ANBF Sanctioned
The ANBF Wellness category is for females with an athletic physique wishing to showcase more body mass in the glutes, thighs, hips, and calves. This is the only asymmetrical category in the ANBF. Although the upper body will be developed, it will not match the level of development of the lower body.
Wellness competitors will be judged in two-piece suits and clear high heels. Suits may be of any color, pattern, and style. Straps should NOT be crisscrossed and hooked into the suit bottoms. Suits should be in good taste; no thongs/T-back bottoms will be permitted. ANBF promoters reserve the right to disqualify a competitor from competing in a specific show if their suit is deemed inappropriate. Jewelry and hair adornment will be allowed during all rounds of judging.
Division Overview
The ANBF Wellness Division is tailored for competitors who exhibit a moderate level of muscularity, more than that found in Bikini competitors but less than those in the Figure or Women’s Physique categories. Wellness competitors should present full and rounded shoulder caps without striations, well-developed quads and hamstrings that show athletic separation but not deep cuts or striations, and notably full, round, and firm glutes. These glutes should be more pronounced than those in the Bikini category, with a visible but subtle separation between the hamstrings and glutes, yet they should not reach the definition levels of Figure or Women’s Physique.
Wellness competitors are expected to display a healthy and fit muscle tone, with visible abdominal and leg definitions that suggest an athletic yet feminine physique. The overall presentation should avoid any appearance of being overly dieted, and competitors should not exhibit deeply drawn-in faces or an emaciated look. This division emphasizes a balanced physique that combines fitness with a slight increase in lower body muscle size, creating a distinct but natural and aesthetically pleasing body shape.
Judging Criteria
- Muscularity: Wellness competitors showcase moderate muscularity with fuller shoulders and legs than Bikini but less than Figure, without striations. Their glutes are prominent but less defined than in Figure, emphasizing a balanced, athletic physique with slight muscle separation.
- Conditioning: Wellness competitors should have a healthy, fit muscle tone with clearly defined abs, quads, and hamstrings, and full, round glutes that smoothly connect to the hamstrings. They should avoid deep cuts, visible striations, or an overly lean appearance, as well as any signs of emaciation or excessively drawn-in facial features
- Symmetry and Proportion: Judges prioritize symmetry and proportion, seeking a balanced development between upper and lower body, highlighted by a defined waist to create a clear X-frame silhouette. The physique should be evenly developed, contributing to a proportionate overall appearance.
- Stage Presence: Presentation is critical. Competitors are judged on their confidence, poise, and the ability to present themselves in a way that highlights their best features.
- Posing and Walk: The ability to pose and walk in a manner that is both graceful and flattering to the physique is essential. Competitors should be able to transition smoothly between poses and convey their personality on stage.
- Competition Attire and Aesthetics: The suit should be well-fitting and flattering. It’s important to choose a color and style that complements your skin tone and physique.
- Makeup and Hair: Professional, stage-appropriate makeup and hair are important. These should enhance your natural features without overpowering your overall look.
- Tanning: A smooth, even competition tan is crucial to highlight muscle definition and stage presence.
Group Comparisons
Front Pose
- Front Stance & Lower Body: Competitors face forward with one leg slightly ahead, knee softly bent to emphasize quad and glute shape. The hip can be slightly twisted for better presentation.
- Upper Body & Arm Positioning: One hand rests on the hip, while the other arm remains relaxed and straight down.
- Presentation & Posture: Maintain an upright posture with a confident smile, showcasing symmetry, conditioning, and stage presence.
- Bending of the free-hanging arm at the elbow and wrist (teacup pose) is not permitted.
Side Poses
- Competitors should stand slightly turned towards the judges, with both feet pointing towards the side of the stage they are facing.
- The right hand should be placed on the hip, while the left arm hangs relaxed at the side.
- The right leg should be bent at the knee, creating a pose similar to a twisted Bikini side pose.
- Bending of the free-hanging left arm at the elbow and wrist (teacup pose) is not permitted.
Back Pose
- Both feet must remain aligned on the designated line on the stage, ensuring no staggered stance.
- Competitors should arch their lower backs and push their glutes back.
- Bending of the free-hanging arm at the elbow and wrist (teacup pose), as often seen in Bikini competitors, is not permitted.
Individual Presentations
- ANBF will implement a 10ft wide box or rectangle on stage for all presentations, routines, and walks.
- This restriction ensures optimal lighting, efficient use of time, and better photos and videos.
- The promoter decides the length of each routine, walk, or presentation.
- Some promoters may opt to have Stage Presentation Walks before the group comparisons for divisions that do not require a full routine.
Music for Routines and Presentations:
- Bodybuilding and Classic Physique athletes must submit their own music for routines. If they do not, they will pose to house music or music chosen by the promoter.
- All other divisions will perform their walks and routines to house music or music selected by the promoter unless specified by the promoter. Some ANBF events will request all athletes in all divisions to submit music for presentation/routines/walks.
Note: If a competitor has already performed a stage walk or routine in a previous class, they will not do the stage walk or routine a second time. If the competitor has crossed over to another division, Figure to Women’s Physique for instance, the competitor may perform their walk/routine in subsequent class.
Competition Attire
- Two-piece bikini competition suit
- The fabric may be a multi-colored fabric of choice in solid print.
- Studs, rhinestones, beads are allowed on the bikini competition posing suits including the on the fabric, connectors, straps and hip connectors
- Jewelry is encouraged but not required.
Competition Heels
- 5 inch heels required
- Platforms no higher than 1″ (widest part)
- Straps or strapless allowed