Women's NPC divisions explained

Another blog about - yes! What is the crazy thing I am doing in August, and what are the women's divisions, and what does that mean? A side note: I am competing in the physique division..


The NPC has 4 divisions for women: Bikini, Fitness, Figure, Physique and Body Building. For each division, I will post a example picture (no one I know just an example) of what the ladies look like. In addition, I will include text from the NPC website stating what the judges are looking for.

Bikini

Women's Bikini Division

All competitors will compete in a 2 piece suit and heels, and may wear jewelry. Judging is based on presentation. This includes the 'model walk' (read more) and a full front and back stance. Competitors are scored on overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation. Balance and body shape are part of the critique.
The overall look is smooth and shapely, with good muscle tone without being bulky.

Figure

Scoring is based on a full general assessment, including healthy appearance, make up and skin tone. Judges look for a small degree of muscularity with separation, no visible striations. Overall muscle tone with shapely lines, overall firmness and not excessively lean is a plus.
All competitors will compete in a 2 piece suit and heels, and may wear jewelry.Where the bikini division only faces front and back, Figure ladies do quarter turns, with a side pose. (Read more)


Fitness

Women's Fitness

The Fitness division combines all the aspects of Figure; in addition competitors are required to complete a 2 minute fitness routine. During the posing round, the contestants should have shape to their muscles but not size, definition or vascularity as in bodybuilding and physique. If these are present the contestant will be scored down. The fitness routine is scored on 4 aspects - Strength, flexibility, cardiovascular and overall package. Overall score is a combination of the posing round and the fitness routine scores. (Read More)



Women's Physique

Women's Physique

From NPC website: "Women’s Physique Division has been created to give a platform for women who enjoy weight training, competing, contest preparation." All competitors are bare foot, and in a 2 piece suit. The suit worn for both pre-judging and finals can be the same and may include fringe, rhinestones or florescents. 
Judges look for an athletic physique showcasing femininity, muscle tone and beauty/flow of physique. While all types of physiques are are welcome, excessive muscularity is discouraged. In addition to the posing round, each competitor has the opportunity to do a 60 second posing routine to music of their choice.
(Read More)


Women's Body Building

Body Building has been thought of as mainly a men's sport, however women have been competing for 20+ years, and women's body building continues to grow.(Read more)
All competitors are barefoot, and Pre-judging suits are a plain in color.
In addition to the posing round, each competitor has the opportunity to do a 60 second posing routine to music of their choice.
Body building classes are based on weight, where other divisions (bikini, figure, fitness and physique) are not. Words that may describe a body building competitor are: Ripped, shredded, peeled, striated, dry, diced, hard, vascular, grainy, massive, thick, dense, etc.

This blog does NOT include all the details for NPC divisions, for further information please visit their website. NPCNewsOnline.com

Questions: Please post them here - I am thrilled to share my journey with you!
 

The NPC (National Physique Committe)

So what is this 'thing' called body building?

In this excerpt, I am going to talk about the governing agencies for this sport, and briefly describe the women's divisions only (not to leave out the men, but to keep it short and sweet).

Lets start with the NPC. From their website: "The National Physique Committee is the premier amateur physique organization in the world. Since 1982, the top athletes in bodybuilding, fitness, figure, bikini and physique have started their careers in the NPC. Many of those athletes graduated to successful careers in the IFBB Professional League, a list that includes 24 Olympia and 38 Arnold Classic winners." Read more here.

In order to compete in a NPC sponsored competition, you must join the NPC and receive a card. This is a yearly process, and allows you to compete in as many (or as few) competitions as you wish.

Once you have your card, you can choose a show to enter. These are held all over the United States.
You submit an application requesting the division and class you wish to enter, and send in your money.

Then the fun begins!!

In the next update, I will describe each women's division, and classes within each division.

Update - and so it begins

Well, It seems that I have somehow lost almost 6 months between blogs, and here I am 12 weeks out from one of the most exciting things I have ever done!

I have decided to enter a physique competition. The date is August 23rd the show is called the Warrior Classic. 

http://warrior-productions.com/

I realized that many of you may of heard of body building, but don't know the first thing about it besides what you have heard from friends, or seen on TV/internet.

My hope is to educate and entertain you as I progress along my journey towards the stage in August.
I am currently 12 weeks out from my goal, and the diet part has begun.

Before I delve into that 4 letter word "DIET" lets talk about background on what this is about!

Each blog post will include some information about different parts of this adventure - please feel free to post questions on ANY forum you wish, or email me privately.

All I ask is that you respect the hard work, time and effort that goes into this process.

And So It Begins....

 

 

I have had this crazy idea in my head for a while, and I decided that 2014 would be the year to set my goals, make a commitment and go for it.

 

I am 47 years old, and a fitness professional. I haven't always been a pro, for many years I was just an enthusiast, whether that meant working out regularly, or just thinking I SHOULD while sitting on the couch and working out occasionally. That lead to a sedentary lifestyle (with a little exercise, and a lot of overeating!).  I was overweight, (195 lbs) and though I was 'healthy' I was headed down a steep path towards being 'unhealthy'.

 

Over 4 years ago, I decided to change my life, quit a well paying job and pursue a dream. Here we are now - at 153.5 lbs (as of today) and a 'healthy" BMI (calculate your BMI here).

 

 

I workout at a gym that has a lot of VERY fit people, and many of them are fitness competitors. I am inspired, motivated and above all IN LOVE with my gym! Its not for everyone, however I call it home. I have always wanted to compete, just never thought I could do it. Well - here it goes!

With this blog, I am going to document my journey from a 'healthy' weight, to being the best I can be. Its a personal journey, please be kind. This isn't for you to judge or critique, just my way of keeping myself honest. If you find inspiration here, please feel free to share your thoughts with me.

 

I will continue to add to this as things change with pictures and thoughts detailing my journey.

The pictures were hard to post, I am not happy with what I see, however we are always our own worst critic.

 

And so it begins...

 

Body weight 153.5
BMI 24.0
Body Fat percentage 22.4%
Measurements:
Arm 11"
Chest 34"
Waist 32"
Hips 39"
Upper Leg 20.5 "
 

Happy 4th of July from Orlando!

Here we are again, the sun is out this morning and we are just getting rolling. Its almost 11am and we are being lazy.. That's what vacation is for right?

Last night showed me that I won't starve or have too many ill results from drinking heavily and not eating much (I can't do it all the time, but occasionally on vacation is okay). I like red wine, and as long as I don't mix, its all good. I am still going to hedge my bets and drink PLENTY of water today.

Not sure what the plan is, could be shopping, or just hanging out around the hotel. Sounds boring, but its a nice break from the normal routine of running hard daily.


Lunch was at the Fountain, located in the Dolphin Hotel. I LOVE their Ahi Tuna burger - had to have another one... Kay and I had a wonderful lunch, and headed back to the hotel room to pick up Pam.

Off to the Fitness studio (I know, its part of the job) to workout for today. Funny thing is, I feel like crap when I don't work out, even if its only the 'dread-mill'.

 After working out, off to the local restaurant for some food and fun! Pam is a hoot, and great to hang out with and laugh.

After a lazy afternoon, I met up with Lorrie, my new friend I met in the fitness studio. Great conversation, and definitely someone I will stay in touch with after we both head home. We had drinks, then headed down the way to Kimomos for dinner. I was thrilled to meet someone who enjoys sushi as much as I do!
I had plans to watch the fireworks from the boardwalk, however dinner with Lorrie was more entertaining. Late into the evening, we parted ways and I went in search of Pam and family.

I found them in the Italian restaurant, and we finished up our evening there. Back to the room for a well deserved night's rest.

Wednesday in Orlando - the sun is out!!!

The Swan Hotel lobby fountain

WHOOO HOOO! The sun is out this morning!!!
Not sure what do with myself, but I think the pool is calling my name.. My legs don't see the sun very often, so it will be a short trip, but at least I can say I did it..

Off the fitness room for my morning workout (it helps with adjusting the attitude when on vacation) and some time on the dread-mill. Yes, the dreadmill. Not my favorite, but great for getting it warmed up and moving..

I found some time to work on posing choreography for one of my clients, and even had the fitness attendant video it for me! Fortunately, she has friends that are fitness competitors, so she didn't think I was strange at all. LOL Nothing like going through a posing routine when you are the only one who can hear the music!

Back to the room for a shower - wait! I am HUNGRY!! A passing thought, can you lose weight while on vacation? Hmmmm

I ate something small, and headed off to the Dolphin hotel to watch Kay perform. I made it just in time, and had a great time watching her group perform (5-8 yr olds) and cheering them on. Pam and I took off to catch some food, after a visit to the room. As I am waiting for Pam, I eat some veggies and small piece of cheese. Not much, but I expect to eat soon.

I am back from the day, and food didn't happen until around 5pm, and after at least 2 glasses of wine. In case you didn't know, I don't drink much. Not much at all.. Its a tough time when you haven't eaten and are drinking... We spent the rest of the afternoon in the bar (something I haven't done in a while) and enjoyed the humor of the bartender and our new friend, Lorrie.

I met Lorrie at the fitness spa 3 days ago (okay, we just sized each other up) and then bumped into each other 2 days ago at the coffee shop. We had a great conversation, and made a new friend. Lorrie owns a dance studio in Washington, and we found many common threads based on our profession as well as our common interests.

Back from the day, and wondering about wandering down to the hot tub to finish out the day... Its been a good day, with not much going on. Great for vacation!

and - its STILL raining!

Its Tuesday (I think) and its STILL raining... Did I mention its raining? I guess I am glad that our activities are mostly inside, however I would like a little time beside the pool, just because I did buy a bathing suit...

Last night was a great restaurant with a nice prime rib, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Not my usual fare of chicken or fish made by my wonderful husband, but delicious! Thank god for veggies and salad! Just saying....

This morning started out with coffee and something that resembled breakfast, though not what I normally eat for breakfast. Where is the egg whites and steel cut oats? Okay, maybe something other than bagels and yogurt??? *sigh* 

Off to the fitness room for  a good morning warm up. It felt great yesterday to get some stress out, and work those muscles I am 'relaxing'. I know, you wonder why I would go work out on vacation, when that is what I do for a living.. Well, its like a good habit. I miss it when I don't work out, and its an excellent way to relax.

I found a way to do my hair that looks cute (I think, what do you think?) that will work for this humidity.
*Have you ever noticed that taking a self portrait doesn't always work out well? I seem to make strange faces... *

Today was spend at the StarPower dance competition with 10 MILLION little kids and their parents and siblings.. UGH..... Although I wanted to go watch Kay dance (Pam's daughter), I guess I didn't think about the amount of people and children that would be attending..


Did I mention that I am NOT a kid person? I really like little old ladies, children make me twitchy after a while. So, I spend most of my afternoon and evening at the dance competition. By about 7pm (5 hours later) I had had enough. A baby started screaming (he was tired and probably done with the noise level too)  and that was the END.  TIME TO GO....

The evening ended with finding a restaurant that serves Ahi Tuna burgers (YUM) and a glass of wine..