Rival Bodies: Negotiating Gender and Embodiment in Women’s Bikini and Figure Competitions

Women’s bodybuilding has attracted attention from gender researchers. However, increasingly popular fitness shows that feature different competitive tracks—bikini and figure—have garnered very limited scholarly consideration. This study draws on interview data twenty bikini figure competitors as well ethnographic research conducted at several prominent in Texas with competition tracks. Our investigation provides a comparative analysis of women’s participation versus competitions an embodied practice. Participation this relatively new sport underscores the interconnections between variegated forms embodiment we call athletic, aesthetic, erotic, everyday bodies. Pre-competition regimens pose challenges for management their bodies due to dietary deprivation, rigorous workouts, specter track-specific judging criteria. strains are often evident primary relationships prepared aesthetic presentation way that, especially competitors, can undermine physical functionality social capabilities. Competitions themselves reveal marked by mix camaraderie hierarchy among those track viewed more “serious” athletes but less conventionally “feminine” than counterparts. Post-competition, women struggle accept return “normal” body. reveals agency context fast-growing while considering broader implications given tracking