Fitness and figure competition

Fitness and figure competition is a class of physique-exhibition events for women; while bearing a close resemblance to female bodybuilding, it emphasizes muscle tone over muscle size. These competitions are frequently held as part of the same events as bodybuilding contests.
Fitness and Figure are two distinct forms of competition. However, the physique guidelines are similar, and many women cross over from one to the other.

In recent years, the related areas of fitness and figure competition have gained in popularity, surpassing that of female bodybuilding, and have provided an alternative for women who choose not to develop the level of muscularity necessary for bodybuilding. Rachel McLish would resemble closely what is thought of today as a fitness and figure competition instead of what is now considered female bodybuilding.

Figure competition has inspired many women to begin training with weights again after womens bodybuilding began producing overly muscled females who persisted with the uses of anabolic steroids. For the majority of women worldwide, the appeal of this type of physiques was not very great and was often referred to as 'manly looking women'. The rise of the Figure and Fitness classes gave a more appealing physique to the main body of women who were looking for ways to change their body shape.



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