Here’s how bodybuilding event works
Reported February 05, 2010
Some 150 amateur bodybuilders are expected to compete in the first Desert Muscle Classic. While a majority will be from Tucson, some will come from as far as Oregon and Mexico.
It’s all pose and show. No lifting.
Here are a few basics if you are new to the competition:
Men and women compete in the bodybuilding divisions. Women also compete in fitness, figure and bikini divisions.
Bodybuilders are divided into categories based on age and weight. The women’s figure, fitness and bikini divisions also go by height.
The competition will use the rules of the National Physique Committee (NPC), which governs amateur bodybuilding in the United States.
The judges use a points system, not unlike sports such as gymnastics and figure skating, as they evaluate elements like symmetry, size compared to symmetry, muscle density, conditioning and presentation.
In the prejudging, which starts at 10 a.m., all the bodybuilders within a weight class will line up on stage for comparison posing. The judges will decide the top five in each class.
At the main event, which starts at 6 p.m., every bodybuilder will appear on stage and do a 90-second presentation set to music that shows their training and artistry. The top finishers will receive trophies at the end of the show. Two winners from each weight class will be qualified to compete at a national level.
The main event will also feature guest posers, including Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.