How to Choose the Best NABBA Competition Category for Your First Show (Compared)
Competition categories differ. First-time competitors face multiple options. Each category targets specific physique development levels.
Main NABBA Categories
Ladies' Transformation
Focus: visible change. Judging weights improvement, balance, stage look.
Requirements:
- Before/after evidence as per show
- Basic conditioning
- Confident presentation
Bikini
Focus: shape, symmetry, light muscularity. No striations.
Requirements:
- Minimal separation
- Soft, athletic look
- Heels, quarter turns
Trained Bikini
Focus: more muscle and conditioning than Bikini. No extreme hardness.
Requirements:
- Clear separation
- Tight midsection
- Heels, quarter turns
Over 35 Bikini
Focus: Bikini criteria. Age 35+.
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- Same presentation as Bikini
Wellness
Focus: lower-body dominant development.
Requirements:
- Full legs and glutes
- Softer upper body
- Heels, quarter turns
Toned Figure
Focus: shape and tone. Less muscle than Athletic/Trained.
Requirements:
- Moderate separation
- Balanced lines
- Figure posing
Athletic Figure
Focus: between Toned and Trained. More muscle and conditioning.
Requirements:
- Clearer separation
- Shoulder and leg detail
- Figure posing
Trained Figure
Focus: most muscle and conditioning in figure.
Requirements:
- Clear separation without striations
- Low body fat
- Figure posing
Over 45 Female Open
Focus: female bodybuilding. Age 45+. High muscularity and conditioning.
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- Symmetry, size, conditioning
- Posing mandatories and routine
Men's Transformation
Focus: visible change. Judging weights improvement and presentation.
Requirements:
- Before/after evidence as per show
- Basic conditioning
- Confident presentation
Junior Men’s Physique
Focus: athletic upper body, tapered waist. Age-based.
Requirements:
- Shoulder, chest, back detail
- Tight midsection
- Board shorts; quarter turns
Open Men’s Physique
Focus: athletic, aesthetic look. No extreme size.
Requirements:
- Visible separation
- Symmetry and V-taper
- Board shorts; quarter turns
Over 45 Men’s Physique
Focus: Men’s Physique criteria. Age 45+.
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- Same presentation as Open Men’s Physique
Teen Bodybuilding
Focus: bodybuilding criteria. Age 18 or under.
Requirements:
- Foundational muscle
- Posing routine and mandatories
Under 23 Bodybuilding
Focus: bodybuilding criteria. Age under 23.
Requirements:
- Balanced development
- Posing routine and mandatories
First Timers Bodybuilding
Focus: first contest experience.
Requirements:
- Basic muscle development
- Posing routine and mandatories
Novice Bodybuilding
Focus: early-stage competitors.
Requirements:
- Solid development
- Posing routine and mandatories
Over 45 Bodybuilding
Focus: bodybuilding criteria. Age 45+.
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- Posing routine and mandatories
Over 55 Bodybuilding
Focus: bodybuilding criteria. Age 55+.
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- Posing routine and mandatories
Over 60 Bodybuilding
Focus: bodybuilding criteria. Age 60+.
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- Posing routine and mandatories
Class 3 Bodybuilding
Focus: height class allocation. Shorter class.
Requirements:
- Class set per show
- Bodybuilding judging
Class 2 Bodybuilding
Focus: height class allocation. Middle class.
Requirements:
- Class set per show
- Bodybuilding judging
Class 1 Bodybuilding
Focus: height class allocation. Tallest class.
Requirements:
- Class set per show
- Bodybuilding judging
Category Comparison Matrix
Age-Based Divisions
Teen Bodybuilding
- Age limit: 18 years or under
- Bodybuilding criteria apply
Under 23 Bodybuilding
- Age limit: 22 years or under
- Bodybuilding criteria apply
Junior Men’s Physique
- Age limit: 22 years or under
- Physique criteria apply
Over 35 Bikini
- Age: 35+
- Bikini criteria apply
Over 45 Men’s Physique
- Age: 45+
- Physique criteria apply
Over 45 Female Open
- Age: 45+
- Female bodybuilding criteria apply
Masters Bodybuilding
- Over 45 Bodybuilding: 45+
- Over 55 Bodybuilding: 55+
- Over 60 Bodybuilding: 60+
Height Classifications
NABBA North West uses class-based men's bodybuilding.
