The past year was an honest shock to me. I did my first local show, won the overall title for bikini, and became instantly hooked. I did five shows in the 2009 competition season. I don’t care what anyone says about the new Bikini division being an easy way to get a pro card. Coming from a girl who trained for figure shows before bikini, I can say that it is easier in some circumstances but harder in others.
Like figure the Bikini Division is looking for a specific build. Bikini competitors do not bulk up, try to build as much muscle mass, or try to get as lean as some figure competitors. The majority of people who I have talked to, think Bikini competitors just work out for a month and prance on stage. Although I have seen this occur, most girls that look like that, did not do so well in the competitions.
Has anyone ever wondered if Bikini is harder??? The judges want a Bikini Competitor to have the look of a woman who puts work in at the gym (lifting weights moderately, box jumps, mountain climbers, squat jumps, lunges, stair climber, running, walking up hill, interval training, sprints) who has a feminine athletic build. Although some are more genetically gifted than other, being lean almost year-round is not just a walk in the park. When I trained for figure I was lean from April to August. I found Bikini more challenging, because I had to have the consistency and will power to stay lean from March to November. Some figure competitors can amazingly keep their shape and symmetry and stay lean year-round, but to keep that muscle on, most need an off-season and bulk up.
Another thing I found very interesting about Bikini is that you have to find a balance between keeping muscle on, but not getting to big or losing too much. When I am training for shows I try to eat a balanced non radical meal plan that slowly helps maintain my muscle while losing body fat, but also gives me the softer full fit look for Bikini. I think the best looking bikini Competitors are the ones that have full glutes, toned legs, and are about 16% body fat.
Doing that many shows was exciting, fun, but was hard work. The past few months I have taken a much-needed rest . This week I started my Bikini Meal Plan that will hopefully keep me consistent for this season. My first show is in 12 weeks in Pittsburg, PA. From there I am Competing in Junior Nationals in Chicago, IL. I will keep you posted.
If you are a competitor, I wish you do the best. If you are thinking about competing, just do it !!! ha. If you want to ask any questions about competing, I will be glad to answer them. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and have a blessed day!!!
Love,
April Curry
February 19, 2010 at 3:19 am |
Have a scrunchy butt bikini, have the polished beach girl look, and put on enough make up to where the lights on stage won’t drown your face out. 105-109 is small, but everyone is different. they are looking for a girl that has well defined glutes, toned but not too lean, and has a model look.
I hope this helps….
april curry