We have already noted more than once that Russia has long held strength and beauty contests male build. The winners were determined panel of judges, consisting of representatives of the local sports community and spectators. None approved judging rules there was none, but the jury and spectators always quite accurately and objectively identified the winner with a beautiful body build.
Today competition rules already exist and are operating successfully. They are set out in the Charter of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (guidelines for judges, participants, organizers, 1987). Let's consider the main provisions of this document concerning the organization and conduct of competitions, judging and some rules.
Judging and general rules for bodybuilding competitions
Bodybuilding competitions consist of two semi-finals and a final in each subgroup - weight category. Men's competitions contain five weight categories, women's and juniors - three each:
- Men: flyweight - including 65 kg, light - 66-70, medium - 71-80, light heavy - 81-90, heavy - over 90.
- Women: light weight- 52 kg each, medium - 53-57, heavy - over 57.
- Juniors: light weight - 70 kg, medium - 71-80, heavy - over 80.
Junior age (for both boys and girls) is considered to be up to 21 years of age, after which the athlete becomes an adult. The date of birth is documented during the weigh-in process before the actual start of the competition.
To conduct the competition, you need: a chief judge, a secretary, 9 judges (7 or 5 are possible), two judges conducting calculations, a timekeeper, the main organizer (master of ceremonies) and the required number of assistants for the participants. Women's Championships There are also 9 judges (7, 5), five of them women.
Official special form for male judges - a blue jacket, light blue or white shirt with a tie, and for women - a blue jacket, light blue or white blouse and gray skirt.
Before the performance of athletes of each category referee commission must be properly presented to athletes and spectators. The judges are located in front of the stage at separate tables with chairs in order to have a clear view of the posing pedestal and the candidate-participant located on it. An additional table is also installed for the secretary and two judges conducting calculations. There should be a place for the announcer on the side of the stage.
Table judges do not have the right to talk to each other, encourage or criticize athletes, or take photographs of them.
According to the International Rules, there is even a waiter who delivers refreshments to the judges at the tables at a convenient time.
On the eve of the competition, all participants are required to check their weight(men in swimming trunks, women in bikinis). Judicial panel must print the temporary schedule for each weight category. An applicant who does not fit into the category is given no more than 30 minutes to try to bring his weight back to normal. The weighing is controlled by the chief judge, and he must confirm the weight of each participant.
Competition Secretary compiles lists of all participants by weight category and, having reproduced them, distributes them to everyone related to the competition.
Exit order for participants for display to the judges is determined during weigh-in; in accordance with it, everyone is given a number within their category. The number is attached to the left edge of your swimming trunks or bikini and must be worn during competitions and finals.
At international competitions, checks are carried out for doping according to paragraph 20 of the IOC Statutes.
After weighing they pass bodybuilding preliminary competition, which are open to spectators.
Scene for participants it is located in front of the judges at a height of 1 m, otherwise the chairs must be raised. The stage is equipped three lighting devices, the first of which is necessary to illuminate the entire line of the participants, at the moment when they first appear before the judges. The second device focuses on the location of the individual posing, and the third illuminates the posing of the six participants.
On stage posing platform must be centrally located so that each judge can see the athletes standing on it from head to toe. In order for six participants to perform comfortably, it must be six meters long, one and a half meters wide and half a meter high, covered with a carpet on top, the front and sides painted black. Athletes enter the stage-podium from one side and go to the other.
Men- competition participants must wear plain swimming trunks, and women- in plain bikinis that expose the abdominal muscles and lower back muscles. It is prohibited to sew clothes from material with metal (gold or silver fabric for evening dresses), or to use padding. Competitors are not allowed to compete wearing shoes, watches, rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, wigs, distracting ornaments or artificial body enhancers. It is forbidden: chewing gum, eating or sucking candy, and smoking. During the preliminary competitions and finals, the use of all kinds of artificial, aids(objects, canes, hats and other accessories).
You can use artificial body paint, applying it no later than 24 hours before the competition. Excessive application of oils to the body is strictly prohibited, but creams, oils and moisturizers can be used. Hair should not hide the relief of the muscles of your shoulders, as well as the upper back.
For changing clothes And warm-ups the participant appears backstage half an hour before the start of the competition in his category. At this time, the judges check the athletes against the starting list.
