Posing!1

[Tim Wescott]

I often talk about the importance of practicing your posing routine before your show for weeks at least ,if not months.Well in my recent show I completely forgot two poses in my night routine and had to just keep going, letting no one know how i just screwed up.I had done this before in very early show`s but I looked like a deer in the headlights ,letting everyone know I just blew it.The point is,if you mess up, just don`t let anyone know it.They don`t know your routine, so keep going, trying to look as good as you can.After looking at the pics from this show, I am changing my routine and taking out a lot of poses that I do, that are not advantagous.I will be practicing everyday for 5 weeks .Some guy told me I should modernize my routine and dance around more.I told him I would think about it.NOT!!!! ;D

[radstar28]

I agree with that. I dont like a dancing routine best routine I ever saw was probably Bob Paris's or maybe Arnolds. It is suposed to be a BB contest not a breakdance trial eh?

[Tim Wescott]

I agree ,it`s not a vaudeville act.It`s about displaying the physique to it`s best advantage.Not doing the Tango!! ;D

[GerryT]

I've coached several competitors (mostly beginners) and my philosophy is: less is more and simple is better.

I've seen routines bordering on burlesque and that is totally ridiculous. I think most competitors do not know how to correctly do all the basics: quarter turns and mandatories. Nail all the basic elements. Trying to construct a routine comes after that. Don't put the cart before the horse. From the basics, you can construct a basic routine.

Would be happy to link anyone interested to my posing page. But the key is learn the basics and keep practicing them.

[Tim Wescott]

Thanks Gerry.If you post the link to your site, I will add it to the "Links and Articles" secti,n as well as putting it on my website`s links page.BTW, it`s great to have you here!!

[GerryT]

Thanks, Tim. Glad to. Actually it is a page on a friend's site:

www.bodybuildingreviews.net/ click on Gerry's posing tips at bottom of home page.

By the way, this site focuses on masters bodybuilding and is well done. Tim, I think your site is linked there.

For any competitors here, would be glad to offer advice, set up consullts in NYC/LI area (schedule permitting). No charge whatsoever. Feel free to make contact any time.

Gerry

[Jeff Preston]

Posing is a theatrical presentation and should be approached as such.
To be able to evoke an emotion through your movements and expression is truly an art form.
Hand position is one of the more effective tools in conveying this.
Check the routines of Mohamed Makkaway for example, the way he used his hands made for high drama at it's best! A well rehearsed and thoughtfully constructed posing routine can make a mediocre physique shine on the competitive stage.

[GerryT]

I liked your post and you make some valid points there, Preston. I like easing beginners into a basic routine and then add to it if they want down the road.

Not an advocate of burlesque or vaudeville, but there is nothing wrong with expressing yourself. I always like watching David Seager, a masters competitor who I feel is a top poser. He is very fluid, holds his poses, and his routines have a beginning and end. He uses classical and operatic music to great advantage and he is very entertaining. He gets the job done withour being gaudy and overdone.

There are different approaches and it is a matter of what works best for the individual athlete. The bottom line being athletic presentation.

[Tim Wescott]

Gerry,I`ve met Dave Seager at the Master`s Nats in Pittsburgh.He`s a really good poser, and a very nice guy.He looks great,especially when you take into account that he is over 50 years old.

[GerryT]

Amen, Tim. At 56, think Dave was 4th in 50+ lightwt in this years Masters Nationals.

A consummate competitor in my opinion. Hope he's competing next year. Plan to be at that showand would be great to meet him.