Evolution of the Figure Walk: Part 2 - Be yourself.

Part 2 of Evolution of the Figure Walk: Be yourself. 

When you aren't authentic, it shows. Both in your discomfort, stiffness, and apprehension. You look uncomfortable. Do you really want to be up there? The walk doesn't flow. The steps are counted. The swagger is jerky. Muscles aren't as flexible and movements are robotic. The music, the steps, the poses, the look, the movement, all of it just doesn't gel together. And all of that will show up in your scores. 

Over the years I've tried copying other competitors who placed better than me. And it always backfired when I totally removed myself from what I was doing. Sure there are some things that had to change. I couldn't walk out on stage in a tank top, jeans, and flip-flops. I had to don the gear for the sport. And with that comes learning how to best present the physique I've worked so hard to build. Where I went wrong was trying to give up being the powerful, sporty, sassy, goofy, energetic jock and trade it all in trying to be a slinky, sexy, panther of a Victoria's Secret model on the cat walk. Yeah right. That's a train wreck waiting to happen.

If you are sassy, choose more energetic or powerful music. The goal is to make sure you are still posing and not rushing through. Slow it down so the judges can still have enough time to view each of your poses. If you are more elegant then maybe Gudnam Style and doing dance moves may not be the t-walk for you. However, long sweeping dramatic movements, lingering gazes with long transitions will continue to draw attention over the course of a slower t-walk.

However, I will say this: judges do have their preferences for style of presentation. Elegance & poise takes practice. It's up to you to DEVELOP that balance and personality. Over time (years), this presents on stage as confidence, focus, ownership of the stage, and presenting yourself as the Champion.

For figure coaching, competition training, or contest diet help, please contact me at: nicole@nicoleweeks.com. I work online and in person.

Evolution of the figure walk: Part 1

Evolution of the figure walk: Part 1.

They've changed so much since I first competed in 2001. It used to be just four 1/4 turns and house music. You were lucky to have your name and hometown announced. And even that was announced WHILE you were walking. It was like you were "filler" until the next bodybuilding class was up. Figure was a dumbed down version of "fitness" in their eyes back then.

Today the SPORT of Figure is fully legitimate. Figure classes are LARGER than bodybuilding classes at most shows today, even at the pro level sometimes. Check the numbers out for yourself. Highly competitive. Muscular. Jacked. Lean. Symmetrical. bringing a level of competition that unfortunately rivals women's bodybuilding.

Four 1/4 turns are now fully choreographed 60-90 second posing routines of self expression to the music of their own choosing. Competitors push the envelope with sex appeal and near bodybuilding style poses, testing the waters and raising eyebrows. With tiger-like prowess and Miss America poise, figure competitors wow the crowd with their muscularity and grace in 5-inch stilettos and still manage to keep their teeny-tiny bikinis glued on securely.

We've come a long way. Let us never give up what we've fought so hard to earn: our own routine, our own music, pro-money equal to the men, and a legitimate spot on that stage.