For women wanting to focus on showcasing a great physique and looking for that “in-between” category that fits somewhere between the physique of a bikini and figure competitor, this is the category for you.
“Fit,” “athletic,” “defined” and “confident” are some of the words that could be used to describe the ideal women’s fitness competitor. This category is all about the physique and how it’s presented and leaves the “model” aspect out of the judging.
This category has only round of competition performed in a bikini.
At UFE Halloween Mayhem, participants have the option of replacing the bikini with a costume appropriate for this category during the evening finals.
Divisions Within the Category:
Women may participate in as many divisions in which they are eligible. For example, a woman competing at the Open level that is 45 years of age may compete in the Masters 45 division and the appropriate height class.
Novice Level
By Height Class
Provided there are at least 10 competitors in the category, UFE will separate women into short and tall classes. UFE uses a median height system in which all women below the median height are placed in the short class, while women above the median height are placed in the tall class. This ensures each class has an equal number of competitors. The median height will change from event to event based on the heights of the competitors at a particular event.
Open Level
By Age
Masters 35 – for women 35 years of age and above
Masters 45 – for women 45 years of age and above
*UFE may combine these divisions at our sole discretion.
By Height Class
Provided there are at least 10 competitors in the category, UFE will separate women into short and tall classes. UFE uses a median height system in which all women below the median height are placed in the short class, while women above the median height are placed in the tall class. This ensures each class has an equal number of competitors. The median height will change from event to event based on the heights of the competitors at a particular event.
Elite Level
Masters division for women 40 years of age and above at the UFE World Championships only.
Professional Level
Masters division for women 40 years of age and above at the UFE World Championships only. Subject to the sole discretion of UFE
Protocol & Judging
Stage Presentation
Competitors will enter the stage wearing a 2 piece bikini with stiletto style shoes, typically clear shoes as not to distract from the physique itself. Each competitor will walk to 3 determined points on the stage, one at a time, and perform 1-2 freestyle poses of her choice at each point. The points on stage will be marked and the competitor is to go to the far side of the stage first (from where they entered), come back to the near side of the stage and then pose at center stage before forming a lineup at the back of the stage. When all competitors have completed their walk and gone to the back of the stage, they will then be called forward and asked to execute a series of quarter turns to the right so that judges will have a chance to assess the physique from all angles.
Scoring for Women’s Fitness
Musculature (25%)
The competitor should have an athletic look and developed muscle. The competitor should not fit the terms “skinny” or “big” by fitness standards.
Conditioning (25%)
There should be separation between muscle groups (ie: well defined abs, separation between shoulders and upper arms, separation of muscles in the legs). Women should not be vascular or striated.
Symmetry (25%)
There should be an aesthetically pleasing balance between the muscle groups. Judges will not be looking for the noticeable V-taper that one would see in the figure category, but a well-developed upper body that tapers into a tight waist is still desirable.
Confidence/Presentation (25%)
The competitor should exude charisma, they should exude confidence and poses should look natural. Competitors should not be trying to “flare” their lats like in figure, but should keep muscles tight as to show definition and conditioning of the muscles.
Example of Scoring in this Round:
Competitor # | Musculature (10) | Conditioning (10) | Symmetry (10) | Confidence/
Presentation (10) |
Total (40) |
400 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 30 |
401 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 38 |
402 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 33 |
*scores will be sorted from high to low and highest scoring competitor will win
OTHER POINTS AND TIPS TO REMEMBER FOR THE BIKINI COMPETITOR
- Competitors should avoid wearing jewelry that distracts from their physique (ie: large necklaces, sparkling charms on necklaces or bracelets, etc.)
- 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.
- Competitors in the Bikini category tend to look best when they are dark, but not as dark as their Figure competitor counterparts. Having a base tan and using a product such as Protan is a good idea. Competitors should try to match the color of their face to their body with make-up, rather than competition tanning products.
- The use of moisturizers with shimmer, Body Butter, etc. is fine if a competitor would like to have a bit of sheen to their skin, however, posing oils should not be used as the object is not to show as much muscle definition and separation as Physique or Figure competitors.
- 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.
- Tattoos, piercings, etc. are acceptable.
- Bikini bottoms should cover about 30% of the glutes while bikini tops should cover about 40% of the chest. Significant deviations from this will cause demerit points to be assessed to the competitor.
- Competitors should always remember to be as tasteful as possible even when trying to be sexy. Bending over while in the rear facing pose will result in demerit points being given to the competitor.
- Remember to follow the 1-2 pose guideline at each point on stage. Demerit points will be given to competitors who do more than 2 poses at any given point. A pose is considered any position held for 2 seconds or more.