Refereeing and its features
If they compete in a weight category more than 15 athletes, a selection must be made to reduce the number of participants to 15. All athletes in the category line up in an organized manner on the stage (if necessary, in 2 lines) strictly in the order of their numbers. Next, the chief judge of the competition asks the participants to perform 4 poses:
- I) double biceps in front,
- II) side chest,
- III) double biceps at the back,
- IV) and calves, abs and thighs
The show is carried out - 5 participants at a time, in numerical order. The judges will determine the top 15 athletes by marking their numbers with a cross (x) for the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals (1 category, 1 part) each of the 15 participants freely poses for a minute under their own musical accompaniment; in the absence of the latter, it is provided.
When evaluating the 1st round of the 1st part, the judge must pay attention to the demonstration of a pumped-up body in an artistic and well-thought-out program. It is important that posing does not become just a series of movements. The applicant must show all angles of his body - I) from the front, II) from behind and III) from the sides, as well as all leading muscle groups. Points are deducted for: poor-quality posing and harmoniously underdeveloped body parts.
Then (I category, II part) all 15 finalists are again called onto the stage as a group strictly in numerical order, who perform two turns, now in a relaxed position (showing the body from the front and back). Having completed this phase, the judges move on to comparing 7 mandatory poses (for girls, as well as pairs - 5), demonstrated by 5-b athletes.
Features of the women's competition
Evaluating female physique, the judge must look for the ideal muscular form female figure. Other aspects are similar to those described for assessing male postures, however, muscle development should not appear excessive, resembling a powerfully muscular male physique. Also, the relief of women’s muscles should not be confused with the consequences of exhaustion caused by excessive weight loss.
In the first round, the judges try to detect some other flaws that are often invisible in men - skin breaks, surgical scars, etc. The judges must observe grace And graceful gait, and also posing.
Tables of judges' scores, statistical sheets filled out by the persons conducting the calculations, other documents are the same as those filled out when judging men's competitions.
Second half of the tournament
In Round I of Part II, the overall shape and shape of the various muscle groups. The judge favorably treats participants with harmonic, classic physique, highlights good posture, encourages athletic behavior, clear correct anatomical structure:
- I) the skeleton of the body,
- II) broad shoulders,
- III) high chest,
- IV) correctly arched back,
- V) good proportions of the torso and limbs,
- VI) straight legs,
- vii) good skin with no blemishes, pimples, tattoos,
- VIII) neatly trimmed hair,
- IX) good shape feet and fingers.
If difficulties arise in the distribution of prizes between two or three participants, the judge looks for shortcomings according to the criteria listed above.
Both parts semi-final count as one round. The judge classifies the participants, distributing from 1st to 15th, without giving anyone the same places. The scoring judge removes the two highest and two lowest scores and adds up the remaining five places. When a competition is held by 7 or 5 judges, the highest and lowest scores are discarded. The total placings of each participant determine the top six athletes for the final. This method is used to select finalists in each weight category.
In the final, six participants perform free posing to music chosen by themselves, and then all together demonstrate seven separate poses (women and couples - five). Personal free posing and poses for mandatory display constitute, as it were, the second round of the competition. One-minute posing is not scored. The judges place the finalists in 1st to 6th place, and the scorers, again removing the two highest and two lowest scores, add up the remaining five. The total amount is added to the number of places scored by the participant in the semi-finals. The athlete with the lowest number of places in 2 rounds is the winner. The final is served by the same 9 (7 or 5) judges who conducted the preliminary competitions.
If any judge gives a score, significantly different given by other judges, the competition secretary may ask for an explanation.
The secretary has the right remove the judge who is biased, incompetent towards athletes, or behaves unworthily.
In each category, after the finals and posing, a award ceremony- while the finalists are lined up on the back half of the stage. Sometimes a posing platform can be used as a podium. The announcer announces the name of the participant who earned 6th place, and he climbs onto the pedestal, taking a place on the left side. Then the athletes who received 5th - 2nd places are named, and finally winner, which becomes in the center.
Bodybuilding allows a person to change a lot own body– in the literal sense of the word “build” it almost anew. This “restructuring” occurs thanks to the regular implementation of a special complex strength exercises, as well as the use of special highly nutritious foods and food additives, promoting increased muscle growth.
