Men's and Women's Journey Athlete Divisions are one of the most exciting classes to be added to our natural bodybuilding competitions. This category is reserved for those individuals who have made the remarkable transitions with their weight loss or athletic transformation journey as well as renewed mental and emotional well-being. You've been working on yourself everyday just like every other competitor in our show. You go to the gym, do your workouts, diet and do your cardio just like everyone else on our stage, and we want you to have your time too! Restored health & confidence and belief in one's self are goals you have achieved and the stories we want to hear about. We want to celebrate with you as you share your achievements with us on our stage. Your journey may not be complete, but we want to cheer you on as you demonstrate what hard work and discipline looks like and share how far you have already come!
A journey athlete will appear on stage at prejudging, one person at a time, where we will introduce them and list their individual achievements, as they perform their choice of stage poses (consistent with):
- Front Pose
- Side or Model Pose
- Back Pose
Attire: should be whatever the individual feels comfortable appearing on stage in, but should be what highlights and reflects your confidence and your achievements. Examples for men can be anything from your workout gear, to shirtless and barefoot with a pair of board shorts, to a shirt and tie and dress slacks...it's your call. Ladies, you may opt for something similar, what you wear to the gym, to your little black dress, to you favorite beach attire...whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Judging is simply you before versus you now.
A journey athlete will appear on stage at evening Finals, one person at a time, where we will introduce them and list their individual achievements, as they perform a t-walk consisting of their favorite stage poses. They will then be given an opportunity to speak a few words (approximately 60 seconds) to highlight their transformation. They may bring a few individuals onstage with them as they speak. These individuals should should be key persons of support and encouragement in helping the journey athlete reach their goals (ex: spouse, family member, trainer, etc.)
The journey athlete is required to check in on Friday night at the host hotel just as all other athletes are. At check in you will receive a form to complete which will highlight your achievements as well as provide you an opportunity to list those whom you wish to extend gratitude towards as part of your journey.