Hello! I'm new here....

[shanmonster]

Hi!

I just joined this forum today. I've never been part of a fitness forum, and thought this might be a good way to get input and maybe even meet some friendly people. I'm based out of Kitchener, ON.

I'm a dancer by training, but have also studied a variety of martial arts for about a decade, and have been weight-training off and on for about 17 years. I'm interested in entering a fitness competition. I don't feel like I need to win, but I'd like to be able to go and not have people look at me and think, Why is SHE here? But I don't know the first thing about entering shows, or what would be expected of me.

I am a fitness and dance instructor, lead fitness bootcamp classes, and work one-on-one with FOC (Fresh Off the Couch) folks, teaching them how to do various exercises properly.

So yeah. Hi!

[Mr.Freeze]

Welcome aboard

[JMP]

Welcome , tons of knowledge on this board ....

[69challenger]

Welcome! Sounds like you have a great background to do fitness....what competition are you thinking of doing?

[shanmonster]

Hi!

I have no idea what competition to do. I'm a total novice to such things. I spoke with a competitive body builder at my gym the other day, and he said I'd do best in a masters figure competition.

I know that there are plenty of shows that happen in the Toronto area. That is doable for me, but I don't have much cash. Are shows very expensive to register for?

[69challenger]

As a master's figure competitor, I'd say DO IT!!! Competitions are alot of fun, most shows aren't too expensive as far as registration goes, but other costs will add up for competition day (suit, heels, tan/makeup, etc). Did you have any organization in mind? OPA, IDFA, WBFF, etc?

[shanmonster]

I don't know anything about any of the organizations, either.

I can probably make my own suits, for the most part. I do a fair bit of dance costuming, and am guessing posing suits aren't enormously different.

[CMoney]

There's a lot you can do on your own. I'm also a masters (and open) figure competitor like 69challenger and have to say that's a great class in which to get your feet wet.

If you already costume, your suits will be a piece of cake to make and you'll save a bundle that way. Classes generally aren't too expensive to enter but suits can get pricey.

Just look at lots of photos so you understand the cut of posing suits. Two-piece suits need to come up virtually to your waist on the sides to show off your legs to maximum advantage and have a nice deep v in both the front and the back. I recommend minimal material for your bottoms, within the confines of the rules, of course. No thongs allowed! Tops need to be cut big enough to keep your girls covered and not peeking out during your posing.

I love the blingy suits required for figure/fitness competitions. I used to figure skate, so I like the adornment requirements!

Anyway, if you asked me I'd say go the OPA route.
physiqueassociation.ca

[shanmonster]

Thanks! I'll check out the link.

[shanmonster]

I'm looking at the rules, now, and am a bit confused about it being about beauty. I must admit, I'm not terribly interested in entering a beauty pageant. I'm more concerned about physique than makeup application. I'm not about to go get botox treatments to disguise the wrinkles I've been getting as I get older. Does this mean figure is probably not the category for me, then?