Perfect Posing for Figure and Fitness
Perfect Posing for Figure and Fitness featuring IFBB Fitness Pro Kendra Elias
Part 1 of 6
By Michael Elias- WNSO Natural Pro Bodybuilder
One of the most often overlooked aspects of physique competition, especially among new competitors, is posing and stage presence. Competitors will spend months preparing their physiques to be their best, but often spend very little time perfecting their skills at displaying their physiques on stage.
At every show we attend, we see at least one competitor who would have placed much higher if they had only spent the time to learn to pose properly. Proper posing can truly be the difference between winning or simply being on stage.
In this six part series I will go through each of the mandatory poses for Figure and Fitness competitors and detail the finer points of displaying the physique to perfection. In addition, I will go over some common mistakes that competitors make and discuss to proper ways to avoid these pitfalls.
In part 1 of this series we will be covering the Front Relaxed Pose.
The front relaxed pose is actually the most difficult of the poses for most competitors to master.
In the Front Relaxed pose, your front foot should be facing forward toward the audience, your back foot should be slightly behind the front foot and turned at a 90 degree angle from the front foot.
We use the term "butt up" to describe how you should hold your hips and butt during these poses. You should arch your back into a "C" shape and lift your butt up as high as you can lift it. This will give your butt and hamstrings the best look possible.
Your torso should be twisted slightly in the direction of your front facing leg, so that your body is visible to the audience and judges.
Keep your stomach in, your chest out, your back in the "C" curve position, and your "butt up".
( Easier said than done! This one takes a lot of practice ) The arm on the side of your front facing foot should be slightly bent and held out to the side of your body. It should not be extended out dramatically from your body, and it should not be in too close. ( See the picture above for the proper placement)
Keep your head up high and confident in every pose, and always keep a big smile on your face.
Be sure to practice this pose from both sides, as you never know which side of the stage you will be on.
The Front Relaxed pose is generally used when you first walk out on stage, or when you are placed to the side or the back of the stage awaiting a callout.
There is truly nothing "relaxed" about the Front Relaxed pose. Remember to keep everything tight, even when standing to the side or the back of the stage.
In part 2 of this series we will detail the Front Facing Pose, the first in the series of the four quarter turns judged in the physique rounds.
For those interested in perfecting their posing skills, Kendra and I offer personalized posing instruction and practice for Fitness, Figure and Bodybuilding competitors. We have perfected a system of posing instruction that can be done in person, or even completely online.
Please visit www.MichaelElias.com or www.KendraElias.com for more information about the programs and training we have available. You may also contact me directly by e-mailing Michael@MichaelandKendra.com
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