Do you think that any woman could look like a figure competitor?

[floridagirl]

Do you think that anyone could be a figure competitor (or at least look like one!) given the right coaching, diet, routine, and dedication? Or do you think that there are women who are, genetically speaking, not able to attain that kind of body?

[juliacheh]

My opinion is that a lot of women will have a hard time putting on muscle mass without some kind of chemical supplementation.

[woodenshoes055]

I think anyone can be or look like a figure competitor with the right coaching, diet, etc. There will always be differences in size, but anyone can get the cut look if their dedicated enough.

[leahbeah]

Originally Posted by juliacheh

My opinion is that a lot of women will have a hard time putting on muscle mass without some kind of chemical supplementation.

This is true, however ... at least in local tournaments sometimes you see figure competitors who are not necessarily muscular but they are very good at cutting the fat so you can see more striations, they aren't usually the winners, but I think that as long as you have good symmetry you still have a good chance of winning no matter how LARGE your muscles are.
I'm not a judge, so my opinion is nothing but an opinion.

I think they key word you used was "dedication" and I do think that with the right amount of dedication anyone can be a figure competitor.

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by juliacheh

My opinion is that a lot of women will have a hard time putting on muscle mass without some kind of chemical supplementation.

I have to disagree. In order to grow you have to eat and let's be honest, most women don't eat enough. When it comes to training most women don't have clue as to what it means to have to push yourself beyond the norm. Most women don't train as hard as they think or claim they do...not even close.

It's taken me over 2 decades of consistency to get where I am today. I've literally been busting my ass day in and day out with no room for slacking. That's how long it's taken me!

With the right diet, the right coach, the right training, dedication, consistency, etc...sure I think a lot of women can look like one or pretty close to.

I think the biggest problem is people don't realize what it takes to get to that level.

[juliacheh]

Originally Posted by kimm4

I have to disagree. In order to grow you have to eat and let's be honest, most women don't eat enough. When it comes to training most women don't have clue as to what it means to have to push yourself beyond the norm. Most women don't train as hard as they think or claim they do...not even close.

It's taken me over 2 decades of consistency to get where I am today. I've literally been busting my ass day in and day out with no room for slacking. That's how long it's taken me!

With the right diet, the right coach, the right training, dedication, consistency, etc...sure I think a lot of women can look like one or pretty close to.

I think the biggest problem is people don't realize what it takes to get to that level.

Kim, I understand what you are saying and agree with you.
BUT after training for two decades and being a bodybuilder (not a figure competitor) you still look nothing like chemically enhanced IFBB Pros.

[juliacheh]

Originally Posted by leahbeah

This is true, however ... at least in local tournaments sometimes you see figure competitors who are not necessarily muscular but they are very good at cutting the fat so you can see more striations, they aren't usually the winners, but I think that as long as you have good symmetry you still have a good chance of winning no matter how LARGE your muscles are.
I'm not a judge, so my opinion is nothing but an opinion.

I think they key word you used was "dedication" and I do think that with the right amount of dedication anyone can be a figure competitor.

In Europe the figure competitors generally look more muscular and leaner than in the US.

http://forum.steelfactor.ru/uploads/...5725_thumb.jpg

This is Julia Zabelina, the Russian IFBB igure competitor, she has just won the world championship.
I think, it would be pretty hard if not impossible for most women to get to that level naturally.

[andy_lee]

Originally Posted by floridagirl

Do you think that anyone could be a figure competitor (or at least look like one!) given the right coaching, diet, routine, and dedication? Or do you think that there are women who are, genetically speaking, not able to attain that kind of body?

I think anyone, if they have everything you listed, can do it. Some people will take longer than others and some would have a much harder time reaching a higher level physique. I think it's just easier to say "Well I don't have the genetics for it" than it is to push yourself everyday. Just like with most other things, for example musical instruments, some people have a natural knack and can just play, but for others it might take years of dedicated practice to reach the same level of proficiency.

