Today’s article may not be for everybody, but if you ever plan to step foot on a bodybuilding stage, you will need to know how to pose properly. If you have made the decision to compete, you’ve put in the hours and you’ve made all the sacrifices that come with contest preparation, please do not neglect this necessary component.
Below, I’ve covered a few tips and tricks that may help you become a better poser:
THE MIRROR – Probably the most basic of all the tools we can use when learning how to pose. However, as good as the mirror is, it’s still limited, as you have few options to properly view your back, which can hinder your ability to assess the mandatory back poses. Additionally, most people don’t have access to a large tri-fold mirror, or even the space to accommodate one.
Classic Arnold…
CAMERA & VIDEO– As you’re developing your posing in the mirror, you should eventually transition into taking pictures and recording videos of your posing. This technique is invaluable in that it allows for you to act as if you’re on stage – you will develop a better understanding of what the audience see’s when they are viewing you. Also, by taking photos and video, you can easily put them up on your computer screen in a side-by-side and compare your abilities to those of a more experienced poser.
MUSIC – While it’s not required for prejudging, it is required for the nighttime events at most shows. I would suggest that you first begin to develop a more firm grasp on your posing without music. Once you have the basics established, you can incorporate music into your routine. Whether you decide to enter an event that requires music or not, incorporating music into your posing can greatly enhance the overall effect. Music is a highly effective tool to arouse emotions and feelings and the right song may just break you out of any problematic pose or transition and increase the fluidity of your movements. Basically, it’s a tool to help you loosen up; take that stick out of your ass and be yourself. Do you respond more to hip-hop, classical, hard rock? How does your physique and your attitude pair with each genre of music?…
LIGHTING – Very important to work on your posing with proper lighting. Most forms of down-lighting will work well in providing the correct shadows to show off striations and muscular separation. By moving forward and backward under the light, you will quickly see the details in your physique. Now, and this is no joke: if you have access to a good clothing store dressing room, this can be very helpful; they typically have good lighting and mirrors – take full advantage of this situation. Remember, it’s nobody’s damn business if you just spent the last 15 minutes “trying on 1 dress shirt.”
PERSONAL COACHING – Do your research beforehand. Hiring somebody experienced with “bodybuilding posing” can be a great investment.
REPETITION AND TIME – Just as you eat your meals, hit the gym, sleep according to a particular schedule, you must allocate sufficient time to posing. Carve out a block of time and just do it. Whether it’s right after a hard workout, or at home with some music – it must be done – over and over again.
ENJOY YOURSELF – Don’t forget to smile when you’re on stage! I cannot repeat this one enough. Sure, you’re showing off all your hard work, but make no mistake – this is still a performance and the audience will respond accordingly.
In closing, I would like to share a list (in no particular order) of some of my favorite bodybuilding posers:
– Vince Taylor
– Ed Corney
– Kevin Levrone
– Flex Wheeler
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
– Bob Paris
– Lee Haney
– Lee Labrada
– Rich Jones
Harness the power of posing, fellas. All the best!