The ABC's of Female Figure, Fitness, and Bodybuilding Competitions

An Introduction to Female Muscle & Fitness Competition

The ABC's of Female Figure, Fitness, and Bodybuilding Competitions
By Lauren Beckham and Edward Beckham

If you want to go Pro...

So you're serious about taking your passion for fitness to the next level and going the competitive route, great! Here is the main thing that you need to know. There is only one amateur organization per country that is recognized by the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB). The IFBB is the leading international professional fitness organization (The IFBB sanctions the Ms. Olympia competitions). Here in the United States the IFBB only recognizes the National Physique Committee (NPC) as its amateur extension for the United States. So, if your goal is to eventually become an IFBB professional bodybuilder in the United States then you'll have to first a class at the NPC Nationals Championship or be the overall winner at the NPC USA Championship.

Where to learn more...

Here are some helpful links for more information about the NPC and the IFBB:

NPC: Official Website of the National Physique Committee

IFBB: Official Website of the International Federation of Body Builders

Helpful Informational Wikipedia Page about the IFBB

Contact Lauren Beckham

Contact Lauren by the following:

Train with Lauren
Sponsor Lauren

Propose a Photo shoot

Quick Fitness Links

Here are some helpful fitness links:

View Lauren's: Fitness Model Photos
Join Lauren's: Fitness Challenge

nternational Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) - professional Fitness, Figure, and Bodybuilding competitions.

Getting Started as an Amateur...

For women, the NPC sanctions the following types of competitions: Fitness, Figure, and Bodybuilding. There are NPC events from coast-to-coast. If you are someone who is serious then you'll want to start in local competitions, but definitely you need to set your sights on NPC sanctioned events.

Joining the NPC...

The NPC charges a $75 annual fee. If you'd like to join, here is the link for the 2007 application (you must be a member to compete in NPC sanctioned events): NPC 2007 Membership Application

Other Helpful and Necessary Resources, if you're serious about competing...

Here is a helpful web-page that has a PDF file listing ALL of the events sanctioned by the NPC for 2007:

NPC Sanctioned Events for the 2007 Competition Year

Here are some helpful Wikipedia Articles that will help explain the distinction between:

Bodybuilding VERSUS Fitness VERSUS Figure. I myself am a figure competitor, here are those links:

Wikipedia Informational Resource about: Female Bodybuilding Competition

Wikipedia Informational Resource about: Female Fitness and Figure Competition

I hope that you have found this page to be helpful information.

I wish you good luck!

LAUREN BECKHAM

Lauren Beckham (NPC Figure Competitor)