flexiwear

flexiwearflexiwearhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/blogCompeting in New Zealand]]>Kirstyhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2020/02/11/Competing-in-New-Zealandhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2020/02/11/Competing-in-New-ZealandTue, 11 Feb 2020 00:18:32 +0000

Today's Flexiwear Tuesday Tip -

Take time to read your federation's OFFICIAL WEBSITE

for up-to-date rules/regulations and judging criteria.

Even if you have been competing for a while, it is in your best interest to understand what it is you're being judge on and what rules/regulations your chosen federation has in place (some organisations have strict rules about aerobic moves, stage routines, tanning products or supplements).

No-one wants marks deducted (or worse a disqualification) just because their bikini wasn’t the right cut or look phenomenal however don’t win as they were better suited to another class.

Your best source of information about what your class criteria is, competition rules or regulations are is the OFFICIAL WEBSITE for your chosen federation, especially as there are a couple of organisations offering classes of the same name however there is a number of differences between them.

Below links to the various organisations relevant to Flexiwear clients-

Competitive Sport Aerobics

NZCAF - http://nzcaf.org.nz/technical-regulations

Bodybuilding

NZIFBB - https://nzifbb.co.nz/classes-rules/

NABBA New Zealand Inc. - https://www.nabba.co.nz/classes

INBA - http://www.inbanewzealand.org/inba-classes.html

NABBA/WFF - http://www.nabba-wff.com/forms/

ICN - http://www.icompeteaustralia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24&Itemid=51

WBFF - https://wbffshows.co.nz/wbff-categories-2/

At Flexiwear, I pride myself in keeping up-to-date with the stagewear rules and regulations for the various federations Flexiwear clients compete in. Stage presentation is my passion and making sure every Flexiwear sport aerobics costume, bikini, posing suit, posing trunks and stagewear costume is designed suitable for my client's choice of class and competition is important to me.

Flexiwear specialises in made-to-measure competition sport aerobics costumes, figure suits, women’s physique posing suits, fitness costumes, wellness division posing suits, one piece classic figure suits, competition bikinis, sportsmodel sportswear/themewear and men’s posing trunks.

All Flexiwear garments are made-to-measure using individual client's measurements, using only premium quality fabrics, components & rhinestones available. Support local and buy New Zealand madeContact Kirsty at Flexiwear today for your Flexiwear sparkles

]]>Competition Tip 101]]>Kirstyhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2020/02/04/Flexiwears-Tuesday-Tiphttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2020/02/04/Flexiwears-Tuesday-TipTue, 04 Feb 2020 01:01:50 +0000

Flexiwear's Tuesday Tip today is....WRITE A COMPETITION BUDGET

Thinking of stepping on a bodybuilding stage? Maybe competing in a Figure or Bikini competition? One of your first steps should be to write yourself a competition budget. It’s important to realise Bodybuilding is an expensive hobby and you don’t want all your hard-work derailed at the last minute due to financial pressure, yes there are ways to compete on a budget (I will cover these in future posts) however before you start your competition prep do your homework, know the costs involved and what you can afford then set a competition budget. The less stressful you can make your competition prep by not adding financial pressure the more you will enjoy the process and be able to present yourself to your best advantage.

Expenses to consider can be broken down into three parts (and are not limited to):Prep-competition expenses (Trainer/Nutritionist, Gym Membership, Food and Supplements, Posing coach/ posing classes etc)Post-competition expenses (tan removal, diet reversal plan etc, and maybe even a Personal professional photoshoot to celebrate your achievement)

However, today's post is about Competition costsThe expenses that occur during the month of your competition, some you may be able to re-use for another competition, but most are essential expenses every time you compete.Federation Membership (usually one-off annual fee, each organisation has their own membership fee)Competition Entry Fees (per class entered, every time you enter)Travel and accommodation costs(if competing out of town)Skin preparation products (to prepare your skin for tanning, body scrubs, pre-tanning products etc)Hair removal (i.e. waxing)