Originally Posted by juliacheh

Kim, I understand what you are saying and agree with you.
BUT after training for two decades and being a bodybuilder (not a figure competitor) you still look nothing like chemically enhanced IFBB Pros.
In Europe the figure competitors generally look more muscular and leaner than in the US.
http://forum.steelfactor.ru/index.ph...post&id=184344
This is Julia Zabelina, the Russian IFBB igure competitor, she has just won the world championship.
I think, it would be pretty hard if not impossible for most women to get to that level naturally.

The OP was talking about American figure competitors, though. And people like Kim prove that it's possible to get that kind of size naturally, but how many people do you know who have the kind of dedication that Kim does, especially over such an extended period of time?

[DemetriaF]

Originally Posted by andy_lee

The OP was talking about American figure competitors, though. And people like Kim prove that it's possible to get that kind of size naturally, but how many people do you know who have the kind of dedication that Kim does, especially over such an extended period of time?

I definitely agree.

[juliacheh]

Originally Posted by andy_lee

The OP was talking about American figure competitors, though. And people like Kim prove that it's possible to get that kind of size naturally, but how many people do you know who have the kind of dedication that Kim does, especially over such an extended period of time?

What kind of figure competitor are we talking here? Pros like Erin Stern, national level amateur competitors or local show competitors where women often show up with hardly any muscle and like 20% body fat?
For some women it will take like forever to gain any substantial muscle. For a lot of women it will be challenging to lower body fat and maintain low body fat.
I dunno, I am just trying to be realistic.

[andy_lee]

Originally Posted by juliacheh

What kind of figure competitor are we talking here? Pros like Erin Stern, national level amateur competitors or local show competitors where women often show up with hardly any muscle and like 20% body fat?
For some women it will take like forever to gain any substantial muscle. For a lot of women it will be challenging to lower body fat and maintain low body fat.
I dunno, I am just trying to be realistic.

I have a feeling we're talking somewhere between Pro and local show. And like I said earlier, some people will be more genetically disposed to putting on muscle, but it doesn't make it impossible for other women, but in my experience a lot of women, even if they claim they want to have more muscle, will never eat or lift beyond their comfort zone. I think the key words are that it will take "like forever" and that "it will be challenging." I respect that you're trying to be realistic, but I truly believe that with enough work and time anyone can look like that. The debate here was whether it was physically possible, not whether it was likely to happen for women with conditions that make it more challenging. The OP asked if some woman would be unable to attain that body, I think the truth is often not unable, but unlikely.

[Cnstnce]

Originally Posted by andy_lee

I have a feeling we're talking somewhere between Pro and local show. And like I said earlier, some people will be more genetically disposed to putting on muscle, but it doesn't make it impossible for other women, but in my experience a lot of women, even if they claim they want to have more muscle, will never eat or lift beyond their comfort zone. I think the key words are that it will take "like forever" and that "it will be challenging." I respect that you're trying to be realistic, but I truly believe that with enough work and time anyone can look like that. The debate here was whether it was physically possible, not whether it was likely to happen for women with conditions that make it more challenging. The OP asked if some woman would be unable to attain that body, I think the truth is often not unable, but unlikely.

I totally agree! I am a natural Ectomorph (tall, lean, never have a problem losing fat, hard to put on muscle) yet I am doing it. I have to eat, a lot!!! Most women have a hard time with the mental struggle of eating that much food, but doing it cleanly will help. There is never a "need" for chemicals. Some will say that to get to the pro level you need to use drugs, but there are natural organizations for natural bodybuilding and figure in which the athletes look outstanding. No need to be a drug pusher for figure.

[floridagirl]

Originally Posted by andy_lee

I have a feeling we're talking somewhere between Pro and local show...The debate here was whether it was physically possible, not whether it was likely to happen for women with conditions that make it more challenging. The OP asked if some woman would be unable to attain that body

Yep, exactly.

