How to watch a bodybuilding show (for newbies)

[genex]

Had a question that I thought was useful to know for anyone not knowing or having been to a bodybuilding show.

They asked what the callouts were and what they meant - this is what I wrote back which is a bit simplified but I think is somewhat useful:

"Hi ______, there are rounds of callouts and that's when the judges call people out to compare them. Generally the first name called out is who they think is best and so forth.

"So the 1st callout as a whole is the group of top competitors being compared to each other.

"Then there are subsequent callout rounds until everyone has been compared. Sometimes at the end they may bring back a few of the top girls to re-compare them so being in the last callout doesn't necessarily mean you are the worst, but it's obvious when they are pulling people back to re-compare them."

If anyone else has good tips for folks feel free to add them to this thread...

gene

[TomNine]

Of course the best way to enjoy a contest is to stay at home and wait for Gene's reports from the field.

A lot of newbies decide to just go to the finals. The real contest takes place at prejudging, and it is the best chance to get a good look at the physiques at a reasonable price. As with any sport where not much seems to be happening it helps to understand the process, and it took me a few contests to appreciate the drama of the call-outs. It is also fun to go in having a few favorites to cheer for, while remaining open to new faces and maybe some surprising veterans. Be prepared for a lot of dead time on stage, when you can check out the ladies in the audience or watch what the judges are up to.

The night show is for entertainment purposes only, including watching the routines, checking out the nicely-dressed ladies in the audience, and booing the judges.

Just sitting in the hotel lobby between events adds to the value of any contest weekend trip.

Good thread, I hope some newbies post interesting questions.

[TXMoonlight]

Once an amatuer receives their pro card are they still allowed to compete at the amatuer level as well as pro?

[muscles_1976]

nope, once u hit the big leagues.......that's all ya got lol, no more amateur contest

[genex]

Although you can rescind your pro status. A few foreign girls have done that in the past and gone back to competing in the amatuers.

[Eddie]

Had a question that I thought was useful to know for anyone not knowing or having been to a bodybuilding show.

They asked what the callouts were and what they meant - this is what I wrote back which is a bit simplified but I think is somewhat useful:

"Hi ______, there are rounds of callouts and that's when the judges call people out to compare them. Generally the first name called out is who they think is best and so forth.

"So the 1st callout as a whole is the group of top competitors being compared to each other.

"Then there are subsequent callout rounds until everyone has been compared. Sometimes at the end they may bring back a few of the top girls to re-compare them so being in the last callout doesn't necessarily mean you are the worst, but it's obvious when they are pulling people back to re-compare them."
If anyone else has good tips for folks feel free to add them to this thread...

gene

That's a big part of what makes callout and judging so stupid and confusing.
Why do they need to "rejudge" the same people in one event.
What....they think their bodies will go through some incredible metamorphesis in 5 minutes or something. Its ridiculous. That's why barely anybody likes to go to the prejudging.

They need to use poseoffs like said before and make routines optional.
That way everything can be done in one show in no more than 3 hours.

[gymdiva1222]

I like pre-j...it's the real comp...and Tom you're right, it's a great time to talk to competitors...


and I'll admit, I enjoy the cheaper ticket prices and lull moments where I can go shop an expo if there is one :D

[femalemusclefan]

Although you can rescind your pro status. A few foreign girls have done that in the past and gone back to competing in the amatuers.

Why do they do that?
Especially after all the hard work to get a Pro card in the first place! :)

[TXMoonlight]

Why do they do that?
Especially after all the hard work to get a Pro card in the first place! :)

That was my next question!!

[BuffDiva]

Why do they do that?
Especially after all the hard work to get a Pro card in the first place! :) Because as amateurs some of their expenses are covered... lodging, flights, etc but once they become Pros they are responsible for all costs.

[TomNine]

Just a little more about the call outs. The first number called out goes in the middle of the line, then the next two go next to her, then the next two outside them, etc. You can tell who the judges like based on who stays in the middle and how much they shuffle the competitors around. In a small class sometimes they don't move them around too much, so you can't tell.

