Aesthetics

[helga]

I realize that aesthetics are subjective, but what are the judges looking at now in the body building competitions? My work-out partner and I were discussing this last night. She thinks that we have to almost be hermaphrodites in order to be taken seriously and to be able to even "place" in any of competitions. I disagree, I feel that it is the overall presentation of the body form, definition, symmetry added to the fact that we are women and do still look like women. Afterall this is sculpting as well as building. We are both relatively new to this sport..... I would like some experienced feed back on this please.

[archive_Iron God]

With the new rules for Female bobdybuilding we should see an end to big and freaky ripped. Muscle balance, symetry, seperation (not stringy striation) and a very definite female look are judging criteria.

I think alot more women will be become interested in BBing and it will be much more marketable if NPC and IFBB uphold their new judging criteria.

I can't give you first hand results as these new guidelines where set up at the start of this season. But last years overall USA overall winner Jennifer Mcvicar be out women who where bigger and more muscular than her.

[retropump]

The IFBB has sent out a clear message to it's judges to mark down female competitors who exhibit 'excessive muscularity'. This is obviously a grey area, and down right sexist if you ask me (because they don't have a similar stipulation for male competitors). In any event, the new physique class should bring a lot more women into bodybuilding. At least in my country where that class has been around for a few years it is now the most popular (and toughest) class.

[archive_FitnessChick]

I think it will be a wonderful thing for the sport of womens bb now that the organizations have decided it has gone too far.


I have spoken to several people, many of whom are judges, one who is an IFBB judge, and they have clearly said that they aren't looking for the excessive muscularity & leanness which has been seen inwomens BB the last few years. The judges have been told to look for clean lines, flowing feminine muscle, symetry, and feminity, which now means y9ou will be judged on hair & makeup as well as your body. They are no longer looking for excessive vascularity, striation, etc. Think of Cory back in her prime. Valentina & Jennifer McVicar are the future Of BB for women. The IFBB was clearly sending out a message to the women when they issued that guest invite to J. McVicar to compete in the Olympia. They are no longer looking for Vicki Gates, Lisa Lewis , and the old Kim C look---they want to make female BB marketable, acceptable, and beautiful once again.