Michelle Brannan

When you hear the word ‘bikini’ what comes to mind? Most people think of beaches and holidays, but for a select few, ‘Bikini’ is a recognised category in bodybuilding competitions.


This latest addition to the world of bodybuilding competitions is for toned women who want to show off their physique without the extremity of the ‘Figure’ category. Competitors should display a toned physique with symmetrical upper and lower body development. Physique should be lean without excessive body fat, but should not display significant muscle size, separation or striation. Abdominal definition is acceptable but a ripped "six pack" is not ideal.

Despite the fact that the bikini ‘look’ is lean with little muscular development, competitors in this category still have to be very disciplined in their approach to their diet and their training. Furthermore, unlike most sports where the outcome of the competition is down to the performance, bodybuilding is different because the outcome of the competition is down to the 12 weeks of sculpting that takes place prior to competition day.

One person who can vouch for the hard work that goes with this category is Michelle Brannan. Michelle only started competing in 2010 and but has already stamped her name on the category by winning the FAME and UKBFF Mr Hercules show and placing 2nd in the 2010 Fitness Britain. She has started her 2011 season with a bang by winning the Ms Bikini IFBB Amateur International Cup last weekend.

Don’t let the pretty face fool ya – Michelle is not afraid of weights. Her favourite exercises are lunges, leg presses and Romanian deadlifts. She always does 5 sets of 10 for her legs and she’s more than happy to leg press about 120-130kilos.

‘I love competing’, said Brannan, ‘I like to see the results of my hard work, I am very competitive and I enjoy the buzz of being on stage and making the best of myself. Its hard work but it gives me a goal and its fun.’

The jury is still out on whether or not this category should be taken seriously or not, but judging by the amount of hard work that Michelle puts into her training, I’d say that 'Bikini' is not for the faint hearted.

To find out more about Michelle and her upcoming shows, visit her web page: http://www.michellebrannan.com/