The Bikini Walk: What Judges Don't like and Keys to an Eye Catching stage walk
When Becky Clawson posted these tips and information we KNEW we had to share! This information is so valuable to us competitors. Thank you Becky! Becky is an IFBB Bikini and Figure Pro, NPC National Champ, IFBB Pro League Head Judge and an NPC National Judge.
Content taken from @fitprobecky Instagram page:
The Bikini Walk
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Both judges and athletes have asked me to post on this! First, the stage walks that judges DON’T like:
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Sidewinder: walking out sideways to hide the glutes. I know the reason: either you’re too hard and your glutes too separated or you’re too soft and things jiggle when you move. Regardless, it looks awkward when the goal is come out confident and poised!
High stepper: looks like you’re stepping over something or stomping across stage. This does not look graceful! No marching in bikini!
Slow mover: may actually have a great routine, but walks out on stage so slow that by the time she hits the center box, we’ve lost interest! Although your stage walk is our first impression of you, it should not take up half your time on stage. Get to the center and show us your actual poses. Don’t drag it out!
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Both judges and athletes have asked me to post on this! First, the stage walks that judges DON’T like:
.
Sidewinder: walking out sideways to hide the glutes. I know the reason: either you’re too hard and your glutes too separated or you’re too soft and things jiggle when you move. Regardless, it looks awkward when the goal is come out confident and poised!High stepper: looks like you’re stepping over something or stomping across stage. This does not look graceful! No marching in bikini!Slow mover: may actually have a great routine, but walks out on stage so slow that by the time she hits the center box, we’ve lost interest! Although your stage walk is our first impression of you, it should not take up half your time on stage. Get to the center and show us your actual poses. Don’t drag it out!.
Keys to an eye catching stage walk:
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Posture: Chest up, stomach in, back arched. The biggest error I see is women walking out with their hips tucked under. Most women naturally walk this way but you can’t do this on stage! It makes your glutes look flatter and creates that dreaded crease that makes you look less conditioned. Lots of women wait until they hit a pose to fix their posture. You should ALWAYS be posed - every moment you’re on stage, you’re being judged. Maintain proper posture - always.Cross your feet when you walk. This is a runway model trick. It gives a natural sway to your hips and creates graceful movement.Let your arms move naturally. I’ve seen both extremes: arms that don’t move at all and arms that wave all over the place! Both appear to be trying too hard. Let them swing naturally as you walk.Step softly - don’t stomp. This is most important when we can see your backside. The reason we have bikini girls walk is to see who’s actually in shape. You may look great standing still, but if you’re holding any fat or water, we see it when you walk. To minimize this, step softly. And always keep that back arched so your glutes stay high and tight!
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