League Spotlight: ABA / INBA / PNBA
History
The Natural Bodybuilding league ABA / INBA / PNBA was founded in 1977 by Denny Kakos and it stands for the following:
- ABA - Amateur bodybuilding association
- INBA - International bodybuilding association
- PNBA - Pro bodybuilding association
All new competitors begin in the ABA and if they qualify for pro qualifiers, they can eventually become a pro and compete in the Pro association. Denny then expanded to have international shows so people all around the world could compete, as well.
The pro's can eventually qualify to compete at the Natural Olympia each year (where they can win cash prizes for placing). For more information on how to qualify to go from amateur to pro, visit this page.
They're a league known for not discriminating and were the first develop classes for the physically challenged.
Show Schedule & Cost
Despite COVID, they have a full 2021 schedule planned. Visit their events page to see all the contests planned for the year. Their International shows this year include South Africa and Romania!
It costs $89.95 to join the league, but you can get a discount code on their website usually.
Drug-free Contests
Since this is a natural league, all competitors are drug tested and must comply with the anti-doping code. On site on show day, drug tests are carried out to ensure all athletes are natural and there's an even playing field. In addition, you must have two character references attesting that you are drug-free. You can learn more about the rules and codes here.
Bikini Categories
In addition to bodybuilding, physique, fitness, and physically-challenged categories for women to compete in, here are the bikini-related categories:
- Women's sports model - individual walking and posing in a sports bra and shorts
- Bikini divas - individual walking and posing in a two-piece suit and heels
- Bikini mamas - individual walking and posing in a two-piece suit and heels (for new mothers who have given birth within the past three years)
- Swimsuit model - individual walking and posing in a one-piece fashionable suit and heels
- Angels - individual walking and posing in a two-piece suit and heels with angel wings
- Evening gown - individual walking and posing in a gown and heels
Of the categories above, only women's sports model, bikini divas, and angels are categories included in the PNBA professional league once you get there.
Follow the league on INSTAGRAM for more information and updates.
For more information on competing, get my free "Bikini Competition Prep Guide" by clicking the image below.
See a 2018 bikini pro show in action below!
Credit: All information for this post is from the league's official website.