Competing for women

I often get emails from girls who want to compete but are confused about the different categories. This confusion is partly due to their being several different federations , each with slightly different classes and rules.

The two main federations that anyone can enter are the UKBFF (formerly EFBB) and NABBA. (Although WABBA is also becoming more popular)

The UKBFF is affiliated to the worldwide IFBB, with its main event being the Olympia. On a national level, competitors may hope to win the British championships and earn their Pro card, enabling them to compete at pro events worldwide.

Within the UKBFF there are 3 categories for women : Physique, Body fitness and Fitness

Physique

This is the true bodybuilding class, where muscularity and ripped to the bone condition are the markers for success - while maintaining a feminine shape and symmetry. The physique classis divided into two weight categories – under 57kg and over 57kg.

Bodyfitness

Body fitness (which translates to Figure on a pro level) is for girls who do not wish to become so muscular and like a little bit of glamour! The look is a toned, aesthetically pleasing, feminine physique, with nicely balanced muscles and good muscle tone. Offical rules for bodyfitness can be found here

Fitness

The Fitness category differs from bodyfitness in that there is a routine round, where the contestant is judged on her flexibility, strength, and performing skills with a fast paced routine. This is the category to do if you have a background in gymnastics, dance, or anything with showey skills and tricks. The Fitness competitor also does the compulsory poses in the assessment of the physique, which should be of similar muscularity to the body fitness ladies, but a little leaner and harder.

For UKBFF shows and details go to www.ukbff.co.uk

NABBA is an association with presence worldwide, on an amateur level. Its biggest event is the NABBA Universe.

NABBA has recently stopped its fitness category, but replaced it with toned figure – so the options for women are now Toned Figure, Trained Figure and physique.

Toned Figure is literally as it says – a toned athletic looking figure that does not look particularly muscular or dieted.

Trained Figure is a much more muscular, harder, leaner look, similar to lightweight physique in the UKBFF, although with more emphasis on an elegant feminine shape. The class is divided into height categories – under and over 5’4”

Physique is not big in NABBA and is not part of the British championships. There is one show per year with a physique category, which is a qualifier for the NABBA Universe.

For more information on NABBA go to www.nabba.co.uk

There are also the BNBF and the NPA – the natural federations. They both have Figure and Physique categories for women.