January 15, 2003

Go Figure!

In an interview with Oxygen magazine, Canadian-born fitness model and figure competitor, Elaine Goodlad, jokes that figure competitions are "fitness shows without the talent." In all seriousness though, as Elaine prepares for the figure portion of the 2003 Arnold Classic, she understands the amount of work involved -- even if it doesn’t include gymnastics.

In the pro circuit, the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) refers to the competitions as "Figure." In the amateur circuit they are referred to as "Body Fitness." However, they are really the same thing.

And according to the IFBB, "Body fitness is considered a new discipline in response to the demand for fitness competition without the need to perform a routine round." So, in other words, the "new" sport will emphasize aesthetics and beauty, combined with an athletic physique.

The Canadian BodyBuilding Federation (CBBF) has adopted the same naming convention as the IFBB. For their Canadian Championships Competitive Stream that awards an IFBB Pro Card at the highest level, the events are called "Figure." For its World Championships Competitive Stream that culminates with a position on CBBF Team Canada for the IFBB World Championships, the events are called "Body Fitness." For both streams, there are two categories of competition for the show: up to and including 164cm (5 ft. 4½ in.), and more than 164cm (5 ft. 4½ in.).

Figure competitions consist of three rounds, which include a two-piece round, a one-piece round, and a final two-piece round. In the event that there are more than 15 contestants, Debbie Karpenko, chief judging official for the CBBF, says there will be a "preliminary-assessment" round too. She explains that all competitors will be brought on the stage in their two-piece outfits (the same outfit that's used in the first round) and will be asked to complete quarter-turns. From there, judges will select the 15 competitors who will move on to the first round of the regular competition.

So, if you are one of the lucky 15, or intend to catch a figure competition during its first official year in the CBBF, here’s what to expect.

Round one

During the first round of a figure or body-fitness show, competitors will complete quarter-turns in a two-piece outfit. The bikini must be: black in color; plain and opaque (not see-through); made from cloth (no plastic, rubberized material, shiny materials, etc.); devoid of ornamentation such as sequins, beads, etc. The bikini must also cover half of the competitor’s glutes and all of her frontal area.

For this round competitors must wear black, classic, stiletto pumps. Debbie says in the pro ranks competitors must wear closed-toed stilettos; however, the CBBF will give competitors the option to wear either closed- or open-toed shoes. "We generally take the IFBB model for events and amend them to suit the best interest of our athletes. Besides, I’ve spent a whole day looking for a closed-toed stiletto, so I know how hard they are to track down," she jokes.

According to the IFBB website, stilettos are defined as having a sole thickness no greater than 1/4 inch and a height no greater than 5 inches. No platform shoes are allowed!

In round one competitors can have their hair styled, but wedding rings and stud-type earrings are the only type of jewelry allowed -- no exceptions.

Round two

The next round of competition is the one-piece swimsuit round. Again competitors are required to wear classic-styled stilettos, which can be either closed- or open-toed (again, no platform shoes of any kind). But, for this round the shoes don’t need to be black. Jewelry can be worn; however, Debbie says competitors must keep their jewelry "within tasteful limits."  She uses the example of earrings that dangle down to a competitor’s shoulder or a thick choker as items which are not appropriate. Take note: If a judging official feels the jewelry is inappropriate or in poor taste, action can be taken. Be careful and certainly don't go overboard.

In this round competitors have more options when it comes to the texture of their outfit material and can decorate their suits with sequins (again, with good taste in mind). Remember, the one-piece suit must cover the entire front section of the competitor, which includes the abdomen.

Round three

The third and final round of the show will again be a two-piece bikini round. In this round competitors can choose the material and texture of their outfit, and the suit must still cover half of the glutes. Competitors also have more choice when it comes to their high-heeled shoes since they can choose a colored shoe, but again no platform shoes are permitted. Jewelry can be worn, but within the limits of the second round.

Judging

In terms of judging criteria, Debbie says that at the CBBF amateur level, a fitness competitor’s body will not be judged differently than a figure competitor’s body. "If a fitness body is viewed as the ideal physique, then the same should apply to the physique of a figure or body-fitness competitor."

Debbie has judged the body-fitness competition at the IFBB World Championships and explains that the IFBB uses a different set of criteria for the ideal physique. She says that because CBBF judges already know what to look for in a fitness competitor’s physique, the introduction of figure will be less confusing if they stick to the same guidelines as fitness.

The IFBB website sums up what judges are looking for as "a ‘healthy, fit, athletic’ physique, in an attractively presented ‘Total Package’." This includes: a balanced and symmetrical physique that is neither overly muscular, nor overly lean; hair and facial beauty; a good level of muscle tone and minimal levels of fat; tight, healthy-looking skin; and hair and makeup that enhances a competitor's "overall package."

Quarter-turns

"We will not be judging differently -- but we will be seeing competitors differently," Debbie says, as she explains the criteria for quarter-turns. Although an obvious difference between figure and fitness is the routine component, Debbie believes the difference in quarter-turns is also a major factor. Here are the criteria for quarter-turn stances in figure:

• Head and eyes facing in the same direction as the body
• Feet turned outward at a 30-degree angle
• Heels together
• Knees together and unbent
• Arms hanging and relaxed at the side and at the center line of the body
• Thumbs and fingers together
• Palms facing the body

In other words, you can’t hide any "flaws" with fancy posture work.

Although Debbie anticipates figure will become an extremely popular event, she also predicts many competitors will not fully appreciate the physical demands of the competition until they actually get on a stage and run through the quarter-turns. Because 2003 will mark the first official year of figure in the CBBF, Debbie says it will be a learning process for everyone.

As for the impact on fitness, Debbie sees a bright future for both events. "You’ll always have competitors who love the feeling of performing a routine."

...Denyse Johnson
denyse@seriousaboutfitness.com

A complete, 10-page document of the rules and regulations for figure competitions is available on the IFBB website. For specific questions about local or provincial criteria, please contact your provincial organization. To find your provincial organization in Canada simply visit CBBF.net.

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