Switching Divisions

[Eddie]

I read that Jodi leigh Miller is going back to BB. Did she meant it?

Its great news if its true.....but I do wonder why?

And is anyone else thinking of doing the same??

All you Figure gals who come in the forum, feel free to let us know here.

[Jodi Leigh]

Yes, I did mean it. And I still do. The front double bicep pose that I did in Vegas was a public announcement to that effect. I will be competing in the lightweight bodybuilding division of the Europa show here in Dallas at the end of August.

I will be posting a blurb on the homepage of my website about the what and why of the double bicep pose, my obstinance during the past five years of figure, and the subsequent decision to return to what I first came to the NPC to do: bodybuild. I just need to reacquaint myself with the term "a full night's sleep" and my creative writing juices will be flowing in no time.

[Scott]

Yes, I did mean it. And I still do. The front double bicep pose that I did in Vegas was a public announcement to that effect. I will be competing in the lightweight bodybuilding division of the Europa show here in Dallas at the end of August.

I will be posting a blurb on the homepage of my website about the what and why of the double bicep pose, my obstinance during the past five years of figure, and the subsequent decision to return to what I first came to the NPC to do: bodybuild. I just need to reacquaint myself with the term "a full night's sleep" and my creative writing juices will be flowing in no time.

Good luck Jodi, cya in Arlington :)

[ripitupbaby]

Congrats to Jodi and good luck to you!!

Figure vs. BB is something I have wrestled with for a couple of years now.
For me personally, I see a lot of pros and cons to competing in both divisions, and I have not decided what the immediate future holds yet.
Much of the decision (figure vs. BB) depends on what your long-term goals are and what you get out of competing.
For Me - I like the challenge of preparing for competition and I like showing off a little and getting my props when I get on stage. I like competing and feeling satisfied with my accomplishment. I don't like being overwhelmed in a sea of competitors, feeling like I am invisible on stage, or walking away from a show feeling confused, frustrated, and/or dis-satisfied with my placing. It's like ending a really long journey on a really sour note.
Since I am not in this sport to try to be famous or be a successful fitness model or anything like that, and since I'm certainly not getting any younger, I see myself over the long-term gravitating to BB. (Of course, it sure would be nice to at least cover some expenses!)

However, the future of BB - especially for smaller competitors - is just about as unclear to me as figure. I would be a little peanut of a BB competitor, and while that may be fine at the local and even the National level, I'm not sure what the future would hold beyond that (not that I even need to worry about that right now, but I do try to think about long-term personal goals).

There are very few pro BB shows left, and are there even any pro BB shows with weight classes anymore? (I'm not even sure.) I know that there are smaller pro BBs out there who do very well, but it is intimidating for me to think that the goal is to reach a level where I am standing on stage being compared to women who may have 50 pounds or more on me. I also wonder how the NPC/IFBB will respond if/when there is an influx of figure competitors switching over to BB, as most will be lightweights or middleweights, I would imagine.

This was my first year even competing in figure at the national level, and I do enjoy competing in figure too, so I feel like I should at least give it a little more time and see what happens.
I've always felt like I kind of walk the line between figure and BB in terms of my muscularity, so I'm hoping that standards, etc. will clear up for both divisions so that I can determine what is best for me in the future. BB will hopefully always be an option to me, and it just gets better with time/age anyway!
I was so unsure this year about which division I wanted to compete in that I did a BB qualifer and am actually qualified for both figure and BB at the national level through 2007...so you never know! I'll probably decide much later down the road, once I start my contest prep.
One thing I can tell you for sure is that I am not adjusting my off-season training to acheive the Y-shape look that I believe is being more rewarded in figure these days. I worked hard for my leg size, I love lifting hard and heavy, and I will continue to do so over the rest of this year!

:sprite10:

[Robin Rosche]

I think Ripitupbaby summed things up nicely. I was also a long time bodybuilder in the 80's and 90's. I switched to figure in 2002, but was told I should still be competing in bodybuilding. I was on the fence all year and qualified in both divisions. I placed 14th in the C class at Jr. Nationals and after looking back at the photos I have decided to go back to bodybuilding for 2007 and will be at Jr. Nationals and Team Universe as a bodybuilder. I have partly based this decision on the higher placings of girls like Theresa Hendricks and Tatiana Tinelle. The judges seem to be rewarding the switch.