[DemetriaF]

Originally Posted by Cnstnce

I totally agree! I am a natural Ectomorph (tall, lean, never have a problem losing fat, hard to put on muscle) yet I am doing it. I have to eat, a lot!!! Most women have a hard time with the mental struggle of eating that much food, but doing it cleanly will help. There is never a "need" for chemicals. Some will say that to get to the pro level you need to use drugs, but there are natural organizations for natural bodybuilding and figure in which the athletes look outstanding. No need to be a drug pusher for figure.

Good stuff!

[triangle]

I would imagine there are women with particularly narrow shoulders and wide hips who whilst they may put on the muscle mass and lose the bodyfat, will never quite be able to overcome their body shape to acheive 'The Look'.

[Nightbird573]

Originally Posted by kimm4

I have to disagree. In order to grow you have to eat and let's be honest, most women don't eat enough. When it comes to training most women don't have clue as to what it means to have to push yourself beyond the norm. Most women don't train as hard as they think or claim they do...not even close.

It's taken me over 2 decades of consistency to get where I am today. I've literally been busting my ass day in and day out with no room for slacking. That's how long it's taken me!

With the right diet, the right coach, the right training, dedication, consistency, etc...sure I think a lot of women can look like one or pretty close to.

I think the biggest problem is people don't realize what it takes to get to that level.

This is true. I was talking to a woman today that said she was trying to make some strength and size gains, but just couldn't get past a certain weight. I asked her what rep-range she was using and she said she was doing 40 reps!! I just looked at her and said, "That's why!" lol

[ctgblue]

the whole problem with this question is the term "Figure COMPETITOR"
I think there are definitely women who, genetically hindered, could never look like a competitor.
That being the case, it is still possible for them to look like they are 'in shape' as long as they do enough work.
In shape is a great goal

[Echo814]

I think and this is coming from inexperience mind you, that to achieve that look and to maintain it for long periods of time would be near impossible or just plain miserable. That's assuming that the person wants to look competition ready all the time that is. I have never trained for figure comps and probably never will, but all the work that goes into to it is crazy hard and I give major props so the ladies who can do it. I agree that any woman can look in shape though, it's all about putting the effort into like ctgblue stated.

[Glamorous]

I think if you truly want something, you will find a way to achieve it. It may take a very long time to do, but I think it's possible.

I am struggling with my weight (to lose body fat) and I'd hate to think that I could NEVER look as lean and sexy as some of the women I see...I have to believe that if I want it bad enough, eventually I can get to where I want.

[parsnip1965]

Um..."you can be anything you want to be." Not. And thanks a lot, Oprah and other self-help gurus, for repeating this ridiculous lie so that people can feel even worse when it turns out they can't be anything they want to be.

I will never be an NFL lineman. On the other hand, given a couple of hours, I can figure out how to play just about any string instrument you give me, even if I've never seen it before. Everybody's different. Women or men whose genetics cause them to gain muscle and lose fat easily have a huge advantage over other people in training for a figure competition.

[madcol]

Originally Posted by parsnip1965

Um..."you can be anything you want to be." Not. And thanks a lot, Oprah and other self-help gurus, for repeating this ridiculous lie so that people can feel even worse when it turns out they can't be anything they want to be.

I will never be an NFL lineman. On the other hand, given a couple of hours, I can figure out how to play just about any string instrument you give me, even if I've never seen it before. Everybody's different. Women or men whose genetics cause them to gain muscle and lose fat easily have a huge advantage over other people in training for a figure competition.

Whats the fascination about being a "figure competitor"? I admire the dedication and discipline but not ALL women desire or want to be on a stage and that doesnt mean they are not trying "hard enough". I train with intensity and eat 98% clean all the time and i am very disciplined to achieve a similar physique to a figure girl but i do not want to look that hard, and thats just me. I have my cuts and a flat hard tummy, i dont have a six pack but i dont care. I could probably lose another 2-3% bf and i'm working on that, but i'm happy.
I dont want or care to have that 'peak', look, but i certainly train and eat to achieve a very similar physique.
I do know someone that lost 95lbs, a large pear shaped woman with cellulite all over the back of her thighs, 37 yrs old. She competed in figure and she looked amazing. It took her almost a year to achieve this, so yes, i think every woman has a good chance. She placed 3rd btw.

