Natural Bodybuilding is open to males and females of all ages and experience levels, including first time competitors. This category has three rounds of competition including the symmetry round, mandatory posing round and routine round.
Competitors may enter as many divisions as they are eligible. For example, a junior competitor may also enter the Open division. A Super Grandmaster competitor would be allowed to enter Grandmasters, Masters and Open if they so wished. Note that younger competitors cannot enter higher age divisions and Open competitors cannot try to compete in a different weight class within the Open division other than their own. If entering more than one division, a competitor need only prepare one routine and the score of that routine will be carried over to the other divisions.
  • Juniors - 21 years and under
  • Masters - 40 years and over
  • Grandmasters - 50 years and over
  • Super Grandmasters - 60 years and over
  • Masters - 35 years and over
  • Grandmasters - 45 years and over
  • Super Grandmasters - 55 years and over
  • Lightweight - 155 lbs and under
  • Middleweight - 175 lbs and under
  • Light Heavyweight - 195 lbs and under
  • Heavyweight - over 195 lbs
  • Lightweight - 115 lbs and under
  • Heavyweight - over 115 lbs

In the symmetry round, competitors will stand in a "semi-relaxed" stance with heels touching. They will then be asked to execute a series of quarter turns to the right so that they may be viewed from the front, the back and both sides.

In this round, judges are looking for a well proportioned physique. Muscles groups should be proportioned well on the body relative to one another (ie: competitors should not have a large upper body with underdeveloped legs). Muscle groups should also be balanced on the left and right sides of the body (ie: one arm should not look significantly bigger than the other). Competitors should also display good muscle definition and muscle density.

Judges are looking at the size of the muscle in relation to your skeletal structure. Judges are also looking at the shape, hardness, tone, definition and separation of the muscles. Execution of the poses is very important so be sure to practice. Your attitude and confidence on stage is another factor in how you are looked at on stage.

The following poses will be called in this round:

  • Front Double Biceps
  • Front Lat Spread
  • Abdominals and Thigh
  • Side Tricep
  • Side Chest
  • Rear Double Biceps
  • Rear Lat Spread
  • Most Muscular (Hands on hips or crab shot for males; clasping hands in front for females)

During the evening show, the emcee will also call for a posedown in which competitors pose "freestyle" for 30 seconds. Competitors may execute any series of mandatory or other poses they wish and are encouraged to move around the stage. Competitors will not be scored during the posedown and are encouraged to have fun with it.

Competitors will prepare a routine that is a maximum length of 90 seconds set to music of their choice. The routine round is meant to display a competitor's physique, physical conditioning, personality, posing and creativity.

Competitors should incorporate at least some of the mandatory poses in their routines, but are also encouraged to include other poses that show the judges their physique in the most favorable way. Transition between poses is also looked at and routines should be creative and entertaining in order to capture the attention of the judges.

Props and costumes are encouraged and showing off a relevant talent is also encouraged. Some relevant talents could include dance, martial arts, gymnastics, robotics, baton etc. Props, costumes and the incorporation of special talents is not required, however, keep in mind that the point of the routine is to try and "WOW" the judges and the audience. This is your chance to shine on stage and show everyone what you want them to see.

Routine music should be recorded on CD and you should have a copy to hand in at the competitor meeting and a backup that you keep in case something happens to the other CD. Routine music may not contain profanity and competitors will be scored demerit points if warranted.

Routines will be performed in the finals only. All competitors should be prepared to perform the routine, but only the top 5 in each division will perform if there is a significant number of competitors.

  • Competitors should not wear jewellery as this may distract from their physique.
  • All competitors will come on the stage barefoot for the symmetry and mandatory posing rounds.
  • 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.
  • Female competitors can perform the mandatory poses with clenched or open hands.
  • In the event of a tie, the highest and lowest scores from the competitors in the tie will be dropped.
  • Competitors in the bodybuilding category tend to look best when they are dark. Having a base tan and using a product such as Protan, Dreamtan or Jan Tana is a good idea. Competitors may want to be careful about putting these type of products on their face and females may want to consider using makeup to try and match their facial color to the rest of their body.
  • Using posing oils can help accentuate the physique, however, competitors should be careful not to put too much on as it can cause the lights to reflect off it and drown out their physique. Competitors should have a sheen, not a shine.
  • Posing suits must cover all critical body parts. Demerit points will be given to competitors who have posing suits that are too provocative (ie: thongs and G-Strings).
  • 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 and poses 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.
  • Tatoos, piercings, etc. are acceptable.
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