Bodybuilding has long been a professional sport in which judges evaluate the development of athletes' muscles, its relief, volume, symmetry and proportionality.
(Total 50 photos)
1. Warm-up of a participant in the European Fitness and Bodybuilding Championship in Budaors, held on June 12, 2011.
2. An athlete prepares to go on stage during the European Championships in men's bodybuilding, classical bodybuilding and bodybuilding in Sofia on May 22, 2011. To make the muscles look better from the stage, the bodies of the competition participants are covered with a special foundation.
3. European championship in men's bodybuilding, classical bodybuilding and bodybuilding in Sofia on May 22, 2011. Competitors warm up backstage.
4. Competitors wait for the signal to go on stage.
5. Waiting backstage to go on stage.
6. Participants in the European Championships in men's bodybuilding, classical bodybuilding and bodybuilding demonstrate the development of their muscles. To do this, each athlete must take a number of mandatory poses, tensing certain muscle groups.
7. The competition participant practices the pose in front of the mirror.
8. European Championships in men's bodybuilding, classical bodybuilding and bodybuilding in Sofia on May 22, 2011
10. The competitor puts on the final polish in front of the mirror.
11. Annual Bodybuilding Competition in honor of Memorial Day in Venice, Los Angeles, California, May 30, 2011. Women have been taking part in bodybuilding competitions since 1978.
13. Alisha Baker - 26-year-old bodybuilding competition competitor in Venice, Los Angeles, California, May 30, 2011.
14. If an athlete’s veins protrude very much, this is considered a disadvantage in bodybuilding. The ideal is considered to be smooth and very prominent muscles.
16. The process of applying foundation to the skin. This cream covers the entire body of the athlete.
18. Waiting for the start of the championship.
19. Athletes behind the scenes.
20. Warm up. Each mandatory pose requires a lot of tension from the athlete.
21. Warm-up for professional bodybuilder just as important as for any other athlete. Trying to get into the required position without warming up with such gigantic muscles can result in serious injury, since tense steel muscles act like scissors and can damage nerves.
22. The championship participants are waiting for their entrance.
23. Championship participants pose.
24. Behind the scenes, athletes do not stop warming up so that when they go on stage they are in good condition. in the required form.
25. Waiting for the signal to go on stage.
27. Annual bodybuilding competition held by the National Olympic Committee. On May 12, 2010, this competition was held at the Areyub cinema in western Kabul. In the center of the photo is the winner of the championship, Mohammad Arif Sahi.
28. August 6, 2010, Tehran, 44th Asian Men's Bodybuilding Competition in sports complex Azadi (Freedom). A competition participant prepares to go on stage.
29. Classic bodybuilding competition among amateur women at FIBO 2011 in Essen on April 16, 2011. Also at FIBO from April 14 to 17, an international sports exhibition health and sports products.
31. A female athlete shows off her muscles.
32. One of the mandatory poses during bodybuilding competitions.
33. The same exercise performed by men. Men's classic bodybuilding competition at FIBO 2011 in Essen on April 16, 2011.
34. Performance at the amateur men's classic bodybuilding competition at FIBO 2011 in Essen on April 16, 2011.
35. To look sculpted, the muscles must be as tense as possible, but the athlete must tense them easily and naturally.
36. Participants in regional bodybuilding and fitness competitions in Stavropol on May 1, 2011, rehearse behind the scenes.
37. Competitive bodybuilding is a sport in which judges evaluate the muscles of posing participants based on volume, aesthetic proportions, symmetry and balance, and determine the bodybuilder with the most perfect body, in their opinion.
38. Behind the scenes during a national bodybuilding competition in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod on May 12, 2011. 43 athletes - men and women - took part in the competition.
“Men’s Physique” or “Beach Bodybuilding” is a category among bodybuilders introduced by the International Federation of Bodybuilding in 2012. This direction of bodybuilding was singled out into a separate category, bodybuilders in which do not strive to build up huge muscle volumes, but have aesthetically beautiful developed body with prominent moderate muscles. Being a completely new branch, this discipline has its own rules and procedure for conducting competitions, which are not yet known to everyone. In addition, the attitude of bodybuilders towards beachgoers is also completely different.
