calling all figure girls:)

[baileys423]

hello everyone, I just competed over the weekend placed 5th out of 14 and I just got done talking to a friend, (a strong man competitor) and he told me that I maybe to muscular for figure...that kind of stung a little, so I was wanting to get feedback from other girls, trainers whomever that may know for a fact that I maybe too built for this kind of thing. Another note, in the amatuer level of figure I've noticed that the judges seem to pick the petite girls over girls w/ some muscles on them and the national/ pro level the figure girls there have bigger muscles than me, it doesn't make sense to me.

I'm the one at the end w/ red suit and blond hair.

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...059_6t7Ty-A-LB

[kimm4]

It's always been frustrating for figure girls because it's a crap shoot on what the judges will be looking for on that day. Some organizations go for a more muscular/lean look and others go for a softer look.

Nice work, congrats!!

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by kimm4

It's always been frustrating for figure girls because it's a crap shoot on what the judges will be looking for on that day. Some organizations go for a more muscular/lean look and others go for a softer look.

Nice work, congrats!!

well I've been noticing lately in these shows that they are going w/ a soft look w/ very little definition, just the tone look. It is aggrivating because I busted my butt to add that muscle and I feel that I was penalized for it. But if I went National I would get smoked by some of these other girls w/ their muscle definition.

Thanks for your response

[DemetriaF]

Bummer on the conflicting criteria/standards in the world of the 'figure' competitor (they need to get that straight). But dang, you look amazing! Kudos on building such a gorgeous physique!

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by DemetriaF

Bummer on the conflicting criteria/standards in the world of the 'figure' competitor (they need to get that straight). But dang, you look amazing! Kudos on building such a gorgeous physique!

WOW, thank so much it is very conflicting

[SunnyD902]

I think you looked great! You have awesome shoulders and I'm pretty sure that is one of the criteria for figure competitors, to have well-rounded, nicely capped shoulders. I guess it would depend on how far you want to go and what federation you plan to compete in. IMO by the looks of the girls you competed against you may not want to put on anymore size, but no need to downsize either. NPC you may need to add a bit, but then again, I'm no judge nor do I compete in figure (but many of my girlfriends do). Did they offer a feedback session by the judges after the show? Are you able to get a hold of your scorecard? That may give you a better idea of what you need to do if you plan to compete in that show again.

[bambifox]

Originally Posted by baileys423

hello everyone, I just competed over the weekend placed 5th out of 14 and I just got done talking to a friend, (a strong man competitor) and he told me that I maybe to muscular for figure...that kind of stung a little, so I was wanting to get feedback from other girls, trainers whomever that may know for a fact that I maybe too built for this kind of thing. Another note, in the amatuer level of figure I've noticed that the judges seem to pick the petite girls over girls w/ some muscles on them and the national/ pro level the figure girls there have bigger muscles than me, it doesn't make sense to me.

I'm the one at the end w/ red suit and blond hair.

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...059_6t7Ty-A-LB

Uhhhh...WOW...IMHO you have the best bod out of all the woman I saw...IMPRESSIVE! Excuse me but you cannot be the same person who posted about "loose ab skin"? HOLY CRAP...you look great. Sorry, can't give any advice (haven't done any shows yet), but I too want to compete in figure comp. Nice to see what I'll be up against.

Novice opinion though...I think the judges may have had a problem with vascularity. But size andseems just right for "fitness"...perhaps less dehydrating before comp? You really don't seem to "big" or overly "muscular". Donno..but just a thought.

[Mindi911]

is the girl who came first in that pic?

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by SunnyD902

I think you looked great! You have awesome shoulders and I'm pretty sure that is one of the criteria for figure competitors, to have well-rounded, nicely capped shoulders. I guess it would depend on how far you want to go and what federation you plan to compete in. IMO by the looks of the girls you competed against you may not want to put on anymore size, but no need to downsize either. NPC you may need to add a bit, but then again, I'm no judge nor do I compete in figure (but many of my girlfriends do). Did they offer a feedback session by the judges after the show? Are you able to get a hold of your scorecard? That may give you a better idea of what you need to do if you plan to compete in that show again.

yes that is one of the things they look for is well rounded shoulders, I couldn't stay and get feedback so I'm trying to get ahold of the promoter now, well for the past week anyways, I could kick myself for not staying if I knew it was going to be this hard to get feedback. thanks for your great input

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by bambifox

Uhhhh...WOW...IMHO you have the best bod out of all the woman I saw...IMPRESSIVE! Excuse me but you cannot be the same person who posted about "loose ab skin"? HOLY CRAP...you look great. Sorry, can't give any advice (haven't done any shows yet), but I too want to compete in figure comp. Nice to see what I'll be up against.

