Fitness and figure competition

Fitness and Figure are two distinct forms of competition, not just one. In a Fitness contest (the older of the two disciplines), female competitors showcase their physiques (which are noticeably less massive than bodybuilders') while performing a demanding, time-limited, aerobic/dance routine. In a Figure contest, the most important attributes are a curvaceous-yet-trim body, and facial beauty; however, the physique guidelines are similar to a Fitness pageant's, and many contestants move back and forth between the two disciplines. The Figure division emerged on the bodybuilding scene when the numbers for Fitness pageant competitions started to dwindle.[2] Typically, fitness and figure competitions are held as part of the larger-drawing bodybuilding contests.

Women's fitness competitions did not start until the 1980s. In previous years it was uncommon for women to compete in muscle building competition. Beauty pageants were the main way for women to compete. Women's body building is a relatively new cultural phenomenon, and has shown a significant increase in popularity since the 1980s. Body building has traditionally been seen as a male-appropriate activity, and various authors have documented the struggle faced by pioneering women body builders as they entered the competitive body building world in the 1970s. Gold's Gym is said to have prided itself on being ‘ovary free’ until the late 1970s.[3] The first women's Fitness competition was produced by Wally Boyko in 1985 at the National Fitness trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada; it included a swimsuit round, an athletic routine, and an evening gown segment. Louis Zwick, then the producer of American Muscle Magazine (a magazine-format, bodybuilding TV show on ESPN), produced and aired a segment on the pageant. The number of contests was proliferating, and Zwick himself launched Fitness America (now Fitness Universe) in 1989 to capitalize on the trend.[4] The International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness soon followed suit, holding its own, sanctioned fitness pageant—Fitness Olympia—in 1995.[5]

The first women's Figure competition was the NPC (the major sanctioning body for would-be professional bodybuilders and organized amateur bodybuilding) Figure Nationals held in 2001 at Borough of Manhattan Community College's Performing Arts Center, in New York City's Tribeca section.[6] It was a qualifier and precursor to the 2003 IFBB Figure Olympia, held in Las Vegas, Nevada.[7] The Fitness Universe organization launched their own Figure division in 2005.[8]

According to personal trainers and nutritionist, nutrition is one of the most important factors to muscle building. Without the proper nutrients and hydration that your muscles need to grow you will not see much progress with just weight training. There are several nutrients that you need which include protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Proteins, are one of the most important nutrients for muscle building. Protein provides the amino-acid building blocks for muscle growth. Carbohydrates are also an important factor when it comes to muscle building. Carbohydrates provide a valuable source of calories for building a bigger physique. Plus, if trainers do not have enough glycogen, they will not have the energy to train hard to grow muscle mass, so quality carbs are necessary to fuel intense workouts. Dietary fats are important because it promotes healthy blood flow along with healthy skin and hair. More calorie dense than protein or carbohydrates, fat is a surefire way to help meet your caloric needs. It is also necessary to keep testosterone levels elevated, which makes it easier to pack on muscle. Not only do you have to eat right, you also have to make sure you stay hydrated. Water is a critical component of your mass-gaining diet because it helps maintain muscle fullness and helps the body properly use all the calories you are supplying it.[15]

Enhancing substances (steroids) are sometimes used in the fitness industry to promote the development of muscle in a shorter amount of time. It is easier for a male to gain muscle mass than for women to gain muscle due to the amounts of testosterone that males have. Steroids are illegal unless they are prescribed by Doctors. If they are not prescribed by Doctors, steroids are usually smuggled into the United States from places like Mexico and European countries where a prescription is not required. The [anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs)] are a family of hormones that contain the innate male hormone, testosterone, and a group of synthetic testosterone derivatives. These medicines are widely misused by men and rarely women to increase muscle content and body fat lose. When female athletes use these substances, they have to make sure they know how much exactly to take as mistake can lead to a lifelong side effect. Steroids in females can have a great amount of side effects including liver disorder, enlargement of clitoris, and a masculine look. Another major effect that can occur is if you are not eating the right nutrients or working out enough you can gain a lot of weight from the misuse of steroids. In women, AASs may interrupt ovarian function. Chronic intense physical activity leads to menstrual irregularities and, in severe cases, to the female athletes’ triad (such as low energy intake, menstrual disturbance and low bone mass), making it difficult to abandon sports effects and AASs. Acne, hirsutism and deepening of the tone of voice are major outcomes of AASs misapplication.[16]

• Fitness model
• List of female fitness & figure competitors
• Fitness Gurls