My review of Muscle Mania/Bikini Universe

After competing at Jr. National's this summer I have been toying with the idea of competing in another organization. I did some research on line and came across the INBA, the WBFF, and the Bikini Universe (Muscle Mania). It seems as if the closest one to the NPC and IFBB is the WBFF. But for some reason I was interested in finding out more about the Bikini Universe. I spoke with a local competitor and drilled her with one question after another. I then decided I wanted to go watch a show. I ended up choosing the Space City in Houston. This was a beginner show and I needed to keep that in mind when watching.

As far as the way the show was ran, it was great. They had two hosts for the morning show, which I really liked. We got to hear what the judges were looking for and we also heard about each contestant. I enjoy that. These competitors have worked so hard and it's nice when we can learn a little about them.

There was every physique imaginable, all which looked pretty good. Of course I was drawn to the more athletic look instead of just the thin, in shape look. The judges must have agreed because my pick won. Judging is quite different from the NPC as well. First of all, they actually have judging criteria. If you are in bikini then your "looks" play a role. If you are in figure you are only judged from the neck down. Each criterion is scored 1-15 or whatever the promoter or judge decides prior to show beginning. So if they think you are gorgeous you will score a 15. If they are scoring your muscle tone it is the same way. You are basically being scored against yourself. The judges did not talk amongst themselves and there did not seem to be scoring during the line-up itself. That seemed to be more just for show. Below is the judging criteria from their website.

MS. BIKINI JUDGING CRITERIA

Themed Sportswear Round – 50% of Score

· Poise & Presence – 33%

· Sports Wear Selection – 33%

· Appearance – 33%

You have a chance to show your modeling talents and your creativity. Just like in the swimsuit round you will be asked to walk from one side of the stage to the other performing quarter turns at a specific point outlined on stage. The themed apparel you select should best represent your character, personality, athletic interests and/or any other appearance you’re comfortable wearing. Just make sure it compliments your body. Work your magic – before you go on stage relax, enjoy your presentation and remember to smile.

Contestants must provide a brief description of their outfit in the Themed Sportswear Round. This is an opportunity for contestants to get creative with their costume and also mention the clothing sponsor, if any. No offensive costumes will be allowed (see through tops, etc.)

Swimsuit Round – 50%

· Body Condition – 33%

· Facial Beauty – 33%

· Appearance – 33%

Judges will analyze body shape, tone, symmetry, complexion, poise presentation and overall condition. Also, they will be looking for fit, toned feminine body that display proper conditioning. Contestants will be judged individually and in group comparisons. Facial beauty will be judged during this round as well. Posing in an overly sexual or manner including bending over in a reverse position, moves indicative of a stripper or other provocative body positions and/or movements will result in a deduction of points at the discretion of the head judge. In the Bikini Round, Contestants must wear a two-piece, bikini swimsuit and high heel shoes. If a contestant is competing in both the Fitness America and Ms. Bikini America, she does not need to wear a different swimsuit in each event. G-String or thong type swimsuits are not allowed. Contestants whom have a muscular appearance and/or walk and generally carry themselves in a masculine manner will be negatively scored by the judges.

Judges & Officials

Please note that the Ms. Bikini America is judged by commercial photographers, fashion designers, cosmetologists, fitness magazine editors, beauty pageant experts and other mainstream orientated professionals. No bodybuilders, coaches or personal trainers will be empanelled.

 

There are different divisions as well. There is the Bikini Model division. This division has club wear, bikini, and costume. Bikini division does costume and bikini. Figure has 2 piece and athletic wear. That's a lot to take in and can get confusing. Most of the girls crossed over in model and either bikini or figure. Model seemed to be a more athletic physique which I liked; probably even more so than the bikini division.

They pride themselves on being "tasteful". These are not my words. They have a huge problem with the way the NPC poses. I think it is the wide stance back pose they oppose the most. I would have to agree with them on this. I did that pose in 2011 and changed in 2012 because it just didn't feel right for me. However, the costumes raised my eyebrows a bit. You think the NPC stance is trashy, but you have the girls parade in, and let's be honest about this, a naughty Halloween costume or stripper outfit. I know that sounds negative, and that is not my intention. Just making a point. They were very tasteful in their modeling of these outfits and quite frankly, I think the physiques (as different as they each were) were showcased exceptionally well with these costumes. Verdict: I liked it.

I was not able to stay for the night show and that's when they compete in their bikinis. However, looking at photos the bikini bottoms are a bit more conservative, but the NPC style of suits are allowed. Well, many of them anyway.

They do have measures in place to prevent politics from running rampant in this organization. First of all, there are different judges for each show. That helps ensure that favoritism does not form between judges and competitors. Many of the judges are from local media and from fitness magazines and such. In the NPC most of the judges are males. This particular show, in the am, had all females except for one male and they were spaced apart from one another. Once the competitor was scored, the cards were picked up and tabulated in the computer.

From what some competitors told me and from what I have read, there is a media day. This gives the organization a chance to promote itself as well as give some of the competitors their own exposure. I really liked this. It's not just about the organization, even though we know it is, but they do promote their competitors even at a beginner level. I have personally never seen this in the NPC.

There is drug testing in this organization. I believe it is urine tested. This impacts more of the bodybuilders and figure competitors more so than the bikini competitors where size is not necessary. This organization does have pro levels for bodybuilders and figure competitors but not bikini.

All in all, I am impressed. While it is a much smaller organization and does not have the prestige like the NPC and IFBB it is a great way to compete. I am planning on competing in this organization next May in Galveston.

 

Next on my list to investigate: The WBFF