Also known as natural bodybuilding, FAME Muscle is the category for drug-free men and women of virtually all ages and experience levels who have succeeded in crafting a natural, muscular physique. Overall, judges in this category are looking for defined, well-developed musculature and balance among muscle groups, along with proper posture and outstanding stage presence.
In preparing for this category presentation is very important. Athletes must acquire a talent for properly executing poses, developing the ability to maintain poses with absolute composure for a long time period, and ensuring all muscles are contracted and displayed in a proportional manner. As well, athletes are required to sculpt and/or master the art of illusions to properly display their ideal symmetrical muscled physique.
There are 3 rounds for which the athlete must prepare. The Symmetry & Posing Rounds are where judges compare the athletes for several minutes to evaluate who has the most aesthetically pleasing physique when viewed from all sides and in all poses.The Routine Round is the time for the judges to evaluate the athlete's creativity, artistry, personality, strength and physique based on individually performed choreography.
Athletes should prepare for three (3) rounds of competition, each worth one-third (1/3) of the overall score.
1st: SYMMETRY ROUND
As they survey all the athletes side by side on stage, the Head Judge will call out '1/4 turn to the right'. This will be completed 4 times so that the athlete is able to display their body's symmetry and musculature from all angles (front, left, back, right). The idea is to hold your head straight, open your back, squeeze all muscles through out your body and ensure that each body part looks proportionate to its counterpart. This pose is known as the Semi Relaxed pose, although it is not really 'relaxing' at all but athletes must give the illusion that it is easy to maintain. Athletes must practice getting into this pose and holding it for as long as possible. Athletes should also work to perfect their 1/4 turns which must appear fluid while allowing the athlete to continue to display proper body symmetry.
Attire : Athletes wear a Posing Suit and are barefoot. Females wear a 2 piece suit. Athletes should avoid wearing anything that may distract the judges attention away from the physique. In other words, pay attention to suit style (straps & cut), keep jewelry to a minimum and cover up any tattoos that may hinder the appearance of muscle separation.All posing suits should be relatively neutral as this element of the competition focuses specifically on the physique. Thongs are not permitted.
2nd: MANDATORY POSING ROUND
After the symmetry round, athletes stand side by side on stage and assume a series of 10 mandatory poses as they are called out by the emcee or Head Judge. In this round the athletes may be required to stay on stage for a long time while the judges assess all the physiques and poses. The Head Judge may also ask certain athletes to come up to the front for comparisons in smaller groups. Prepare to be going through a multitude of poses. This round can take up to half an hour to complete depending on the division size. Make sure you practice your posing ahead of time. Try to get all your muscles to pop as you pose and remember that symmetry also comes into play with each pose. That is why some athletes may be posing slightly differently than others. Know what looks best for you and come prepared with that pose.
Prepare for the Following (from each side):
1. Front Double Biceps
2. Side Chest
3. Side Triceps
4. Front Lat Spread
5. Rear Double Bicep s -with one leg extended behind to show calf and hamstring muscles
6. Rear Lat Spread
7. Abdominals and Thigh/Quad
8. Most Muscular: Hands on Hips
9. Most Muscular: Male - Crab Shot // Females - Prayer Pose - Hands Clasped in Front
10. Front Relaxed - ( the pose assumed when the emcee calls Relax ).
Judges are looking at the overall physique, posture and symmetry while each pose is being performed.The goal is to engage ALL visible muscles (not just the ones named in the pose) and display their size (should be proportionate to skeletal structure), shape, hardness, definition and overall muscle tone. Athletes can adopt variations of the poses (in their stance or placement of limbs) in order to display their body as a complete symmetrical package. Practicing in front of a mirror &/or with a trainer or friend is a good idea.
Judges give top marks to those who perform their poses well with proper form and alignment in a smooth, fluid and aesthetically pleasing manner. The pose should also be maintained in a steady position that appears effortless. The judges do not grant points based on 'potential' and can only score an athlete high who executes the poses well and shows proper attitude and confidence. Meaning, the physique alone is not enough to win the award. Presentation, attitude, composure and confidence all come into play.
Attire :This round immediately follows the Symmetry Round and athletes will not have the opportunity to change outfits.
Posedown :All athletes will participate in a posedown which is meant to be a fun way to get the attention of the judges, media and audience. Show you have what it takes to be a champion. Perhaps practice your sequence of poses in advance so that you can flow from pose to pose, or challenge another athlete while on stage. The posedown is meant to be fun and spontaneous, so enjoy!!
Athletes are directly compared against each other for both the Symmetry & Posing Rounds. Each judge ranks the athletes with the top placer being ranked as number one. All scores are then added up, with the lowest number being the top score.Depending on time constraints and show size, the Routine Round may be limited to those who placed in the top 5-10 in the Symmetry & Posing Rounds.
Athletes are given an individual point score for the Routine round. It is this round which can be the determining factor of who becomes the champion so it's very important for all athletes to have a solid routine prepared.
The first place winners from the Experience Categories will compete for the Overall Win. One male and one female will be determined the Overall Champion of that show.
In the event of a tie, the highest and lowest score is dropped. If this still results in a tie, the Head Judge may call those athletes back on stage for a final comparison round. If it is still questionable, the Head Judge may pose a question to the competitor as a bonus round to settle the tie breaker.
The athletes can compete in any of the divisions which pertains to them:
Experience : There is a 5-Level Tier System for all FAME World Tour competitions, ranging from newcomers (Novice Level 1) to Professional athletes (Level 5). Regional shows are generally a Level 1 and Level 2. Nationals are a Level 3. Continental and Worlds are Level 4 and 5 respectively. 5 Level Tier System
Gender : This category has divisions for both Males and Females. Some of the poses are modified according to gender.
Ages : Bodybuilding is open to athletes of all ages.
| Category |
Male |
Female |
| Juniors |
21 years and under |
|
| Masters |
40 years & over |
35 years & over |
| Grandmasters |
50 years & over |
45 years & over |
| Suoergrandmasters |
60 years & over |
55 years & over |
Pairs : Bodybuilders can pair with a fitness or figure athlete, another bodybuilder or just a friend or family member who does not compete.There is no symmetry or posing round for this division.
Height : Athletes competing in Level 2 and beyond will be divided into height classes when there are at least 6 athletes in a class. In an event where there is a big skew of athletes the height cutoff may be altered to more evenly divide up the classes.
| Male |
Female |
| 5'7" and Under |
5'2" and Under |
| Over 5'7" to 5'10" |
Over 5'2" to 5'6" |
| Over 5'10" |
Over 5'6" |
Judging generally begins in the morning and is very intense. This is the time when athletes are evaluated in their Symmetry and Posing rounds. These rounds will take as long as is necessary for the judging panel to feel confident with their final placings. In some instances, depending on the show, athletes will also perform their routine at this time.
The evening show is really the Entertainment show. The main judging has already been done so the athletes can relax and play up to the audience, judges, media and sponsors. Athletes will all be introduced and each athlete will perform their favorite pose. A fun and high energy posedown will then be called immediately. All athletes stay on stage and then each person is then awarded a FAME Athlete Appreciation Medallion. Routines immediately follow. Awards are announced at the end of the evening.
FAME: Your Body. Your Goals. Your Time to SHINE!!
GOOD LUCK!!
