Stage Presentation and Posing Clinics Have Begun!

Last Sunday, March 10th, marked the beginning of the stage presentation and posing clinics held here at Snap Fitness.  These posing clinics are not only unique to Central CT, they are also unique in that they are open to all physique competitors in all federations.  "Physique competitors" refer to bodybuilders, fitness, figure, fit body, and bikini competitors and "Federation" refers to FAP, NPC/IFBB, WBFF, INBF/WNBF, and OCB organizations.  Most athletes focus on only their training and nutrition to prepare for a competition; as a result they are anxious on the day of the show because they don't know how to comfortably present themselves on stage.  Even seasoned athletes find themselves "rusty" after a long time in between shows.  I recognize the need for intense stage practice so with my 11 years of experience in ALL federations, including professional status in three of them, coupled with my centrally located fitness facility, I would like to establish Snap Fitness Avon as the go-to stage preparation facility in Central CT.

The posing clinic this past weekend was a success and a broad range of competitors showed up.  Although no men showed up this week, I had women looking to compete in figure competitions, Fit Body competitions, and their ages ranged from 14 on up into those in their 40s.   That's the beauty of the sport of bodybuilding.....there is no age restriction!  In fact, the fastest growing group of women competing are those over 35 and many have children.  You will often see Moms on stage with their children in the audience cheering them on.  Often competing is something on people's "bucket list" to say they could do it; while others, like me, had the goal from the beginning to reach the top of the sport.  It doesn't matter what your ultimate goal is -- to say you stepped on stage and had the chance to be a Rock Star for a day is priceless.

So................how do you become a "ROCK STAR" on stage?  You have to practice, practice, practice; find someone to guide you; and know ahead of time that requirements in each federation and division are different.  "Figure" is a form of bodybuilding where there is less emphasis on the muscle mass and more emphasis on the total package brought to the stage.  Symmetry, muscle tone, and femininity all count in the scoring.  Competitors wear a two-piece figure suit and clear high heels and are compared on stage in two ways; (1) standing in a line up and performing a series of quarter turns as instructed by the head judge and (2) individually presented on stage with either a t-walk or a spot-light walk.  Scoring of the competitors depends on the federation because each has a preferred "look" and judging style.  The goal is to align yourself with the right organization for your body type and personality.  "Fitness" competitors are similar to "Figure" competitors except in addition to the comparison round, "Fitness" competitors also perform a fitness performance routine.  The requirements for the fitness routine depend on the organization.  "Fit Body" is also a form of bodybuilding; however, in addition to suit style, clear high heels, and quarter turns, competitors are required to do a series of mandatory bodybuilding-type poses with hands OPEN (unlike bodybuilding where hands are clenched).  "Fit Body" competitors are not judged on facial beauty like "Figure" and "Fitness" competitors.  "Bodybuilding" competitors do not wear heels and are not judged on facial beauty.  Instead, bodybuilders are compared on stage with their respective class (depending on the organization, classes can be divided by height or weight) where they are instructed by the head judge through a series of quarter turns, mandatory bodybuilding poses, and then also perform a posing routine to music in the evening.  Lastly, the "Bikini" division is a recent add to the federations after there was a demand for a division with fit bodies without the muscle and leanness of a "Figure" athlete -- and certainly not the leanness or muscle of a bodybuilder.  "Bikini" competitors are judged highly on stage presentation and have two rounds of judging.  One round is in a two-piece bikini and the second round is either in sportswear, theme wear, or evening gown, depending on the federation.  In both rounds athletes perform a "t-walk" on stage and are judged heavily on stage presentation.  So as you can see -- regardless of whether you are competing in Figure, Fit Body, Bodybuilding, Fitness, or Bikini, you are judged on your stage presentation and posing.  It is extremely important that you are prepared and comfortable on stage no matter what division or federation you choose.

There are numerous amateur shows scheduled for 2013 on the east coast for all federations.  April alone in Connecticut has TWO large amateur shows coming up.  One is a FAP (Fitness America) competition at Foxwoods and the second is a WBFF show at the Oakdale.  Countless other shows are scheduled throughout the year as well.  I recognize the need for stage presentation/posing instruction so I'm making my posing clinics available to athletes in all federations, all divisions, and I will run these clinics every Sunday from both 12-1 and 1-2pm.  The cost is $15/class or $25 for both hours.  I am also available for private posing sessions by appointment.  Competitors can register for classes or make a private posing appointment with me by emailing michele@michelewelcome.com or calling the club at 860-581-4014.