OVERVIEW:  Also known as FAME Muscle this category is for drug-free men and women of virtually all ages and all experience levels who have succeeded in crafting a natural, muscular physique. Judges are looking for defined, well-developed musculature and balance among muscle groups, along with proper posture, good posing 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 ensure they appear symmetrical from all sides and in all poses.

There are 3 rounds for which the athlete must prepare. The Symmetry & Posing Rounds are when judges compare the athletes evaluate who has the most aesthetically pleasing physique when viewed from all sides and in all poses.  This takes place during the Judging portion of the event and may require the athletes to maintain their poses for several minutes and multiple times.  The Routine Round is based on individually choreographed 90 sec routines during which time the judges evaluate the athletes’ creativity, artistry, personality, strength and physique.


The Evening Show (or Finals) is generally fun for athletes and audience.  Judging has been done and athletes are able to relax and enjoy their moment to shine! This is when the ‘FAMEus’ group posedown occurs as well!


Double Your Fun!  Check out the Muscle Model Search category as the physique is similar to that of Figure competitors, yet there is no routine (just 2 rounds on modeling).  This category is also ideal for Figure athletes who want more exposure and stage time, as well as for aspiring Figure competitors who are not yet ready to perform a routine. 



1ST ROUND - 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).  Athletes are ranked against each other.


Tips for Athletes: The idea is to hold your head straight, open your back, squeeze your abs and all muscles throughout your body. Ensure that each body part looks proportionate to its counterpart - this may be natural or you may have to master the ‘art of illusion’ by varying your stance. This pose is known as the Semi Relaxed pose, although it is not really 'relaxing' at all but you must appear as though it is easy to maintain. Practice getting into this pose and holding it for as long as possible. Work to ensure your 1/4 turns appear fluid and allow you to always display proper body symmetry.


Attire: Athletes are barefoot and wear posing suits - 2 piece for females.  Avoid wearing anything that may pull the judges attention away from the physique. In other words, pay attention to suit style (straps & design), keep jewelry to a minimum and cover up any tattoos that may hinder the appearance of muscle separation. All posing suits can be relatively neutral as this element of the competition focuses specifically on the physique. However, this is up to the discretion of the individual athlete.  When selecting a suit make sure that the style and cut enhance the symmetrical appearance of your physique and allows the judges to have a clear view of all muscles.






2ND ROUND - MANDATORY POSING ROUND

Ten (10) poses will be called out random order and athletes must come prepared to display poses from both sides. The Head Judge may also ask certain athletes to come up to the front for comparisons in smaller groups. Athletes should be aware that they may be asked to perform each pose many times and to hold them for a long time period. Since athletes are ranked against each other in this round, the judges generally spend several minutes (it can even last up to half an hour or more!) assessing all physiques and poses.


THE POSES:


    * Front Double Biceps

    * Rear Double Biceps - One leg behind to show calf and hamstring

    * Side Chest

    * Side Tricep

    * Front Lat Spread

    * Rear Lat Spread

    * Abdominal & Thigh - Rotate front leg to catch judges attention. Hands behind head.

    * Most Muscular: Hands on Hip

    * Most Muscular: Crab Shots (males) // Prayer Pose (females)

    * Front Relaxed - The position athletes get into when Head Judge says Relax.










Important Information for Posing Round:

Posing Rules:  Choose a posing style that best displays your body symmetry, shape and musculature.  Practice the execution (how you get into the pose) as well as your final positioning. You can adopt variations of the poses (in stance or placement of limbs) in order to best display your body as a complete symmetrical package and highlight only your attributes. Your goal should be to engage ALL visible muscles (not just the ones named in the pose) to highlight their size (should be proportionate to your skeletal structure), shape, hardness, definition and overall muscle tone. Practicing in front of a mirror &/or with a trainer or friend is a good idea.  Females can clench their fists or use open hands.


Attire: This round immediately follows the Symmetry Round and athletes will not have the opportunity to change outfits. Everyone is barefoot.

Posedown: All athletes will participate in a posedown which is meant to be a fun way to get the attention of the judges, media, sponsors and audience. This is your chance to  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 for your own personal ‘pose-off’ right there on stage! The posedown should be fun while giving you your ‘Time to Shine’ so take advantage of it and enjoy it!


Impress the Judges: Judges are looking at your overall physique, posture and symmetry for each pose performed. Judges give top marks to those who perform their poses with proper form and alignment and enter them in a smooth, fluid and aesthetically pleasing manner. The pose should also be held steady and should appear effortless. The judges do not grant points based on 'potential' and can only rank an athlete high who executes the poses the best while displaying proper attitude and confidence. This means that the physique alone is not enough to win the award. Presentation (how you get into the pose), attitude, composure and stage presence all come into play.



3RD ROUND - ROUTINE


Athletes are allotted 90 seconds to display their physique, physical conditioning, personality and posing through a routine choreographed to music of their own choice.  Strict form and proper composure are no longer required. Instead, the routine is the time where individual talents, entertainment, artistic abilities &/or creativity is seen. Props and themes are permitted but are not mandatory.  All athletes are given an individual point score from each judge based on overall performance, physique and required movements.

ROUTINE TIPS:

Mandatory Components:  Routines must show at least 5 of the Mandatory Poses (or variations) to highlight your physique. Athlete attitude is important so should something unexpected occur, judges are looking at how the you handle the situation. The routines should provide entertainment value for the audience, judges, media and sponsors - as this is a great opportunity to get noticed - and a large part of the final scoring!

Attire: Attire for the Routine Round is completely up to the you. You may wear a costume, shoes, jewelry and even have props or themes. However, keep in mind that the physique is still being judged so dress accordingly or be sure to remove clothing items during the routine.


Impress the Judges: The goal here is to show your physique looking its best. To do so you can incorporate some or all of the mandatory poses, &/or you can be creative with how you choose to display the best attributes of your physique.  Facial expressions (smiling is great), confidence, projection (connecting with the audience), choreography, smooth transitions, entertainment value (whether artistic, fun and/or creative), uniqueness and overall attitude are all considered in judging. If using a prop, incorporate it in your routine - otherwise it may just serve as a distraction and cost you points.

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.





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DIVISIONS

You may compete in as many divisions as you fit.  All divisions are further separated into male and female classes.

Experience:
There is a 6-Level Tier System for all FAME World Tour competitions. 
Click here for details to see how you can advance towards attaining your Pro Status.


Height:
Athletes competing in Level 3 and beyond can be divided into height classes when there are at least 6 athletes in a class. Generally the cut off for females is 5'2" & under // over 5'2" to 5'6" // over 5'6".  For males, the general cut off is:  5’7” and under, over 5’7” to 5’9”, over 5’9”. In an event where there is a big skew of athletes the height cutoff may be altered to more evenly divide up the classes.


Age:
Athletes of all ages are welcome to compete in the experience class.   However, if you are 21 years or younger, you have the option of also competing in the Junior class.  Females 35 years or older & males 40 years and older have the option to also compete in the Masters class, the Grandmasters class (females 45 years and older, males 50 years and older) &/or the Super Grandmasters Class (females 55 years and older, males 60 years and older). Winners of the Masters - Super Grandmasters move on to become a FAME Pro to compete in the Masters Pro Class.  Click here to see some FAME Masters.


Pairs:
Bodybuilders can pair with a figure competitor, fitness athlete, another bodybuilder or even a friend or family member who does not compete in any other division. There is no symmetry or posing round for this division. It is just meant to be an entertaining routine that you enjoy performing. Click here for details.




Physically Challenged:  Divisions for male and female athletes


    * wheelchair

    * standing