In a large class it can take a while and some of the competitors off to the side can get a little wobbly looking, sometimes one will have to leave the stage or get some water.

If they recall the top competitors at the end, it will usually just be a small line up of the top 2 or 3 ladies for direct comparison.

The FBB portions of prejudging tend to go along pretty briskly and are okay to watch. Figure on the other hand just goes on and on and on.

[Eddie]

Just a little more about the call outs. The first number called out goes in the middle of the line, then the next two go next to her, then the next two outside them, etc. You can tell who the judges like based on who stays in the middle and how much they shuffle the competitors around. In a small class sometimes they don't move them around too much, so you can't tell.

In a large class it can take a while and some of the competitors off to the side can get a little wobbly looking, sometimes one will have to leave the stage or get some water.

If they recall the top competitors at the end, it will usually just be a small line up of the top 2 or 3 ladies for direct comparison.

The FBB portions of prejudging tend to go along pretty briskly and are okay to watch. Figure on the other hand just goes on and on and on.


Doesn't matter how you explain it, its all STUPID!!.. :stupid:

[TXMoonlight]

Because as amateurs some of their expenses are covered... lodging, flights, etc but once they become Pros they are responsible for all costs.

Am I wrong in assuming when a competitor gets their pro card there is usually sponsorship involved which would be like being paid to train and would likely pay for part of their expenses to the pro shows, if not all? If nothing else, the monies would help defray your normal expenses as an amatuer?

Once again - this shows my "newbie" status, but I would have also thought that being an amatuer that each competitor was responsible for all of their own expenses for each competion.

The prejudging sounds like a great time. Guess I'll have to formulate my own opinion, Eddie, when I finally get to watch a competition. LOL - and the cheaper tickets are more suited to my pocket book! ;)

[genex]

Actually turning pro isn't as glamourous as it sounds. Some people may get signed but being pro isn't as important as having a good look and physique. So really Pro status isn't like in other sports necessarily. Many Pros still have 'regular' jobs to pay the bills, etc.

[femalemusclefan]

Because as amateurs some of their expenses are covered... lodging, flights, etc but once they become Pros they are responsible for all costs.

Ahh, I see!
It all makes sense now!
Thanks BuffDiva! :)

[BuffDiva]

Am I wrong in assuming when a competitor gets their pro card there is usually sponsorship involved which would be like being paid to train and would likely pay for part of their expenses to the pro shows, if not all? If nothing else, the monies would help defray your normal expenses as an amatuer? Yes, you're wrong in assuming. This does not happen to most. If they get a sponsor it doesn't mean they're going to pay the hotel and lodging costs for their shows. Those sponsors that do usually do it if that Pro is going to 'work' their booth during the Expo.

[hans]

good thread!

Hans

[TXMoonlight]

Of course the best way to enjoy a contest is to stay at home and wait for Gene's reports from the field.

A lot of newbies decide to just go to the finals. The real contest takes place at prejudging, and it is the best chance to get a good look at the physiques at a reasonable price. As with any sport where not much seems to be happening it helps to understand the process, and it took me a few contests to appreciate the drama of the call-outs. It is also fun to go in having a few favorites to cheer for, while remaining open to new faces and maybe some surprising veterans. Be prepared for a lot of dead time on stage, when you can check out the ladies in the audience or watch what the judges are up to.

The night show is for entertainment purposes only, including watching the routines, checking out the nicely-dressed ladies in the audience, and booing the judges.

Just sitting in the hotel lobby between events adds to the value of any contest weekend trip.

Good thread, I hope some newbies post interesting questions.

I haven't a clue......what is "a reasonable price" for the pre-judging? Also - how much for the night show/finals?

Learning more everyday on this forum.....thanks for this thread, Gene!

