Category women

The Evolution of IFBB Bikini Pros Since 2009

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Sonya Gonzalez 2012, shot by Bill Comstock, Muscle and Fitness

Isa Pecini 2022, image from Fitness Volt

Introduction

Since its inception in 2009, the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) Bikini division has undergone remarkable transformation. What was once a relatively new category has now become one of the most popular and competitive segments in the world of bodybuilding. Over the years, the athletes competing in the IFBB Bikini Pro division have displayed an impressive evolution in terms of physique, presentation, overall aesthetic, and even competition attire. In this article, I will discuss the changes that have defined IFBB Bikini Pros from 2009 to 2023.

Physique Transformation

In the early days of the IFBB Bikini division, the emphasis was on a balanced, lean, and toned physique. As a bikini athlete who jumped onboard the competition circuit in 2009 (the inception year for the bikini division), I noticed that competitors who were too muscular or conditioned were urged to switch to the figure division. This was because bikini athletes were expected to have well-defined but not overly muscular physiques, maintaining a feminine appearance. Since then, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more sculpted and athletic look which is more muscular than ever, and rivals the look of figure competitors from earlier years. Today’s IFBB Bikini Pros display a much higher level of muscle development compared to those from my era (2009-2014), particularly in the shoulders, glutes, and legs, while still maintaining an overall feminine silhouette.

Training and Nutrition Advances

With the progression of sports science and nutritional knowledge, athletes have access to more effective training methods and specialized dietary plans. This has allowed IFBB Bikini Pros to achieve levels of conditioning and muscle development that were not as attainable in the early years of the division. Training techniques have become more sophisticated, with a greater focus on targeted muscle groups and tailored workout routines. In addition, judges have pushed for more muscularity as the division has evolved, placing greater pressure on bikini athletes to pack on muscle.

Posing and Presentation

Another notable evolution has been in the area of posing and stage presentation. In 2009, poses were simpler, with an emphasis on showcasing overall physique balance and grace. Today, IFBB Bikini Pros have refined their posing techniques to highlight full glutes, a well-shaped V-taper, well developed quads and hamstrings, and shapely delts. Although the art of stage presentation was always a crucial aspect of competition, posing is now much more polished, and it is even more imperative for athletes to exude confidence and charisma on stage while also presenting the most desirable physical characteristics of the division.

I remember how we used to pose onstage, with the front pose characterized by both legs straight, with one leg out to the side and slightly forward, with the opposite hip pushed towards the back of the stage. In stark contrast, the current front pose standard features feet and legs pointed towards one side, with the upper torso twisted at the waist so that the shoulders are squared towards the judges. You can see both types of poses in the images which are featured at the top of this blog post. The back pose has remained relatively unchanged, with the booty hiked up and the lower back arched. One posing feature which has been consistent throughout the years is the rear end pitched up and back, like a cat in heat. I will never forget how much my lower back would hurt after practicing posing or after a contest!

Suits and Competition Attire

The evolution of competition suits is another noteworthy aspect of the IFBB Bikini Pros’ journey. As the division gained popularity, athletes and designers began to experiment with different fabrics, cuts, and styles. Today, competition suits are more intricate and tailored to each athlete’s unique physique, often featuring embellishments, crystals, and personalized touches that enhance the overall presentation on stage. In 2009, suits tended to be simpler, with standard designs and limited embellishments. Each year, suit cuts evolved, with the bottoms getting skimpier and skimpier, resulting in the current suit bottom design, which is a daring V-shape, but not a thong.

Conclusion

The evolution of IFBB Bikini Pros from 2009 to 2023 reflects the dynamic nature of the sport and the dedication of the athletes involved. With advancements in training, nutrition, posing, and competition attire, the IFBB Bikini division has become a diverse and thriving segment of the bodybuilding world. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how the division continues to evolve, setting new standards of excellence in physique, presentation, and athleticism, while pushing the boundaries of competition attire.

My Mom’s Skin Cleansing Routine

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Copyright: marctran

When I was a child, I was always intrigued by my mother’s unusual skin cleansing routine, because it sure didn’t look like anything I saw on television commercials. She was very consistent about her routine, and it paid off because she always had fantastic skin. I never found out how she came up with her regimen, and to this day I wonder who told her about the bizarre mask she would apply each week.

