Please Note: I’m not speaking on behalf of the NPC and I am not an official of the NPC, these are simply my observations on what I’ve seen from a few shows thus far.
I visit a number of message boards once or twice a day and post mainly on the popular female message board Siouxcountry.com. It never ceases to amaze me, no matter what happens at any given show someone is crying the blues. Fitness, Figure, Bodybuilding and now Bikini are subjective competitions. The physique I prefer may be different than the person next to me, it’s the nature of the beast. If you enter a show remember this and don’t go on message boards complaining. Bitching and moaning and being overly vocal about your thoughts as a competitor does nothing for you. Ever notice how the winners are never online complaining? It cracks me up to read people (mainly women) complaining about the new bikini contest and being confused about the look. It’s pretty clear there is a distinction between the Figure & Bikini, at least to me. Is it perfected yet? No. It will take some time but the overall comparisons between Figure and Bikini speak to this.
NPC JR USA Bikini Class Winners.
NPC JR USA Figure Class Winners.
As you can see the Figure women have more muscle and the most noticable difference are the capped delts. The bikini women are fit, toned, athletic and carry far less muscle than the Figure women. I wouldn’t say the Bikini women have no muscle, they do but it’s a softer, toned look. A tan definitely helps and in my opinion is necessary for a bikini competitor. You’re under hot bright stage lights if you’re not tan your muscle tone will get washed out. The two biggest things that don’t translate in photos (and are crucial to the bikini division) are presentation and suit selection. Bikini competitors who wear a competition suit like they would in Fitness/Figure look out of place. A cute, well fitted bikini off the store rack or custom made bikini looks 100x better than a regular Fitness/Figure competition suit. If the suit is cut right and flattering to your body it makes a world of difference. Presentation can definitely make or break a competitor. The women who place higher in Bikini can…
1) Walk in heels with confidence and not stumble.
If you aren’t used to walking in heels and lack the ability to “work it” then you should practice. It shows when you aren’t confident on stage. You look like a deer caught in the headlights. Remember whatever you’re thinking shows on stage. If you’re nervous and scared you display it on stage and it’s usually unintentional.
2) Have some sass.
Don’t go out there and frown, scowl or be frumpy. Work it. You’re in shape, you’ve worked hard, paid your entry fee so go out there and have fun. Don’t over due it and look trashy but hit a few poses.
3) Act as if it’s a photo shoot.
Over exaggerate by popping one hip to the side. From the back pop your butt out a little bit. Every booty has a crease so when you pop it out just a tiny bit you eliminate that and it looks better. Catch the judges attention when you present your physique.
Those are the three biggest things that stand out to me when it comes to presentation in bikini. You’re not on stage for long so don’t rush your presentation but also don’t be out there for an uncomfortably long time. If you hit a front, back and then front again in 5 seconds you 1) won’t capture the judges attention and 2) will end up with no photos and be pissed after the fact.
The thing to remember is the judges can only judge what is on the stage at that given day. The bikini division is new and the word needs to get out to women beyond the core audience already involved. There weren’t a ton of bikini competitors in the first pro qualifier however the class winners looked good. There were one or two divisions where the judges didn’t have much to compare so they had to reward what they felt was the best of the group.
Bikini Class winners from the back.
Figure Class winners from the back.
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Good thoughts, Isaac. Bikini coming onto the scene reminds me of when figure first came out; many of the fitness girls and bodybuilders were complaining about it. Now I hear many of the figure girls complaining about bikini. I’m sure the female bodybuilders thought that about fitness back in the mid/late 90′s when it first came out on the scene. There’s nothing wrong with women wanting to attain a different look. Just because that isn’t my goal doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it. Not everyone has to lift heavy and have lots of muscle to have a “worthy sport”.
I’m still trying to figure out the judging, but it’s definitely true that stage presence makes a HUGE difference. The overall winner, Shelsea, had a lot of sass and stage presence. I agree that a figure/fitness suit looks weird – saw a few girls wearing them and they looked out of place, like figure girls trying to bikini model.
Great post, Issac!! At my comp I overheard figure girls talking smack about the bikini division more than once. What a shame. The diet is less strict and the look is different but it’s not like I just rolled out of bed one morning, slapped on a suit and decided to stepp on stage. Bikini girls work hard for their bodies, too. Do you know how hard it is to look good in a bikini?! (well, hopefully YOU don’t, Issac, lol). Some people prefer the less bulky, more feminine look and it doesn’t mean we don’t work out or diet, either.
