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Fitness and figure competition
There are two other categories of competition that are closely related to
bodybuilding, and are frequently held as part of the same event. Fitness
competition has a swimsuit round, and a round that is judged on the performance
of a routine including aerobics, dance, or gymnastics. Figure competition is a
newer format, judged solely on symmetry and muscle tone, with much less emphasis
on muscle size than in bodybuilding.
Standards and Gender discrimination
It is argued by some that the way female bodybuilders are often treated is a
form of sexism. Male bodybuilders are typically judged by relatively objective
standards, such as muscularity and symmetry, but female bodybuilders tend to be
judged in part on more nebulous criteria such as "femininity". The standards of
judging are constantly changed and set mainly by men.
Female bodybuilders are often mocked and viewed negatively for not conforming to
traditional norms of feminine beauty and gender roles.
The money needed to fund this sport is very limited for women. Female
bodybuilders are given prize money that is often a quarter or less of what is
given to male bodybuilders. For example, at the 2005 Olympia, the men competed
for a total prize fund of $550,000, while the women competed for only $71,000
(with an additional $55,000 available for the fitness contest, and $35,000 for
the figure competition). In general, male bodybuilders also have somewhat higher
paying sponsorships available.
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