National Physique Committee/International Federation of Body Builders

Organizations: National Physique Commitee ( NPC) and International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB)

These are the premiere organizations in bodybuilding and were at the forefront of establishing the amateur/pro tier system. If you are interested in an organization looking for the lean, muscular woman, this is the one for you.

The competition here is fierce and challenging and the following moves are required to compete in fitness: One Arm Push-Up, Straddle Hold, Leg Extension Hold, Full Split-Front (Straddle), High Kick, and Full Split-Side. They can be done in any order during the 2 minute fitness routine, as long as all of them are included. Confused? NPC has published pictures of these moves on their website; click here to see what they expect.

The Figure Division has also become a prominent contest since its inception in 2001 and consists of two (2) rounds: two (2) piece swimsuit and one (1) piece swimsuit, and NO routine round.

Height Classes:
All IFBB Pro Qualifiers for NPC Nationals (USA, National, and Team Universe) are required to have 3 class divisions:
Over 5'4 1/2"
Over 5' 2" and up to and including 5' 4 1/2"
5' 2" and Under

For all other competitions, promoters may choose
to have 3 classes or 2 classes in the following divisions:
5' 3" and Under
Over 5' 3"

For the 2004 season NPC has made the following changes:

NEW HEIGHT CLASSES FOR WOMEN'S FIGURE NATIONALS:
A Up to and including 5'2"
B Over 5'2" and up to and including 5'3"
C Over 5'3" and up to and including 5'4"
D Over 5'4" and up to and including 5'5"
E Over 5'5" and up to and including 5'6"
F Over 5'6"

Top three (3) are eligible for the NPC NATIONAL FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Eligibility is good for two (2) years. Promoters can elect number of classes for their figure contests. ONLY THOSE FIGURE CONTESTS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NATIONAL QUALIFYING BODYBUILDING CONTEST WILL BE NATIONAL QUALIFIERS.

For more information on NPC or IFBB contest schedules, athletes, articles, requirements, etc...go to the NPC picture link above or the IFBB picture link below or contact them at: