Bodybuilders, figure champs vie for NPC Bayou State title

In early June, competitors from around Louisiana will flex their muscle for area bodybuilding fans, in hopes of winning the judge’s points and taking home a championship.

Judged based on their percentage of body fat, muscle definition and preparation for the event, competitors will aim to win the 20th annual NPC Bayou State Bodybuilding and Figure Championships, which takes place at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center on June 9. Prejudging begins at 10 a.m., and the finals start at 7 p.m.

The National Physique Committee sanctions the event.

The NPC Bayou State event is part of a larger, statewide season. The first contest took place in early May, and the final contest of the season is on July 14.

The contest at the Civic Center is divided into a men’s and women’s division. The men’s division is separated into Novice, Junior and Men’s Master’s divisions. There is also a teens’ (13-17 and 18-19) and men’s division (40-49, 50-59 and 60 and above).

“One guy (over 60 years old) last year, he was pretty good,” said promoter Frank Chaisson. “He was from Abita Springs, and he gave the people a show. He was fun to watch.”

The women’s division is focused on a toned physique, rather than bodybuilding. “The women are not bodybuilders,” he stressed. “They’re the ones that have a toned figure.”

One of the most intriguing aspects of the event is that a large amount of competitors are from the surrounding areas. “It’s going to be people from around the state,” said Chaisson. “I have quite a bit of local competitors. In fact, this is going to be the biggest turnout, as far as competitors in the area in the last 10 years.”

Still, there will be some national flavor at the competition. “One guy from Illinois e-mails me,” said Chaisson. “He said he’s going to be passing through, and while he’s here, he’s going to make it a vacation and compete.”

Chaisson said the competitors at his event are the younger, hungrier bodybuilders that might be seen on television one day. “My contest is for beginners,” he noted. “It’s people that are going in there for more experience, to get ready for the big show.”

The up-close and personal view that fans get is what Chaisson says is the most exciting part. “It’s fun. There are a lot of people that saw this on TV already,” he said. “It’s like a football game. You see that in person, and you get pumped up. It’s more exciting. Especially if you see somebody you know up there.”

General admission for prejudging (10 a.m.) and the finals (7 p.m.) is $15, while reserved seating for the finals (7 p.m.) is $20.