Bikini Competition with Scoliosis

[barsik86]

Hello guys, I wanted to ask if somebody has an experience of competing in Bikini Pro with scoliosis?
I am 30 years old, 5'7" height, and recently I have been trying to get in shape just for better looking and for health. I have been struggling with scoliosis since I was 14 when my curve was over 40 degrees. Right now, I think it is 38. I have been always told that it is a big defect that I have to hide, and I never pursued anything that I wanted such as modeling or anything else. I am feeling that if I get on stage in best shape of my life I could finally believe in myself and know that I can do everything. However, I feel very self-conscious and not sure if there are even any girls who competed with such conditions?

[Sunnyday]

I've had scoliosis since age 12. I didn't start competing in figure until AFTER 3 kids and at age 42. I won my first show, then went on to compete twice at the national level and placed 2nd and 4th. There are plenty of pros out there who have scoliosis and place near the top. It's all about bringing your very best package to the stage: evening out muscle imbalances, posing to highlight your best features and downplay your weaknesses, and also nailing your conditioning.

In bikini I would imagine you'd have an easier time of downplaying your scoliosis and muscle imbalances through your posing, much more so than in other divisions (long hair can hide a lot when you don't need to sweep it out of the way for your back pose LOL). Definitely hire yourself a reputable coach to help you nail your best possible package. And certainly don't let your scoliosis be the factor that holds you back from competing. Good luck!

[barsik86]

Thank you very much! That sounds very promising, I am thinking more and more about it. :)) thank you!

[black-elephant]

Get out there and do it. Display the best you possible. Each of us possess "shortcomings" that prevent us from desiring to draw attention to things we do not perceive as desirable. Perhaps you will be an inspiration to others with the same situation. Adapt and overcome! You can do it.

[barsik86]

Thank you!

[barsik86]

I've had scoliosis since age 12. I didn't start competing in figure until AFTER 3 kids and at age 42. I won my first show, then went on to compete twice at the national level and placed 2nd and 4th. There are plenty of pros out there who have scoliosis and place near the top. It's all about bringing your very best package to the stage: evening out muscle imbalances, posing to highlight your best features and downplay your weaknesses, and also nailing your conditioning.

In bikini I would imagine you'd have an easier time of downplaying your scoliosis and muscle imbalances through your posing, much more so than in other divisions (long hair can hide a lot when you don't need to sweep it out of the way for your back pose LOL). Definitely hire yourself a reputable coach to help you nail your best possible package. And certainly don't let your scoliosis be the factor that holds you back from competing. Good luck!
When you say "reputable coach" -does that mean that he has to have experience in training for competition? or it is not necessary?

[barsik86]

u do want a coach who has competed on stage. i think it would work out better, because they have been there and know what the judges are lookin' for on stage. it's just me tho.
:waiting:hmmm... but you always can just take classes for posing etc., right?

[Sunnyday]

When you say "reputable coach" -does that mean that he has to have experience in training for competition? or it is not necessary?

Yes, I believe experience is VITAL! If you decide to hire someone to COACH you, they ought to have experience in training for competition - at the very least at the national level. By "reputable" I mean someone who has experience coaching others at the local AND national level, so that you can see a long track record for success.

It's true that many competitors just hire a posing coach or take posing classes. Take it from someone who has competed, it's as much a mental game as it is physical. A coach who has competed will know all about that and be able to help you through the whole process. It also costs A LOT of money to compete no matter what level - even local level. Why would you want to waste that money and time on an inexperienced coach just to find out you could have placed better if you had been just a little leaner? Really. If you're going to compete, then bring a COMPETITITVE package to that stage, not just a mediocre look.

On the other hand, if all you want is to "look" like a competitor, then by all means save your competing money and ask your gym buddy for help with your diet. Take some glamor photos in a blinged out bikini and enjoy the pictures.

[barsik86]

Yes, I believe experience is VITAL! If you decide to hire someone to COACH you, they ought to have experience in training for competition - at the very least at the national level. By "reputable" I mean someone who has experience coaching others at the local AND national level, so that you can see a long track record for success.