[Eddie]

Jodi: I'm estatic to hear that its true and can't wait to see what you display at the Europa. With your fine symmetrical lines and solid development, it should definately be another great outting to add to your resume.

Lori: Its awesome that you still enjoy bodybuilding as well. As I said before you development is very good especially in the "guns" department.
I think you have what it takes to be a top athlete in both as well and whatever you ultimately decide.....I believe your fans will support it all the way.

Robin:Thank you for making the switch as well. I always love hearing about new additions to BB division. Seems you have lots of experience under your belt. That could be very key in the long run to your success,and your right about what judges are doing now and I hope they stick with it... :rolleyes:

Overall I do think that more and more girls in Figure and maybe Fitness to will slide over to Bodybuilding. I mean after all, that's the real sport side of this whole industry. I love the ladies who compete in Figure & Fitness, but I don't love watching the competition......Just to much standing still for me.
But I know every athlete works hard for their achievements and its great to be able to see them display their work as it should, and hopeful the trend of athletes switching over will continue and remain in tact for long time.

[Becky]

This is an interesting thread. I was wondering if the recent changes in figure judging will create a movement of more muscular women from figure to BB. That may be a good thing for BB which, even though I am not a BB, is an interesting and admirable sport....and I would hate to see it die out.

I have said so many times that I hate the thought of figure turning into a bikini contest but maybe inspiring those who have the genetics and ability to do BB to switch is good. I personally like a more competitive figure arena with bigger physiques....even if it makes it harder for a smaller girl like me, it adds credibility to the sport and makes me feel like I have something to work towards. But after viewing the bodybuilding shots on this site this weekend, I see how beautiful these women look...awesome bodies AND pretty faces :D ...it reaffirmed my belief that FBB is not the monstrous sport people stereotype it as and I really hope it flourishes in the future. I would do it if I could!!!!!!!

[ripitupbaby]

Thanks Eddie, I really appreciate it! I tend to go back and forth, back and forth, on figure vs. bb, but I have to admit that I have been leaning more towards BB all this week with all of extra thinking about it I've done. For the rest of this year, though, I will be joining you - sitting back and watching the show! :Popcorn2:
Actually, now that it's the off-season, it's more like:
:chow down

LOL

[Wildangel]

Jodi,
Welcome back to BB! But...there are NO lightweights...its All for one and One for all this year girl!! Weather you weigh 100 lbs or: 180lbs we are ALL on the same playing field this year. Weight classes are GONE!! Sad for me to say. But, its all good!! I do this because I love being up there...no matter what I will have fun!!
Vicki Nix
www.vickinixon.com

[Jodi Leigh]

Well, for you Professional ladies, there unfortunately aren't weight classes. But I'm back in the trenches now...at the Open level. I'm just a pion now...trying to clamor my way back to the top...lol!

And you're right...do this because you love being up there, and it's fun for you. I switched because figure was no longer fun for me.

All the best to you, Vicki!

[Wildangel]

[B]Thank you Jodi! Right back at ya!! You have awesome lines and u are very feminine you will do great!! Take your time:)
Best wishes
Vicki

[Eddie]

Anyone know what Heathre has been up to lately?

And does anyone feel she would another good candidate to switch to BB?

Even though these shots are a couple years old . . . I would say yes!

[femalemusclefan]

I haven't seen Heathre (Halo) post a message here for a few months.
And she isn't at FT Webcam anymore either. I hope she is OK! :)

I think Heathre would make an excellent bodybuilder, but I think her heart is with Figure.

[Lynx]

Heathre just recently moved, I think she is still getting settled and is busy with the new job.

[femalemusclefan]

Heathre just recently moved, I think she is still getting settled and is busy with the new job.

Thanks for the info, Lynx!
Good to know that Heathre is OK! :)

[Halo]

Thanks for the info, Lynx!
Good to know that Heathre is OK! :)


I'm here! Alive and well! This past year has been a busy one.... lived in 3 different states just this year! Needless to say, competing has been put on a backburner, but I still love the sport.... and still train with all my heart. Thanks for asking about me. XOXO

And thank you Lynx for giving an update ;)

[Juggernaut]

Great to read you are still doing OK! Three states in one year? AMAZING! There must have been plusses and minusses about each and every one of those states as far as living and working. As soon as you pick state for sure I hope that you take competition plans off of the backburner and put them onto the front burner because we'd love to see you back out there making your comeback and probably doing it as a bodybuilder. Best of luck and I hope the holidays are good to you!