More Inclusive Classes for Bodybuilding Opens Sport
By Ryan Christie
October 16, 2023
Bodybuilding competitions have been a part of gym culture since the first Mr. America contest in 1939 and competitors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bob Hoffman, and Dorian Yates have long been household names, but today new categories in professional bodybuilding contests offer enthusiasts of all sizes more opportunity to compete internationally.
The IFBB, International Federation of Bodybuilding, has provided opportunity for people of all physiques too compete, and in doing so has inspired many more young athletes to work towards their dream of being a professional bodybuilder.
Dolly Skailes, 56, owner of Dolly’s Gym in Nanaimo and a bodybuilder for 23 years, says, “A lot more people are into it now, because they offer more categories incuding physique, fitness, wellness, bikini, wheelchair, pairs and they’re even opening new weight classes.”
This change in categories helps people who may not fit well into certain weight classes. Giving them the opportunity to try one that may suit them better allows for people with non-traditional physiques to compete in classes that are judged on different criteria.
For a competitive bodybuilder, winning a bodybuilding pro card is no small feat. A pro card allows athletes to compete in professionally ranked shows, on top of giving them access to specialized training facilities. Standardizing multiple categories in shows means attaining a bodybuilding pro card isn’t as daunting a task as it once was.
“Back in the old days, to get a pro card, you had to win local, provincial, western or eastern nationals, then nationals, then universe. And then if you won universe, you got a pro card. All that in one year,” said Patrick Skailes, 63, and co-owner of Dolly’s Gym, trainer, and competitor for 44 years.
In addition to a greater variety of competition categories, bodybuilders are taking to social media to share information, photos, mentorship tips, and build community.
“All the gurus out there [are] coming forward and they’re giving out their secrets and information that we didn’t used to have,” explains Dolly Skailes.
Bodybuilding culture at Dolly’s Gym focuses on self-improvement at a healthy and safe pace, allowing the Skailes to connect with their members and support their progress, but more commercial operations often subcontract this to junior staff and a more general fitness aesthetic can make for less specialized advice. Specialized advice is valuable to aspiring bodybuilders as they work toward their goals.
Although the expansion of categories allows for many more people to compete, without the proper guidance and support of seasoned trainers, many find they still struggle. With the ongoing support of veteran athletes and dedicated trainers, the IFBB class change will hopefully inspire new bodybuilders to go for their goals with the help they need.
