Question for competitors

[Nagrule]

I am somewhat limited on knowledge for this sport, but from what i can gather the important factors in a contest are size, proportion and definition. My ambition for the sport was abolished when i read a variety of articles that put emphasis on proportion...

My bone structure is a weird one, my left shoulder is broader than my right one. My right shoulder has a bigger boneyer lump (of bone ) that children tend to have before they fully develop. I am 20 im not still growing. This seems to be responsible for my entire left pectorial being significantly bigger than my right one. I have tried for years to even it out read many articles and techniques but the problem seems to have a bigger root. Even the amount of fat around the pectorial is different!

This brings me to my question, just how important is proportion and is it possible to be succesful without perfect symmetry?

I thought this section most appropriate since many of you will have had hands on experience with judges. If you are kind enough to respond please keep the answer relative to the question, i am not asking for more techniques on how to even myself out.

[IronBrendan]

You know they say that it's very important but then you have guys that make it to the pro ranks like Eric Frankhouser who have big wheels and lacking upper bodies.

So it makes you wonder.

I'm not knocking Erc by the way. I'm a fan.

It most certainly does help but I'd say that size and condition are more important. I'm not a judge though.

www.ironbrendan.com

[tvicemanXXL]

I am somewhat limited on knowledge for this sport, but from what i can gather the important factors in a contest are size, proportion and definition. My ambition for the sport was abolished when i read a variety of articles that put emphasis on proportion...

My bone structure is a weird one, my left shoulder is broader than my right one. My right shoulder has a bigger boneyer lump (of bone ) that children tend to have before they fully develop. I am 20 im not still growing. This seems to be responsible for my entire left pectorial being significantly bigger than my right one. I have tried for years to even it out read many articles and techniques but the problem seems to have a bigger root. Even the amount of fat around the pectorial is different!

This brings me to my question, just how important is proportion and is it possible to be succesful without perfect symmetry?

I thought this section most appropriate since many of you will have had hands on experience with judges. If you are kind enough to respond please keep the answer relative to the question, i am not asking for more techniques on how to even myself out.

Anyone can compete. That is the bottom line. Why don't you upload a few pictures so people can see what you're saying.

[shortybow426]

hey man i have competed once and i have a show comming up, and if you look at me well i dont know if i have good proportion, but i just wok with what i got. So if you love the sport just go at and have some fun with it.

[Nagrule]

You seem symmetrical, at least in comparison to me. When i saw bodyspace i thought it was a great way to organise and store all training and progess information. When i start one up beginning of october i will redo this thread with a picture for reference.

[AustrianOakJr]

I bet if you came in big and well conditioned you would beat a symetrical guy who is not well conditioned. Unfortunately, if there is a guy with nice size and shape that is ripped to the bone, he'll beat you. Doesnt mean you shouldnt compete. Go for it.

[crew5]

I hear what you are saying. I have a torn right bicep and two years ago had a blood clot in my right arm causing my one arm, pec and shoulder to still be larger than the other. Everything working against me. Still decided to compete and in my first won weight class and over-all - 52 competitors in total. In my experience (going to comps and competing) conditioning wins the day in most amatuer comps. Until you get down to comp weight and BF you never know what you are going to look like. And with proper posing you might be able to minimize the effect of the proportions difference in certain body parts. Good Luck though.

[Nagrule]

I hear what you are saying. I have a torn right bicep and two years ago had a blood clot in my right arm causing my one arm, pec and shoulder to still be larger than the other. Everything working against me. Still decided to compete and in my first won weight class and over-all - 52 competitors in total. In my experience (going to comps and competing) conditioning wins the day in most amatuer comps. Until you get down to comp weight and BF you never know what you are going to look like. And with proper posing you might be able to minimize the effect of the proportions difference in certain body parts. Good Luck though.

Brilliant reply thanks for your input, particuarly what you said about posing to reduce the appearance of odd proportions. As i am preparing to take 'before' pics to look at in half a year or so, id appreciate it if anyone could recommend a good posing tutorial or website.