The question always comes up, what are the judges looking for?
What do the judges want to see in NPC bikini? What do the judges want to see in NPC wellness? What about NPC figure or Mens physique?
Well the answer is actually pretty simple!
The judges want to see 3 things and say it with me...
Muscularity, Conditioning and Presentation.
This is Bodybuilding. This is Bikini. This is Figure, Classic and Women's physique, wellness and more! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No matter the division you compete in, these same 3 things apply.
Muscularity - really comes down to a solid foundation of muscle development. This is your shape, size and proportion. The V taper for a mens physique or figure due to well built lats. The hour glass of a bikini competitor from well developed upper and lower body. The depth of a bodybuilders back from heavy set after heavy set of rows.
Muscle development is required to the degree set for the division in which you compete. After all, this sport is ALWAYS still bodybuilding no matter the division. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Conditioning- comes down to how much of that muscle can judges see on stage. In other words, total body fat percentage of the athlete. For bodybuilders this is the feathering of quads and separation in every muscle of the back, arms and abdominals.
For bikini competitors it's the flat stomach with well defined legs and shoulders not showing striations. In physique and figure the separation of the upper body into a well defined mid section. Every division requires a different amount of conditioning. Come in with too much or too little, and both will effect your placing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Presentation- is everything. It is the single most important make or break for how you place on a competition stage. Posing is where you can showcase the hard work spent building the muscle and attaining the proper conditioning. This sport is not about who can diet and lift weights the best. It's about who can present the best.
If you cant properly perform the poses and the routines required for your division you can absolutely expect it to effect your placing. Best physiques alone do not win. Best physiques with best presentation always win!
Judging in the NPC and IFFB really boils down to these 3 things in the most basic sense.
Make sure that you understand the difference between these 3 things and that you always bring your best to the stage by following the criteria of your division!
If you want help creating a great competition physique go here! Teamfflex.com/ultimatecompetitor