This detailed breakdown of the Fitness Model Division within the IDFA outlines everything an athlete needs to know before stepping on stage. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, understanding these guidelines is crucial for success in competition.
Is Fitness Model for You?
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, if you strive to embody the perfect blend of athleticism, beauty, and grace, then Fitness Model could be your calling. Positioned between the Bikini and Figure divisions, Fitness Model offers a unique combination of the curvaceous aesthetic of Bikini with the athletic tone and muscularity of Figure.
You have a well-proportioned, lean, and fit physique that shines in any setting—whether you’re at the gym or dining at a 5-star restaurant, you’re always photo shoot ready with a muscle role-model appeal.
You own the stage with confidence, whether in heels or sneakers, and make it yours. You’ll step out with poise and charisma, showcasing your exceptionally well-rounded physique from every angle, highlighting the dedication and effort that got you here. This is your chance to shine and inspire others, proving that strength and elegance go hand in hand.
Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help. Contact Shaun or join our Free Facebook group, IDFA Room, to connect with fellow competitors and get inspired.
Athlete Attire: What do you Wear?
Posing Suit:
- Competitors will wear a 2-piece bikini-style suit.
- Choose a high-quality suit suitable for onstage competition.
- G-strings, thongs, or bottoms that are too low in the front or back are not allowed.
- Pro cut bikinis are permitted.
- Off-the-rack bikinis are acceptable if in good taste. The suit must be approved by the IDFA prior to competition.
- Must be in good taste and approved by the IDFA prior to competition.
- Worn during both the Judging round and Presentation & Awards round.
- All suits will be checked at Athlete Registration/Check-in.
Jewellery:
- Earrings, bracelets, and wedding rings are permitted.
- Jewelry should complement your look without overpowering or distracting from your physique.
Shoes:
- Clear heels are required for both rounds.
- They can be either slip-on or with straps.
- Heel is no higher than 5″ and the sole no higher than 1.5″.
- Platform heels are not allowed.
- All shoes will be checked at Athlete Registration/Check-in.
Classes: Where do you Fit?
Novice Fitness Model:
- Competitors who have not placed in the top 3 in an Open class equivalent in another organization or in the Novice class in an IDFA sanctioned event.
- If more than 10 competitors, there will be 2 classes divided evenly and fairly based on height.
Open Fitness Model:
- Competitors who have placed top 3 in the Novice class in an IDFA sanctioned event or in the Open class equivalent in another organization.
- If more than 10 competitors, there will be 2 classes divided evenly and fairly based on height.
- Winners of the Open class will earn IDFA Pro Status, provided there are at least 3 athletes in the class.
Masters 40+ Fitness Model:
- Competitor is at least 40 years of age on day of competition.
- One class for all Masters 40+ Fitness Model competitors.
Masters 50+ Fitness Model:
- Competitor is at least 50 years of age on day of competition.
- One class for all Masters 50+ Fitness Model competitors.
Pro Fitness Model:
- Competitors who hold a current IDFA Pro Card
- Competitor has earned Pro Status in a recognized natural organization and has been approved to compete in the IDFA Pro Division. The IDFA must approve this prior to competition.
- One class for all Pro Fitness Model competitors.
Crossovers: Competing in Multiple Classes & Divisions
- Masters 40+: Competitors in the Masters 40+ class can also enter the Novice and/or Open classes.
- Masters 50+: Competitors in the Masters 50+ class have the option to enter the Novice and/or Open classes. Additionally, they can also compete in the Masters 40+ class.
- Novice Competitors: Novice competitors may be allowed to enter the Open class as well, but this requires approval by the Promoter on a show-by-show basis.
- Multiple Divisions: Athletes are allowed to enter more than one Division in the same show. For example, you can compete in both Bikini and Fitness Model, or Figure and Fitness Model, or in Men’s Bodybuilding and Men’s Classic Physique at the same event.
This flexibility allows you to showcase your physique across different divisions and classes, maximizing your competitive experience and opportunities to shine on stage.
Judging Criteria: How will you be Judged?
Judges will assess:
Symmetry and Proportion:
- The physique should have an even flow, with no body part standing out disproportionately.
- Equal development across all muscle groups is essential for a balanced appearance.
Muscular Development:
- Judges look for a muscular, toned, feminine physique that balances the aesthetic elements of Bikini with the athleticism of Figure.
- A reasonable level of body fat should allow for clear separation between major muscle groups (e.g., biceps and triceps) without visible striations.
Stage Presence:
- Judges assess photogenic quality, execution of quarter turns, and the model walk.
- Confidence, skin tone, makeup, and suit selection are crucial.
- Overall poise and presentation play a significant role in judging.
Judging Round: What do you have to do on stage?