Manicure/pedicure Competition Tan

(dream tan, spray tan which can include base tan and top coat by different tanners)

Stagewear (

bikini, figure suit, posing trunks, themewear, make sure you invest in your stagewear as cut and fit is most important to frame your physique as well as wearing the right style for your competition class)

Dumb bell and/or resistant bands for backstage pump up Long mirror for backstage Bikini bite Professional stage photography/competition video PLUS, for the ladies - Competition heels Stage jewellery Make-up artist (stage make-up) Hairdresser (hair styling) Also, other beauty considerations are haircuts/colouring, hair extensions, acrylic nails, lash extensions, tan removal products etcSide note for the GUYS - a well-groomed physique will stand out for the right reason (think skin, hair, nails, beauty routines aren't just for the ladies), just as made-to-measure posing trunks will enhance your physique when worn correctly. Lastly think of all these items listed as an investment in your stage presentation which it is just as important as all the training and nutrition that got you there. Remember, you are stepping on stage to present your physique and the finishing presentation touches can mean all the difference between a win and runner up.

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell

]]>Nabba Shape class - What style bikini should I wear?]]>Kirstyhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2017/02/22/Nabba-Shape-class---What-style-bikini-should-I-wearhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2017/02/22/Nabba-Shape-class---What-style-bikini-should-I-wearWed, 22 Feb 2017 00:07:42 +0000

As a stagewear designer I am often asked about which style bikini is suitable for me?

As important as it is to consider a client's physique, it is also just as important to consider the class they are competing in as different classes are accentuating different physical features and there are different types of posing to take into consideration as well. Wrong placement of where the briefs sit on the body can create visual cutting points and the way the physique is viewed while posing.

(Note to all the Bodybuilding males out there, if you happen to read this blog post, pull your posing trunks up! It may feel weird but it will frame your legs and enhance your V taper guys)

Recently Nabba released their updated class regulations for Shape and it got me thinking about the styles of stagewear I've seen these ladies wear in recent years (especially with the introduction of bikini class with other organisations and competition bikini styles now available) and was there a style which enhanced the Shape physique over the other?

Reading the regulations the Shape class ideal objective is to achieve good symmetry and athletic tone with an importance on presentation and deportment. The degree of muscular development is much lower than that which is necessary for the Figure Class, with the emphasis is on ‘shape’, not muscularity. There should be no vascularity visible.

With the emphasis being on "Shape" and the type of posing done during quarter turns I would recommend the bodybuilding bikini style as it will frame the hourglass physique of a Shape competitor during her quarter turns by having the brief sit higher on the torso her legs are elongated and the straps crossing over the lower back it enhances the small of her waist.

Whereas a competition bikini with hip connectors will generally sit lower on the body, almost in a straight line across the hip line which shortens the leg and breaks the physique in two, drawing the eye to the hip instead being able to view the physique as a whole when going thru the Shape quarter turns.

(please note: Shape quarter turns are quite different from other organisation’s "bikini" class which are enhance wearing the competition bikini style during their posing quarter turns as the physique is being viewed differently)

For more information about the updated Shape class regulations head along to: www.nabba.co.nz

Lastly regardless of which class you are competing make sure you are well informed before you stand on stage of your organisation's regulations and don't assume they are all the same. Different organisations may offer the same classes but they each have different regulations in place from the physique look for each class, type of stage heels, the cut of your bikini/posing, type of tanning product you can use etc. Stage presentation is the final detail of your competition journey and best planned in advance as the wrong detail can mean the difference between first and second!

Till next time...

Sparkle and Shine always

Kirsty x

]]>Stage presentation]]>Kirstyhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2016/04/05/Stage-presentationhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2016/04/05/Stage-presentationTue, 05 Apr 2016 02:08:19 +0000

When starting this blog I had soooo many tips on stage presentation and what elements go into good stage presentation but couldn’t decide which one to start with so I thought best to ask Flexiwear's sponsored athlete, Nuria Novoa WPD IFBB Pro what her top three presentation tips were as a place to start (especially as the competition season in New Zealand has already started). They are..........

