BUTLER TWP — A bodybuilding show is coming to Butler.

The National Physique Committee is bringing the NPC Elite Physique Championship — a regional event — to the Tanglewood Center Aug. 29.

“We were looking for a site outside of Allegheny County, since the COVID-19 virus is hitting that area hard,” said Gary Udit, NPC chairman for Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region. “We visited Tanglewood and those people were great.

“It's the perfect venue to have this show.”

Udit learned of Tanglewood through contacting Theresa Ivancik and Jeff Harlan of Harlan's Fitness in Butler. Ivancik, a Center Township resident, is a professional women's bodybuilder who placed sixth in the Rising Phoenix Bodybuilding World Championships last year.

The NPC Elite Physique Championship will be an amateur event.

“Events like that one is how I got my start,” Ivancik said. “We're excited about this show coming to Butler. Slippery Rock hosted a show back around 1992. Butler's never had one.

“There are 12 to 15 people in our gym who are going to do this show. It's right here. There's a lot of wondering minds out there who are curious to see what it'd be like to give it a chance.

“Now that a show of this magnitude is in our backyard, I think a lot of them will,” Ivancik added.

Udit agreed.

“I'm anticipating anywhere from 100 to 120 athletes competing at this event,” he said. “The sport is prevalent in the Butler area. There's plenty of gyms that will probably be represented.

“Competitors will come from 100 miles out to participate. There's a lot to be gained.”

The top five placers in each category receive trophies. The top two in each receive a bid to compete in a national show. Success at the latter can result in a pro card.

Women's categories include bikini, figure, physique and bodybuilding. Men's categories are physique, bodybuilding, classic physique and wellness.

“We've branched out from basic bodybuilding in recent years,” Udit said. “Some people don't want to get that big or simply can't. The bikini division for women is about toning and a nice, fit look, for example.”

Judging is based on posing. Registration will take place the night of Aug. 28. Competitors' heights and weights will be taken. They will compete against participants of similar height.

Pre-judging is done at 10 a.m. Aug. 29. The finals begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the morning session, $30 for the finals.

“There will be a wide range of ages competing, from 16 through people in their 60's,” Udit said.

Ivancik said the exposure of a bodybuilding show in Butler may enhance the sport in this area.

“Some have it on their bucket list to do a show. Once they do one, they often get hooked and do this for life,” she said. “It's an amazing experience.

“I'm sure we'll draw competitors from Slippery Rock, Butler, Cranberry, Pittsburgh ... There should be quite a turnout.”

Visit garyudit.com for more details.