First Figure Competition

quote:

ORIGINAL: gams

Hi Linda,

I would like to start training to compete in a Figure competition in 2007.

Way to go!!!!  You will enjoy the work and results even more.

I have started to do a lot of research on bodybuilding.com and there is extensive amounts of information out there.

I would like your suggestions of tested/all-natural organizations to join. Also, any tips and advice to get started would be greatly appreciated.

Well setting a date is your first step and look ahead at least a year just so you can do it in less stress, some can do it in less time, and some take longer if you are heavier with  more body fat or need more muscle, it all depends on what fitness level you are at etc but with the costs too, its good to prep out a bit longer to make it easier.  I would also look into which shows are  near by, unless you wish to travel then yes I would suggest some but first I need to know a few things which will dictate which you SHOULD choose.
You must be a natural since that was what you wanted for org/fed choice.  Well for a tested show it would be WNBF, but the figure is a bit of a beauty contest glorified pageant, they do judge facial beauty and have a few politics which can affect your scoring if you are not 'with it' so to speak.  YOu also have to be willing to travel to NY and other areas.
WNSO is good.  They have some new pre requisites though if you want to get their pro card and hae to do a camp first etc.  Their Figure has a routine though, but no upside down stuff for that so no gymnastics needed.  They also have a neat, open handed posing round although the MS. Fitness people also do have similar Figure and I would most likely suggest them first, but they do not test extensively, but do test.  WNSO tests on some shows for first place but not extensively.
OCB has a figure similar to the WNBF but again only in the East mainly.
There are untested shows, but most lead to very big competitors who may not be natural.  Not all of them are like that though so you just have to get to know the local shows and see them to see who enters, if they are all drugged up or not but shows that tier up to IFBB or are NPC are usually not natural although I have heard of some NPC shows with very natural looking girls so again that depends on your local shows and their promoters.
So my question,

• what end physique are you looking for? 
  
• Do you want to be a bulkier natural or stay trim and small?  D
• o you want to do fitness model type of figure or figure with routine and open handed posing?
• Are you good with dieting and disciplined, able to work out 2 hours per day 5-6 days per week for a few months straight? 
  
• HOw lean do you and are you wililng to get?  

These variables lead to different show suggestions.  Figure tends to be very lean in most shows, unless you do fitness model which is still quite lean but not as cut and can be nice and toned but not too buff is needed.

I am still doing research on competing b/c I want to make sure I absolutely know everything before I make any final solid decisions b/c I know it will be a tremendous amount of work and time that I will have to spend in the upcoming months.
And money, and it is mentally trying too, not to mention, as in most competitive fields, you meet many undesireable people who are not looking for your best interest even if they pretend to be!  Must be very quiet and cautious until you learn who is who, who knows how and how things work, politics are huge in your placings unfortunatley, some you can control and some you cannot!
Now there is the cons but the pros are awesome, you get confidence, fit, poise, get to have some fun and look hot, sexy while the crowd treats you like a queen because winner or loser, first or last, everyone admires that work and that you tried!!!
Linda

Thanks a lot for your help and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!!

Mary

quote:

ORIGINAL: Italianangel

quote:

ORIGINAL: gams

Hi Linda,

I would like to start training to compete in a Figure competition in 2007.

Way to go!!!!  You will enjoy the work and results even more.

I have started to do a lot of research on bodybuilding.com and there is extensive amounts of information out there.

I would like your suggestions of tested/all-natural organizations to join. Also, any tips and advice to get started would be greatly appreciated.

Well setting a date is your first step and look ahead at least a year just so you can do it in less stress, some can do it in less time, and some take longer if you are heavier with  more body fat or need more muscle, it all depends on what fitness level you are at etc but with the costs too, its good to prep out a bit longer to make it easier.  I would also look into which shows are  near by, unless you wish to travel then yes I would suggest some but first I need to know a few things which will dictate which you SHOULD choose.
You must be a natural since that was what you wanted for org/fed choice.  Well for a tested show it would be WNBF, but the figure is a bit of a beauty contest glorified pageant, they do judge facial beauty and have a few politics which can affect your scoring if you are not 'with it' so to speak.  YOu also have to be willing to travel to NY and other areas.
WNSO is good.  They have some new pre requisites though if you want to get their pro card and hae to do a camp first etc.  Their Figure has a routine though, but no upside down stuff for that so no gymnastics needed.  They also have a neat, open handed posing round although the MS. Fitness people also do have similar Figure and I would most likely suggest them first, but they do not test extensively, but do test.  WNSO tests on some shows for first place but not extensively.
OCB has a figure similar to the WNBF but again only in the East mainly.
There are untested shows, but most lead to very big competitors who may not be natural.  Not all of them are like that though so you just have to get to know the local shows and see them to see who enters, if they are all drugged up or not but shows that tier up to IFBB or are NPC are usually not natural although I have heard of some NPC shows with very natural looking girls so again that depends on your local shows and their promoters.
So my question,
 
Linda, thanks so much for your thorough reply!!! I am going to give myself about 10-12 months before competing. I live in NY and have looked up some local shows coming up in 2007 but was not sure of the organization, etc. I did not see you list the INBF? That is also a natural org, right? Is that one any good? Please see my answers below:
 
 

• what end physique are you looking for? .

I would say my fitness level is intermediate. I get into the gym about 5x a week and do a lot of weight lifting along with some cardio - which I have increased in recent weeks. I have gained some weight since the pictures in this link below:
 
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0EatmjRqyZsXjA
 

• Do you want to be a bulkier natural or stay trim and small?  I would like to be in between the natural bulky and trim if that is even possible? I know I do not have a petite frame so I feel that I may end up getting bulky rather than trim & small.

 
o you want to do fitness model type of figure or figure with routine and open handed posing?

• Are you good with dieting and disciplined, able to work out 2 hours per day 5-6 days per week for a few months straight?  I am absolutely able to work out 2 hrs a day 5-6 days a week for the next several months. I was very very disciplined with my diet up until a few months ago. I have found it very hard for me to get back on track with the healthy eating but I am hoping this goal will push me along in the right direction.
  
  
• HOw lean do you and are you wililng to get?  I am willing to get as lean as I need to be to compete in the figure competitions. Is there an average bodyfat % that these women are when they compete? Are they about 10% BF?

These variables lead to different show suggestions.  Figure tends to be very lean in most shows, unless you do fitness model which is still quite lean but not as cut and can be nice and toned but not too buff is needed.
I want to do the figure competitions judged solely on musculature, bodyfat %, and symmetry - not routines or beauty pageants.

I am still doing research on competing b/c I want to make sure I absolutely know everything before I make any final solid decisions b/c I know it will be a tremendous amount of work and time that I will have to spend in the upcoming months.
And money, and it is mentally trying too, not to mention, as in most competitive fields, you meet many undesireable people who are not looking for your best interest even if they pretend to be!  Must be very quiet and cautious until you learn who is who, who knows how and how things work, politics are huge in your placings unfortunatley, some you can control and some you cannot!
Now there is the cons but the pros are awesome, you get confidence, fit, poise, get to have some fun and look hot, sexy while the crowd treats you like a queen because winner or loser, first or last, everyone admires that work and that you tried!!!
Linda
I know this will be more mentally challenging than the physical aspects but I am up for this challenge - I just need the correct guidance and training.. I have already spoken to some friends and family about as I know that support and motivation will be what gets me through this on those days where I just want to give up. Based on the above, which do you think I should go into? Thanks again, Linda for all of your help and advice..

Thanks a lot for your help and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!!

Mary