The evening show usually starts around 7 p.m. It is similar to the prejudging except there will be a much larger audience. The symmetry round, compulsory poses, comparisons, and individual posing routines are the same as in the prejudging. After the ju6dges have made their decision, the show ends with the "pose down". This is where the top competitors do freestyle posing together onstage. After the pose down the judges announce the placings and award the competitors their trophies and medals.
Choosing Your First Contest
You have to choose a contest that is most applicable to your physique level. If you are a teenager then you can enter the teenage or junior division. Some shows also have "Novice" division for first time competitors.
Although there may be exceptions, most bodybuilding contests are broken down into weight divisions.
Men's Division
Bantamweight: Up to 142 lbs
Lightweight: 142-156 lbs
Middleweight: 156-176 lbs
Light Heavyweight: 176-198 lbs
Heavyweight: over 198 lbs
Women's Division
Lightweight: less than 114 lbs
Middleweight: 114-125 lbs
Heavyweight: over 125 lbs
Most competitors try to compete at the top of their weight class. It is better to compete as a "ripped" middleweight then compete as a "smooth" light heavyweight. You will make a far greater impact on the judges by competing ripped and in top shape, then appearing smooth and bulked up.
Scoring
There are usually anywhere between 5-9 judges (both male and female) that judge a bodybuilding contest. Each judge has been evaluated and certified. Contests are scored using a ranking system. After each round, the judges rank the competitors from first to last. At the end of the contest the competitor with the lowest score wins. This system means that a competitor doesn't have to win every round, but have the lowest overall score.
The Symmetry Round
This round is where you will make your first impression on the judges. You'll be asked to stand facing the judges with your hands at your sides. Even though this is called "standing relaxed" Do Not relax! You must keep your muscles tensed and under control at all times while you are on stage. The judges may be looking at you at anytime so you need to be ready.
You don't realize how hard posing is until you have done it. And I don't mean hit a 5 second pose. I mean standing semi-flexed for 10+ minutes. Your heart rate will go up, you will sweat, and may even begin to have muscle cramps.
The judges will ask you to "quarter turn to the right", you will turn 90 degrees to the right and let the judges view your physique from the side. Keep your entire body tensed and tight at all times.
Then the judges will ask you again to "quarter turn to the right", you will be facing back on to the judges and they will view your physique from the rear. Make sure to tense your back and legs.
Then you will be asked again to "quarter turn to the right", you will be side on to the judges and they will view your physique from the opposite side. Keep your muscles tensed and your abs tight at all times.
Then the judges will ask you to "quarter turn to the right", you will be facing the judges and they will have one final analysis of the competitors.
Although muscles size is taken into account during the symmetry round, the judges are primarily looking at symmetry, proportion, and definition.
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