Now that the newer NPC and IFBB divisions of Men’s Physique, Women’s Physique, and Bikini are in the mix, there are more opportunities than ever before to jump onstage at a bodybuilding contest. However, it is important to give yourself enough time to sculpt the right type of physique. You may believe that because you are in decent or even great shape now that you will rock the stage, but you need to consider the playing field. By no means am I trying to discourage people from competing. As a matter of fact, I get giddy when someone mentions an interest in competing. But I will state very plainly that just because someone looks fantastic when going through a typical day does NOT necessarily mean that he or she will have the right type of conditioning, proportions or symmetry for a bodybuilding contest. In addition, many other factors come into play, such as:

Color and cut of suit or board shorts
Spray tan
Presentation onstage
How the other competitors look

It is not enough to hire a trainer who has little to no experience training competitors. There is a HUGE difference in perspective between the average trainer and someone who knows contest prep. You will also need a posing coach so that when you step onstage, you will know how to walk, hit your poses and do your transitions in such a way that you stand out in a good way.

My advice to ANYONE who is thinking of competing is to hire a coach who specifically knows how to do contest prep for the division YOU are interested in, to give yourself enough time to prepare so that you can be at your very best, and to make sure that your reasons for competing are realistic. Please do NOT compete because you want to get a first place or overall win right out of the gate! If you do, I can almost guarantee that you will be frustrated and disappointed. The experience of competing can be rewarding and exhilarating as long as it is not muddled by unrealistic expectations.

Make contest prep about YOU and focus on reaching a personal best. Most importantly, HAVE FUN when you are out there!