OVERVIEW:  FAME Figure blends Bodybuilding and Fitness to allow female athletes the opportunity to display their muscled physique while maintaining their femininity.


Presentation is very important. Athletes should learn how to properly execute poses to ensure they maximize their success.

In preparing for this category, athletes must sculpt their physique and/or master the ‘art of illusion’ (by varying their stance and angles) to ensure they look completely symmetrical when viewed from all sides and in all poses.  All visible muscles must be contracted when performing any of the poses.

There are 3 Rounds for which the athlete must prepare. Symmetry & Posing Rounds are when judges compare the athletes to evaluate who has the most aesthetically pleasing muscled, yet feminine, physique overall. The Routine Round is based on individually choreographed 90 sec routines where the judges evaluate the athletes’ creativity, artistry, personality, strength and physique.


The Evening Show (or Finals) is generally fun for athletes and audience.  Judging has been done and athletes are able to relax and enjoy their moment to shine!


Double Your Fun!  Check out the Muscle Model Search category as the physique is similar to that of Figure competitors, yet there is no routine (just 2 rounds on modeling).  This category is also ideal for Figure athletes who want more exposure and stage time, as well as for aspiring Figure competitors who are not yet ready to perform a routine. 

1ST ROUND -  SYMMETRY ROUND


Overview: As they survey all the athletes side by side on stage, the Head Judge will call out '1/4 turn to the right'. This will be completed 4 times so that the athlete is able to display their body's symmetry and musculature from all angles (front, left, back, right).  Athletes are ranked against each other.

Tips for Athletes:  The idea is to hold your head straight, open your back, squeeze your abs and all muscles throughout your body. Ensure that each body part looks proportionate to its counterpart - this may be natural or you may have to master the ‘art of illusion’ by varying your stance. This pose is known as the Semi Relaxed pose, although it is not really 'relaxing' at all but you must appear as though it is easy to maintain. Practice getting into this pose and holding it for as long as possible. Work on perfecting your 1/4 turns so they appear fluid and allow you to continually display proper body symmetry.


Attire: Athletes wear a 2 piece posing suit & high heels. The shoes with the clear bottoms are ideal as the judges attention stays focused on the physique rather than being drawn downwards to the shoes. Athletes should avoid wearing anything that may pull the judges attention away from the physique. In other words, pay attention to suit style (straps & design), keep jewelry to a minimum and cover up any tattoos that may hinder the appearance of muscle separation. All posing suits can be relatively neutral as this element of the competition focuses specifically on the physique. However, this is up to the discretion of the individual athlete.  When selecting a suit make sure that the style and cut enhance the symmetrical appearance of your physique and allows the judges to have a clear view of all muscles.






2ND ROUND - MANDATORY POSING ROUND


Overview: Six (6) poses will be called out random order and athletes must come prepared to display poses from both sides. The Head Judge may also ask certain athletes to come up to the front for comparisons in smaller groups. Athletes should be aware that they may be asked to perform each pose many times and to hold them for a long time period. Since athletes are ranked against each other in this round, the judges generally spend several minutes assessing all physiques and poses.


The Poses:


    * Front Double Biceps - keep hands open!

    * Side Chest - hands press into each other.  Fingers open.

    * Side Triceps - keep fingers open.  (2 versions shown below)

    * Rear Double Biceps - keep hands open. One leg behind shows calf and hamstring

    * Abdominal & Thigh - Rotate front leg to catch judges attention. Hands behind head.

    * Front Relaxed - The position athletes get into when Head Judge says Relax.  (see above)




Impress the Judges: Judges are looking at your overall physique, posture and symmetry for each pose performed. Your goal should be to engage ALL visible muscles (not just the ones named in the pose) to highlight their size (should be proportionate to your skeletal structure), shape, hardness, definition and overall muscle tone. You can adopt variations of the poses (in stance or placement of limbs) in order to best display your body as a complete symmetrical package and highlight only your attributes. Practicing in front of a mirror &/or with a trainer or friend is a good idea.


Judges give top marks to those who perform their poses with proper form and alignment and enter them in a smooth, fluid and aesthetically pleasing manner. The pose should also be held steady and should appear effortless. The judges do not grant points based on 'potential' and can only rank an athlete high who executes the poses the best while displaying proper attitude and confidence. This means that the physique alone is not enough to win the award. Presentation (how you get into the pose), attitude, composure and stage presence all come into play.


