Figure Posing & Symmetry

SYMMETRY & POSING ELEMENTS

The human body is a miraculous creation, full of beauty.  The symmetry posing rounds allow female athletes to showcase their physique as a beautiful canvas. One which is making its debut as a fantastic work of art that took time to sculpt, develop, and nurture. Similar to a masterpiece in the making, the athlete represents the artist and the Stage represents their moment for the great unveil. With eager eyes and a sense of awe in the air, the crowd goes wild... for this time the artist IS the art! And the art is the artist!

Through symmetry posing, Figure athletes are able to showcase their personal physique as a work of beauty. Using deliberate hand, foot, leg, arm, and head positioning while simultaneously engaging all muscles and posing the physique from head to toe, the audience is treated to a show that is both inspiring and breath taking.  For here they are watching as a human body transforms itself into an art form.

For those competing in FIGURE SYMMETRY as sanctioned by the World Natural Sports Organization there is ONLY the SYMMETRY ROUND, where athletes wear high heels and a 2 piece suit (criss cross straps in the back are acceptable). Athletes perform a series of four quarter turns to the left, whereby they adopt a semi-relaxed (rigid style) stance to highlight their physique and symmetry.  Athletes walk out as a group to perform their turns. In some cases, the athletes may be asked to step forward individually to perform their turns. In either case, athletes should listen to the Head Judge and/or follow the show itinerary for further directions. 

For those competing in FIGURE POSING & ROUTINE, along with the SYMMETRY ROUND, there is also a POSING ROUND and ROUTINE ROUND. The Posing ROUND is described here:  There are 6 (six) poses that athletes are asked to perform, including the Semi-Relaxed stance for Symmetry comparisons. Judges assess each athlete individually. Following that athletes with similar body types and/or posing styles will be called forward for comparisons where they essentially attempt to outpose one another. Figure athletes must wear high heeled shoes during the posing and symmetry portion of the competition.

Each pose has room for slight variation (such as limb placement, stance, and method of execution). It is up to the athletes to learn the posing styles that are well suited for their personality, abilities, and natural physique structure. However, in order to maximize on their potential, Figure athletes must always pose with open hands.

Athletes should be prepared to hold each pose while the judges are making their assessments. Maintaining and getting into the poses should appear fluid and effortless to the judges.

A group POSEDOWN generally follows the mandatory call outs.

Tips:
* Ensure proper posture and engage ALL visible muscles (not just the ones named in the pose). 
* Open handed poses only (ie. no clenched fists)
* Each body part should look proportionate to its counterpart - this may be natural or you may have to master the ‘art of illusion’ by varying your stance.

Please Note:
* If you do not see images and/or videos below, please refresh your screen. Alternatively you can go directly to the Figure video library or look through the Figure photo albums
* Images captured are not necessarily at the final point of the pose and/or may not represent what is ideal for you to emulate.  Athletes in the videos may also not be doing the pose the best way for you. So please research the proper stances and variations that are most suited for your physique and/or hire a trainer who has successful competition experience.

PLEASE NOTE:

The content listed above is as it relates to WNSO sanctioned events.  Be sure to check with your show organizer in advance.

A MORE IN-DEPTH LOOK:

Symmetry Poses: Semi Relaxed Pose (1)

This is the pose athletes must assume between all other poses. Judges will also request that you show this pose from all four sides, by way of quarter turns to the right.

Tips: Side Stances: Please note that athletes can choose to face the judges, however sometimes this can throw off symmetry. Practice what is best for you.

Biceps Poses: Front Double Biceps (2) & Rear Double Biceps (3)

Tips: Show your calf and hamstring when you are facing the rear. Always keep your hands open

Side Chest  Pose: (4)

Tips: Hands press into each other. Fingers are open. Practice each side, because although it's the side of your choice, there may be times you are asked to do both.

Side Triceps  Pose: (5)

Tips: Practice each side because there may be times when the judge specifies one over the other. Remember to keep fingers open.

Abdominal & Thigh (6)

Tips: Front leg can be rotated to catch judges attention. Hands go behind your head.

POSEDOWN!

When you hear the Head Judge exclaim "P O S E D O W N ! !" at the same time that the music starts booming, that's when you rush the stage to outpose, outlast, and outshine your fellow competitors.  This is a great way to garner the attention of judges, media, sponsors and fans. This is your chance to show you have what it takes to be a champion.

Perhaps practice your sequence of poses in advance so that you can flow from pose to pose, or challenge another athlete for your own personal ‘pose-off’ right there on stage!

As judges, we especially like to see you ENJOYING YOURSELF on stage. You know the slogan... FAME:  Your Body. Your Goals. Your This is your time to SHINE!! So, have fun!