Competitors will:
- Line up in numerical order, facing the front in a Front pose (either hand on hip).
- Each competitor will be introduced for their Fitness Model Athlete T-walk.
- Fitness Model Athlete T-walk: Once the competitor is introduced they will walk in front (and Center) of the line-up, complete a Front Pose, then walk towards the front of the stage (Front Center), complete a Front Pose and Back Pose, then head to their left to the far end of the stage (Stage Right), complete either a Front Pose or a Side Pose, then head to the far right of the stage (Stage Left), complete a Front Pose or Side Pose, and then return to their original position in the line-up.
- This is a Fitness Model Athlete T-walk and not a posing routine. The poses will be Fitness Model poses, not bodybuilding style poses.
- The Fitness Model Athlete T-walk should take about 30 seconds per competitor, providing an opportunity to display your physique and confidence to the judges and audience.
- Once the entire class has performed the Fitness Model Athlete T-walk the Head Judge will direct the class through the Mandatory Poses.
Mandatory Poses:
Front Pose
- One hand on the hip (choice of left or right hand).
- Opposite Arm should hang naturally down below the hip.
- Feet and hips should face forward, with a slight outward angle of the heels permitted.
- Extend one leg to the side, keeping feet parallel.
- Open and flare the lats to show a nice V-taper.
Side Pose – Left
- Head faces the same direction as the body.
- Heels are together.
- The left arm (closest to the audience) hangs relaxed and slightly back from the body’s centerline, with a slight bend at the elbow.
- The right arm hangs relaxed and slightly in front of the centerline, also with a slight bend at the elbow.
- The arm positioning creates a slight twist in the upper body, with one shoulder lowered and the other raised.
- Note: This is a side pose from the Figure division, but it will also be used in the Fitness Model division, with a slight difference in attire. Figure competitors will use a figure posing suit, while Fitness Model competitors will wear a 2-piece bikini-style suit, as mentioned in the attire requirements above.
Back Pose
- Head faces the same direction as the body.
- Heels are together.
- Brush hair to one side to reveal the back.
- Both arms hang relaxed at the sides along the centerline of the body.
- Flare the lats to display the V-taper, with elbows slightly bent.
- Keep the tips of the fingers no further than 6 inches from the body.
Side Pose – Right
- Head faces the same direction as the body.
- Heels are together.
- The right arm (closest to the audience) hangs relaxed and slightly back from the body’s centerline, with a slight bend at the elbow.
- The left arm hangs relaxed and slightly in front of the centerline, also with a slight bend at the elbow.
- The arm positioning creates a slight twist in the upper body, with one shoulder lowered and the other raised.
- Note: This is a side pose from the Figure division, but it will also be used in the Fitness Model division, with a slight difference in attire. Figure competitors will use a figure posing suit, while Fitness Model competitors will wear a 2-piece bikini-style suit, as mentioned in the attire requirements above.
Presentation & Awards Round: What do we do on stage?
Competitors will:
- Line up in numerical order, on the back line, facing the audience in a Front pose (either hand on hip).
- Once introduced the competitor will proceed to the front center of the stage and perform a FRONT Pose followed by a BACK Pose. Poses are no longer than 3 seconds in length. This is the competitors time to display their physique, confidence, and personality. Poses can consist of slight variations of the FRONT pose, and BACK pose in good taste.
- Then return to their original position in the line-up.
- Next up is the Awards Presentation.
Awards Presentation:
After the presentation round for each competitor in the class is completed:
- All competitors in the class will exit the stage behind the curtain. If there are 5 or fewer competitors in the class, they will remain on stage.
- The top 5 competitors will be called back to the stage, in no particular order, to the back line. Awards will be handed out to the top 5 on stage during the show. Note: Every athlete in the class will get an official placing on the IDFA website after the show.
- The awards presenter will place a medallion around your neck as you line up on the front line of the stage. Competitors will be arranged in order from 5th to 1st place. The top 5 placements will be officially announced on stage.
- After the awards are handed out, a photo will be taken of the Top 5, then the Top 3, and finally, a solo photo with the Winner.
- Note: For the Pro Classes we will Official place every one of them on the stage at the event. For example, if we have 8 Pro competitors, we will place them 8th to 1st place at the show with medallions.
Award Details:
- Amateur: The Top 3 will receive Large IDFA Custom Medallions, while 4th and 5th place will receive smaller IDFA medallions.
- Pro: The Top 10 will receive Large IDFA Custom Medallions. Cash prizes may be awarded, and these will be announced prior to the event.
This is the process for awarding competitors in all classes, ensuring a clear and organized presentation.
This comprehensive guide ensures that you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the competition, from attire to posing and judging criteria. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for the Pro division, this information will help you present your best self on stage.