[Ze_Artist]

Never "Boo". It's rude and just because the one who you liked didn't win doesn't mean you should make the others feel bad. Everyone on stage, regardless of what class, level or what kind of competition they all worked damn hard to get there.

Jon

[TomNine]

I haven't a clue......what is "a reasonable price" for the pre-judging? Also - how much for the night show/finals?

Learning more everyday on this forum.....thanks for this thread, Gene!
Tickets to the prejudging are usually a fraction of what they are for the night show, maybe $10-15 for a small show, $20-30 for a major show. Plus they are usually general admission, so showing up early can get you up front. Tickets to the finals are usually priced so the front rows are quite pricey. Of course the two biggest pro shows, the Olympia and the Ms International feature women's prejudging free with admission to the expo, but they are very crowded.

If you are considering going to a contest and they have a web site, they usually post the schedule and ticket prices so you can decide what is worth attending and paying for.

[gymrat2k]

Sweden's first Figure Pro, Carina Isaksson (http://www.carinaisaksson.com/) rescinded her professional license, instead continuing to compete as an amateur. In an interview (http://www.body.se/content/profiler/artikel.asp?CID=596) published on our magazines home page (http://body.se/) in March, she had the following to say (my translation, somewhat shortened):

Why?
- There's nothing dramatical about it. But now I've tried competing as a pro, and I realize what it means.

What lessons have you learned?
- If you are going to compete as a pro you must, especially as an European, compete often. But because all competitions take place in USA, that is impossible for me, both practically and economically. I have a family and a normal career, both are more important for me.

Do you regret competing as a pro?
- No! I has been an exciting and really fun trip. But lonely. To be critical I feel that there perhaps is an even more cynical approach to females on the pro circuit. The sport is obviously governed by men, and that makes for a lot being played on sex appeal. Regretfully...

[mark000]

Rather than boo, when a competitor I like gets placed too low by the judges, I yell "BETTER" at the top of my lungs.

The Arnold/Ms I promoters do pay for the competitors travel and hotel, but this is an invitational event.

[BigD]

Of course the best way to enjoy a contest is to stay at home and wait for Gene's reports from the field.

A lot of newbies decide to just go to the finals. The real contest takes place at prejudging, and it is the best chance to get a good look at the physiques at a reasonable price. As with any sport where not much seems to be happening it helps to understand the process, and it took me a few contests to appreciate the drama of the call-outs. It is also fun to go in having a few favorites to cheer for, while remaining open to new faces and maybe some surprising veterans. Be prepared for a lot of dead time on stage, when you can check out the ladies in the audience or watch what the judges are up to.

The night show is for entertainment purposes only, including watching the routines, checking out the nicely-dressed ladies in the audience, and booing the judges.

Just sitting in the hotel lobby between events adds to the value of any contest weekend trip.

Good thread, I hope some newbies post interesting questions.


The Overall winners are usually chosen at the Finals. And on another note with what Tom ha said, there are more hot ladies, even as spectators, at bodybuilding contests than anywhere else you can go! Time for :camera: !

[Scott]

Someone asked me why is booing considered disrespectful at bb shows......hey bb athletes arent being paid millions of dollars or gettin a free ride through college to drop a pass while while wide open 10 yards from the nearest defender that a Pop Warner league kid could have made. Nor are they being paid millions or gettin free through college to have a 5-30 shooting night from the floor...get the picture :)

[Ze_Artist]

Someone asked me why is booing considered disrespectful at bb shows......hey bb athletes arent being paid millions of dollars or gettin a free ride through college to drop a pass while while wide open 10 yards from the nearest defender that a Pop Warner league kid could have made. Nor are they being paid millions or gettin free through college to have a 5-30 shooting night from the floor...get the picture :)

Excellent points. They don't get paid millions...period. LOL But I think bodybuilders end up working harder than many people who DO get paid a lot.

