Do you want to win your next figure competition but don’t know where to start? Figure competitors are all about showing off your hard-earned figure and dedication towards the sport.

Let’s talk – What are Figure Competitions?

Figure competitions sit somewhere between the bikini & physique divisions. These are not as detailed as physique competitions but are a little tougher than bikini competitions. Figure competitions allow you to flaunt your perfectly sculpted muscles and amazing bodies. As a figure competitor, you can show not just your body but your perfect posing skills and personality.

Each athlete brings something different and unique to the stage. Each person brings something unique. These shows can last all day, starting early and ending late, depending on how many compete. People from around the world come to join, and anyone can watch, including friends and family.

For men, there are only two divisions – physique and bodybuilding. For women, there are five – bikini, fitness, figure, physique & bodybuilding. In these competitions, judges judge you based on your entire package, from your hair, makeup, skin, posture, and muscle shape, to your competition suit. This is why it can take up to an entire year for you to get ready for figure competitions.

If you decide to compete in a figure competition, you need to have a body that is well-toned, sculpted, and symmetrical. Achieving the ideal figure athlete’s body is not a piece of cake! To get the right figure you have to stick to a very strict workout and diet plan. If you are a new competitor, it can feel like a big task to handle.

How to train for a figure competition?

Your competition training should focus on making your muscles look more defined, balanced, and perfect for the stage. What you eat during your training also makes a huge difference. You have to have a diet that gives you enough, healthy fats and carbs. This will help you grow your muscles and also recover them while keeping them healthy.

Now, let’s talk about the other division you can also compete in –

Bikini competitions – These are the most basic divisions you can compete in. Most first-time athlete start their journey with bikinis only. Judges score bikini contestants on having a more feminine and balanced look. In a bikini competition, you need to practise carrying yourself with grace and confidence.
Figure competitions –These competitions have been around longer than a bikini. To compete, you need to have more muscle definition and lower body fat, compared to bikini competitors. Like bikini competitions, you need to appear confident on stage wearing a perfectly fitting figure competition suit.
Fitness competitions – These competitions are filled with gymnasts and dancers. Here, judges look at your physique, stage performance, and your competition suit. Your main scores depend on how well you present yourself on stage.
Physique competitions – These are more like figure competitions because they require you to have more muscles and less body fat. You will be judged based on your symmetry, muscle tone, and stage presence.
Bodybuilding – The toughest female competition category. If you want to compete in this, you need to have the most amount of muscle and the least amount of body fat. Bodybuilding also requires you to wear a competition suit that complements your body and your stage performance.

All these division have their own set of rules, so before you choose one go to their official websites and check them out. If you do not comply with the rules, you can be disqualified from the competition.

If you decide figure is the best fit for you, let’s find out what your body should look like –

Figure competition prioritizes a blend of masculinity, aesthetic appeal, and athleticism. All competitors undergo an evaluation based on different bases –

Perfect proportion –When you step on the stage, judges want to see a good distribution of muscle mass across different muscle groups, have a perfect hourglass figure, with well-developed shoulders & glutes, and a narrow waistline.
Stage presence – Your stage posing and presentation have a lot more importance than you think in figure competitions. If you decide to compete, you need to display your physique with quarter-turn poses in the most sculpted way possible.
Conditioning –Competitors need to aim for a lean physique, at the same time maintaining a higher body fat percentage compared to bodybuilding standards.

Now that you’re well-versed in figure competitions, why not take the next step and explore the best bikinis for competition?

Good luck ladies!