Which category?

[marcia]

My first question on this site (probably the first of many!!) :wink:

Anyway, I'm extremely new to the scene, and wouldn't have a clue about, well, pretty much anything!

At the moment I'm doing the Body For Life 12 week challenge (only up to week 3), decided to do this for motivation. I've thought about getting into Body building for a few years now, but haven't done anything about it due to lack of knowledge.

So, what are the differences between each category? And how do I know which category I should be training for? What is the most important thing for a beginner to know/do?

Ooops, I said this was my first question - and there are three there already! :?

[Pseudonym]

In the bodybuilding category, contestants are judged on muscular size and definition, just as the men are.

In the other categories, the goal is different. Here ya go, Marcia - stolen from the NZFBB website....

IFBB Body Fitness

The requirements for this class is definately muscle however not excessively muscular nor excessively lean the muscle groups should also be free of deep muscle separation or striations, a well balanced upper body, lower body.

Body fitness is about the total package aesthetic beauty combined with an athletic physique.

Your complete presentation is important in this class Hair, grooming skin tone, colour and a symmetrically developed physique.

This class is judged in 2 rounds at regional events. Round 1 quarter turns, round 2 60 sec posing routine. Please check contest rules for national information

Height requirement is 164 cm below for short above this is tall. Please read contest rules for information on Novice and open

Body shaping - Figure

In body shaping figure the judges are not looking for the muscle size, vascularity or the "cuts" required for women's bodybuilding competitors

Competitors displaying these attributes will be marked down.

Judges will assess firmness, symmetry and proportion.

Judges will look for bodies typifying health; a low fat content, with firm, tight toned muscle groups and balanced body structure. They will also assess symmetry and overall physical appearance, including complexion.

Poise and overall presentation, grace, flow, style and confidence are all important.

Comparisons may be called in Round 1 and 2

1. Contestants must wear a two-piece bikini (colour and style of their choice). G-strings are not permitted. The bikini must cover a minimum of half of the buttocks. Please read contest rules for more information on adornments

2. Figure is judged in 3 rounds

3. Round 1: Quarter turns

4. Round 2: Compulsory poses Open hand Front pose, Open hand back pose, side chest leg forward, side triceps feet together and abdominal and thigh pose

Round 3: 60 sec routine. Shoes are not to be worn in this round.

Judges are looking for femininity, style, elegance, poise and

Choreography to the music. There are no required moves.

5. Height requirement is 164 cm below for short above this is tall. Senior Figure is over 35 years. Please read contest rules for information on Novice and open

Body Shaping - Fitness

1. Contestants must wear high heels in the bikini round and tennis athletic shoes in the fitness round. Jewellery may be worn in the bikini round. Because of the danger of accidents no body oil is allowed.

2. Round 1 - bikini round. Judges will score the degree of athleticism by the competitors doing quarter turns in this round 1 Judgers will assess the degree of firmness, symmetry, proportion and overall physical appearance, including complexion, poise and overall presentation. The contestants should have shape to their muscle but not the size or definition seen in bodybuilding competitions. Comparisons may be called in this round

3. Round 2 - fitness round. Each athlete will perform a maximum 120-second routine. Judges will be looking for style, personality, athletic co- ordination and overall performance. (Judges are looking for strength and flexibility moves not necessarily all gymnastic moves).

Contestants should give special attention to their apparel since it will also be judged. Routines may include aerobics, dance gymnastics or other demonstrations of athletic talent, but there are no required movements. Props are allowed, but must be approved by the promoter in advance.

[Tania]

Hi Marcia. Great to hear from another woman interested in bodybuilding. I have lost 33kgs over the past 2 years and during that time have developed a very keen interest in bodybuilding. I have also done the Body for Life programme. I am about to compete in my first show in 4 1/2 weeks !! Ye hah !! I'm feeling pretty tired today and jumped on the site to keep my enthusiasm alive. There is a very good website called Gofigure. Worth checking out ! http://www.gofigure.co.nz. there are some pictures on there of both NABBA and NZFBB shows so you can get a look at the different catergories. My approach is it would depend on your genetic makeup - Are you tall and lean or short and squat - not a very nice way to describe it is it .. ha ha Sounds rather primitive but that's one way to view it. The figure girls have leaner muscle (and wear high heels on stage - dodgy ha ha I would probably fall over !) where as the physique girls tend to have bigger muscle (and have bare feet). If you have been overweight for a long time it's hard to know what you'll look like and until the fat peels away and shows the muscle it's hard to know exactly. I would imagine if you have a look at some of the photo's and decide what you are most comfortable with Intellectually then see how your progress goes and decide further down the track. As far as I'm aware there wouldn't be too much difference in your training at this point anyway. Have you got a personal trainer ? Mine is a godsend ! I couldn't have got this far without her !! If you can find a women PT who has competed before then mores the better !! Keep up the good work and let us know how your progress is going !! Just remember to focus on what is motivating you to do this and BELIEVE !! Keep up the good work !! Tania

[Pseudonym]

Hey Tania!

Good to see you back! How's it all going? Counting down, I guess?!

[Tania]

Hi there ! Yes counting down !! Everyday is a test of my strength of character and self discipline. Dieting for this long sucks !! ha ha I look forward to the next comp in May when my diet down will be only for 12 weeks and not the 16 - 18 weeks of this one. My level of tiredness is an interesting experience, similar to that of earlier in the year when I ended up in hospital for 2 weeks with Pneumonia. I have to convince my brain that I am a good tired not a sick tired. It takes a few months to recover from pneumonia so it has definately been an interesting year !! I find that when I am tired it is the time I am truely tested with sticking to my diet !! Talk about a catch 22 !! ha ha Still - Pushing on and doing the best that I can ! Hey it's great to see another female member on the site !! Are you competing at all this year ? I went to the Wellington NABBA show this past weekend. There was only 2 physique competitors, a novice and a wonderful older lady - she is probably in her 60's. What an amazing personality you must have to be getting up there in your 60's .. Take care .. Tania