Beach bodybuilding international level and on the territory of Russia they have some differences in the competition program. International competitions are held in six different categories. The classification is based on the height of the athletes: up to 168, up to 171, up to 174, up to 178, up to 181 and above 184 centimeters. Domestic competitive program divides speakers not only by height, but also by weight.
Russian Men’s Physique competitions include the following categories based on height and body weight:
- up to 170 centimeters with a maximum weight of up to 70 kg, that is, “height” - “weight”;
- up to 174 centimeters with a maximum weight of up to 76 kg, that is, “height” – “weight” + “2 kg”;
- up to 178 centimeters with a maximum weight of up to 81 kg, that is, “height” - “weight” + “3 kg”;
- from 178 centimeters with a maximum weight of 83, that is, “height” - “weight” + “4 kg”;
- from 190 centimeters with a maximum weight of 97, that is, “height” - “weight” + “5 kg”.
The weight calculated by the formula is considered the maximum. Those whose weight is less than the maximum can also perform.
How to become a participant in Men’s Physique competitions?
To get into the beach bodybuilding competition, you need to know when and in what place it will be held. The next step is registration, the completion time of which depends on the level of the competition:
- To regional, taking place in a small city or at the regional level, you can register on the same day when it starts.
- To the regional, if we are talking about a large populated center, you should complete the registration procedure the day before the start.
- At the championship, national cup and above You can participate only if you have qualifications.
To qualify, you must successfully perform at a regional or regional level tournament. It is usually assigned by the president of the federation or the chief judge.
The competition is held in several stages. First there is a presentation, during which the athletes come out one by one to the judges. The competition then begins with athletes in groups of five demonstrating four different poses. The winners ceremony takes place after all bodybuilders have finished their performances.
What clothes do people wear in the Men’s Physique category?
Athletes compete without shoes and in shorts that reach mid-knee, called boardshorts. Only special makeup is allowed, that is, only that which is officially permitted. There are no restrictions on wearing jewelry or accessories.
Attitude towards beach bodybuilding among other athletes
Opinions and bodybuilders professional level, and amateur bodybuilders are quite diverse. Some believe that this new category deserves absolutely no attention, while others, on the contrary, support mens physics. Considering this discipline, one cannot deny the fact that it has a right to exist. Not all athletes strive to gain impressive mass and muscles. There are also those who value balance and aesthetics.
It is also impossible to deny the fact that this category is less hazardous to health. Classic bodybuilding, which involves building huge muscles, has a negative impact on the body and cardiovascular system. With the advent of men's physics, bodybuilding became attractive to those who were intimidated by athletes participating in the Mr. Olympia competition, weighing 120 kilograms or more. This, of course, allows us to expand the usual boundaries of bodybuilding and make it more attractive to many.
Beach bodybuilding, which appeared relatively recently, is still on the path of development. It can be assumed that after some time it will become on a par with classical bodybuilding and international competitions mens physics will be taken at the appropriate level.
The fitness industry today is growing steadily. In addition to the fact that the number of people involved in fitness is growing, new categories are also developing.
The history of bodybuilding stretches back to 1939, when the first amateur athletic union was organized in the United States, and a year later the first bodybuilding competitions were organized. Accordingly, there was only one category - only men performed.
But currently there are several categories, both male and female, which will be discussed further.
Bodybuilding federations and categories
There are several federations of competitive bodybuilding: IFBB (International Federation), NABBA (National Amateur Bodybuilding Association), WABBA (World Amateur Bodybuilding Association), WFF (World Fitness Association), NAC (International National Athletic Committee).
So, in our federation there are the following main categories:
1) Men's:
- classic bodybuilding
- Men's Physique
2) Women's:
- female bodybuilding (Women's Physique)
- fitness
- body fitness
- fitness bikini
- fitness model
In addition, there is women's fitness(girls aged 8-16 years), bodybuilding (boys under 12 years old and young men), masters (women over 35 years old, men over 40 years old), mixed pairs.
Let's look at the features of each category separately.
- Categories are divided by height and weight ( Weight Limit in this case it is calculated according to the formula and prescribed by the IFBB rules)
- Well-balanced, proportionally developed body
- Sufficiently developed musculature of all muscles, separation muscle fibers- clearly expressed
- They usually perform in black swimming trunks.