Class 3 Bodybuilding
- Shorter class
- Height cut-offs set per show
Class 2 Bodybuilding
- Middle height range
- Set per show
Class 1 Bodybuilding
- Tallest class
- Set per show
Class allocation ensures fair competition.
Beginner-Specific Options
First Timers Division
- Never competed before
- Any age, selected category
- Separate judging pool
Novice Division
- Limited competition experience
- Category-specific standards apply
- Pathway to open divisions
First Timer Benefits
- Separate from experienced competitors
- Learning-focused environment
- Reduced competition pressure
Decision Framework
Training Experience Assessment
0-6 months: Consider waiting. Build foundation first.
6-12 months: Bikini, Transformation, First Timers Bodybuilding viable.
12-24 months: Wellness, Toned Figure, Athletic Figure, Open Men’s Physique, Novice Bodybuilding.
24+ months: Trained Bikini, Trained Figure, Over 45 Female Open (age eligible), Class 3/2/1 Bodybuilding, Age classes (Over 45/55/60, Over 45 Men’s Physique).
Physique Type Matching
Lower-body dominant: Wellness.
Aesthetic with lighter muscle: Bikini, Toned Figure.
More muscular development: Athletic Figure, Trained Figure, Bodybuilding classes, Over 45 Female Open (45+).
V-taper emphasis with moderate legs: Men’s Physique (Open/Junior/Over 45).
Goal Alignment
Stage experience priority: Choose accessible category first.
Competitive placement focus: Match current development level.
Long-term progression: Start lower, advance through divisions.
Competition Logistics
Entry Requirements
- Declare categories before contest day
- Maximum two category entries allowed
- Age verification required for specific divisions
Preparation Timeline
- 12-16 weeks contest prep minimum
- Category-specific preparation needs
- Professional guidance recommended
Judging Criteria Variations
Each category emphasises different aspects:
- Symmetry weighting differs
- Conditioning requirements vary
- Presentation standards change
Common Selection Mistakes
Overestimating Development
- Choosing advanced categories too early
- Underestimating preparation requirements
- Ignoring experience level gaps
Category Mismatching
- Wrong physique type selection
- Ignoring natural advantages
- Pursuing unrealistic standards
Timeline Errors
- Insufficient preparation periods
- Rushing development phases
- Skipping foundational work
Strategic Recommendations
First Competition Focus
Primary goal: Stage experience acquisition. Placement secondary consideration. Learning opportunity maximisation.
Category Selection Process
- Assess current development honestly
- Match training timeline available
- Consider natural physique advantages
- Select beginner-appropriate division
- Plan progression pathway
Multiple Category Strategy
Two-category entry allows:
- Different division testing
- Increased stage time
- Broader judging feedback
- Experience diversification
Preparation Specifics
Women's Toned Figure Prep
- Moderate caloric restriction
- Basic posing practice required
- Suit selection critical
- Heels and quarter turns per NABBA standards
Men's Physique Prep
- Balanced upper-body development
- Conditioning without extremes
- Quarter turns; board shorts
- No shoes; clean presentation
Advanced Category Prep
- Extreme conditioning phases
- Professional coaching essential
- Extended preparation periods
- Advanced supplementation protocols
Entry Point Summary
Beginners: Transformation, Bikini, First Timers Bodybuilding provide accessible standards.
Intermediate: Wellness, Toned Figure, Athletic Figure, Open Mens Physique, Novice Bodybuilding.
Advanced: Trained Bikini, Trained Figure, Over 45 Female Open, Class 3/2/1 Bodybuilding, Age classes.
Category selection impacts preparation requirements, competition experience, future progression opportunities. Choose based on current capabilities, available preparation time, realistic development assessment.
First competition serves educational purpose. Optimal category selection balances achievable standards with meaningful challenge level. Experience gained provides foundation for future competitive success.