So that being said, thanks for advocating for bikini yet again. I’m glad it’s here to stay – It was fun to do, and less rigid. It’s a good look for an everyday fit gal, too. I’m going to continue to compete in it for a while – and might even take my national level qualification for a spin at North Americans this August.
Its because BIKINI is a JOKE! It makes no sense and showcases no talent. I’ve only seen 10 out of the hundreds of girls that entered this division look like they’ve seen the inside of a gym. Whats next? This is the dumbest division theyve come out with thus far.
You don’t necessarily need bigger muscles to look good. Many would argue that a girl winning her bikini class is sexier or more attractive than a her figure counterparts – so why shouldn’t they be able to showcase what they have as well? Some of them need more work, to be sure -but to say the entire divison is a joke and is dumb sounds biast and closed minded. Let’s see where it goes. Hopefully the out of shape girls will stop entering contests after they see the type of girls who win DO KNOW what the inside of a gym looks like.
Hey Issac, what is your opinion – (and what do you think/see based on the judging) of the scruch butt suit bottoms? I have seen a few of them in contests and I think they’re cute…but are they frowned upon – does it seem to matter at all?
Regina – Silly logic. There are a number of fitness, figure and bodybuilding women who enter contests who are out of shape as well in shows. Bikini is quick and aside from a couple morons doing cat calls seemed to be very well received by all in attendance. It’s not dumb and frankly a more healthier look than some of the other women who were on stage. Were there out of shape competitors? Yes but there was in every discipline not just bikini.
Becca – Not sure which bottom you’re talking about. I think a bottom that accents your booty is the way to go. Don’t go showing your butt crack but don’t look like you’re wearing a diaper. Tight fitting and flattering.
Thanks for the tips…In case you’re curious, they are the ones with the seam down the butt crack (ok, that sounds bad) but they look cute – supposed to accent the booty, probably good for flat bottom girls. It’s called ruching or scrunchie butt, or pucker back…
http://cgi.ebay.com/WOW-Yellow-Pucker-Back-Scrunchie-Butt-Brazilian-Bikini_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63867QQihZ018QQitemZ280345787028QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVWQQsalenotsupported
I am curious why no one is mentioning posing. It seems to me some of the recent bikini winners have figure bodies but they are posing more relaxed (as they should) But it seems to me the physique is strikingly similar. If some of the figure girls posed like bikini girls they would look the same and vice versa. I personally wish there was more of a striking difference between what they are looking for in each category. (the last bikini show it seems they rewarded physiques that were more muscular than the Arnold) I agree this takes more time to iron out and you can only judge those on stage. Lots to debate about but really cool to see so many girls start competing in all the different categories.
I think the posing is being talked about quite a bit. I disagree on the physiques looking similar. The biggest difference is the delts and conditioning. You see capped delts in the figure competitors and muscle separation in the back.
The pro card winners did have more muscle than one of the Arnold winners. Ali Sonoma would and will fit in well to the bikini division. Things will get worked out over time but I personally like that the women have a little bit of muscle. It’s not over-powering and it’s a healthy look. If it went the direction of the short class winner at the Arnold, I think it would be boobs on a stick and then the division would be a joke.
Becca – I think those look cute as well and women who have an in shape little booty can definitely pull off wearing those.
It may be more appealing to the general male audience but it doesn’t mean it’s deserving of a PRO card!! Other organizations & your local bar have numerous bikini competitions. Enter those. Not only was figure softened up, but now Bikini competitors get the same PRO status rankings as the girls that train their ass off to get up on that stage. It makes no sense. I’ve heard a top bikini girl so far this year saying ” I started cardio & training about 4 weeks ago.” ARE YOU SERIOUS?? This is why it will be labeled a joke.
It was well received from every female I talked to in the audience. The diehard muscle fans will never be happy. There are figure women who do the same amount of cardio or less.
I would love to see you or anyone else for that matter go through a workout with Jessica Lawrence (the tall bikini class winner) and Rob Rossetti. Then see if you say bikini competitors don’t train hard.
It’s narrow-minded and plain ignorant to pigeon-hole all bikini competitors as nothing more than T & A. Do some of them not train hard? Sure but guess what the same bodes for the women in Figure. It’ll only be a joke if the physiques rewarded look like boobs on a stick.
Who cares how many hours someone put in the gym. It’s so played out whiny ass people saying so and so didn’t train as hard as I did or did less cardio. If you want to enter competitions based on who trains harder or can lift more go into power-lifting.
