The National Gym Association
Founded in 1979
The National Gym Association, Inc. (NGA), founded in 1979, is a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting natural athletes and elevating the standards of drug‑free competition. As an athlete, you can trust that the NGA prioritizes fairness, integrity, and professionalism while providing a platform that celebrates hard work and authentic achievement.
NGA Official Website
NGA Natural Gym Association: The Authority in Natural Bodybuilding
The NGA Natural Gym Association (NGA) is one of the most established organizations in natural bodybuilding and physique competition, offering athletes a drug-tested platform to compete across a wide range of divisions. Known for its longevity, consistent standards, and nationwide presence, the NGA provides opportunities for competitors at every stage—from first-time athletes to seasoned professionals.
What Is the NGA Natural Gym Association?
The NGA Natural Gym Association is a competitive bodybuilding and physique federation that promotes drug-tested, natural competition. Founded to give athletes a fair and transparent environment, the NGA hosts events across the United States and internationally, offering both amateur and professional pathways.
The federation emphasizes:
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Natural competition standards
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Clearly defined divisions and judging criteria
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Opportunities for long-term athlete development
🔗 Learn more about the organization on the official site:
History and Mission of the NGA
The NGA has been a foundational name in natural bodybuilding for decades, helping shape the early structure of drug-tested competition in the United States. Its mission centers on maintaining integrity in the sport while giving athletes a professional, well-run stage to showcase their hard work.
The NGA’s long-standing presence has made it a trusted federation for:
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Athletes seeking consistent rules
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Promoters hosting regional and national events
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Fans who value natural competition
NGA Natural Bodybuilding Divisions
The NGA offers a diverse lineup of divisions designed to accommodate different body types, presentation styles, and competitive goals. Not all divisions are based on muscular development alone—many focus on overall balance, presentation, and stage presence.
Men’s Divisions
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Bodybuilding
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Classic Bodybuilding
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Men’s Physique
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Masters & Age-Based Classes
Women’s Divisions
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Figure
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Bikini
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Fitness
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Evening Gown
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Transformation
Each division has its own criteria, attire standards, and judging expectations.
Drug Testing and Natural Standards
A defining feature of the NGA Natural Gym Association is its commitment to drug-tested competition. Athletes must meet specific eligibility requirements and comply with banned substance policies to ensure a level playing field.
Drug testing may include:
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Polygraph examinations
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Urinalysis testing
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Long-term natural eligibility requirements
These standards help reinforce trust among competitors and spectators alike.
How NGA Competitions Are Judged
NGA competitions follow a structured format that allows judges to fairly compare athletes across multiple rounds. Evaluation focuses on how well competitors meet the standards of their specific division, rather than a single physical attribute.
Judging typically includes:
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Group comparisons
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Individual presentations or routines
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Callouts to refine placements
Most scoring occurs during Prejudging, with Finals confirming results and awarding placements.
Why Athletes Choose the NGA
Athletes continue to choose the NGA Natural Gym Association because of its balance between tradition and accessibility. The federation supports a wide range of competitors while maintaining clear rules and professional presentation.
Key reasons athletes compete in the NGA:
Long-established reputation
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Natural, drug-tested standards
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Broad range of divisions
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Nationwide event availability