My mother would begin her weekly mask regimen by removing her makeup with Pond’s Cold Cream. Then she would walk to the kitchen, grab a small Pyrex bowl, and combine about 1/4 cup of whole milk with 1/4 of corn starch, then apply the bizarre mask to her face and allow it to do its magic for10 minutes. It was always somewhat disturbing to look over at my mom every single night and see her face covered in the blotchy white mask, which would impart a spooky look to her face. By the time the mask dried, it always looked like a cracked and dessicated desert floor. My mom would then remove the mask with warm water and a round natural sponge, apply Clinique Clarifying Lotion Face Toner 2, and then apply moisturizer.

Many years later, when I began working in medical aesthetics, I learned about how cornstarch could control oil production in the skin. Since my mom had oily skin, she fought a constant battle against her skin’s own tendency to overproduce oil. When searching the internet, I was able to find cornstarch and milk mask recipes, but they all had additional ingredients like mashed strawberries or honey. The thought of putting dairy on my skin isn’t appealing at all to me for one reason, which is that I don’t like the smell of milk, so I won’t be making this mask for my own use. If I ever decide to explore the skin benefits of cornstarch, I will use water instead.

How to Improve Your Overall Wellness When You’re Uber-Busy: Tips for Women Creators

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Image via Pexels

As a woman creator, it’s easy to get bogged down by the daily grind. We’re constantly juggling work, family, and social obligations, and it can be tough to find time for ourselves. However, it’s essential to remember that our health should always be a priority. Today, Dr. Stacey Naito shares some tips on how to overcome the hustle and bustle and boost your overall wellness!

(Post written by Julia Merrill of Befriendyourdoc.org
julia@befriendyourdoc.org)

Eat Nutritiously

One of the best ways to improve your overall wellness is to focus on healthy eating. Medical News Today points out that eating nutritious foods will give you more energy and help you keep your mental focus sharp. You don’t have to completely overhaul your diet overnight; just try to make small changes, like substituting fruits and vegetables for processed snacks. You’ll be surprised at how much difference it can make in your overall health.

Move Your Body

Exercise is also crucial for maintaining your health, and it’s essential to get at least 30 minutes of movement every day. If you’re short on time, try breaking up your exercise into shorter 10-minute increments throughout the day. Healthline notes that taking a brisk walk or going for a light jog are excellent options to help relieve stress and improve your overall fitness level.

Change Careers

Sometimes, the best way to improve our wellness is to simplify our lives by eliminating things that cause us stress. If your job is causing you more anxiety than enjoyment, it may be time to start looking for something new.

Fortunately, plenty of online resources can help you create a stellar resume and find the perfect career opportunity. For example, you can use a free resume template and customize it to showcase your science fiction/fantasy work in a professional light. You can also use a free or low-cost website builder to create a stellar portfolio.

If you feel like you could use an educational upgrade before you reenter the business world, you could always go back to school and earn a bachelor’s degree in business. That will definitely open doors and give you a massive advantage over the competition. Also, thanks to the flexibility of online learning platforms, you can proceed at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, without having to take too much time off.

Start a Company

Starting a business can also be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. When you’re your own boss, you have the flexibility to design a work schedule that works for you. You can also take advantage of tax breaks and other benefits of owning your own business. Here are a few tips for launching a company out of your creative passion:

  • Find a niche: When starting a business, it’s essential to find a niche market. This will help you focus your marketing efforts and connect with potential customers who are interested in what you have to offer.
  • Do your research: Before starting any business, it’s important to do your research and make sure you have a solid plan in place. This includes everything from your business model to your target market.
  • Select a legal structure: One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when starting a business is selecting a legal structure. This will determine things like how you file your taxes and how much liability protection you have. Many entrepreneurs form an LLC because of the liability protection and tax flexibility. Keep in mind that you can establish an LLC through an online service, but you’ll want to research which formation service is the best fit for you.
  • Get insured: Insurance is another important consideration when starting a business. Make sure you have the proper coverage in place to protect yourself and your business from potential.
  • Create a marketing plan: Once you have your niche and business plan in place, it’s time to start marketing your company. There are many ways to market your business, including online advertising, social media, and traditional methods like print or television ads.

Conclusion

Making small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being. Remember to focus on healthy eating, exercise, and reducing stressors in your life. If you’re not happy with your current career situation, don’t be afraid to make a change. And if you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, now may be the perfect time to take the plunge!
Dr. Stacey Naito is an artist, as well as a board-certified family practice physician. Scroll down to leave a reply!