NASHVILLE, TN – In a world where fitness often caters to surface-level aesthetics, the NPC Nashville Fit Show breaks the mold. Now in its eighth year, the all-female bodybuilding competition has grown into a national qualifier event that celebrates female strength, confidence, and perseverance, both on and off the stage.
On Saturday August 9, the Nashville Municipal Auditorium will transform into one of the southeast regions most premier bodybuilding competitions featuring over 100 competitors from nearly 30 states. Tickets are available now online or at the door.
The event was founded by Whitney Wiser, a retired IFBB Pro athlete and Olympia competitor who took her passion for bodybuilding and turned it into a movement.
“I had a great career in the sport, but I knew it wouldn’t last forever,” Wiser says. “I loved bodybuilding too much to walk away from it, so I asked myself—how do I stay involved? How do I give back?”
The answer was to create an experience that gave female athletes what so many shows were lacking: production value, attention to detail, and purpose.
Wiser’s journey from athlete to promoter wasn’t linear. After competing many shows, turning pro, and stepping on the prestigious Olympia stage, she began judging shows. But what she saw behind the scenes was often disappointing.
“One show had a single banner on stage and zero effort put into it,” she recalls. “It made me mad. These women train for months to stand on stage and deserve more than that.”
That moment became the spark. Whitney, with no background in event planning, dove headfirst into developing her own event—one that honored women, inspired others, and set a new standard for the industry.
From the beginning, the Nashville Fit Show has positioned itself as more than a bodybuilding event, it’s an immersive experience. With high production value, an in-house vendor expo, and post-show gourmet desserts (yes, cupcake buffets are real), it’s unlike anything else on the national circuit.
Even the judging panel is different. Wiser intentionally curates an almost all-female panel, a rare find in the male-dominated world of bodybuilding.
“My head judge this year is Becca Sizemore,” Wiser says. “She’s brilliant and a quiet powerhouse in the industry.”
Other notable judges include former Miss Olympia Latorya Watts and so many more who add value and credibility to this event.
Unlike many shows that cater only to elite athletes, the Nashville Fit Show opens its arms wide to women of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages. From fresh-faced adults to seasoned competitors in their 70s, the show creates space for everyone.
“There are so many divisions,” Wiser explains. “We’ve got first-timer, hero class for military and medical personnel, true novice, age-specific masters categories, and even a new Fit Model division for those wanting to compete without the extreme muscle or conditioning required in other classes.”
This inclusivity is purposeful. Wiser knows the sport can be intimidating, especially for women just starting out.
“Getting on stage in a bikini and being judged is nerve-wracking,” she says. “But every single woman has earned their moment, and we try to make sure it’s a celebration of that journey.”
A quick glance at Whitney’s social media profile reveals her faith is central to her identity.
That sense of purpose and integrity extends to every aspect of the Nashville Fit Show. One of the ways she celebrates her athletes is through the Overcomer Award, one of the most meaningful parts of the show.
Started in 2020, the Overcomer Award is part of the Fit Show Story Project, which invites athletes to submit their personal journeys of adversity, resilience, and triumph.
“Every competitor has a story,” she says. “No one does this sport on a whim. There’s always a reason, a struggle, a drive. The Overcomer Award honors that.”
Finalists submit both written and video submissions, and the winner is honored live onstage during the evening finals, a powerful reminder that bodybuilding is about far more than just muscles.
For those unfamiliar with bodybuilding, certain elements like the infamous spray tans can seem extreme. But there’s a reason for the bronze glow.
“Stage lighting is insanely bright,” Wiser explains. “Without the tan, all your hard-earned definition would be washed out completely.”
Competitors undergo tanning, hair, makeup, and other important aesthetic details before show day. This year, Whitney is adding something unique: a stage rehearsal.
“It sounds basic, but it’s rare,” she says. “Athletes always ask questions about stage layout, flow, lighting. Why not walk them through it ahead of time?”
Pre-judging begins at 10 a.m., with finals kicking off at 3 p.m.—an intentional shift to make the day easier for athletes and more fun for spectators.
Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a gym, the Nashville Fit Show is worth attending. The finals portion especially is fast-paced, high-energy, and loaded with inspiring moments.
There’s also an expo full of vendors, with protein snacks, apparel, gear, and so much more.
Check out the event’s program below:
For those contemplating stepping on stage for the first time, Wiser offers this advice:
“Hire a coach. Ask questions. Attend workshops. But more than anything, go in knowing your first show won’t be perfect. It’s about growth, courage and showing up.”
And above all, she wants athletes to remember their “why.”
“Don’t let the nerves or pressure steal your joy. The fact that you completed a prep, made it to the stage, and pushed your body that far, that’s already a victory.”
Bodybuilding may not yet be mainstream, but with the rise of social media and platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the sport is evolving. Women are showcasing their strength, vulnerability, and victories in new ways, and the Nashville Fit Show is at the forefront of that movement.
“When I started, this was weird. Now, it’s becoming more accepted, more empowering,” Wiser says. “Social media has allowed women to find their tribe, and this show has become a hub for that.”
In a city known for country music and southern charm, the Nashville Fit Show is carving out a new kind of fame—one built on resilience, muscle, and female empowerment.
Whether you’re a competitor, a fan, a first-timer, or just someone who wants to be inspired, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
“We’re not just building bodies,” Wiser says. “We’re building confidence. We’re building community. And we’re building something that lasts.”
To learn more and grab your tickets, visit their website, Instagram and Facebook.
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