I’m pretty sure 90% of national level figure competitors can train harder & longer than ANY bikini competitor hands down. It simply doesn’t take much to achieve that physique & that is why it doesn’t make sense to myself & hundreds of others.
I know a few bikini competitors who could hang with any figure, fitness or female bodybuilder. I’ll gladly put money on it. Training harder and longer equates to what? That’s just silly.
Just because the physique doesn’t carry the same level of muscle doesn’t mean the training is less intense. The perception is it doesn’t take much to achieve that which isn’t always the reality. Female bodybuilders often say the same of figure competitors. Now they are both saying that of the bikini competitors.
The only reason I bring up training is because this organization is all about BUILDING a physique & comparing it to others. How does doing cardio 4x’s a week and picking up 10lb dumbbells qualify as PRO status. Give me a break. I would have to agree on the female bodybuilder comment. I do believe most train harder & lift heavier than figure competitors. You have to to attain that physique.
I had a similar mentality until I trained with a few figure competitors over the years. I don’t agree that most female bodybuilders train harder than figure competitors nor do I believe it holds true for bikini competitors. Are there exceptions? Certainly. I think it’s unfair to categorize ALL bikini competitors as those who don’t train and lift tiny weights.
Attaining the female bodybuilder physique consists of far more than just lifting harder and heavier than a figure competitor but that’s an entirely different topic.
Wow, Regina. I don’t know who you are or what you look like, but based off of your comments you must be God’s gift to mankind. I am a bikini competitor. I have had personal trainers for 4 years and all of them have told me that I am one of the hardest working and most dedicated clients they have had. I am now on a team with mostly figure (and some fitness) competitors. I guarantee you that you can ask any one of my teammates if I work as hard or harder than them and they would tell you YES. Some people are 1) not genetically built to have large amounts of muscle and 2) don’t want to have large amount of muscle but would rather have a physique they can maintain over time. Or maybe for some women this is a great way to get in shape and work their way up to figure and/or bodybuilding. Just because there aren’t large amounts of muscle doesn’t mean we aren’t working and training our bodies as well. I really find your comments to be inaccurate and inappropriate. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, so I respect what you have to say, I just disagree.
True. You know when you hear from even a judge that they dont understand the point of a division, it makes you wonder.
Good comments
Yes, a bikini look is softer. A figure look is softer then bodybuilders – so if we complain about soft lets whine about the figure and fitness as well.
Yes, it does take less effort to get a bikini body [lets cut the crap, it does]. So if that is a benchmark, it takes less effort to do figure then fitness, so lets all whine about figure now.
If we are going to piss and moan about bikini why only pick on one division? Lets all whine about figure being easier then fitness/bb [again, lets cut the crap it is] and say it doesn’t belong as well? So we can sit and pick apart divisions by level of ease, or we can welcome all new competitors.
I think both Shelsea and Stacey look great. Congrats to them both.
OMG I am loving this debate! Regina -the fact of the matter is that if you dont’ like it -then don’t do it. Don’t watch it at your show, and don’t bitch about it. Not everyone is gonna be happy with it but it doesn’t mean it needs to be bashed by some other competitors like you were in high school. Like you said, other organizations have had it for years – Who was complaining then? Just cause the NPC added it it’s caused this stir- but make no mistake, it’s not a local bar or Hooters contest!
I agree 100% with what Jamie and CQ have said…I am also a bikini competitor and I train my ass off in the gym every morning before work – so don’t sit there and talk about their lack of dedication or starting a diet 4 weeks out. I do cardio more than 3x a week, and I eat clean. You don’t roll out of bed and look like this – I work damn hard for what I have. I have worked hard for years to have this body and look – and yes, I have tried figure too and other than the diet, my training was the same. 10 lb dumbells? Give me a freaking break! I bench as much as some of my figure and bodybuilding gym mates – it’s all about how you WANT to look. I don’t want to be able to arm wrestle my husband or do more pullups than him – but I’m not knocking female bodybuilders. That is a shame that a judge would say that at a contest –
Issac – I do agree that it would be better classified as Fitness Model, like it is in some other organizations. I think somehow the work “bikini” makes it seem too everyday – to casual and therefore it seems to have not been taken as seriously by some.
I wont enter the division b.c I’m not about to take a step down. The day I feel I should compete in a bikini division is the day I should hang it up. I hope the judges will reward those who look like they weight train & diet. I hope it doesn’t become just a T&A contest as Issac said.
