For the sport of bodybuilding to advance it's essential that federations follow the inevitable evolutionary demands of the industry, in order to continually create greater interest in the sport and improve the sport as a whole. One of these recent evolutions came in the form of the bikini line up, which has sparked as much controversy as it has praise over the past year. As such, the IFBB SA has decided to split the local bikini division, to eliminate the broad diversity that seems to plague the criteria of this specific division.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the changes that have been made for the 2011 season, and also dispel the rumours, myths and negative sentiment that seems to be plaguing the sport here in SA. This has come about due to  a great deal of misinformation being spread around the industry by competitors in this division in a “broken telephone” approach.

So to clarify, 2011 will see a total of four active ladies divisions within the IFBB SA. They are as follows: Body Fitness, Beach Bikini, Fitness Bikini and Ladies Fitness, with the three ladies line ups that are currently dormant being: Figure Fitness, Bodybuilding and Routine with Props.

This article will focus on the two new bikini divisions which have now been split from the broader Bikini class due to confusion around the judging criteria. The two new divisions, Beach Bikini and Fitness Bikini, now have separate criteria, which is sure to draw huge interest from around SA in the up and coming season.

Beach Bikini
The Beach Bikini division caters to the increasing worldwide demand for women who keep their bodies fit and healthy and have a soft and pleasing beach bikini body. This division requires a softer look than it's new sister division and places emphasis on exactly what the name states: a beach bikini look. Ideally this is a look for athletes who keep themselves in shape by staying fit and eating healthily. No muscular definition or striations are allowed, but body tone, a soft physique and a bit of a curvy look, alongside an overall healthy physical appearance is essential. Balance of upper and lower body is important and athletes must present themselves in a healthy and attractive manner. Hair, complexion, make-up, femininity and confidence are of the utmost importance when on stage. Athletes may present a hint of ab definition, but no defined cuts are allowed. A Beach Bikini girl needs to be comfortable with who she is and with her body, and this must show through in her stage presence and personality. The perfect Beach Bikini girl needs to look as though she can leave the stage and go straight to the beach.

This division is performed in a two piece bikini, which may be styled and coloured according to the individual athlete's preference, and it may also be patterned or plain. This bikini can be designed or purchased straight off the store rack. All bikinis must be in good taste and must cover all private areas adequately. Athletes must be careful not to add too many flashy or shiny components to their bikinis. Girls are encouraged to wear something that is more natural as this is a key component to this division. Competitors must wear high heels to compliment their costume choice (i.e. pretty open sandals or closed pump style shoes). No platforms will be allowed. Competitors may wear jewellery, hair should be styled appropriately and make up should be applied tastefully, with a more natural look. The competitors may use tan but no oils are permitted. Sparkles or glitter is allowed. She must have the appearance of a wholesome, fit and naturally tanned beach body. There are two rounds to this division, but no quarter turns are required. There are no mandatory poses and no posing routines. All ladies wear the same attire for both rounds and no change of outfit is required.

Fitness Bikini
The IFBB SA has established the need for a division that fits between Beach Bikini and Body Fitness. The new division, called Fitness Bikini, is for girls who are not as soft as Beach Bikini girls but are not as toned and muscular as the girls in Body Fitness. The ideal Fitness Bikini girl displays a physique that is slightly more muscular and toned than the Beach Bikini girls, but still not as defined and muscular as Body Fitness competitors. Fitness Bikini girls have a good mix of softer lines and hints of muscle definition on their arms, back and abs. A competitor must have good shape in her legs, but not necessarily defined muscle groups. There must be no sign of definitive muscle and/or obvious striations as per Body Fitness. Girls must keep their bodies fit and healthy, sporting an appealing and athletic bikini appearance. Upper body balance is important and girls are required to present themselves in a healthy and attractive complete package. A competitor needs to be toned, but with a good mix of soft and more defined lines. She also needs to be comfortable with who she is and with her body. It is essential that she shows off her personality in a positive light.

The guidelines for bikini choice, shoes, hair, make up, tan and posing remain the same as Beach Bikini for this division, however competitors must have the appearance of a wholesome, fit and aesthetically pleasing athletic body.

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