Frank brought up an interesting question for me. I am competing in an OCB competition in Nov and plan on attending the one in Indianapolis in Sept to get an idea of what to expect. But what are the "allowable" variations to the Mandatory Poses. Especially for women. So, if there are any female bodybuilders that have competed before, please chime in! For the guys that have watched the competitons, feel free to contribute!

Any other helpful advice that can be provided such as "cheats" to emphasize muscle definition even more, throw that in too.

My wife and I promote 2 OCB shows per year. Our next one is the Natural Indiana on September 13th. Our poses are identical to the NPC other than the fact that we do both side chest and both side triceps. I have competed in OCB shows in which they are very lenient on allowing competitors to twist in their quarter turns (symetry round). That is the biggest difference that I have observed. In my opinion their should not be twisting or excessive flexing in the quarter turns as it is difficult to judge symetry when there is. If you go to the OCB website you will find a detailed illustration of the mandatory poses and quarter turns.

Thanks for the feedback. I will be at the show in Indiana and will also go to the website and check out the mandatory poses and quarter turns. But, for now I have another question. Do the women do the lat spread poses?

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Do the women do the lat spread poses?

I believe NPC had taken it out but it will be done by those that have nice lats during their routine.

regardless of whats "allowable" never over do! never exaggerate your lat spread (you either have it or you don't). when turned to the side your arms should pretty much remain by your side don't over emphasize by stiffening and extending your arms to tense your pecs its looks like your seizing up. be subtle, the real trick is to make it appear effortless.my pet peeve is the ridiculous sardonic smiling. be
real work your quarter turns to perfection know your spot on the floor know what you look like from every conceivable angle and most of all practice practice practice the actual "mandies"

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ridiculous sardonic smiling. be
real work your quarter turns to perfection know your spot on the floor know what you look like from every conceivable angle and most of all practice practice practice the actual "mandies"

Well, the one thing judges look for is a smile. That tells them your confidence and the pose is effortless.

You are absolutely right. Practice, even in the sleep!

frank it appears you compete so we both know that if yur physique is good enough no one is looking at your teeth.

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good enough no one is looking at your teeth.

LOL...but they are and that's what I was told by the judges.

Yeah, I know that I will have to work on the smiling. I have been told on several occasions that I look "mean" and "intense" in the gym but I correct those people and tell them that I am focused. I am not there for a social engagement, hence skipping rope in between sets, or doing abs, and the Ipod. I am screaming, don't talk to me. But I am perfectly willing to talk afterwards.

Okay, got off track. I had the opportunity to look at OCB's poses guide and was thrown for a bit of a loop with the ballerina pose (just too feminine) and the hamstring curl. Especially the hamstring curl. What the heck? I am clumsy by nature so is pretty funny to see me practicing that.

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Originally posted by Frank:

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good enough no one is looking at your teeth.

LOL...but they are and that's what I was told by the judges.

I agree with Frank. Ive spoken to many judges. True you dont want to be cheesy, but for the Northern I went with a confident smirky smile while looking every judge in the eye. Two of the judges acually commented on this...dont think they dont notice, wouldnt you?

Jason

Af... work on poise and precision when it comes to stage presence and presentation. Forget the other non sense.It's all just fluff to compensate for physical short comings Be graceful, stiff and robotic with a ridiculous ear to ear grin diminishes your bodybuilding worth.Coming in with a complete package and displaying it with zest and verve is the true essence. LEARN IT,LOVE IT,LIVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

The more confident that I become with my appearance, I think I will become more relaxed about getting on the stage. Not relaxed posing but more comfortable because I will know that I worked hard, paid the sweat dividends, and stayed away from the diet busters. I will get on that stage in front of a bunch of strangers under glaring lights and hope to look like I am in my own element because I know I look my best. The smile may be inevitable because I will be proud of myself.

THATS WHAT I'M TALKIN' BOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally posted by serpico:
Af... work on poise and precision when it comes to stage presence and presentation. Forget the other non sense.It's all just fluff to compensate for physical short comings Be graceful, stiff and robotic with a ridiculous ear to ear grin diminishes your bodybuilding worth.Coming in with a complete package and displaying it with zest and verve is the true essence. LEARN IT,LOVE IT,LIVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

Think we might be saying the same thing. I opt for a smirky grin that says Im confident in the physique Im displaying, head up, eye contact, etc., not cheesing away though.

FYI I have never seen or competed in an OCB show in which the hamstring pose was called out. (Thank God) They do call Lat Spreads for females

I'm doin the natural indiana and I'm hoping they don't do that one lol.

I'm with you Jared! LOL!! I am doing the Kansas City Gold's Classic in 8 weeks and I pray they don't call that one out!

I will practice it and hope to heck that its not called. What a ridiculous pose, to be honest. Comical. I had seen it in someone's individual routine online and thought oh my.

Jared,
You can rest assured that the hamstring pose will not be called for the Natural Indiana. Train hard and see you in September

How about the OCB Stars and Stripes in Nov?