Novice opinion though...I think the judges may have had a problem with vascularity. But size andseems just right for "fitness"...perhaps less dehydrating before comp? You really don't seem to "big" or overly "muscular". Donno..but just a thought.

LOL yes that's me and I do have the loose skin but I can hide it well thanks for the comments. Here is the actual top 5 of us girls when they where comparing us. The girl right next to me w/ the beautiful blue suit won the class

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...194_t8GPV-A-LB

[aseaborn]

You look AH-Mazing in both of these pictures! Judging is quite subjective, I would consider it a control factor but that's just how I understand it. If you don't mind me asking...How many shows have you been in??

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by aseaborn

You look AH-Mazing in both of these pictures! Judging is quite subjective, I would consider it a control factor but that's just how I understand it. If you don't mind me asking...How many shows have you been in??

this was my 3rd NPC and I was in a local one for the military on base, so 4 all together, thanks for the comment

[chicana_peach]

Wow, you did look amazing! Love your upper body! I thought you were definitely one of the best in the top 5. Yeah, these figure shows are something else. I placed last in my last show (2nd figure comp) and had the *soft* look going that i thought the judges were looking for, they were obviously looking for the hard and muscular dry look. You can never tell with these shows.

[mprior]

One thing I wanted to add (aside from the obvious... you look fantastic! =))) ) is that you don't necessarily have to *lose* muscle to come in looking softer on stage. Its just a matter of tweaking those last 2-3 weeks of diet and training to have a little different look. Every show is different. Sometimes the hard girls win, sometimes the soft girls win. Don't sweat it out too much, you look phenomenal.

[bambifox]

Originally Posted by baileys423

LOL yes that's me and I do have the loose skin but I can hide it well thanks for the comments. Here is the actual top 5 of us girls when they where comparing us. The girl right next to me w/ the beautiful blue suit won the class

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...194_t8GPV-A-LB

I call total BS with the judges decision! Sorry...not tryin to be mean..but I just don't agree! From what I can see in those pics...you had the best semmetry and nicest overall package (yes, prettiest face...if that counts which I think it does).

The only suggestion I would make is that you waist (although I'd kill a small defenseless animal to have it)...I think can be smaller...as it seems to have alot of muscle on it. What I mean is...no weighted abwork...because your hips are not that big and I think it would add to your already outstanding figure and symmetry if you were to bring down the muscle in your waist a bit.

Dayum...this is going to be hard to compete...you never know what these judges are looking for. Again...this is only my honest opinion...I really do think you should have won. I'm sure you'll kick ass the next comp! Good luck.

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by chicana_peach

Wow, you did look amazing! Love your upper body! I thought you were definitely one of the best in the top 5. Yeah, these figure shows are something else. I placed last in my last show (2nd figure comp) and had the *soft* look going that i thought the judges were looking for, they were obviously looking for the hard and muscular dry look. You can never tell with these shows.

Thank you so much Chicana, yeah my 2nd show which was the beginning of the yr the girl who won the class had a very muscular look and was very tight and dry. So its more or less a guessing game. I'm still happy that I placed and I know it had to be hard for the judges. All I can do is get better and work on my weak points.

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by bambifox

I call total BS with the judges decision! Sorry...not tryin to be mean..but I just don't agree! From what I can see in those pics...you had the best semmetry and nicest overall package (yes, prettiest face...if that counts which I think it does).

The only suggestion I would make is that you waist (although I'd kill a small defenseless animal to have it)...I think can be smaller...as it seems to have alot of muscle on it. What I mean is...no weighted abwork...because your hips are not that big and I think it would add to your already outstanding figure and symmetry if you were to bring down the muscle in your waist a bit.

Dayum...this is going to be hard to compete...you never know what these judges are looking for. Again...this is only my honest opinion...I really do think you should have won. I'm sure you'll kick ass the next comp! Good luck.