- There are mandatory poses
Men's physicist (beach bodybuilding)
Pumped up “tanned” (read - made up) handsome men in bright colored shorts. Perhaps every girl's dream.
What are the specifics of this category?
- Athletes have more developed muscles shoulder girdle, backs, pectoral muscles, press expressed
- Smaller muscle volumes, unlike classic bodybuilding
- Welcome thin waist
- They perform in bright beach shorts and choose colors based on their own wishes.
- The male physicist can be recognized by his fashionable hairstyle, as if he had just left a barber shop
- No mandatory poses, free posing
- Characterized by naturalness and relief (but not absolute dryness)
Women's Physique
- The main criterion is large muscle volumes and relief (lean body).
- As a rule, female athletes are forced to resort to pharmacological support (), since building the body necessary for this category is impossible due to insufficient production and natural hormonal levels in women.
- Due to the low percentage of fat and the increased concentration of male sex hormones, atrophy of the mammary glands often occurs (this is why many participants have breast implants, which does not contradict the IFBB rules).
Fitness
- Athletes in this category have smaller muscle volumes compared to the previous category
- High demands on body contour
- In addition to posing, it is mandatory free program(gymnastic or dance), which also allows you to evaluate the plasticity and grace of the athlete
I especially liked Oksana Grishina’s program at the Arnold Classic in 2016, where she took first place.
Bodyfitness
- Features of the shape: wide shoulders, developed muscles backs, narrow hips, thin waist and correct posture
- Swimwear of a certain model
- The presence of mandatory poses when demonstrating the form
- Feminine figure
- Harmoniously developed muscle groups
- Distinctive features: the “standard” are rounded, flat stomach, thin waist (and the thinner it is, the better)
- The chosen image (hairstyle, makeup, jewelry) is of great importance; as for the swimsuit, the athlete is given a huge choice. Basic requirements - the bottom should cover 2/3 of the buttocks. The bodice usually has a large push-up to beautifully highlight the bust
- Particular attention is paid to presentation - smooth gait, graceful hand movements, gaze, transitions between poses and, of course, self-confidence, charisma and energy with which the athlete performs (by the way, and not only in the bikini category). It often happens that the form may leave much to be desired, but thanks to charisma and correct presentation, the athlete will be rated by the judges with a higher score.
Fitness - model
- The newest category, introduced only in 2016
- Closest to the fitness bikini category
- A distinctive feature is the fashion show in a closed swimsuit and long evening dresses
- The harmony of the image as a whole, the attractiveness and charm of the athlete, and her presentation are also assessed.
Let's sum it up
Despite these different categories, the following common features can be identified:
- the form most suitable for this category
- image
- presentation, self-confidence
- the energy and mood with which the athlete goes on stage - all this is “felt” by the judges
- posing, knowledge of the features of your form (know how best to “turn”, how to give the most advantageous look to your muscles, etc.)
Taken together, all these points (+personal sympathies of the judges, despite the objective evaluation criteria) determine the final place of the athlete when participating in certain competitions.
Many of us have seen a “performer” at bodybuilding competitions who clearly does not belong there. Too fat or no definition, little mass or almost no muscles, lack of tan or skin of some strange color, inability to pose... Why are they participating? Do they really seriously expect to win?
Natural selection
The sad truth is that not everyone is gifted with good genetics and, no matter how much he dreams of winning and no matter how much work he puts in, he will not become a winner in this competition.
They say that the shortcomings inherent in nature can be overcome. This is true, but only to some extent. Certain hereditary traits complicate the path to success in bodybuilding, but when they are too strong, you need to forget about competitions. Losses should not be taken negatively, learn from them and become better. But at the same time, perhaps, we should give up performing forever.
In bodybuilding there is no single standard by which a champion is determined; The selection of judges is often highly subjective. Even when you're in perfect shape, you need to prove to the jury that first place should be yours. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
This does not mean that you need to give up in advance and give up the fight. Compete if you have potential. I'm talking to those guys who just don't have a chance: don't be selfish.
Yes, I understand that not everyone strives to become Mr. Olympia, and many perform for the sake of the process, receiving pleasure and a charge of motivation. But if you don't look like a bodybuilder, you're taking someone else's place on stage, thinking only about yourself.
