I have a contest coming up Aug 2. Does anybody know what the best way to practice your poses. I mean I don't have anybody helping me so when I practice I don't know if I'm doing the the right way/

Here is what I did before my contest in April. I got a video of the previous years show and studied all the different poses (& competitors). I then would practice in front of the TV (with a full length mirror beside it). I would just keep rewinding my class and do it 2-4 times almost every day. Posing is practice and you can always pick out the best and confident posers on stage. It looks natural and easy as opposed to someone who's face is scrunched and they look like they are in pain. If at all possible find someone who can meet with you to show you the right way to pose -- how about contacting your show promoter. Sometimes they are willing to meet with you to help you out. Hope this helps!

Vanessa

you can also purchase how to videos. i think bodybuilding.com is where i got mine.

The OCB site: ocbbodybuilding.com has a list of all poses with several examples and a step-by-step guide to hitting each pose for mens, womens and figure. Check it out and see if that helps.

Sully

Last year was my first year competing. I picked up the "Perfect Posing" video and used that as a place to start. I also worked with a friend who competes. This was a good base to start with for the mandatories.

I also bought a DVD of the NPC USA Championships from www.repetrope.com. This helped give me some ideas on how to transition poses during the 90 sec routine. <it also showed me that not all of the national level competitors pose well >

If you are working with a Bev advisor and have access to a digital camera, you can always send them some pics and have them critique you.

I think you are right in that you need to get the form down correct. Once you do that, you can start practicing and holding the poses.

You may also want to check with the organization you are competing in, specifically about the quarter turns. Some will let you turn to the side slightly, others want you to keep straight.

Good Luck !!

Dwayne
PS - I assumed you were talking bodybuilding, not figure.

Simplest way is to practice in front of a mirror. I use the aerobics room at my gym. Hit the pose a couple of times looking in the mirror. Focus on what looks best and what it feels like to be in that pose.

Then....and this is where you learn to pose well, try to hit the pose with your eyes closed. when you feel like your in the best position, open you eyes and make corrections. If you practice like this, you will soon know what it feels like to hit the pose right. Pup