To me, the perfect “bikini competitor” would be Jamie Eason. That is a physique that should be the poster for that division. Now she trains hard!
Regina, you are such a strong advocate against NPC Bikini, let me ask you to reveal your full name so we know who you are? Are you an NPC competitor? If so, do you compete in bodybuilding, fitness or figure? Or are you just a spectator? Another thing, have you even been to an NPC Bikini contest yet? Please explain more why you hate this division so much & why it is the dumbest division they’ve come out with yet? Don’t hide behind your first name. Full disclosure or move on. I can’t stand those that hide behind their keyboards.
Also Regina, have this so-called judge that you claim doesn’t understand the point of the division to give me a call. I’ll explain it to him/her or forward them on to Sandy Williamson and/or their NPC district chairperson for a better explaination.
Isaac, BRAVO for writing this. I was reading all the comments on Siouxcountry.com as well & you’ve pretty much summed up my thoughts exactly!
For those of you that can’t see the difference between Bikini & Figure, I’ll point you to 2 NPC contests. Look at my father’s NPC Pittsburgh. Andrea Watson wins Figure overall & Jaime Baird (the Jaime posing above) wins Bikini overall. Cut to the NPC California States held the same weekend as the Jr. USA. Susan Salazar wins Figure overall & Michell Gullett wins Bikini overall. If you can not see the difference between the physiques here, then you are really not paying attention. It is very obvious the difference. The majority of the haters that are posting more than likely have not seen a competition that features NPC Bikini & Figure & are basing their comments on their own personal feelings & personal agenda’s.
I’m going to re-post what I did on Siouxcounty.com as it pertains to this discussion.
You can write all you want about NPC Bikini but those that already hate it without probably ever seeing an NPC Bikini contest or competitor in person will always hate it regardless.
Many of you probably don’t remember that NPC Figure had two years to grow before there was an IFBB Pro Figure contest. Sure, NPC Bikini is on the fast track giving it only one year before jumping over to the IFBB Professional League, but that is probably due to the fact that back when the NPC started Figure, many of the competitors who qualified to turn pro in 2001 didn’t know what to do with themselves until they were able to compete in the IFBB in 2003.
Did any of you know that this new division, which was finally voted up at the annual 2008 NPC Board Of Governor’s meeting in Atlanta, GA to be named “Bikini” was in discussion for close to two (2) years? Again, didn’t think so. There were several names thrown around. I personally came up with another name, as did several others. The name was voted on at the meeting & “Bikini” was the overwhelming choice. The reason “Bikini” was brought into the NPC is that there were numerous requests from competitors brought to the NPC through various chairpeople, judges & other officials. This applies to other things like the removal of the one-piece swimsuit from NPC Fitness & NPC Figure. The majority of NPC athlete’s spoke, the NPC took it into consideration & it was brought to the voting members at the NPC Board Of Governor’s meeting. But the talk for this, Bikini & other measures were spoken about for months leading up to this meeting. I know these issue’s were discussed amongst many NPC women’s competitors too. I can’t begin to tell you how many NPC women’s competitors have approached me over the years with questions and/or suggestions or engaged me in conversation about certain things within the NPC.
Those of you that are basing what you think about Bikini competitors on looks only have no clue how they train. Aren’t you judgmental? The same could be said about many women’s competitors in other aspects of the sport – ‘Oh that girl must not have dieted’, ‘Does she even know where the gym is?’, ‘Doesn’t she have any friends to tell her she shouldn’t have gotten on stage?’, & on & on & on. How do you know what or how they train or diet? Remember – EVERY “BODY” is different.
Like it or not, NPC Bikini is here to stay. And in 2010 there will be IFBB Bikini.
its still a joke IMO
I’m allowed to speak my opinions as is everyone else. I respect others opinions & even the competitors that commented on their current plan & reasons why they compete in Bikini. Like I stated, most do not look the part, but the few that do, great job & I look forward to seeing you compete to earn your PRO card & representing the sport properly.
My personal opinion of what a Bikini competitor should look like is hopefully what will be represented after this division builds & weeds out the ones that think they can step on stage without working hard.
