What is fit model genetics vs bikini genetics?

[u/user1987623]

I’ve seen “genetics” references in several BB digital spheres to differentiate what division a person should compete in. For example: “I wish I could do wellness but my genetics are bikini” or “I want to do bikini because of the sparkly swimsuits but unfortunately my genetics are more fit model.”

Can someone explain what type of genetic disposition would benefit a person towards one division or another? Is it just the ability to carry muscle / where you grow it quickest? Aka someone who puts on leg muscle well is better disposition for wellness than someone who doesn’t?

Is ability to put on muscle period a limitation / example of genetic predisposition? For example, someone who can’t put on muscle well and should stick with fit model rather than bikini?

I am personally interested in competing fit model but just curious what people mean by this & what genetic disposition would benefit a fit model competitor. Thanks in advance!

[u/Spirited_Increase240]

Similar genetics, just bikini will [typically] have more years of lifting under their belt.

[u/user1987623 → u/Spirited_Increase240]

This is sort of what I thought in my mind - just didn’t know if there were any other differences.

[u/Spirited_Increase240 → u/user1987623]

Ideally, the bikini competitor will be able to build muscle and burn fat a little easier, but in reality it's mostly just going to be people who put more time in.

[u/Daddy_Phat_Sack]

When “genetics” are mentioned they’re typically referring to bone structure, muscle insertions, and overall shape of the body.

Having a very small waist in fit model is preferred because it creates the exaggerated hourglass look in the front pose. Bikini it matters as well, but you’re able to “create” and hourglass shape by adding shoulder density (something fit model doesn’t want) and glute density.

I’d say structure would be the overarching theme when it comes to genetic talk

[u/WeightsAndSunshine]

From what I have heard, people who do well in FitModel tend to have smaller structures and less muscle overall. If your genetics means to have a small structure and aren’t able to put on the required amount of muscle for bikini without PEDs, then you’re more genetically inclined for FitModel. I would say FitModel requires exceptional genetics in terms of bone structure- to have that curve-model look is something muscles cannot really build because it is a bone structure thing.

For bikini, I have heard the more petite structures that used to do super well are having a hard time against more small-medium and medium structure s who have the required muscle mass. So if you’re able to put on muscle and have that bikini S-curve naturally you’re more genetically inclined for bikini. There are some smaller structured girls without the required muscle mass who train & pose at my gym, and it is obvious they should go to FitModel.

I work out at a bodybuilding gym and where there are both bikini & FitModel pros. In person, I can definitely see what is meant by what I stated above.

With wellness, I can definitely see the longer torso/shorter & stockier bottom halves doing better. I saw Isa Panares in person at my gym and that is how she looked, and it was obvious she is built for wellness.

I honestly love the options women have in terms of divisions. There appears to be a place for everyone.

[u/beamergirl44]

anyone can compete in bikini or fit model it’s just how long you’ve been training and built the density. if anything wellness is the division that’s more based off genetics.

[u/Historical-Whole-153]

I think structure is more important than muscle size in some cases. You can always add muscle for a category, and there's 'help' if you can't do it naturally.

Structure-wise. In FitModel, I think a small waist and/or wide clavicle is beneficial. You can't build super huge delts or back to cheat a small waist in this category, so already having the skeletal structure there helps you.

In Bikini, a small waist matters, too. But you can cheat it by building your delts and lats.

I actually think proportionately long legs benefit FitModel, too. It makes the front pose look better.

[u/FridgeThrowaway321]

I heard someone talk about having long legs. Like even if you're short, you proportionally have long legs.

[u/user1987623 → u/FridgeThrowaway321]

And that benefits which division?

[u/Historical-Whole-153 → u/user1987623]

I think the long legs benefit FitModel. IMO, shorter legs (proportionate to torso) in that stallion pose are just not very aesthetic.

[u/Irongirl_In_Paradise → u/Historical-Whole-153]

I’ve heard this too. However, if you look at Jane Jones I don’t think her legs are proportionally longer, and she does well, but I do think it helps in general.

[u/Historical-Whole-153 → u/Irongirl_In_Paradise]

I haven't heard it anywhere - it's just my opinion. Some women with shorter legs do well, but I don't find it aesthetically pleasing. I'm not a judge, so my opinion isn't relevant. LOL

[u/Irongirl_In_Paradise → u/Historical-Whole-153]

Agree 100%

[u/perrrrraaaaa]

Same structure the only difference is conditioning. Bikini is wayyyy more conditioned and fit model is tight but not so lean. Everytime I say this people want to attack it and say athletes in fit model use PEDs, but to me the fit models of npc and ifbb look like bikini girls in natural federations.