The information in this document is supplied by the Ms. Fitness organization, of which the chairman is Wally Boyko. You can reach the IFSB / NFSB at (541) 830-0400.

The Ms. Fitness competitions, established in 1985, are the oldest, most prestigious, and most financially rewarding fitness competitions in existence. You can only qualify for the internationally syndicated for television Ms. Fitness USA, the Ms. Fitness World, and the Ms. Fitness Universe through the NFSB or IFSB sanctioned events.

In 1984, the only options for a female physique competitor were bodybuilding, beauty, and bikini competitions. Seeing the need for an alternative for well rounded, athletic women, Wally Boyko created the Ms. Fitness contests by the introduction of his Ms. National Fitness contest. The Ms. National Fitness contest was the proving ground for this (then) new concept and helped evolve the format and judging criteria used to evaluate today's women. The first competitions were held under the auspices of the Fitness Trade Association. The Fitness Trade Associations, owned by Wally Boyko Productions, was an organization for health clubs, fitness centers, and equipment manufacturers

By 1989, the Ms. Fitness competitions had grown to the point that they warranted an organization all of their own, and the National Fitness Sanctioning Body (NFSB) was founded. Wally then expanded this endeavor to include the Ms. Fitness USA with a network of national qualifying competitions. The International Fitness Sanctioning Body (IFSB) was set up in 1991, but allowed to lay fallow while the NFSB expanded in the states and adjusted to its rapidly growing size.

In late 1992, Wally was contacted to obtain the rights to bring the Ms. Fitness shows to Europe. When the European agreement was finalized, the IFSB began to actively recruit other countries with the ultimate goal of bringing the Ms. Fitness World to fruition. To date, 27 countries have joined the IFSB. The first Ms. Fitness World was held in 1994 in Columbus, Ohio.

In all rounds, competitors should maintain erect but relaxed posture. Please do not flex or try to emphasize muscle size. This is not a bodybuilding contest. Rounds include:

1. Beauty, Poise & Projection (Evening Gown Round): This round is designed to give the judges the opportunity to get a general impression of the contestants. Wearing evening gowns, the contestants will introduce themselves, and give a brief biography and their philosophy on fitness. There is a time limit of 30 seconds at the microphone. Be individual in this round. We urge style, flair and overall beauty. Also, some of the costs we have heard are shocking. Before you purchase, please be aware that any cities have resale shops than rent beautiful dresses. Look in your local yellow pages under Bridal Shops and Formal wear. Also, check with local boutiques; some of our competitors have been able to borrow clothing from them.

   Judging Objective are:

   • Beauty
   • General Impression of Contestant (Overall grooming and cosmetic appearance)
   • Poise (self-assurance, composure, carriage)
   • Projection (did the contestant speak clearly and distinctly; did she have something to say?).

2. Physical Beauty & Muscle Tone (Swimsuit Round): Contestants will be judged on overall symmetry and muscle definition. Contestants should have good to excellent muscle tone with clean, tight lines and appear to have reasonable levels of body fat. We do not want the muscle mass, ripped to the bone, striated look, or vascularity of a bodybuilder. Contestants should appear to have constructed her physique through proper diet and fitness training. In this round, no jewelry, gloves, hats, etc are allowed.

   Judging Objectives are:

   • Contestant should have good to excellent muscle tone, though a high degree of separation in not necessary.
   • Appear to have reasonable levels of body fat.
   • The physique should appear evenly developed, displaying the contestant's attention to a totally fit body rather than an imbalanced or specialized body. The lean muscularity of the upper / lower body & extremities should flow aesthetically when viewed from all sides, creating a balanced, sculpted appearance.

3. Strength, Flexibility & Endurance (Fitness Outfit Round): Contestants will present a fitness routine for 90 seconds to music. They will emphasize their strength, flexibility and endurance. The routines are meant to give the judges some idea of the contestants' physical condition and abilities. It also gives the contestants the opportunity to express their creativity and interests. Contestants are encourage to perform a high energy routine which includes movements to show their strength and flexibility. They are also encouraged to include any talent or interest they might have such as dance, martial arts, jumping rope, baton, gymnastics, mime, etc. Props may be used.

   Judging Objectives include:

   • High level execution of movements, including full extension. Executions should appear effortless.
   • Difficulty and diversity of routine elements
   • Clean, fluid transitions.
   • Projection of audience awareness.
   • Project personality and creativity.

1. All individual members who compete in a Ms. Fitness competition must be current members of good standing of the IFSB/NFSB.

2. All individual members must adhere to all rules and regulations of the IFSB/NFSB.

3. Any individual member who wishes to have their person, name, likeness, voice, routine, or other Ms. Fitness characteristic used for publicity or advertising must receive prior approval from the IFSB/NFSB. Unauthorized publicity or advertising may result in the individual member being suspended.

4. Any individual member who competes in, makes a guest appearance at, gives a seminar at, or otherwise endorses a fitness competition not sanctioned or previously approved by the IFSB/NFSB will be suspended. If you are a past member and you have not renewed your membership this year, this rule is still applicable and enforcable. The term 'fitness competition' specifically does not include bodybuilding, aerobics, gymnastics or any other sport recognized by the IFSB/NFSB.

5. The IFSB/NFSB has the exclusive and final authority to establish the criteria of eligibility for individual members to compete in any IFSB/NFSB sanctioned competition.

6. All individual members will accept the decision of the judges in the spirit of good sportsmanship, realizing that those decisions were made as honestly and objectively as possible.

7. Any individual member found giving false information knowingly to the IFSB/NFSB on application forms, bio sheets, or any other documents will be suspended. If a competitor prefers to use a stage name rather than their legal name, they must fill out all documents with their legal name and note on their bio sheet the stage name to be used.

8. In competition, clothing must cover all critical body parts. No objects may be attached to the body as replacement for clothing. The top of the attire should extend a minimum of one inch beyond the areola; larger busted women ever more as propriety dictates. The bottom of the attire should must cover the entire pubic area. The bottom back of the attire must have a minimum of fabric five inches wide and at least three inches must continue through the legs. There should not be any elastic in the center back seam. The separation of the buttocks should never be exposed. If a bottom smaller than this is worn, solid, non-see through tights, shorts, or other opaque clothing must be worn under it. Lace or fish net tights are not acceptable unless another solid, non-see through, opaque clothing is worn under them. There is a one point per judge per section penalty for clothing violations.

9. No oil may be used at any time. This is to ensure the safety of all our competitors. Oil always manages to find its way to the flooring. This is a dangerous situation in high heeled shoes, and during the routine round.

10. The IFSB/NFSB strives to be honest, forthright, and fair to all of its members.