It's true that many competitors just hire a posing coach or take posing classes. Take it from someone who has competed, it's as much a mental game as it is physical. A coach who has competed will know all about that and be able to help you through the whole process. It also costs A LOT of money to compete no matter what level - even local level. Why would you want to waste that money and time on an inexperienced coach just to find out you could have placed better if you had been just a little leaner? Really. If you're going to compete, then bring a COMPETITITVE package to that stage, not just a mediocre look.

On the other hand, if all you want is to "look" like a competitor, then by all means save your competing money and ask your gym buddy for help with your diet. Take some glamor photos in a blinged out bikini and enjoy the pictures.
Thank you very much, I will definitely consider all my options. To be honest, I don't even think about winning, the main point is to get in my best shape and do it. Like I said, I was always afraid of showing myself in stuff like that because of my spine. On the other hand, to win would be awesome! I 've also heard that if you don't have breast implants, then you have lower chance to win because when you have bigger and beautiful breasts they give better proportions. Is this true?

[Sunnyday]

Thank you very much, I will definitely consider all my options. To be honest, I don't even think about winning, the main point is to get in my best shape and do it. Like I said, I was always afraid of showing myself in stuff like that because of my spine. On the other hand, to win would be awesome! I've also heard that if you don't have breast implants, then you have lower chance to win because when you have bigger and beautiful breasts they give better proportions. Is this true?

In the bikini division, that's sad but very true. Here's a thought: have you ever seen a bikini pro without implants? --I haven't. In fact, I've never seen a bikini competitor without implants place first in a local show. Not that it can't be done, it just seems that bikini competitors without implants get overlooked.
On the other hand, I've seen many figure competitors place very well without implants. But it still happens in all divisions to tell you the truth and it has even happened at shows I competed at.

But don't let the lack of implants prevent you from competing. For all you know, the judges at your show might prefer the less endowed look or maybe no one else in your class has implants. :dunno:

Bottom line: if you're using the show to challenge yourself to get in the best shape of your life, then pick a show, set a budget, and go for it!

[yizzie68]

I am a pro with scoliosis. One reason I chose bikini instead of figure when I started was because I knew I would be judged less on back symmetry. Your hair (or extensions) can cover most of your back anyway. I attached a back pose pic. You might have to look closely to even see. 189017

[Curt James]

I am a pro with scoliosis. One reason I chose bikini instead of figure when I started was because I knew I would be judged less on back symmetry. Your hair (or extensions) can cover most of your back anyway. I attached a back pose pic. You might have to look closely to even see. 189017

Thank you for posting.

[Just a Girl]

Hi, I you never heard about MAT( Muscle Activation Technique) go and find your self practitioner in your city preferably at least Specialist level and they will work with you. You might gonna see that your scoliosis is functional and not structural which means that you have picked up a lot of muscle imbalances due to a improper form of exercise or some injury. They will reduce it A LOT. Only bad thing about it is if you guys figure out that there is a structural change on your bones because a lot of years of living in that body then you might gonna have to go several times. Also consider going to see NUCCA chiropractor who is fixing position of your head in first vertebrae. That is a must!You are really want to invest in that not because of your competition it is because of your spine before you end up having problems.
Good luck and Happy Holidays.

[barsik86]

I am a pro with scoliosis. One reason I chose bikini instead of figure when I started was because I knew I would be judged less on back symmetry. Your hair (or extensions) can cover most of your back anyway. I attached a back pose pic. You might have to look closely to even see. 189017
Hi, can you please send me the pic?for some reason it doesn't wanna open

[barsik86]

If you don't mind, can you please share your experience with that? Did it affect you on stage, was the coach aware of it? did you have to do a lot of modifications for the workouts? Thanks

[JesseG]

I also have scoliosis. Tell us more about your journey in achieving that body. It must be really hard to do all those weight lifting and workout in this condition.

[TeaSpill]

This woman allegedly has her twin sister compete for her, competes in male and female competitions. Please check blog because it is a possibility someone else's hard work went unnoticed.

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