I usually don’t like to get involved in debate, but….here’s my two cents
When hearing that Bikini was a definate in our sport, I was thrilled. Over the past few years of training competitors I have learned that there are DEFINATE genetic differences in female athletes. At Bombshell, our training philosphy is very similar for figure, fitness and now bikini athletes. But what we find is that different bodies react differently to the training. For instance, my own weight training workouts do not vary too far from those of Jaime Baird, but when you put the two of us side by side there are two completely different physiques. No matter what I do, I could never have the curvey, soft yet firm look of Jaimes body, it’s simply not genetically possible. Likewize, Jaime can not reach my hardness or level of muscularity. Does that mean that one of us trains harder than the other? Definately not…it’s all about genetics and how a body reacts to training.
I can tell you for a fact, our bikini athletes train like competitive athletes and are in incredible cardiovascular and muscular endurance shape. For a woman to hold enough body fat to have a soft appearance, yet not have any celulite or visible fat is NOT an easy thing to achieve. It requires specific and athletic training combined a very specified diet.
Just like there are bodybuilders and figure competitors who get on stage that did not do their homework, I’m sure that there will be bikini competitors that do the same. Will they win a Pro Card? Just like with the bodybuilder or figure competitor, it’s very doubtful.
All of the girls who won their classes in bikini at the JR. USA’s have fantastic physiques, carried themselves with poise and made all of us involved in our sport proud. The Inagural selection of the bikini pros was excellent. These two athletes are a fantastic benchmark and a very solid beginning to the development of this division.
Thanks Isaac for writing this article. You have done so much to provide education on the Bikini Division. I am a proud NPC Bikini Athlete (retired National-level Figure athlete) and am so grateful to have a division that better suits my genetics. Bikini allows so many more women to experience all the benefits of competing, and I am so happy for that.
I hope that has time moves along, the girls who train hard and look great will continue to be rewarded (Shelsea and others) and that close minded and judgemental people will either:
1) come around to the idea of it (as plenty of peole have)
or 2) Just STFU already.
Seriously, as a competitior (and one who loves, competed in, and has followed figure and fitness for years) I WOULD NEVER get on the boards and talk smack like that about someone else, their diet and training, etc. What ever happened to representing yourself positively and having good sportsmanship? Grow up.
I am just glad for those who are in support of it and I’m happy that I’m not the only one on here that will stick up for it.
Rebecca Snide, Portage MI
Regina, until you identify yourself, you are no longer part of the conversation. You’re the type of person that will hide behind their keyboard all day long & when you would see somebody like Isaac or myself in person would never have the guts to come talk to us.
If anything, you are the BIGGEST JOKE in this conversation!
Awesome Isaac and JM! Shame on you Regina. Whatever we can do to promote women to be fit, healthy and strive for their goals should be applauded. All of the women-figure, fitness, bikini or bodybuilding work their asses off, sacrifice a lot and are inspiration to many on a local and national level. I look forward to the lines becoming cleaner from division to division and for all the sports to grow. I am proud to be a part of the NPC and look forward to competing again soon.
Sara- Well said!
Becca, you can be just as rude as the competitors you are complaining about. Bikini competitors are not, as you state, “more feminine”. They are simply less muscular. Please don’t be on of the people equating muscularity with masculinity. I thought we had enough of that kind of talk from the ignorant people outside of the sport.
Jamie – first of all, you are not an “athlete” if you compete in bikini. Secondly, bikini doesn’t fit your genetics better, it’s just easier, and you are opting to take the easer road to a pro card or your ego feeding self indulgement.
I thought that bikini would be something for a different body type than figure. The girls who are winning are soft figure competitiors. They look fantastic, but I think it is unfair for them to do well in both by dieting and conditioning. I am small framed with long lean muscles and train with my husband who is a bodybuilder. I lift the big weights with him, but I will never have a broad frame. I was also in ballet and drill team which promoted longer, lean muscles than gynmastics or swimming. I guess I just feel out of place
I agree that the bikini class should be modeled after Jamie Eason. Thanks to everyone for support bikini division.
Isaac- here are some pics, I have been told that I will do well at Natls. I feel like my body type favors Ali and Kat Holmes. I am only 23 and hope to reach muscle maturity sooner that later! What’s your opinion on lean vs. deeper muscles?
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4716891&g=0R&s=25
!!!
(#2 in purple)
…And yes I do have some T&A, so don’t hate….my husband loves it
Ness – I do not think that all muscular figure competitors are more masculine – nor am I associating all muscularity with masculinity, either. I love figure, I love the way they look and have a great deal of respect for them – I only meant that some of them have an unnatrual amount of muscle for a woman (as do bodybuilders, obviously) and that in turn is masculine or equates to masculine in most people’s eyes. I would never say that figure or bikini is better than the other or vice versa, and again, I LOVE figure. I think the girls are amazing. My comptuer screensavers and motivation pictures are all of figure girls so please don’t take offense. If I came across rude, that was not my intetion – perhaps I could have worded it better.
