Bodybuilding

OVERVIEW

This category is designed for those competitors who want to be judged on the best overall combination of maximum conditioning, dryness, presentation and muscular development while posing

ROUNDS OF COMPETITION

Symmetry and Posing

Routine

Posedown

Who:
* Males
* All Ages - Juniors (21 and under) all the way up to Masters (over 40)
* All Levels - Newcomers; Seasoned Athletes; Professionals
* Athletes from other organizations and federations

The Look: Judges are looking for defined, well-developed musculature; balance among muscle groups; good posture; proper posing and outstanding stage presence.


3 Rounds of Competition
Athletes will be screened on or off stage. They will enter the designated area or stage and follow the directions of the Physique Screening Panel. Athletes should not be posing for this round. This is part of the drug testing procedures as outlined by the sanctioning body, the REAL World Tour.

1. Symmetry Round and Posing
Judging: Athletes are ranked based on symmetry; posture; posing; muscle hardness & definition; striations and mass As well athletes should be evenly tanned and display proper etiquette while on stage.

Tips: Ensure proper posture and that all muscles are flexed at all times; Practice performing 4 sets of quarter turns to your right (so you are facing the front, both sides and the back). Each body part should look proportionate to its counterpart this may be natural or you may have to master the ‘art of illusion’ by varying your stance.

Side Stances: Many athletes turn to face the judges. This may throw off your symmetry so be sure to determine what works best for you.

Posing
Overview: Ten (10) poses will be called out random order and athletes must come prepared to display poses from both sides. Athletes are scored individually and not simply ranked.

Rules: Display proper posing which includes style, execution, stance and final positioning. Show an aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical & flexed physique at all times. Slight variations in posing (stance or limb placement) can help you display a symmetrical package and highlight your attributes. 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. Females can clench their fists or use open hands.

Judging: Judges are looking at your overall physique, posture and symmetry for each pose performed. 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.

Tips: Athletes must demonstrate true athleticism and endurance as often the poses are repeated multiple times and can be held for several minutes so be sure to practice!

Side Stances: Many athletes turn to face the judges. This may throw off your symmetry so be sure to determine what works best for you.

THE POSES
*Semi Relaxed - this is the pose athletes must assume between all other poses. Hold your head straight, open your back, squeeze your abs and all muscles throughout your body.
* Front Double Biceps
* Rear Double Biceps - One leg behind to show calf and hamstring
* Side Chest
* Side Triceps
* Front Lat Spread
* Rear Lat Spread
* Abdominal & Thigh - (hands behind head; can rotate front leg)
* Most Muscular: Traditional and Hands on Hip

2. 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. Judges evaluate the athletes’ creativity, artistry, personality, strength and physique.

Mandatory Components:  Routines must show at least 5 of the Mandatory Poses (or variations) to highlight your physique. Athlete attitude is important so should something unexpected occur, judges are looking at how you handle the situation.

Judging: The goal here is to show your physique looking its best. You can be creative with how you choose to display the best attributes of your physique. Facial expressions (smiling is great), confidence, projection (connecting with the audience), choreography, smooth transitions, entertainment value (artistic, fun and/or creative), uniqueness and overall attitude are all considered.

Tips: 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! If using a prop, incorporate it in your routine - otherwise it may just serve as a distraction and cost you points.

Attire: This is the choice of the athlete and can range from a Posing suit to an elaborate costume with props & themes. However, the physique is still being judged so be aware of that.

Please 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.

3. 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!

Bodybuilding Divisions: All divisions are at the discretion of the promoters, judging panel and REAL Representatives. If a category or Division does not have at least 3 competitors, that division or category may be merged, adjusted or eliminated from the event.

Experience: There is a 4-Level Tier System (Novice - Open - Advanced - Pro) for all REAL competitions. Competitors are encouraged to take a REAL Camp to learn the essentials of competing and to come to the stage better prepared. Seasoned athletes are eligible to bypass lower levels by submitting to our REAL Advancement Board, and at REAL seminars, applications to the Judging Panel.

Height: Athletes may be divided into height classes when there are at least 15 athletes in a class, or at the discretion of the Head Judge. The general cut off is: 5’7” and under, over 5’7” to 5’9”, over 5’9”. In an event where there is a big skew of athletes the height cutoff may be altered to more evenly divide up the classes.
**Please note: REAL does NOT have weight classes for Bodybuilders. Competitors are divided by height**

Age: Athletes of all ages are welcome to compete in the experience class. However, if you are 21 years or younger, you have the option of also competing in the Junior class. Gentlemen 40 years of age and older have the option to also compete in the Masters class.

Wheelchair Division: One of the most energizing divisions out there! This division embodies every aspect of determination and will! Please see each event schedule for specifics on this division.

Attire for Symmetry & Posing Rounds: Posing Suit. No jewelry (piercings are fine). Avoid wearing anything that may pull the judges attention away from the physique. Pay attention to suit style (straps & design) so it helps you look symmetrical and gives the judges a clear view of all muscles. Cover up any tattoos that may hinder the appearance of muscle separation. Suits can be neutral as this element of the competition focuses specifically on the physique, however, this is the discretion of the individual athlete.

All REAL World Tour competitions follow the Drug Testing guidelines set out by the REAL World Tour to encourage a Natural stage and create an even playing field.