1. Plan ahead

2. Seek advice

3. The importance of a good "whole package"

Plan ahead

I make sure my clients all know what to expect before they've started their preps. For new competitors being well prepared is important and lessens stress later in the prep. Make sure you know costs involved for a suit, shoes, tanning and beauty needs. Learn posing early on so close to show time all you need to do is build confidence.

Seek Advice

Whether you feel you need a coach or not I'd still recommend at least consulting a posing coach / trainer to see if you are indeed on track & have the correct information. Even if you've been on stage as a dancer or similar there are still differences such as the tan & adjusting food & water to look your best on the day. If you are going to work hard for months it is best not to wing these details - find someone with good experience & book a consult; that way if there are things you didn't know you're not dealing with surprises the week or two before your event.

The importance of a good "whole package"

"Whole Package" is a term you may hear a lot. It is not enough to just diet & train hard - your posing needs to be confident, your suit well fitted, make up, hair & tan immaculate. Don't forget about the details for show day by getting too caught up in everything else - stage presentation is just as important as being physically ready.

Many coaches will offer a free consultation / meet & chat. I'm always happy to cover basics & costs in a discussion with new competitors before they start without obligation - so if you need a hand reach out to someone in your area or online to ensure you shine to your potential on stage the day!

You can reach Nuria via email at nfusionfitness@gmail.com or find her on Facebook

Thank you Nuria I think you've given us all three great things to consider for stage presentation :)

Till next time....

Sparkle and Shine always

Kirsty x

]]>Hello and welcomeKirstyhttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2016/04/04/Hello-and-welcomehttps://www.flexiwear.co.nz/single-post/2016/04/04/Hello-and-welcomeMon, 04 Apr 2016 01:53:00 +0000

Flexiwear is one of New Zealand's leading mail order bodybuilding and sport aerobics design studio and my goal is simply to create for each Flexiwear client a premium quality garment that uses only the finest of fabrics, components & rhinestones available.

All Flexiwear figure suits, competition bikinis, sport aerobics designer leotards & men's posing trunks are truly custom made and handcrafted because at Flexiwear your own measurements are used to create your very own hand drafted pattern.

A Flexiwear garment is made just for you!

Behind the brand Flexiwear is me, Kirsty and I have been creating handcrafted garments for over 15 years. In 2006, after years of dressmaking I decided I needed a change so created Flexiwear with a simple goal of creating custom made stage wear for individuals (having always loved the glitz and glamour of stage wear). Originally based in Lower Hutt, I worked with local dancers of all genres, bodybuilders and sport aerobic athletes who competed in local, national and international based competitions. A family move north to Cambridge brought about a new change as the business grew via word of mouth so much that eventually I decided to focus solely on bodybuilding and sport aerobics. In 2011 I felt that I had gained enough experience of working with these amazing athletes bodies that I expanded into my custom mail order side of the business.

A question a lot of my new clients always ask is have I ever competed? No, I have never competed myself but decided if this is what I want to create I need to find out as much as I can about bodybuilding competitions so over the years I make sure I stay up to date with all the current stagewear rules and along the way I have gathered lots of tips to help my clients showcase their best on stage. My clients often refer to me as a Sparkle Queen being a bit of a magpie and loving sparkles also I want my clients to sparkle on stage and feel amazingly sparkly!

So needless to say stage presentation has become quite a passion of mine and after all you are there to present yourself to be judged. A lot of this information I share with my clients as they come in for fitting and with most social media platforms becoming too expensive for small business to reach their audience I thought it’s about time to start a blog so welcome to Flexiwear’s blog.

Join me (and the odd guest) for hints and tips on getting stage ready to present yourself on stage as well as keep you up to date with happenings in the Flexiwear studio. You can also catch me on Facebook and Instagram (links are on my website), oh and I've just found Pinterest so watch this space for lots more ideas....

Till next time....

Sparkle and Shine always

Kirsty x

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