Regina:
I agree about Jamie Eason, she certainly does have thee perfect bikini body. I would like to tell you that as I have talked to Jamie Eason quite a lot over the years, she actually used to be a figure competitor but I will tell you during her off season times just staying lean year-round she does about 30 minutes of cardio three times per week and looks incredible! Ask her. So, here you’re saying Jamie has the ideal bikini physique but she doesn’t currently do as much cardio or etc as a figure/fbber does…so, do you retract her as your ideal physique after knowing that? Didn’t think so! Not everyone ‘has’ to do 2 hours of cardio per day to look good for a show. I know some figure girls that only have to do 45 minutes a day and some less!
The fact of the matter is, regardless of the division- everyone works hard to be up on stage. That might be in the gym or out of the gym. Sometimes the hardest part of it is becoming a new competitor and getting up on stage. So, you’re going to have to be a little more respectful of your fellow competitors regardless of if you like bikini division or not. You are not going to get anything positive out of running down hundreds of other girls as well as running down the federation. It’s just not a good idea. No company is going to want to sponsor a sour personality like yours!!!
ALSO, and I find this VERY important to note: No matter ‘which’ girl gets up on stage, we need to remind ourselves that the girls that you’re saying “look like they never hit a gym” could have previously lost 150 lbs. You cannot judge a book by it’s cover! The first year I ever competed, there were three girls that had lost anywhere from 75 to 100lbs to compete in the show. Sure, their bodies looked somewhat like an average girl who doesn’t workout–but once you hear those stories it makes you want them to win because they worked twice as hard as anyone else. Some bikini competitors probably DO have to work just as hard as a figure competitor. You cannot judge based on looks because genetics aren’t kind to us all.
I really feel as though people need to GROW UP and accept bikini just as an evolution to competitions. Its not like NPC Bikini is the first federation to honor a bikini division…Have you ever heard of Ms Bikini Universe? Alicia Marie??? Nobody can say those girls don’t train hard.
I think everyone trains hard in one way or another. I don’t like your attitude Regina, you’re probably one of those girls backstage that sits alone in the corner because she’s so worried about everyone else that she cannot enjoy the show.
I welcome bikini with a wide open mind!
Isaac Hinds, as always, Thank you so much for this awesome conversation. It’s great to hear so many diffeent opinions about the bikini division- good and bad!
Also,
J.M. Manion-
Thanks for the info and background of how bikini was born! I love that!
I am a bikini competitor (short division, 5′) & just competed at the NPC Cal May 23rd 2009 & came in 2nd place. Yes, I will admit not all the girls trained as hard or had as strict of a diet as would be respected by other competitors in figure or even other bikini girls! But there are still a large group of women who do put their all into competing. Although I myself am a trainer, I personally hired Kim Oddo to prepare me as I did not know anything about competing. He would be the first to tell you that I worked very hard for my physique & my diet was as restricted as a figure competitor.
Everyone here reading and participating in these message boards obviously have a passion and interest in competitive bodybuilding & all the levels that follow- we are all entitled to our own opinion but I think it’s unfair to classify all bikini competitors as lazy or women who don’t work hard! I think we should all have a certain degree of respect for all bodybuilders, figure, fitness, & bikini competitors because we are all here to stay. The women who work and train hard will be rewarded.
And Regina- I don’t think any of the judges are stupid- they will not reward a competitior who is obviously out of shape and not up to par with the bikini competitors who are on point!
I personally will be competing in Vegas at the NPC USA’s July 24th and 25th in the bikini class A (under 5’1”) and hope to get my Pro card! I wish everyone luck in every level of competition!
~Thanks again for the great discussion!
Michele D’Angona
Green bikini, Class A
http://contest.bodybuilding.com/gallery/contest/6962/event/6/mode/will/page/14
Hello all
Bikini is new,it will take time to evolve just as figure and fitness has over the years. Figure was once not well received if you all remember correctly. Whole new ball game these days.
I think bikini was genius for the NPC . . . .It will introduce a new group of people to our sport as a whole. . .which means more sponsorships, more revenue, more recognition in the mainstream etc. Surprisingly enough it may even help the rest of our divisions . . . it will be introduced to people that are clueless about the bodybuilding world. Its already happened here locally. Family members came to see bikini and left wanting to do figure and bodybuilding.
