds like you just gotta be parts the boys club to get one...

I saw a post on Facebook the other day which made me laugh. This guy works for Xtreme Nutrition. He is either a pro or soon to be one, and I think he may be sponsored by Narlabs (one of Xtreme's house brands). And I say this only because it gives his statement a bit more authority. He said:

"Last time I checked the last 6 people to turn pro in the past 2 years all used narlabs."

Of course he meant that in the "Narlabs is awesome" sense. But equally it could be taken to mean if you're not a Narlabs athlete, you're going to have a hard time turning pro!

Now, I don't know whether that statement is true or not. But no-one corrected him, and as I say, this guy's certainly in a position to know.

 

Unless you are one of the select few that can cut it I'm picking the value in a pro card is limited to marketing supplements or a PT business.

Agreed. It definitely sounds impressive to prospective clients to have a PT that's a pro bber. I imagine it means you could charge a much higher hourly rate, too. And let's be honest, as credentials go, it says a lot more about a PT than a 6-week zero-to-hero internet qualification does!

 

Now, just in case people think I'm hating on the NZIFBB... another reason to compete in their shows is their Physique "boardshorts" category. Not necessarily the traditional bodybuilder's cup of tea, but there's no denying it's been immensely popular.

[Realtalk]

The physique category is ok but it should be a stepping stone to bodybuilding... Like for the person who trains in the gym looking to get into it.... Should be like a novice class where u can do a year or two in that then you gotta move up. Cause again it's just diluting the sport especially in New Zealand where it's so small already. I got no problem with it but when people change from bodybuilding class to that because they can't win in bodybuilding it's kind of rediculous.

its a soft option, do it properly.

[fng]

when I was just getting back into it I went along to the nzifbb show pre judgeing at skycity care of a friend well up in their movement.

I was quite confused as it wasn't what I was used to from days gone by. My thoughts were there goes any aspiraitions of trying to do a comp one day, as I don't fit the board short category, and definiatly aren't in the big boy league. Then also what happened to the ladys classes.

So if I get there it will most likely be a nabba comp. I just don't see a mid plus 40yr old up there in boardies.

until that day I will just be a gym junkie

I can see why the new classes are attractive to those younger ones new to the sport, and the womans classes within the nzifbb are probably more inviting to the ladies especially when you see those then and now PT pics with that whole beach theme going on

[Rebel101]

Interesting feedback on NZIFBB and Pro cards as well as "being with the in group".

I agree Pro cards seem to be of little benefit to anyone unless you are a PT looking for credentials. Realistically the prize money in any show offers little incentive for the majority of us who are not capable of winning the Olympia.

NZIFBB like the other federations are "at the end of the day" trying to get bums on seats in the shows they run. In appealing to the masses of competitors they are more likely to benefit from door sales if there are 100 competitors rather than 50. So the easier classes that appeal to a large portion of the gym going population are clearly the categories that you want to get involved with. I am sorry to say it but bikini and figure classes that attract a large number of young females will by nature of gender attract large numbers of viewers and hence seats sold, pure and simple. And likewise the board short categories that are perceived to be easier to achieve will also attract larger numbers of competitors and their supporters. I can see why these categories are so attractive to NZIFBB.

Meanwhile however the traditional body building classes are being diluted as you have to work alot harder to achieve in these categories. The concept of athletic, physique, and body building I understand and can almost accept as appropriate so long as there is appropriate recognition for the categories that are harder to be in ie bodybuilding and extra rewards for these classes would add incentive to climb the body building ladder (and this is what the sport should be about to inspire higher levels of performance).

Unfortunately the idea of having to be with the in group does have some credence however nothing with stop this better than individuals being prepared to stand up there and force the NZIFBB to confront their limitations.

This applies to all of us who have the guts and determination to call ourselves bodybuilders.

[Gym rat]

With the pro cards being up for grabs at Nats or the recent nzifbb pro am show in march. Where the winner of that class competed with the pros that night. In saying that must be a good learning experince and cool also being on the same stage as the pros who have competed at the Olympia etc. Last year when Moe asked me about competing in a Nzifbb show said might one day which was fine with Moe. 

[Rebel101]

I was quite confused as it wasn't what I was used to from days gone by. My thoughts were there goes any aspiraitions of trying to do a comp one day, as I don't fit the board short category, and definiatly aren't in the big boy league. Then also what happened to the ladys classes.

The options for competitors certainly have changed alot, and alot of us are confused with all the alternatives!

It seems to me that the ladies bodybuilding classes have been decimated in the NZIFBB, none of the girls that are capable of competing there are willing to. Poor judging, lack of incentive, favoritism, and inconsistencies have taken their toll I think.

[samo12]

nzifbb physique deffz

awesome enviroment great crowds its the future for our under developed fitness nz no matter what peps

say bout mens physique its booming as we speak lol

i enjoy it and love.it just for natural genetic gifted hard

working average joes like myself

[Rxx]

nzifbb physique deffz

awesome enviroment great crowds its the future for our under developed fitness nz no matter what peps

say bout mens physique its booming as we speak lol

i enjoy it and love.it just for natural genetic gifted hard

working average joes like myself

 

HA, LOL

[Terrymundo]

I support NABBA/WFF over NZIFBB for professional conduct that follows NABBA/WFF.
All competitors are treated well and given respect to make their own decisions about pathways, supplements ands association. Alex and his wife are some the friendliest and real people I've met in the fitness industry.

I have also had quick encounter with Moe.....unfortunatly. He may have had an amazing once upon a time but im pretty sure he traded a few personality points to get it. He controlls his atheletes by restricting them to only compete and ATTEND NZIFBB shows. How often have we heard people being taken "under his wing" I know as a specfic example of this. Young guy places first is his class of 3 in show that had a pathetic turnout with an average physique low genetic potential. Moe tells him hes got potetial and wants to "support" his journey. says he will take him to the arnold and get him his pro card. This guy was then sponsored which means he gets the occasional tub of protien that is about to go off. He is then quickly tapped on the shoulder by another stranger and is pulled into a circle of rubbish gear. all that really happens is money is funneled into moes pocket. remember moe looks after moe before anyone else.

[Gym rat]

I support nabba/wff over nabba which I don't like. Since Leanne and Alex Simays are both very friendly and cool people. I also like the way that the run there shows by having prize packs for the athletes. Which was one of the many highlights for me last year when I did the pans and being my first comp as well plus I thought it was cool seeing diffrent spounsors tables outside like tables from horleys,mass nutrition etc plus I  got lots of good feedback from other athletes who competing along side me . Thought this fed is cool. As for nabba which I don't like or rate because it is run by jim pit and for the nabba South Island which I was going to attend last years one but missed out on a ticket saw bugger all in the lobby area outside the venue like no supplement spounsors products thought what a joke.