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.