I do agree w/ you, my waist needs to come in more, my biggest problem w/ my body type is that I can put muscle on quickly if not careful, I only do ab work once a week if you can believe it, although it is weighted, so I'll have to drop that. But my body also loves to keep the fat around too I respect your opinion as I do w/ others as well Since we are on the lovely topic here is the back posing, I think that was my weak area

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...604_zL7EN-A-LB

side view
http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...707_qsBrR-A-LB

other side view
http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...925_oe3hn-A-LB

[aseaborn]

Originally Posted by baileys423

Since we are on the lovely topic here is the back posing, I think that was my weak area

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...604_zL7EN-A-LB

side view
http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...707_qsBrR-A-LB

other side view
http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...925_oe3hn-A-LB

I'm finally beginning to see my own posing weakness. Hopefully I can learn something from this one as well, so I'll give it a shot. The only things that stood out for me was your chest in the side poses. You didn't look "round and high" and your glutes in your back pose. You didn't look like you were making those glutes "high and tight" by arching your back. I can only go off of what my coach is looking for, so I hope it helps.

[baileys423]

Aseaborn thanks I think I could have been leaner so my butt would have done the high and tight, I was arching though thanks for your honest feedback oh my the way love your quote "superwoman" Love it.

[bambifox]

Originally Posted by baileys423

I do agree w/ you, my waist needs to come in more, my biggest problem w/ my body type is that I can put muscle on quickly if not careful, I only do ab work once a week if you can believe it, although it is weighted, so I'll have to drop that. But my body also loves to keep the fat around too I respect your opinion as I do w/ others as well Since we are on the lovely topic here is the back posing, I think that was my weak area

http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...604_zL7EN-A-LB

side view
http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...707_qsBrR-A-LB

other side view
http://www.jimwallingford.com/galler...925_oe3hn-A-LB

Sorry...but every time I see those pics I think WTF? This gurl clearly got the best overall package in the bunch...mkay...had to get that out again

I'd work more on developing your lats a bit more. The one thing that I did like about your back was that it was not "boney" like some of the other contestants. But I'd keep working on developing those lats more...it'll aid in the symetry department as well.

Hammys/Glutes have a perfect size for fitness IMHO...but I'd work on creating more separation. One thing that the winner had, was really nice separation between the glutes and hams...although I felt her hams could have been alot more developed.

Again...you ROCK...and I'm certainly no pro here...trying to learn from you...so again, this is just my humble inexperienced opinion.

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by bambifox

Sorry...but every time I see those pics I think WTF? This gurl clearly got the best overall package in the bunch...mkay...had to get that out again

I'd work more on developing your lats a bit more. The one thing that I did like about your back was that it was not "boney" like some of the other contestants. But I'd keep working on developing those lats more...it'll aid in the symetry department as well.

Hammys/Glutes have a perfect size for fitness IMHO...but I'd work on creating more separation. One thing that the winner had, was really nice separation between the glutes and hams...although I felt her hams could have been alot more developed.

Again...you ROCK...and I'm certainly no pro here...trying to learn from you...so again, this is just my humble inexperienced opinion.

YES, my lats are weak, I'm going to work on that during my off season, also my butt/ham tie as they call it, needs work, maybe more lean in that department as well. I think you nailed it. I like your humble inexperienced opinion

[kimm4]

I'm glad you posted more pics...now I have a better idea and I'll give you my honest opinion. You look beautiful and you have a nice solid physique! Your legs need to come in leaner...when you achieve that you'll have more balance with your upper body. You're thicker in the waist (I have the same problem) and they score down for that. Your color needs to be a little darker so the lights don't wash you out.

The girl that won absolutely deserves it. Her color is perfect it's spot on. She has the best symmety from head to toe. Although the front of her quads look like she needs a little more separation, her back, hammies and glutes are nice and lean.

Again you should be proud because you look fantastic!!

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by kimm4

I'm glad you posted more pics...now I have a better idea and I'll give you my honest opinion. You look beautiful and you have a nice solid physique! Your legs need to come in leaner...when you achieve that you'll have more balance with your upper body. You're thicker in the waist (I have the same problem) and they score down for that. Your color needs to be a little darker so the lights don't wash you out.

The girl that won absolutely deserves it. Her color is perfect it's spot on. She has the best symmety from head to toe. Although the front of her quads look like she needs a little more separation, her back, hammies and glutes are nice and lean.