Important Information for Posing Round:

Posing Rules:  All poses must be performed with open hands.  If at any time you make a fist or clasp your hand around your wrist, may result in deducted points. Choose a posing style that best displays your body symmetry, shape and musculature.  Practice the execution (how you get into the pose) as well as your final positioning.


Attire: This round immediately follows the Symmetry Round and athletes will not have the opportunity to change outfits. The same 2 piece posing suit and high heels should be worn.


Posedown: All athletes will participate in a posedown which is meant to be a fun way to get the attention of the judges, media, sponsors and audience. This is your chance to  show you have what it takes to be a champion. Perhaps practice your sequence of poses in advance so that you can flow from pose to pose, or challenge another athlete for your own personal ‘pose-off’ right there on stage! The posedown should be fun while giving you your ‘Time to Shine’ so take advantage of it and enjoy it!



3rd ROUND - ROUTINE ROUND:

Overview: Athletes are allotted 90 seconds to display their physique, physical conditioning, personality and posing through a routine choreographed to music of their own choice.  Strict form and proper composure are no longer required. Instead, the routine is the time where individual talents, entertainment, artistic abilities &/or creativity is seen. Props and themes are permitted but are not mandatory.  All athletes are given an individual point score from each judge based on overall performence, physique and required

movements.


Requirements: Figure athletes must include 2 Demonstrations of Strength (each move should be held for 3-5 seconds) and 3 type of Poses (which can be the Mandatory Poses performed with a creative twist). The routines should provide entertainment value for the audience, judges, media and sponsors - as this is a great opportunity to get noticed - and a large part of the final scoring!  Inverted moves such as flips are prohibited.

Attire: Attire for the Routine Round is completely up to the you. You may wear a costume, shoes, jewelry and even have props or themes. However, keep in mind that the physique is still being judged so dress accordingly or be sure to remove clothing items during the routine.


Impress the Judges: The goal here is to show your physique looking its best. To do so you can incorporate some or all of the mandatory poses, &/or you can be creative with how you choose to display the best attributes of your physique. Be sure to incorporate the strength moves and ensure that everything you include in your routine is demonstrated properly and in a way that compliments your physique. Facial expressions (smiling is great), confidence, projection (connecting with the audience), choreography, smooth transitions, entertainment value (whether artistic, fun and/or creative), uniqueness and overall attitude are all considered in judging. If using a prop, incorporate it in your routine - otherwise it may just serve as a distraction and cost you points.


Note: Depending on time constraints and show size, the Routine Round may be limited to those who placed in the top 5-10 in the Symmetry & Posing Rounds.





ROUTINE TIPS:

Mandatory Moves:  Routines must show at least 3 of the Mandatory Poses (or variations), and 2 displays of Strength (held for 3-5 seconds). Inverted moves such as flips and cartwheels are prohibited. Athletes must keep hands open for all poses (no clenched fists). Athlete attitude is important so should something unexpected occur, judges are looking at how the you handle the situation. Avoid music with profanity


Flips:  Note that flips and inverted moves are PROHIBITED. For those who would like to include flips in their routine, please , check out both Fitness & Bodybuilding divisions which where flips and inverted moves are allowed.

Impress the Judges: All required components must be included. Strength moves should be sturdy and demonstrate proper form and elevation. Your main goal is to display your physique and physical conditioning. Routines should be fun and entertaining. Athletes should connect with the audience and include facial expressions or smiles in their routine. As well, the athletes should make full use of the stage and be sure to make effective use of props, music and themes (should they have them).







TIPS & RULES

Click here for more tips and tricks on how to excel in this category and for official rules and regulations of the World Natural Sports Organization (WNSO).




DIVISIONS:


Divisions are based on the following criteria. You may compete in as many divisions as you fit.


Experience:
There is a 6-Level Tier System for all FAME World Tour competitions. 
Click here for details to see how you can advance towards attaining your Pro Status.


Height:
Athletes competing in Level 3 and beyond can be divided into height classes when there are at least 6 athletes in a class. Generally the cut off is 5'2" & under // over 5'2" to 5'6" // over 5'6". In an event where there is a big skew of athletes the height cutoff may be altered to more evenly divide up the classes.


Age:
Athletes of all ages are welcome to compete in the experience class.   However, if you are 35 years or older you have the option to compete in the Masters class if it’s offered at your show. Winners of the Masters move on to become a FAME Pro to compete in the Masters Pro Class.


Pairs:
Figure athletes can pair with a fitness athlete, a bodybuilder or even a friend or family member who does not compete in any other division. There is no symmetry or posing round for this division. It is just meant to be an entertaining routine that you enjoy performing. Click here for details.