Why is this bad? Because competitive bodybuilding is a big show that a lot of people come to. And they are forced to endure all divisions and all categories in order to wait for the main stars. In one evening, hundreds of participants can appear on stage - and everyone needs a couple of minutes to show themselves. A person for whom it is simply pointless to perform makes everyone wait in vain.
Maybe you have “friends” who encourage you to perform when you are not at all ready for it? Don't listen to them: true friend will never make you a laughing stock.
So how do you know if you need to spend time, effort and nerves preparing for competitions? Here are five criteria to determine if you're in a spot other than the very last one.
1. You have no relief
The first point is my favorite. Competitive bodybuilders know that to get defined, veiny muscles with clearly visible tufts, you have to go through drying hell. There is no other way.
Of course, some find it easier to prepare, some find it harder, but no one does it with pleasure. Usually the most prominent participant suffers more than others.
Some people can't get into competitive shape; can't even get close. This is not scary - it just means that competitions are not for you. To perform, you need muscles and relief. And only together: muscles + relief. One won't work without the other.
But time after time someone chubby comes on stage, and when you are indignant, your friends try to calm you down: “Leave the guy alone, he’s performing for the first time.”
What's the difference? I understand that young people sometimes cannot gain mass, they need to grow up and mature. But good relief can be shown at any age. In fact, some bodybuilders say that they have never been able to achieve the same peak as in their first competition.
If you can't dry off, don't perform. If your friend can't dry off, tell him not to perform. Lift the weights, gain strength, enjoy life, but leave the performances to those who can dry themselves out.
2. You have no muscles.
How can an underweight person register and take the stage at a bodybuilding competition? I don't know, but this happens regularly. Sometimes boys come in who have less mass than the girls in the bikini category.
Bodybuilding federations have introduced a lot of divisions and categories, allowing the most different people, but at bodybuilding competitions those who have muscles still need to compete. Who, at least from a distance, looks like a jock. If you don’t have the required mass and can’t gain it, then these competitions are not for you.
3. You have no calves
A muscular figure is not only a powerful upper body, but also a powerful lower body. The judges pay special attention calf muscles, they are what distinguish a real bodybuilder. Look at Greek and Roman statues - they all have calves. You can be forgiven for weak biceps, pecs and even lats, but not weak calves.
A bodybuilder must have calves. Dot. If you have big shoulders and a huge back, but your shins are like matchsticks, then it will be extremely difficult to impress both the judges and the audience.
4. You have the “wrong” backbone
Even before you start training, you can estimate the prospects for the structure of the skeleton. A short torso, narrow shoulders, a wide pelvis, long humerus and femurs - a death sentence. You don’t have to choke on chicken breast, no matter how much mass you gain, you don’t have a champion’s backbone.
This does not mean that you have no chance at all. WITH proper training and diet, you can get into the top ten at small regional competitions, but you are unlikely to win anything at high-level competitions.
5. You have skin problems
Remember that this is all a show. In addition to outstanding muscles and definition, you need good skin. The IFBB/NPC rules currently do not contain the original ban on tattoos, as many athletes different types sports are decorated with them. I also believe that this cannot overshadow the quality mass and good relief.
But there is another problem - acne. Of course, I don't mean a couple of pimples: if your shoulders, chest and back look like they've been hit by pellets, then you're unlikely to be lucky at a bodybuilding competition. Viewers may think that you are taking the heaviest “vitamins”, so you better get yourself in order.
Unfortunately, some people are born with bad skin, and whatever they put on it only makes it worse. But at bodybuilding competitions it is appearance that is assessed, so if you cannot solve dermatological problems, forget about performances.
Competitive bodybuilding is not for everyone
I understand that this statement will upset many, but I have to tell the truth: competitive bodybuilding is not for everyone. Not every person can endure the physical and mental stress to prepare for a performance and perform successfully. A bunch of factors (volume, symmetry, bone structure, venousness, acne, etc.) affect the result, leaving the majority of participants without prizes.
Even with Flex Wheeler's genes, it's hard to compete high level It's incredibly difficult today. To become a champion, you must dedicate your entire life to bodybuilding. If you want to try performing just “for yourself,” then try it. But keep in mind that you can not only entertain, but also anger the audience and the jury.