What Sets Apart Bikini Competitions from Figure Competitions: Understanding the Differences
Competitive bodybuilding has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, with many people looking to get involved in the sport. There are several different types of bodybuilding competitions, each with its own unique rules, requirements, and categories. Two of the most popular categories for women are bikini and figure competitions. But what exactly are the differences between these two categories? In this article, we'll explore the key differences between bikini and figure competitions, including the judging criteria, poses, and overall physique requirements.
Bikini Competitions
Bikini competitions are a newer category of bodybuilding that was introduced in the late 2000s. This category is designed to showcase a lean and toned physique, without the extreme muscularity required in other categories. Bikini competitors are judged on their overall physique, as well as their stage presence and presentation. The goal of a bikini competitor is to achieve a healthy, athletic-looking body with a feminine shape and minimal body fat.
In a bikini competition, competitors wear a two-piece swimsuit that is designed to show off their physique. The swimsuit is typically made from a sparkly, glitzy material and is often embellished with crystals or other decorations. The bikini should be flattering to the competitor's body shape and should show off their assets without being too revealing. Competitors are also required to wear high heels, which help to elongate their legs and improve their overall posture.
Judging Criteria for Bikini Competitions
In bikini competitions, judges are looking for a balanced, symmetrical physique with a toned and athletic appearance. The judging criteria are based on the following factors:
Overall Muscularity and Conditioning: Bikini competitors should have a toned and athleticlooking physique, with visible muscle definition and minimal body fat. The muscles should be well-defined, but not overly developed.
Proportion: Competitors should have a balanced, symmetrical physique with good proportions between the upper and lower body. The waist should be small and the shoulders and hips should be well-defined.
Presentation: Competitors are judged on their overall stage presence and presentation, including their confidence, poise, and ability to perform the required poses.
Posing Requirements for Bikini Competitions
In a bikini competition, competitors are required to perform several different poses to showcase their physique. These poses include:
Front Pose: Competitors stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, facing forward. They should have a slight bend in their knees and their arms should be relaxed at their sides.
Back Pose: Competitors turn around and face the back of the stage. They should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their arms should be relaxed at their sides.
Side Pose: Competitors stand with their legs slightly apart and their hips turned to the side. They should place one hand on their hip and the other arm should be relaxed at their side.
Turn and Walk: Competitors turn and walk off the stage, showcasing their overall physique and stage presence.
Figure Competitions
Figure competitions are another popular category of bodybuilding for women. This category is designed to showcase a more muscular and defined physique than bikini competitions,
without the extreme muscularity required in other categories. Figure competitors are judged on their overall muscle tone, symmetry, and balance.
In a figure competition, competitors wear a two-piece swimsuit that is similar to the bikini worn in bikini competitions. However, the suit is typically more conservative and is designed to show off the competitor's muscle tone and definition. Competitors are also required to wear high heels, which help to elongate their legs and improve their overall posture.
Judging Criteria for Figure Competitions
In figure competitions, judges are looking for a muscular and on the other hand, figure competitions require athletes to showcase a more muscular and lean physique. Figure competitors are typically judged based on the symmetry, proportion, muscle tone, and overall presentation of their physique. They're also required to do quarter-turns to show off their body from all angles. In figure competitions, contestants wear two-piece suits, and high-heeled shoes, just like in bikini competitions.
One significant difference between bikini and figure competitions is the level of muscularity required. While bikini competitors aim for a toned, yet less muscular physique, figure competitors strive for a more muscular and defined look. They usually have more muscle mass, especially in the shoulders, back, and legs. Figure competitors also have less body fat, which allows their muscle definition to show.
Another notable difference is the posing routine. While bikini competitors mainly focus on showing off their overall physique and confidence, figure competitors perform more elaborate poses that highlight the muscles in their physique. The poses also emphasize the competitors' overall symmetry, balance, and proportion.
In terms of diet, both bikini and figure competitors follow strict nutritional plans to achieve their desired physiques. However, figure competitors may require a more structured and restrictive diet to achieve the necessary muscle mass and definition. They need to consume more protein and fewer carbs and fats to maintain their muscle mass and achieve a lower body fat percentage.
Training also differs between the two competitions. Bikini competitors primarily focus on resistance training, including weightlifting and bodyweight exercises, to tone and shape their physique. Figure competitors, on the other hand, focus on building more muscle mass and definition through heavier weightlifting and resistance training.
Judging criteria for both competitions also differ. Bikini competitors are judged based on their overall physical appearance, including muscle tone, symmetry, balance, and presentation. Judges also assess their skin tone, hair, and makeup. Figure competitors, on the other hand, are judged based on their overall physique, including muscularity, definition, symmetry, proportion, and posing routine.
Finally, the scoring system for both competitions also varies. Bikini competitions use a point system, where judges award points based on different criteria, such as overall appearance,
symmetry, and presentation. Figure competitions, on the other hand, use a ranking system, where judges rank the competitors based on their physique and posing routine.
In conclusion, while bikini and figure competitions may seem similar, they have distinct differences in terms of physique, posing routine, diet, training, judging criteria, and scoring system. It's essential for athletes to understand these differences before choosing which competition to enter. Whether you choose to compete in a bikini or figure competition, both require hard work, dedication, and commitment to achieve your desired physique and presentation.