Comments on: NPC Bikini Thoughts & Comparisons http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons It's how you start and finish your day. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:21:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Francesca E http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-76836 Francesca E Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:28:12 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-76836 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! 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!

]]> By: Robin Coleman http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-73711 Robin Coleman Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:40:03 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-73711 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! 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!

]]> By: Beth http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-68142 Beth Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:29:09 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-68142 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 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.

]]> By: Regina http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-65445 Regina Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:59:33 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-65445 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 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.

]]> By: Lauren http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-65143 Lauren Sat, 09 Jul 2011 04:55:11 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-65143 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 . 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 .

]]> By: Shelly http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-65082 Shelly Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:00:17 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-65082 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. 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.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-47081 Sarah Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:28:04 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-47081 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. 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.

]]> By: Christine http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-43253 Christine Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:42:02 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-43253 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! 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!

]]> By: angela watson http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-43233 angela watson Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:44:54 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-43233 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. 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.

]]> By: Isaac Hinds http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-30876 Isaac Hinds Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:40:45 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-30876 Well Brian nothing like chiming in a YEAR later. Thanks for your two cents. Well Brian nothing like chiming in a YEAR later. Thanks for your two cents.

]]> By: Brian http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-30870 Brian Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:32:30 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-30870 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? 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?

]]> By: Isaac Hinds http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-24335 Isaac Hinds Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:19:22 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-24335 2009 NPC JR USA 2009 NPC JR USA

]]> By: chelsea http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-24331 chelsea Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:32:11 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-24331 anyone know what competition these pictures are from? anyone know what competition these pictures are from?

]]> By: kim seeley http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13924 kim seeley Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:40:50 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13924 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!! 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!!

]]> By: Michele D'Angona http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13878 Michele D'Angona Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:59:21 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13878 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 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

]]> By: Jodi http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13715 Jodi Sun, 31 May 2009 11:42:31 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13715 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! 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!

]]> By: Becca http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13597 Becca Fri, 29 May 2009 01:28:18 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13597 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. 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.

]]> By: Leigh Ann http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13585 Leigh Ann Thu, 28 May 2009 22:09:46 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13585 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 :) !!! 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 :) !!!

]]> By: Elliott http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13584 Elliott Thu, 28 May 2009 21:53:41 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13584 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. 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.

]]> By: Ness http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13579 Ness Thu, 28 May 2009 20:38:13 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13579 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. 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.

]]> By: Becca Snide http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13577 Becca Snide Thu, 28 May 2009 19:17:15 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13577 Sara- Well said! Sara- Well said!

]]> By: Sara Hurrle http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13576 Sara Hurrle Thu, 28 May 2009 19:02:50 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13576 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. 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.

]]> By: J.M. Manion http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13573 J.M. Manion Thu, 28 May 2009 18:45:49 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13573 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! 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!

]]> By: Becca Snide http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13563 Becca Snide Thu, 28 May 2009 17:40:42 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13563 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 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

]]> By: Jaime Baird http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/comment-page-1/#comment-13562 Jaime Baird Thu, 28 May 2009 17:35:22 +0000 http://www.hardbody.com/news/2009/05/27/npc-bikini-thoughts-comparisons/#comment-13562 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. :) 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. :)

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