Again you should be proud because you look fantastic!!

thanks, I'll agree w/ all the above statmants. the girl that won had it all, I'm still happy w/ what I placed and very proud.

[aseaborn]

baileys423- thank you for sharing! You look amazing. I hope this is going to be your motivation for your next show, *hint hint*

Good luck lady!! Stay strong, I think I'll be taking away quite a bit from this thread!

[bambifox]

Originally Posted by baileys423

YES, my lats are weak, I'm going to work on that during my off season, also my butt/ham tie as they call it, needs work, maybe more lean in that department as well. I think you nailed it. I like your humble inexperienced opinion

LOL! Yeah...I have no idea really exactly what the judging is based on...but to me, you really did look best out of the bunch. I think all the woman could use SOME improvement here or there. Stick with it and make those minor changes...I predict you'll be coming in 1st place in no time!

Originally Posted by kimm4

I'm glad you posted more pics...now I have a better idea and I'll give you my honest opinion. You look beautiful and you have a nice solid physique! Your legs need to come in leaner...when you achieve that you'll have more balance with your upper body. You're thicker in the waist (I have the same problem) and they score down for that. Your color needs to be a little darker so the lights don't wash you out.

The girl that won absolutely deserves it. Her color is perfect it's spot on. She has the best symmety from head to toe. Although the front of her quads look like she needs a little more separation, her back, hammies and glutes are nice and lean.

Again you should be proud because you look fantastic!!

I LOL'd at the "color" thing. Judges really score on how dark you are...sheeeiit...reverse discrimination maybe? LOL! Just kiddin...but really, I didn't know this. What happens when a contestant is super dark...like extra dark chocolate...do they "lose/gain" points for this? Seems kinda crazy to meh.

Originally Posted by aseaborn

baileys423- thank you for sharing! You look amazing. I hope this is going to be your motivation for your next show, *hint hint*

Good luck lady!! Stay strong, I think I'll be taking away quite a bit from this thread!

Me too

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by bambifox

LOL! Yeah...I have no idea really exactly what the judging is based on...but to me, you really did look best out of the bunch. I think all the woman could use SOME improvement here or there. Stick with it and make those minor changes...I predict you'll be coming in 1st place in no time!



I LOL'd at the "color" thing. Judges really score on how dark you are...sheeeiit...reverse discrimination maybe? LOL! Just kiddin...but really, I didn't know this. What happens when a contestant is super dark...like extra dark chocolate...do they "lose/gain" points for this? Seems kinda crazy to meh.



Me too

My feeling is you can never be too dark for the stage! The stage lighting is very bright and if you're not dark enough/and or makeup isn't dark enough you will look washed out on stage. The judges will mark you down for that because it makes a difference with how your physique looks.

Keep in mind what you see in pics and sitting in the audience is totally different from what the judges can see. They sit lower than the stage and are looking at you up close from a different view...you wouldn't believe the difference and every little thing they can see that we can't!

That's why it's tough trying to give opinions just looking at a set of pics...because it's nothing compared to sitting at that judging table...

[runner05]

Congrats on your fantastic accomplishment!

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by kimm4

My feeling is you can never be too dark for the stage! The stage lighting is very bright and if you're not dark enough/and or makeup isn't dark enough you will look washed out on stage. The judges will mark you down for that because it makes a difference with how your physique looks.

Keep in mind what you see in pics and sitting in the audience is totally different from what the judges can see. They sit lower than the stage and are looking at you up close from a different view...you wouldn't believe the difference and every little thing they can see that we can't!

That's why it's tough trying to give opinions just looking at a set of pics...because it's nothing compared to sitting at that judging table...

Exactually! But for some reason my tan was lighter than the rest, and it was professional, oh well, you live and learn and you guys helped me out alot thanks so much!!

Originally Posted by runner05

Congrats on your fantastic accomplishment!

Thank you

[baileys423]

Originally Posted by aseaborn

baileys423- thank you for sharing! You look amazing. I hope this is going to be your motivation for your next show, *hint hint*

Good luck lady!! Stay strong, I think I'll be taking away quite a bit from this thread!

No, thank you girl you guys have helped me figure out what I need to work on, its a learning experience, but I'm getting closer to the prize I started out getting last place.