If you are really serious about your bodybuilding and want to compete, it is essential that you take some time to learn how to pose properly and show off your muscles. In bodybuilding competitions, judges can only judge you on what they can see, so it is essential that you learn how to show off your muscles in the best way possible. It's not uncommon for people to win competitions due to having better posing skills than the other competitors with similar bodies.

The 8 Poses You Must Know

Generally speaking there are 8 poses which are usually used in bodybuilding competitions. However, whether you do them all or not depends on the length of the competition and the number of competitors present, as well as the level of the competition. Learn the difference between them and try to maximize each pose so that you look as big and as toned as possible.

The Quarter Turn

The pose that you must learn and you will more than likely have to do in competitions is the quarter turn. It is usually used for first evaluation of you and so you need to be able to do it well. Remember first impressions count big and the judges and audience will be watching closely.

Here's how to do the quarter turn:

-Begin with a semi-relaxed front on pose facing the judges, your arms should be at your sides and you can tense a little but the try to look as relaxed as possible. -Then turn and face to the right. -Technically you should face to the right full on, however the majority of bodybuilders twist their upper bodies a little to show off their abs, chest and shoulder muscles. Once you've done this, turn and face to the back to show off the muscles in your back and legs, use this chance to show off and flex your calves. -To finish rotate to your right one final time to show off the other side of your body. Once again you might want to twist a bit to show off your torso. -Finish the quarter turn in the position in which you started, the judges will then ask you to leave and the next competitor will take their turn.

The other poses that you might want to learn are: the front and rear double biceps, the front and rear lat spreads, the side triceps, the side chest and finally the front abdominal and thigh pose. In most competitions you will probably asked to give your most muscular pose, this is basically the pose which shows you off in the best light to impress the judges. Depending on the type of competition you enter, you might have to do a free posing round, where you have to perform a posing routine to music of your choice.

If you do decide to take up competitive bodybuilding make sure that you check the rules and regulations of the event before you sign up and make sure you prepare appropriately and practice your posing regularly. Should you need help and advice I recommend you speak to the bodybuilding pros down you gym or find a coach to help you with your posing.