Fitness is open to females 9 years and older. All experience levels are welcome including first timers. The open category has two rounds of competition including the symmetry round and routine round. The junior category will include two rounds of competition as well: the routine round and a stage presentation round.

This round is done in a two-piece swimsuit and high heels. Generally clear high heels are best as not to draw the attention of the judges downward.

Competitors will first walk out onto the stage individually and display their style of walk. They will also stop at predetermined points on the stage to demonstrate their style of turns. Competitors are allowed to perform turns that best show off their style and personality, therefore ¼, ½, and 3 point turns are all acceptable.

After they have come out individually, competitors will assume a numeric position within a lineup. The emcee will then call all competitors forward and have them execute a series of quarter turns to the right.

Judges in this round are looking for symmetry, muscle development, and lean/bodyfat composition. Keep in mind that the judges are looking for females to look very feminine and fit, not "ripped." Other than the physical component, judges are also looking at confidence, poise, style of walk and turns and the overall impression they get of each competitor.

Junior competitors will wear an outfit or costume of their choice that best shows their personality and style.

Competitors will first walk out onto the stage individually and display their style of walk. They will also stop at predetermined points on the stage to demonstrate their style of turns. Competitors are allowed to perform turns that best show off their style and personality, therefore ¼, ½, and 3 point turns are all acceptable.

After they have come out individually, competitors will assume a numeric position within a lineup. The emcee will then call all competitors forward and have them execute a series of quarter turns to the right. Junior competitors are NOT being scored on physique in this part of the round. Rather they are being scored on their execution of the quarter turns.

Judges are looking at beauty, confidence, poise, style of walk and turns and the overall impression they get of each competitor in this round.

This round consists of a 2 minute routine. Unlike bodybuilding or figure, the guideline of 2 minutes should be strictly adhered to. Competitors may be scored demerit points if their routine goes over 2 minutes or is significantly shorter than 2 minutes. The time guideline for Junior competitors is 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Props, themes and costumes are all encouraged, but are not required. However, keep in mind that judges are looking for creative and entertaining routines that capture their attention and props and costumes can sometimes help. Competitors may use other people as props, but animal props are unacceptable.

Many competitors have the mistaken impression that gymnastics is a required background for this category. However, any relevant talent can help a competitor do well in this category. Some other relevant talents and backgrounds include dance, martial arts, cheerleading and baton. This list, by no means, is meant to be extensive and many other talents and backgrounds could be suitable for this category.

Strength Moves
Judges are looking for proper execution, complexity, stability, ability to hold and full extension of these movements. Competitors should also ensure that there are sufficient strength moves incorporated into their routine.

Flexibility Moves
Judges are looking for proper execution, complexity, stability and the ability to hold these movements. Competitors should also ensure that there are sufficient flexibility moves incorporated into their routine.

Endurance
Judges want to see that the competitors can maintain high energy throughout their routine. Competitors should also look like they are sustaining the intensity of their routine effortlessly and are not fatiguing.

Transitions Between Moves
Judges are looking for complex, yet smooth transitions. They should also not be able to tell that you are setting up all your movements.

Entertainment Value
Judges are looking for creative routines that also show off the personality of the competitors. In addition, they are looking for unique moves and style and an outfit selection that works with the competitor and the routine they are performing. Props can add to entertainment value, but competitors can have highly entertaining routines without them and they are not required. If a competitor does choose to use props, they must be used effectively.

Stage Presence
Judges are looking for the athlete to show confidence on stage. Competitors should look like they are having a good time performing for the judges and the audience and should try to connect with them.

Overall Choreography/Use of Stage
Judges are looking for routines in which the competitor used the routine music and any sound effects well. Competitors should also ensure they are using the full stage. Finally, judges want to see that the competitor has incorporated the strength and flexibility movements into their routine well and that the routine has a nice flow.

Balance and Stability
Competitors will score well if they avoid slips and/or stumbles. Judges are also looking for effortless execution of all movements.

Demerits
Competitors will be scored demerit points by the judges if the routine or outfit selection is too provocative. Also, music should contain no profanity.

  • Competitors should not wear jewellery as this may distract from their physique.
  • Competitors should keep in mind that the judges are looking at them at all times. For this reason competitors should never stand totally relaxed on stage and should keep a positive attitude at all times.
  • In the event of a tie, the highest and lowest scores from the competitors in the tie will be dropped.
  • Having a dark tan helps to accentuate the physique on stage, however, the fitness competitor would typically not want to look as dark as a bodybuilder or figure competitor as to ensure they look much less "hardcore." A few coats of Protan or a nice spray tan should be sufficient.
  • FOR THE SAFETY OF COMPETITORS, POSING OILS OR THE LIKE ARE PROHIBITED!
  • Swimsuits and outfits must cover all critical body parts. Demerit points will be given to competitors who have swimsuits that are too provocative (ie: thongs and G-Strings).
  • Music should be burned onto a CD. Competitors should also have a back-up copy of their music in case anything happens to the copy they hand in.
  • Competitors will be allowed to start a routine over or can be called back in the event of a technical glitch with their music during the routine round. Keep in mind that how a competitor handles the situation can affect the way the judges perceive them.
  • Try to always show confidence by keeping your head up and executing your turns with surety. Remember in all subjective sports, poise and confidence will affect the way judges perceive you.
  • Trainers, make-up artists, friends are not allowed backstage with the competitors. This is to prevent overcrowding in the dressing areas. Should a competitor need assistance, there will be volunteer staff to help them out
  • Tattoos, piercings, etc. are acceptable.
  • The stages being used at UFE shows are large enough to accommodate all routines.
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