Jon

[FemaleBodybuildingFan5]

I like pre-j...it's the real comp...and Tom you're right, it's a great time to talk to competitors...


and I'll admit, I enjoy the cheaper ticket prices and lull moments where I can go shop an expo if there is one :D

I've never gone to one before but how much money do you think I need to bring.
Plus you also mentioned about shopping at the expo, I imagine thats where you get autographs. Which I thought was free but I recently heard the competitors charge. :( :( :(

Any idea how much for an autograph?

[Eddie]

Hey I wondered if the time limit of intermission between pre-judging and finals is the same for all shows, amateur and professional?

[genex]

Most of the times autographs are free, except for Lou Ferrigno who always charges

[TomNine]

First, a quick comment about booing when the placings are announced. The boos are clearly directed at the judges, but it has to be awkward for the contestants on the stage. Booing a low placing isn't too bad, but I don't like it when the winner gets booed. It isn't her fault the judges liked her, why ruin her moment like that?

I've never gone to one before but how much money do you think I need to bring.
Plus you also mentioned about shopping at the expo, I imagine thats where you get autographs. Which I thought was free but I recently heard the competitors charge. Any idea how much for an autograph? I think Sharon was thinking about clothes shopping, that seems to be the most common type of vendor at expos. The supplement companies seem to be there more to gain visibility and give out samples than to make sales.

As Gene says, most competitors at booths will give autographs for free as part of their service to draw people to the booth. But many are also trying to make a few bucks selling 8X10 prints, I think $10 is typical. It would be a very supportive gesture to buy something for them to autograph. In the past, a good value could be found at the Muscle Elegance booths where a $5 magazine could get two or three autographs from the girls there. The Olympia and Arnold are the only shows you will see a lot of female athletes at the booths, though the smaller shows might have a fitness pro or two around.

I don't hold it against Ferrigno to try to make a living, and he always seems to have a line. Maybe one day I'll remember to bring along one of my Hulk collectibles. My first expo encounter with Lou, I heard him telling a woman she should be charging for autographs too, maybe he felt her generosity made him look bad.

Hey I wondered if the time limit of intermission between pre-judging and finals is the same for all shows, amateur and professional?No, this varies wildly from show to show, and it can be difficult to predict when prejudging will end and what order things will be in. Shows like the upcoming Jr Nationals split the event over 2 days.

It is also kind of unusual to have much expo action during this period, everything usually just shuts down. Of course the Arnold and Olympia have all-day expos, as did the late, lamented BodyRock, and I think the Europa.

[Femphysiquefan]

The FBB portions of prejudging tend to go along pretty briskly and are okay to watch. Figure on the other hand just goes on and on and on.

Ain't THAT the truth!!! FBB pre-judging at the Jr. Nationals was very enjoyable for me, but the Figure pre-judging..........I could only handle the one-piece round before my eyes started to glaze over!!

Speaking of Figure (I realize this is a FBB thread, but please indulge this show newbie), I had a couple of questions about it:

1. What in the world is the purpose of the one-piece round as opposed to the two-piece during Figure pre-judging?? I asked some figure competitors I know through MySpace this question at Jr. Nats., and even THEY didn't know the answer! It just seems silly (and very time-consuming) to have two separate pre-judging rounds with the competitors essentially doing the exact same thing twice because of one piece of cloth that covers the midsection/abs region of the physique. What am I missing??

2. What are the reasons given (if any) as to why figure competitors are not allowed to create individualized and creative posing routines, like FBBs do?? Figure, as it stands now, seems to me to be nothing more than a muscular model walk. Don't get me wrong, I'm very impressed with the physiques; but in terms of the competition itself, it can get somewhat boring.

Great thread: keep it going!!!

[inquids09]

This right here is just wrong wrong wrong

"Special Awards
We had over 10 Special Awards for the Women BB and not one stayed around till after the Show finals to pick up any of these special awards. The Pro Fitness, Pro Figure and Pro Men all stayed around and showed up, but not one FBB was there, all the Trophies were still on the table when we cleaned up."