I love fitness, figure and bodybuilding. I respect each division for their assets. I am not going to be a body builder and my fitness days are over . .. and I am not even close to being made right for bikini. Bone structure, genetics, desire and hard work play a role in where we all belong.
If you dont like bikini, choose your own division and focus on it! but allow bikini to introduce the rest of the world to our sports. it can do nothing but help the rest of us.
I know several of the girls who literally have worked their buns off to be succesful in figure for years but just couldnt do it on the national level . .. these girls just competed recently in bikini at the Muscle Mayhem in Kansas City and really made an impact with the head judge. He liked what he saw.
they lift weights, do cardio, eat clean . . they train hard . . they just arent big and dont have the bone structure for figure. but they have sass and posed well! Lordy does that need some help at the other shows. BACK off the straddle pose a wee bit ladies!! bad bad pictures if your not careful!
anywho . . .
In our area . .. bikini girls are working with pageant coaches to learn how to walk /pose with curves and stay lady like all at the same time . . . . I suggest doing that. . . even a few of my figure girls have done the same but tweaked it for them. All are quite feminine and graceful now. and the bikini girls are are very fit looking. They are really quite good.
Happy Training!!
anyone know what competition these pictures are from?
2009 NPC JR USA
You actually wasted the time to write an article about bikini? lol Did Jim Manion pay you off to say good things? Sorry Isaac, but bikini is a joke. Really, what’s the point? rewarding the average girl? then what’s the point of figure, fitness or bodybuilding? What’s next, the NPC wet t-shirt division?
Sorry, but I know promoters who think bikini is a joke, judges who are scratching their heads and competitors pretty mad that a girl from bikini can crossover into figure, or fitness, essentially sneakking in the back door if they are lucky enough to earn an IFBB Pro Card. Oh, and at the rate the NPC is giving away pro cards to figure and bikini girls, what’s the point of an amateur division?
Is the IFBB going to hold a “bikini Olympia”? hahahaha you talk about degrading the sport even farther! that says it all… So you go write your article Isaac, tell those bikini girls how to pose and pop their butts out, shake that junk in the trunk and work the judges. I’m sure a few of them will wander over to you and expect you to stick a buck or to in that bikini their wearing.
And if you’re wasting your time on that joke of a website, SC, that says enough. All you’re allowed to do there at that website is complain, you can’t criticize anyone or anything over there, it’s “you go girl”, all day and all night long… A bunch of ass smacking, you’re rocking, etc… Are you stroking Jason Lan off as well?
Well Brian nothing like chiming in a YEAR later. Thanks for your two cents.
Isn’t possible that some ladies who do bikini to see what competition is like, and then transition to figure? Im a total neophyte but it seems like a good place for aspiring figure ladies to get their feet wet.
Isaac I liked your article. And to everyone who had so much negative stuff to say….why? Lol If it’s not your thing, it’s not your thing. Elitist attitudes suck.
Why is this so negative? Each to his or hers own! Please lets move on, and let everyone have there glow on stage….. Everyone enjoy your holiday…and stop all the DRAMA! THis is a spor,t and many figure competitors work very hard to win ……Look for example @ Kristal Richardson….this gal is what figure is all about…she is a BEAUTY!
If Bikini is on the rise so be it!
Brian: There already IS a Bikini Olympia. Look up Nicol Nagrani: she placed third in it.
Google the following names:
Nicole Nagrani
Justine Munro
Natalia Muntean
Tell me those girls don’t bust their asses in the gym. Just try.
Sure, girls get up there with no business being up there. There was one at my last competition, too, who was referring to rest of us as “skinny bitches”, when she looked like she’d never stepped foot in a gym. But there were MORE figure girls who had no business being up there. One of them actually caused the entire audience to audibly “EEEWWWW” when she turned around.
Bikini bodies are not “easy” to achieve. I diet just like any figure competitor. I spend three to four hours in the gym, six days a week – and very little of that is cardio. What business do you have telling me that I’m not working as hard as you are?
A lot of the girls in bikini are figure competitors who are sick of looking like MEN all the time. Kudos to them and kudos to the NPC for finally allowing women to look like women when competing.
