I remember the general appearance of the top bikini competitors in the NPC in 2009 who eventually went on to earn IFBB Professional Status. With a couple of exceptions, these ladies displayed curvy yet toned bikini bodies without an excessive amount of muscular development in the quads, delts, or abs. Over the years, however, there has been an increasing degree of muscularity within the IFBB Pro ranks with a correspondingly lean and ripped group of ladies in the amateur ranks as well.

Due to the extremely subjective nature of bodybuilding, it can be downright confusing to determine what the judges are looking for. Depending on the geographic region and level of competition, the ideal may lean towards a softer, curvier physique (as exemplified by Jessica Anderson who went Pro in 2009), or it may lean heavily towards an extremely lean, ripped body such as the one Nathalia Melo has brought to the Olympia stage. I completely understand the frustration which bikini competitors may face as they adjust their competition prep to come in looking a certain way, only to show up on the day of the contest and discover that the judging pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. This also explains in part why a competitor can go to one contest and do poorly, then hit another stage and place very well.

Undoubtedly these ladies look incredible regardless of whether they are softer or more defined and muscular. But if you are a bikini competitor trying to determine what YOU should reach for with respect to degree of muscularity and conditioning, do some research into the region in which you are competing. I do know some competitors who are stubborn and who will not waver from their own personal ideal, but if you choose to do this, just be aware that while it may be rewarded eventually, there is just as good a chance that it will not. Judges look favorably upon competitors who work on weaker areas on their physiques.

There has been an increasing trend more recently towards a greater degree of muscularity and a leaner, yet compact, curvy, muscular frame without muscle separation. This will make it more difficult for a genetically blessed gal to simply jump onstage with little to no prep and get a high placing. I also strongly feel that this tendency legitimizes the division as a celebration of muscle and downplays the derogatory “T and A show” label that has been used unfairly by some naysayers.