Women Bodybuilding Criteria

Considering the Women's Bodybuilding Category?

Think of the most extreme muscularity, detail, separation, and conditioning compared to all the other women's categories. You can see glutes, chest, or quad striations in this class.   On a scale of 1-5, with five the most extreme and one the least in the criteria. Classic muscularity 5 and conditioning 5. 

Judges will evaluate the following Criteria.

Symmetry/ Balance- This refers to the balance and proportions of muscles on the frame of the athletes.  A balanced body has no body parts that stand out from the rest. Considering the symmetry, the look will focus on the category being described. Using the X for factor Thinking: developed shoulders, upper back, tiny waist, and muscular thighs. At the top of the X, you'll have sweeping, broad shoulders and a thick upper back. In this aesthetic, the X (your body) will taper into a relatively trim waist that flares into the bottom of the X — muscular thighs and defined calves. 

Muscularity— Bodybuilding has the most extreme degree of overall muscle development. This refers to mass, fullness, density, and separation within the developed muscle. 

Conditioning- Bodybuilding is the most extreme category in terms of conditioning. Thinking of the skin as an onion, muscle details will show as the onion peels (lower body fat). This includes deep separations, striations, and vascularity. Remember that this conditioning level must also give the muscle a full and healthy appearance. The unhealthy look of a flat face drawn to the point of dehydration is frowned upon and should be scored accordingly. 

Presentation/Posing—This is where the athlete will display their hard work in the required 1/4 poses and the mandatory poses. They should show a healthy look and full muscle bellies. Drawn, flat muscles and drawn sunken cheeks are signs of dehydration and should not be embraced. Tan, grooming, good posture, and confidence are essential for standing out. Pro Athletes will also have their posing presentation added to their overall score. 

Round 1 Quarter Turns/ Presentation Judged

Start by facing the judges, turning to the right for a side view, then facing backstage, turning to the right to show the other side, and facing the front again. This is called a relaxed pose. 

Round 2 Group Comparison / Presentation Judged

The mandatory poses:

Front double Bicep

Front Lat Spread

Side Chest to either side

Side Triceps to either side

Back Double Biceps spike either calf

Back Lat Spread spike other calve

Abs and thighs

Most muscular of choice

Favorite Pose

Round 3 Presentation (Pro Competition Judged only)

Amateurs get 60 seconds of free posing, and Pros get 90 seconds

Costumes and or props are permitted but not mandatory. 

They need to be accommodated to be able to judge their physique. 

Women wear two-piece posing suits, which are not thongs. They can be narrowly cut to the back to show the glutes. No shoes are worn. Jewelry can be worn