The bodybuilding world is buzzing with the announcement of a brand-new women’s division set to debut in NPC/IFBB competitions worldwide. Tyler Manion, the NPC Vice President, took to Instagram last week to unveil this addition, sparking heated debates among athletes, fans, and judges alike. This level of controversy has not been seen in the sport for over a decade, making it one of the most talked-about topics in the bodybuilding community.
What We Know About the New “Fit Model” Division
The new division is designed to bring back a more classic, toned-down look reminiscent of the mid-2010s bikini era. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria revealed so far:
1. Physique Requirements
- Throwback Aesthetic: Athletes will aim for the softer, less muscular look seen in competitors like Ashley Kaltwasser during her 2015 reign.
- Posing: Original bikini front and back pose from 2015.
- Conditioning Limits: Unlike today’s bikini competitors, athletes in this division will avoid the extreme muscle separation, “tie-ins,” or etched abs/hamstrings that have become common.
- Overall Appeal: Judges will reward balance, symmetry, and a natural, feminine appearance over hard, chiseled conditioning.
2. Suit Regulations
- Simplified Style: Athletes must wear solid-color suits, free from the usual rhinestone-heavy “bling” popular in other divisions.
- Moderate Coverage: Bottoms must offer more coverage than traditional competition bikinis, though the scrunch style is still permitted to maintain a flattering look.
3. Competition Rules
- No Crossovers: Athletes will not be allowed to compete in multiple divisions, ensuring a clear identity for this category.
- Pro Seasons Begin in 2026: Although amateur competitions will begin sooner, professional seasons are slated to kick off in 2026.
- Olympia Dreams: Athletes in this division will be eligible to qualify for the prestigious Olympia weekend, cementing its legitimacy as a competitive category.
This division addresses the growing sentiment that “the Bikini category has become too muscular”, straying from its original intent.
To better understand this shift, let’s take a look at the evolution of the Bikini division over the years:
Ashley Kaltwasser, 2015 vs. Lauralie Chapados, 2024
A STEP FORWARD…. OR BACK?
The announcement has divided the bodybuilding world. Supporters of the new division argue it offers a fresh opportunity for athletes who may not fit into the increasingly extreme standards of bikini or wellness categories. Many see this as a return to a more attainable and inclusive ideal of female bodybuilding. But does the new division water down the competitive essence of bodybuilding? Many argue that the stringent standards of current divisions reflect years of progress in pushing physical boundaries, and introducing a softer category could diminish the sport’s prestige.
Criticisms and Concerns About the New Division:
The introduction of this new women’s bodybuilding division has sparked several criticisms and raised significant questions about its place in the sport:
- “Not True Bodybuilding”: Critics argue that this division deviates too far from the core principles of bodybuilding, which traditionally focus on muscle development and physical progression—the essence of the sport.
- Pro Card Crossovers: There are concerns that athletes might exploit this division as a shortcut to earning pro status, only to later switch to other, more established pro divisions, potentially undermining the credibility of the pro card system.
- Financial Motivation?: Is this division is a strategic move by the NPC/IFBB to boost participation and revenue rather than an effort to truly expand or elevate the sport?
- Impact on Bikini Standards: Some fear that introducing a softer category could push the bikini division to continue evolving toward increasingly muscular physiques, further raising its already challenging standards.
- Clashing with Natural Shows: The overlap between this new division and the growing popularity of natural NPC competitions raises concerns about competition and identity. Can the two coexist without creating redundancy or confusion?
- No Place in the IFBB Pro League: Critics argue that this division may struggle to find a legitimate foothold in the IFBB Pro League, potentially diminishing the prestige of professional status. With less muscularity and conditioning, some believe the physiques may lack sufficient differentiation to warrant inclusion at the professional level.
- The “Influencer Division”: There’s a perception that this category will attract social media influencers and lifestyle athletes who are more focused on Instagram-worthy content than on serious competition. This, critics argue, could dilute the competitive integrity of the sport.
Positive Outlook: Why the Division Could Be a Game-Changer
Despite the criticism, many supporters believe this new division has the potential to broaden the appeal of bodybuilding and provide opportunities for athletes who may not fit into the more demanding categories.
- Too Soon to Judge: When divisions like bikini and classic physique were first introduced, they faced similar skepticism and questions about their legitimacy. However, over time, these categories evolved into highly respected and prestigious divisions, celebrated for their unique contributions to the sport. Could the same trajectory hold true for the new fit model division? Only time will tell.
- A Friendlier Option for Non-Enhanced Athletes: By encouraging a softer, more natural look, this division creates a space for athletes who prefer to avoid performance-enhancing substances while still competing at a high level.
- An “Entry-Level” Gateway: With less emphasis on extreme conditioning or muscle separation, this division serves as an approachable starting point for new athletes. Competitors can refine their skills and physiques in this division before transitioning to more muscular categories like bikini, figure, or wellness.
- Lower Barriers to Entry: Reduced requirements for conditioning, muscularity, and even suit expenses make this division more accessible, potentially drawing a wider range of participants into the sport.
- Raising Standards in Other Divisions: By offering a division better suited to less muscular competitors, this could raise the quality of athletes in other categories. Athletes can enter the division that best aligns with their physique and aspirations, allowing the sport as a whole to become more competitive and focused.
