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!