Behind The Scenes Of A ‘Natural’ Bodybuilding Championship

A collection of some of Australia’s most buff and bronzed women have flexed their stuff at the recent Australasian Natural Bodybuilding championships.

The chiseled competitors duked it out in the competition, which was held at the Marconi Centre in Bossley Park, New South Wales, about 30 kilometres west of Sydney, on October 8, 9 and 10.

The competition was a bumper event for the ANB, with more than 220 participants taking to the stage – a massive increase from the 40 who competed in 2010.

One of the competitors gets in a last-minute workout just before headed out onto the stage

ANB Head Judge Phil Lehner said the sport’s growing popularity is due to free bodybuilding competitions rewarding a more ‘natural’ and ‘attractive’ look.

‘The big increase in female competitors in these categories can be attributed to a physique that can be maintained all year round and it’s an attainable goal, compared to bodybuilding,’ Mr Lehner said.

The competitors time their preparation for the competition down to the final moment, which includes one last pre-judging workout

Mr Lehner said the biggest increase in competitors was seen in women aged between 18 and 39, with most opting for the Fitness Model and Swimsuit categories.

He also said the ANB and International Natural Bodybuilding Association Australia competitions were divided into multiple divisions, based on height, weight, experience and other factors.

Tanning is an essential part of each bodybuilder's preparation, meaning all competitors get a careful coat applied before the start of each event — Tanning is an essential part of each bodybuilder’s preparation, meaning all competitors get a careful coat applied before the start of each event

Behind Scenes 04 — The behind the scenes look at the Australasian Natural Bodybuilding Championships shows what the competitors go through to win

Under the bright stage lights, the right tan can be the difference between winning and losing for competitors

Swimsuit model Melinda Viluan was one of the big winners at the recent event, winning the under-163cm division.

The Filipino-Australian also finished second in the under-21 division, following a third-placed performance in the ‘Novice’ tier of the ANB Central Coast Championships on September 26.

She said one of the most crucial parts of the sport for competitors is having a personality on stage, and coming up with a way to get the attention of judges.

A team of people work behind the scenes to ensure the models look perfect before they head out onto the stage

The most recent competition was a bumper event for the ANB, with more than 220 participants taking to the stage - a massive increase from the 40 who competed in 2010 — The most recent competition was a bumper event for the ANB, with more than 220 participants taking to the stage – a massive increase from the 40 who competed in 2010

ANB Head Judge Phil Lehner said the sport's growing popularity is due to free bodybuilding competitions rewarding a more 'natural' and 'attractive' look — ANB Head Judge Phil Lehner said the sport’s growing popularity is due to free bodybuilding competitions rewarding a more ‘natural’ and ‘attractive’ look

Hopeful winners had to get creative to grab the attention of judges in the 'themed' round of the competition — Hopeful winners had to get creative to grab the attention of judges in the ‘themed’ round of the competition

Melinda Viluan, who finished second in the under-21 category, opted for a Catwoman costume as her themed outfit

‘Stage presence is really important,’ Ms Viluan, who wore a Catwoman costume during the ‘theme’ section of the competition, said.

‘I worked really hard on creating a presence that would leave a lasting impression. I believe that just being myself and enjoying my time on stage really allowed me to stand out.’

She also said swimsuit models are judged on a clear set of criteria, including: athleticism, beauty, body shape and tone, confidence, stage presence and marketability.

Competitors are coated in spray-tan just minutes before they head out to perform, as it can help bring out their muscles under the lights

The models get in one final workout before taking the stage in an attempt to make sure they are primed for to perform

'The big increase in female competitors in these categories can be attributed to a physique that can be maintained all year round and it's an attainable goal, compared to bodybuilding,' Mr Lehner said — ‘The big increase in female competitors in these categories can be attributed to a physique that can be maintained all year round and it’s an attainable goal, compared to bodybuilding,’ Mr Lehner said

ANB Head Judge Phil Lehner said the biggest increases were being seen in women aged between 18 and 39, with most opting for the Fitness Model and Swimsuit categories

Two of the competitors workout together back stage ahead of the competition, which had more than 220 entrants in 2015

Competitors circle on the stage as they prepare to flex and strike a pose for the competition judges

Fitness models who take part in the competition are also expected to be leaner and more toned than other competitors, and also to have a clearly defined six-pack.

In order to get into competition shape, Ms Viluan tackled a grueling 12-week body program that including an intense training schedule and strict diet.

Her coach, Timmy Naidoo, was on hand the day of the competition to provide last minute advice, and to apply a final coat of oil and spray to ensure she glistened on stage.