Colette

[AUTiger13]

Originally Posted by triangle

I would imagine there are women with particularly narrow shoulders and wide hips who whilst they may put on the muscle mass and lose the bodyfat, will never quite be able to overcome their body shape to acheive 'The Look'.

I think this is a good point...

Yes you can diet down and be in shape but I do believe that genetics plays a large roll in determining the end results. You can't change your body to have wide clavicles and narrow hips...but also like most have commented on--there is a very happy medium.

[TwinTurbo335]

Originally Posted by triangle

I would imagine there are women with particularly narrow shoulders and wide hips who whilst they may put on the muscle mass and lose the bodyfat, will never quite be able to overcome their body shape to acheive 'The Look'.

This but losing weight and toning would make them look 10X better and that alone should be motivation. Personally, I wouldnt let anyone tell me that I couldnt though -Even if the odds are against me.

[fitlover]

I believe anyone can look as phenomenal as a figure competitor does...just some people don't have the willpower/strength/discipline to follow through with it. It doesn't happen overnight, and gaining muscle for women is a very long and sometimes tedious process, so a lot of people try it and give up...anyone can do whatever they want, but it's all up to you whether you're willing to put in the time and effort needed to reach that position of fitness.

[DemetriaF]

The OP mentioned two scenarios...

"Looking" like a figure competitor.
"Being" a figure competitor.

Of course the latter won't happen for everyone. But 'looking' fit, tight, healthy and strong is within any woman's grasp.

Same thing with women that want to 'look' like models, there is a way to achieve the 'look.' These ladies probably won't end up on the cover of Vogue, as a lot more goes into high-fashion modeling than being pretty, thin, or even tall. But these same women wanting to 'look' like models might end up getting nice compliments alluding to modeling careers they don't have. Which can be a nice thing, even without the career attached.

[JAWS22]

Uh... realiy check, NOT every woman can become a figure model.

Just cause your 6+ feet tall doesnt mean you'll dunk...

[Miranda]

i'd also like to know what the OP means by 'attaining' a figure competitor body?

those women only peak for a few days or weeks to look like that on stage - they don't maintain it long-term.

[freebirdmac]

Originally Posted by juliacheh

In Europe the figure competitors generally look more muscular and leaner than in the US.

http://forum.steelfactor.ru/uploads/...5725_thumb.jpg

This is Julia Zabelina, the Russian IFBB igure competitor, she has just won the world championship.
I think, it would be pretty hard if not impossible for most women to get to that level naturally.

She does not look like someone who would need assistance to get where she's at. Not at all. Now the pro female body builders are another story.

[floridagirl]

Originally Posted by Miranda

i'd also like to know what the OP means by 'attaining' a figure competitor body?

those women only peak for a few days or weeks to look like that on stage - they don't maintain it long-term.

In the sense of looking shredded with some visible muscle separation, not so much in the sense of the technical nitty-gritty like issues of symmetry.

Basically, enough to be competitive but not necessarily to be a champion.

[fitlover]

Originally Posted by JAWS22

Uh... realiy check, NOT every woman can become a figure model.

Just cause your 6+ feet tall doesnt mean you'll dunk...

Just because you're 6+ feet doesn't mean you'll dunk...right away. I'm pretty sure you can work up to it, unless you're:

1) Crippled.

2) Mentally handicapped.

Nomsayin? For some it's harder, and takes longer...but I've NEVER seen someone who really wanted to achieve a beautiful body who didn't...I'll say it again...it's about the work you put into it. Some have to work harder than others, but regardless, if you work up to it you can certainly achieve great things.