I have been around the sport for a long time and competed in Fitness, Figure and now Bikini. Each year I saw the bodies become more lean and more muscular for Fitness and Figure. As the look evolved I tried to keep pace. I didn’t have the body chemistry to keep the muscle size and obtain the definition to be competitive so I am now doing Fitness and Bikini. Anyone who thinks I don’t train hard to be competititve in Bikini should come to one of my bootcamps and find out. Bikini competitiors train just as hard but have a different look they are going for. My body is a cross between Figure and Bikini. I choose to compete in Bikini where I have had more success winning. I have a good bit of muscle in my shoulders and my back. In bikini I just don’t flex on stage. I don’t rid my body of water like I did in the past that is the only real difference.
Yea, I’m chiming in late, but oh well. I’m 18 years old, a student at Arizona State, and do bikini. I work out 6 days a week, each day a different group of muscles, and doing 1 hour of cardio a day. It’s a shame that women with more muscularity are bagging on bikini girls. I work out with a figure girl, some of the times I am doing close to the same weight as her, if not, the same. We both have EXTREMELY different body types, and she and I will NEVER look similar, that’s just how it is. Just because we don’t have as much mass doesn’t mean we don’t have strength.
And I love how a person in the post said we lift 10 pound dumb bells when we curl. I’m sorry honey, I’m doing 30 pounds .
I kept seeing negative comments regarding the bikini division in regard to figure. For some of us who actually work in the business and have lifted all their life, but due their particular type of build, mine for instance, I am tall and very lean, we have an extremely difficult time putting on any type of mass, however, I am toned and am in fantastic shape. I did not start doing cardio and weights 4 weeks ago. That is where some people just do not understand body types. I never thought about competing until bikini became a division and now I am so glad I can. Think before you make a true negative statement.
I’m excited about Bikini:) I am giving serious thought to working towards entering a Bikini competition. As a retired marathon runner, I am familiar with training and though I have never entered a fitness or figure competition, I respect all entrants and would never see myself bad mouthing any division.
I’m a former Worlds Strongest Woman competitor & female bodybuilder. I now train competitive clients, and have a bikini client going into her first show end of this year. Not only does she work AND diet hard, she can keep up with me in training – just with lighter but not light weights! She squats her bodyweight for 12 + reps! How many of you girls do that? It takes pure work and dedication to do any of the classes, and I fully support bikini! It’s the look companies want, mainstream media, and personally it’s a much more feminine look that many more girls want.
I love my more muscled body and what it can do, as many of you do. But don’t take away from this great class! If they put more booties in seats, then competitions become more successful, and we all benefit. Besides, don’t you remember how you looked when YOU first started lifting weights? Didn’t you want to show it off? Now instead of every body type having to fit into the bodybuilding class, each has their place!
Can’t wait for men’s & women’s physique to take off too! Kudos to all the sanctions for recognizing the need for class specialization and giving more people the opportunity to get on stage!
Just my little add-in:
Coming from a 22 year old woman who is going to finally go after her dream, I am going to be entering my first competition in 2012! I have been athletic my entire life; gymnast from the ages of 2-15, soccer player inbetween, & have been working out in a gym (weight lifting) ever since I got my first job at 14 to be able to pay for my own membership. Originally I was going to enter either Figure or Fitness, being that I am genetically “built” and blessed with the ability to achieve muscularity with no problem (but of course earned with hard dedicated training), but was THRILLED when someone turned me onto entering Bikini. I LOVE & respect all of the women I know who compete in Figure/Fitness but Bikini is more for me due to wanting to remain more on the “feminine” side. BUT what triggers me most to enter Bikini is the challenge. The challenge to be able to transform my body to become even MORE lean & fit than I already am. And just a little FYI, it is NOT easy, but it is POSSIBLE!
How is it possible? INTENSE training. WEIGHT training that is. For me (& my genetics) I have to do HIIT cardio & a lot of it, as well, simply because I am in the process of downsizing. My diet is clean as can be & not easy. Every bit of effort I am putting into my goal to be on stage in a couple of months does not come easy! I am 100% working my butt off. So to hear bashing on Bikini competitors is absolutely absurd.
Not to speak “highly” of myself, but I have people (men AND women) coming up to my boyfriend and I on a daily basis at the gym & comment on how hard they see me train & the credit that they give me for how dedicated I am to my training, & most of all the most rewarding compliment is when they tell me that my strength is unbelievably inspiring.
I would like to see the people who are making negative comments on Bikini competitors keep up with my workouts and diet for 1 week.
Bikini is worth every bit of effort I am putting in, & I am SO excited to hit that stage!