NPC and IFBB Professional League Wellness Division Explained

It was originally announced at the beginning of May 2019, that beginning in the 2020 competition season NPC, NPC Worldwide, CPA and IFBB Professional League will all be bringing the Wellness Division to their contests. We now have defined criteria for what the Wellness Division is and what will the judges be looking for. 

What is the Wellness Division?

This division is for females with athletic physique’s that showcase more body mass in the hips, glutes and thigh areas. The upper body is developed but not to the same degree as the lower body.

Height Classes

Two classes:

Three Classes:

Four Classes:

Posing and Presentation

Front:

Competitors will face front with one hand on hip, one arm straight down and one leg slightly extended. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Quarter turn Right:

Competitors will turn slightly facing the judges with right hand on hip and left arm straight down and right leg bent at knee. More like a twisting side pose that Bikini competitors perform. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Quarter turn Rear:

Competitors will face the rear with lower back arched with glutes pushed back. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Quarter turn Right:

Competitors will turn slightly facing the judges with the left hand on the hip, right arm relaxed and left leg bent at knee. We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards.

Model Walk

As it is currently performed in the Bikini Division. Listen to instructions from the Head Judge.

*As with All Other Divisions, No Lewd Acts Are Permitted and will result in automatic disqualification*

* We do not want to see the arm off to side with the elbow bent and the wrist bent upwards as seen below*

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Level of conditioning?

We are looking for conditioning almost on par with Bikini athletes, but the athletes will have slightly more muscle. We want to see a little body fat with slight separation but no striations.

Q. Abs defined like Figure or less defined like Bikini?

As it currently is in Bikini.

Q. Shoulders? Rounded & Capped like Figure and Women’s Physique or less pronounced like Bikini?

Slightly more developed than Bikini and a little less than Figure, but not as lean and with no striations. Not like Women’s Physique.

Q. How much definition for quads?

The quads should display an athletic appearance with slight separation but no striations. Not as lean and defined as Figure and Women’s Physique.

Q. Glute Development?

Full round glutes with a slight separation between the hamstring and glute area but no striations, as is in place for the Bikini Division. Glutes will be bigger than current Bikini competitors. They will not be as lean and defined as Figure and Women’s Physique.

Q. Rules & Restrictions on suits?

Suits have the same rules that are currently in place for all of our other divisions. Suits can be customized with “bling”. Competitors will compete in a two-piece suit. The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped. All swimsuits must be in good taste. Athletes will be warned about improper suits and are advised to bring two (2) suits to check in. Athletes will be scored down if the suit is not up to standard. As with all other divisions, No thongs or No T-back suits allowed.

Q. Rules & Restrictions on shoes and heels?

Shoes and heels same rules that are currently in place for the Bikini division.

Q. Rules & Restrictions on jewelry?

Jewelry same rules that are currently in place for the Bikini and Figure divisions.

Q. Rules & Restrictions on posing oil or not?

No Posing Oil but can be “glazed” as is currently done for the Bikini and Figure divisions.

Source: NPC News Online

Get articles like this one delivered to your email each month by signing up for Muscle Insider’s mailing list. Just click here.