Choosing the Best Divisions for You When Competing
By Sammy Jo
So, you’re thinking about competing in bodybuilding? That’s amazing! It has changed my life in so many ways that I couldn’t even dreamed of! So I am excited for you to start your journey to the stage! With so many bodybuilding divisions and categories out there, it can get overwhelming fast. Let’s break it down together so you can figure out which division best suits you, your goals, and your unique physique.
Whether you’re aiming for big muscles or a balanced, toned look, there’s a spot for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best division for you!
Understanding the Different Bodybuilding Divisions
Bodybuilding competitions offer a variety of divisions tailored for men and women. Each has its own criteria, overall look, vibe, and level of muscle development. All divisions have their mandatory poses and routine styles for stage, but their overall look and build will be different. Knowing these differences is key to picking the division that fits your natural build, fitness goals and lifestyle .
Men’s Divisions
Let’s start with an overview of the men’s categories:
Men’s Physique: Think lean, athletic physique, and toned. This category requires board shorts, and the focus is on a muscular build with proper shape and symmetry while maintaining proper stage conditioning as well. This division is super popular and great for guys who aren’t aiming to bulk up to the max.
Classic Physique: A balance between Men’s Physique and Bodybuilding, where muscle size and muscle definition take center stage. Competitors pose in boxer briefs, showcasing both the upper and lower body. This division is perfect if you want a strong but not overly bulky look.
Classic Bodybuilding: The ultimate in muscle mass and definition, with no weight limit. Competitors are judged based on size, muscularity, and symmetry, and there’s a special posing style for this category. This division is all about maximum muscle development.
Women’s Divisions
Now, let’s dive into the women’s categories, while each category criteria varies there are a few things in common for all categories. You will be judged on your mandatory poses which will vary for each category. You will also be judged on your stage presentation and overall appearance; hair, make up, tan/tan quality, suit color and how it complements your skin tone and hair color. They are not only judging your physique but the overall package you bring to the stage. each offering something unique in terms of muscle, tone, and routine. Body type is going to play a huge roll in this, so understanding your areas of strength
1. Bikini
Best For: Women with a balanced, muscular physique.
Bikini is one of the most popular divisions that many competitors aim for when starting out, thanks to its approachable requirements. Judges look for a lean, feminine look with well-developed muscles but without extreme conditioning and striated muscles. They are looking for an overall balanced physique from your delts to lats and your waist to glute ratio. These ratios creating that hour glass shape that the judges are looking for when presenting on-stage. If you have a naturally small waist and proportionate shape and fullness in your legs and upper body, this could be the perfect division for you.
2. Women’s Wellness
Best For: Women with an imbalanced physique. More muscle mass in the lower body, meaning more developed gutes, hamstrings and quads.
Wellness is a newer division in the NPC (national physique committee) and IFBB Pro League as well as other leagues. Judges look for imbalances from upper body to lower body in this division. They want to see more muscle mass in the glutes, hamstrings and quads while still seeing muscularity in the upper body but not as developed as in other categories.
3. Figure
Best For: Women with natural muscle development.
In this division, judges are looking for more muscularity and separation. Women with wide shoulders and a naturally small waist tend to do well in Figure. This division highlights muscle symmetry and proportion, without extreme leanness or bulk.
4. Women’s Physique Category
Best For: Women who build muscle easily and want to showcase it.
The Physique division allows for more muscle size and definition. This category has a unique posing style and includes a 90-second routine performed to music. If you’re naturally muscular and enjoy performing, this division could be the one for you.
5. Bodybuilding
Best For: Women who love serious muscle building.
This is the most challenging division in terms of muscle size, conditioning, and dedication. Bodybuilding is for those who want to achieve maximum muscularity and strength. Only some bodybuilding organizations offer this division for women, so check with your federation to see if it’s available.
6. Fitness
Best For: Gymnasts, dancers, and those with a high level of strength and flexibility.
The Fitness division is about more than just physique—it’s about physical performance too! Competitors create a unique routine that highlights strength, dance, or gymnastics. This division is perfect if you want to combine muscle tone with performance skills.
Tips for Choosing the Right Division
1. Assess Your Physique
Take a close look at your natural body structure. If you have broader shoulders or pack on muscle easily, divisions like Figure or Physique may suit you best. If you’re leaner and prefer a toned look, consider Bikini.
2. Think About Your Fitness Goals
Your goals will guide your division choice. If you aim for muscle mass and definition, Bodybuilding or Physique might be perfect. If you want a more balanced look, go for Bikini or Figure. Also keep in mind, your off season, training styles/principals and your nutrition overall! Each division is going to require different training focuses and styles and lifestyles overall especially in an off season!
3. Watch Competitions
Attend a local show or watch videos of different divisions. This will give you a better sense of the posing styles and body types in each category, so you can visualize where you fit.
FAQs About Bodybuilding Women’s Categories
What is the Bikini Division in bodybuilding?
The Bikini division is one of the most popular categories for women. It focuses on a lean, hourglass shape with a small waist and balance from top to bottom in the competitors overall shpe. This division is perfect for women who want to look athletic but not overly muscular.
What’s the difference between Figure and Physique?
The Figure division emphasizes muscularity and symmetry, with some separation but without excessive leanness. Physique, however, showcases more muscle size and definition and includes an individual posing routine.
Is Bodybuilding for women different from men’s bodybuilding?
Yes, bodybuilding is different for men and women as each category is going to have a different set of criteria and expectations of muscle size and overall look/. However, overall the focus for all divisions is going to be muscle size and definition and overall stage presence. It is really going to be narrowed down to the specific criteria in the specific division.
How do I know which division I’ll do best in?
It’s best to choose a division that complements your natural body structure and muscle-building tendencies. Watching shows, reading criteria, and consulting a coach can help you decide. Keep in mind when selecting your division also think about the lifestyle you want to live, in terms of training styles, nutrition consumption and overall longevity in the sport and your end goal overall!
FAQs About Sammy Jo’s Business
What services does Sammy Jo offer?
Sammy Jo provides online coaching for individuals who are looking to change their lives. Whether that be lifestyle coaching; wanting to build muscle, lose body fat or just live a healthier lifestyle, or you’re wanting to prep and step on stage to compete. She offers guidance and tailored programs for nutrition, training, and competition strategies. She also helps clients choose the right bodybuilding division to fit their physique and goals. In addition to coaching, Sammy Jo also offers virtual posing session worldwide and in person posing session for Bikini and Wellness in the Southern California Area! If you’re looking to take back your life, compete, or perfect your posing, confidence and stage presence Sammy Jo is your girl!
Does Sammy Jo work with beginners?
Yes, Sammy Jo works with clients of all experience levels, from first-time competitors to seasoned athletes. Her programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual regardless of experience.
How can I sign up for coaching with Sammy Jo?
You can reach out to Sammy Jo directly through her website, itssammyjo.com where you’ll find coaching packages and contact information. You’ll set up a one on one virtual consultation to go over all your goals and needs, and to see if you’re a good fit for each other! She offers personalized programs to help you prepare for competition or reach your fitness goals.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right division is a big step in your bodybuilding journey. Remember, it’s not just about choosing the division that looks good on paper, but finding one that aligns with your body and goals. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance!
Happy competing, and remember—no matter what division you choose, you’re already making incredible progress toward your fitness dreams.