Many may argue that figure and fitness are the same. The training style, diet regimen, and stage presentation are put into consideration when an athlete makes the decision to either compete in figure or fitness. Let's face it; figure is more mainstream compared to fitness. Not to say that figure has it easier when it comes down to preparing for a contest. Although they all share common stigmas and negative perceptions; both categories have its own traits making each sport distinctive.
Fact: Figure derived from fitness. Not every female athlete is blessed to have the foundations of gymnastic or formal dance. Women across the world grew interest in competing in fitness but lack the agility and skill to perform the mandatory moves of the fitness competitions. These women can train and diet just as hard, or harder, to develop a conditioned, more muscular, yet feminine physique to mimic after the fitness competitors. Mind that most women in figure have no prior experience in training and/or dieting. Most are "bitten by the bug" after seeing a contest or a fellow gym mate transform their physique right before them. Influenced by other athletes, women are heading into the weight room with no reservations to begin their total transformation. As Tony Morrison would say, "You can train to look like Michael Jordan, but it doesn't mean you're going to jump like him." This simple concept explains the human body.
Every person is born with an athlete bone in them. Humans are genetically designed to attain strenuous physical activities from giving birth to fishing or farming. It is only our addiction to conveniences that helped us develop into unhealthy, ill infested bodies, but that's another topic of its own. The matter at hand here is any woman is capable of achieving a more lean, conditioned, muscular, yet feminine, toned, and symmetrically balanced physique regardless if their goal is to compete or just look good wearing a bikini at the beach (without wearing a shirt over the bikini I must add).
Fact: You do need to consistently follow a well developed training and diet strategy to achieve the desired look. There is no sugar coating to looking exceptional. Accept the fact that there is no magic pill, no fad diets, no super training, no top secret maneuvers, no tricks, gimmicks, if, ands, or buts. The bottom line here; there is NO Secret. Success is only reached when you combine your strategy, determination, discipline, and motivation. As cliché as this may sound, hard work is the key to succeeding, and the only difference between you and the other person who succeeded is they went out and did it. As Nike would put it, "Just Do It." No one ever said it was easy, but excuses topped with procrastinations are the recipe to failure. And for the skeptics that use the excuse that some people are just luckier, No, with hard work comes luck. Think about it, the harder you work, the luckier you get.
Fact: Figure women exemplify the sex appeal of the female athlete. Hard bodies in high heels wearing bikinis with done up make-up, hair, and nails along with wearing accessories and synthetic skin color is enough said to support my point. Understanding that figure resembles beauty pageants, but falls under the fitness industry will help put things in perspective. In addition, the criteria are more critical when judging figure competitors. High expectations are placed on femininity, athleticism, stage presence, poise, and posture.
So, are you interested in being a figure competitor yet?
Check List for Figure Athletes:
- Nutrition Plan
- Training Regimen
- Posing & Quarter Turns
- Posing Suits
- High Heels
- Competition Color
- Hair, Make-up, & Nails
- Accessories
And what makes figure different from fitness again? The judging criteria for figure competitors are more critical as stated earlier. More emphasis is on femininity rather than the athleticism. Fitness competitors, on the other hand, can get away with lower body fat percentage and more muscular physique. Because of the routine round in Fitness, less emphasis naturally is placed on femininity and poise. There are only so many points to work with. The routine round is more prominent when judging Fitness because of the acrobatic movements on stage and the intricate dance routine, all of which demands strength, flexibility, balance, and creativity.
Fact: Fitness competitors require some sort of gymnastic or dance background to perform the mandatory moves of the competition. Most athletes who gained interested in Fitness competitions as an adult found that it was too late and difficult to begin incorporating specialized movements; hence, how figure came about.
Fact: Figure and Fitness both share similar posing rounds. Both are having to position with ease wearing posing suits the high heels and the works. Courtesy of Hardfitness.com, we have included video clips to further give detailed description of what judges are looking for during this round.
It's important to pay close attention to detail. You will want to present a polished, flawless physique. Your ultimate goal in either Figure or Fitness is to show case your strengths while finding the techniques to hide your weaknesses. Judges are constantly looking for "what's missing" in the athlete. It could be, but not limited to your condition, leanness, femininity, muscularity, symmetry, stage presence, routine, performance in the quarter turns, poise, charisma, personality, make-up, hair-do, complexion, and skin tone. You want to stand out like a sore thumb, especially when you are up against 30 plus
athletes competing for the same title. Mind that all 30 women appear to have the same physique or looks better or more dominant than you. It is only natural to feel this way because you're looking at what the other competitors have that you don't. It's the nature of the sport. It is what makes it competitive. Trying to present your own strength, though, may lead you to focus on another competitor's strength, which may happen to be one of your weaknesses. Don't worry about that-focus on presenting your package to the best of your ability. No one is perfect.
Again, whether you want to compete or just look good at the beach, getting in shape and challenging yourself to reach a higher level of fitness requires hard work. Of course, maintaining that "hard-body" requires a whole other level of hard work. Now that, I'm not going to attempt to discuss-I, myself, am still working towards achieving such as goal in being able to maintain an exceptional physique even in the off-season. Until then will I feel comfortable sharing "The Secret?" to maintaining the ultimate physique.
Fact: It is necessary to do your own research. Your coach or trainer can only do so much. There are so many credible resources in the internet you can study. It will definitely help you understand the sport you want to get into. For specific information you can always contact me. I'd be happy to help if I can.
With that said, I hope this brief information furthered explain the industry I've learned to appreciate. I wish to see it grow on our island.
