You don't have to be a figure competitor to look like one. Although many women use figure competitions to hold them accountable or help them get in shape, a competitor's training and beauty tips can be applied to women who decide to never step foot on stage.

Truthfully, even though most women can appreciate the hard work that goes into competing, competing isn't for everyone. While a small percentage of women actually compete, most women would die to show off a great set of abs and a fit physique in a good pair of low-rise, hip-hugging jeans.

A figure athlete's look is one most women wouldn't mind having — and it's more obtainable than you think.

Figure competitions are all about beauty, poise, presentation and, of course, physique. The woman with the total package takes home the first place trophy. Let's take a look at how we can apply the very same characteristics found on stage to our everyday lives.

First, we'll look at beauty. Now, it's not all about perfect face or hair. It may seem a bit cliché, but beauty starts within. My grandmother used to always say "pretty is as pretty does," and she was right.

A woman talking like a sailor just isn't very attractive, for instance. Even the prettiest girls can quickly become very unappealing if their hearts are unattractive. The same theory applies to women who are beautiful inside. Some of the most striking people I know are as stunning as they are because of the inner beauty they radiate.

Of course, as we all realize, it's not all about internal beauty. Physical beauty counts, especially when you're up in those bright lights! Let's talk about the beauty tips most figure competitors apply when competing.

The first thing that comes to mind is their tan. Now, if you've ever worn competition color, you know that it's a bit too dark; nevertheless, the right tan can make a girl look healthy and toned. We've all heard of the dangers of UV light, so before you start scoffing at the computer screen, let me just say that one of the best ways to get a healthy glow is by using self-tanners.

Thank goodness self-tanners have improved since the QT days so you don't have to worry about looking like one of Willy Wonka's Umpa Lumpas. They now come in all kinds of strengths so you can control the color and application.

One of my personal favorites is Loreal's Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion for medium natural tan. Much like competition tan, it gives you instant color with a little shimmer for immediate results. 

A nice tan can make a big difference!

If you're too scared to try self-tanning or are just too traumatized from all that experimentation in the early days of orange, smelly lotions, you can always get it done professionally. Whether you choose to get spray tanned by hand or in a booth, most salons offer different strengths for different skin colors so the tan can look natural.

Then there's the hair, perfect make-up, and posing suits; all important aspects of what makes figure athletes so attractive, and each can be applied to just about anyone, with similar rules.

One such idea is to adjust each style to your very own facial features, coloring, or body type. How many times have you seen a gorgeous girl wearing the most ridiculous outfit or hairstyle? Just because something looks good on one person doesn't necessarily mean it'll look good on you, too.

Every figure athlete realizes the importance of finding suit styles and makeup colors that compliment her; there's nothing keeping you from following this rule by wearing the colors and styles that compliment you. You don't need a stage for that!

My husband knows this best. The first year he competed in body building, he wore low-waist French cut posing trunks. The trunks had a sharp 'V' in the front only accentuating his long torso and short legs. He placed dead last.

After a judge suggested wearing a suit that was straight in the front and only French cut on the legs, he tried on a pair and looked more proportionate. My husband took 1st place in the very next show.

We all have flaws, the key is to present ourselves in a way where we hide our flaws and show off our strong points. Just as a figure competitor will bring her coach or a friend to her fitting, it's always good to get a second opinion. Shop with people you know will be honest with you when trying on clothes.

Next on the list is poise. If you've ever competed, you know the importance of posing. When it comes to poise, figure competitors have it down; great posture is a must!

On or off stage, the way someone stands tells a story. Whether it's a story of insecurity or self-confidence, they way you stand says a lot more about you than you probably realize.

Believe me; no one knows this better than I do. I've always been one of the tallest girls in my class growing up. All I wanted back then, was to be short like all the other girls, so I'd slouch down, doing my best to masquerade my height. I didn't realize how unattractive that was until both my younger sisters did the same thing.

Whether it was insecurities, laziness or just a bad habit — it looked horrible!

If I could change one thing from my past, besides having zits, I would have stood tall and proud. As an adult I realize some of the most attractive people are the ones who stand with good posture and poise. As people spend more time by a computer, it's even harder to maintain. Even though I realize good posture is essential, it's still something I have to work on daily.

Photoshoot, stage, or the gym — perfect posture is a must!

To test your posture, stand with your back against the wall. Roll your shoulders back towards the wall and downward. Now position your body so your head and shoulders are both touching the wall. Step away from the wall while holding your position only relaxing the pose slightly.

This is perfect posture. The more awkward this feels, the more likely it is your posture needs improving.

Another skill any successful figure athlete will posses, is flawless presentation. Similar to the way a figure competitor has to present herself on stage in a certain manner, we get to decide how we want to project ourselves to the people around us everyday. It's not that we need to always look perfect, but we should most definitely take pride in the way we look!

Many women tend to get comfortable as the years go by; especially after getting married. We work hard to catch a man, then once our prey has caught the bait we sometimes relax and let things slide. While most men don't mind their wives without make-up, there's still something incredibly attractive about a woman who takes care of herself.

Regular grooming like nicely manicured nails or healthy hair is very attractive. Every woman should own a white buffing block to buff ridges and discoloration in the nails. Healthy hair requires regular trims to get rid of dead ends, along with good conditioning. In addition, products like Paul Mitchell Skinny serum can help tame frizzies making hair appear even healthier.

Even something as simple as a tinted lip balm or gloss can bring your face to life. You'll never catch me jogging around the neighborhood without powder and a bit of lip gloss; it's not that I want to primp before running — I just don't want to scare anyone!

Lastly, you can't be a figure athlete without working on a good physique. Notice I said "working". Whether or not you already have a great figure, it requires a lot of work to build and maintain a fit body.

Intense training and a strict diet are part of the everyday life of a figure athlete. You must be consistent to be successful. You can't act like a figure athlete only a few days a week. It's a complete lifestyle, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

On top of eating clean, a big part of a figure athlete's lifestyle is cardio. Fat burning workouts like jogging, elliptical or high-impact aerobics classes are a must. Cardio melts the fat away uncovering muscles developed by intense weight training.

Figure athletes also put a lot of time into working the glutes, abs and shoulders, all of which are envied body parts of a competitor.

Drive + Determination + Focus = Confidence

If you want to look like a figure athlete you have to have the same attitude, too. These women are very driven, determined, and focused. They can't allow how they feel to get in the way of what they do.

When someone knows she's getting on stage in a teeny-weensy bikini in front of hundreds of people, she'll sure as hell hit that gym whether she "feel like it" or not. Well, you can't let the way you feel keep you from reaching your goals, either!

We all have a tendency to be lazy or want to quit at times. That is why many women compete — for accountability. Those of us who don't compete can come up with other ways to hold ourselves accountable. Whether it's a vacation, a photo shoot or a shopping spree, you must keep your eye on the prize.

Perhaps the biggest benefit you'll get from living the lifestyle is self-confidence. As you train, you'll get stronger and feel better — not only physically, but emotionally, as it increases your self-esteem.

As you conquer your diet and sculpt your body, you finally realize just how much control you have over your life and the events taking place in it. That control grows a confidence only the fit can describe.

Whether you want to compete or just look like a fitness model, the tools are the same. Beauty, poise, presentation, and a fit physique all add up to the winning package, on or off stage.

About the Author

Bonnie Pfiester owns Longevity Fitness Club & Spa, exclusively for women, in Vero Beach, Florida. Bonnie, who is also a fitness columnist and model, is married to Steve Pfiester, trainer from ABC's Fat March and CMT's upcoming weight loss reality TV show, Bridal Bootcamp.

You can contact Bonnie through her personal or business websites.