Contest Prep - How to

[jaymaximus]

Am I supposed to completely shave?

 

[LordSamuilo]

Am I supposed to completely shave?

Yessir , smooth as a babys ass from the neck down ... What division are you competeing in ? If its classic or physique you can get by without going full blown bald eagle . If its bodybuilding though id be as thorough as possible , dont wanna have any ass or ball hair sneak outta your posing trunks , its a bad look .

Just a suggestion too , id start shaving a few weeks out and exfoliating and moisturizing your skin regularly (I know that just sounded super gay ). But ,You dont wanna get razor burn or acne though because once have your tan on and get under the lights any kinda bumps or ance are going to stick out like a sore thumb. Just my 2 pennies ...

 

[fodsod]

Yessir , smooth as a babys ass from the neck down ... What division are you competeing in ? If its classic or physique you can get by without going full blown bald eagle . If its bodybuilding though id be as thorough as possible , dont wanna have any ass or ball hair sneak outta your posing trunks , its a bad look .

Just a suggestion too , id start shaving a few weeks out and exfoliating and moisturizing your skin regularly (I know that just sounded super gay ). But ,You dont wanna get razor burn or acne though because once have your tan on and get under the lights any kinda bumps or ance are going to stick out like a sore thumb. Just my 2 pennies ...

Not to mention that protan and other tanning stains will burn like a mofo on those fresh razor bumps and irritate the shit out of them.

Shave early, shave often and if you’re smart you’ll figure out when to shave ahead of time so it won’t be an issue.

FYI, you can use a electric beard shaver with no guard if needed. It’s not as close but it’ll pass the 15 foot rule if you do it 1 day out and you’re not a fucking Sasquatch.

 

[jaymaximus]

Not to mention that protan and other tanning stains will burn like a mofo on those fresh razor bumps and irritate the shit out of them.

Shave early, shave often and if you’re smart you’ll figure out when to shave ahead of time so it won’t be an issue.

FYI, you can use a electric beard shaver with no guard if needed. It’s not as close but it’ll pass the 15 foot rule if you do it 1 day out and you’re not a fucking Sasquatch.

Lmao. Usually I do an electric for manscaping. I may give both a try a month or so out to figure it out.

Do I have to use liquid tan? By the time my comp comes I could have a real tan out here, or hit the tanning bed.

 

[LordSamuilo]

Do I have to use liquid tan? By the time my comp comes I could have a real tan out here, or hit the tanning bed.

Definitely, even black guys use a tanners . The liquid tanner looks ridiculous the 48hrs leading up to the show , but if you dont use it even if you have a dark natural tan once you get on stage those bright lights will make you look pale and washed out ... And , with the base coat make sure really get it soaked into your skin , or you'll end up looking blauchy. You may have to apply wash off and reapply a couple days leading up until it really soaks in and stains your skin.

The two things new competitor's screw up the most is 1) not practice posing regularly through out prep 2) just winging it with their tan . They try to get in the tanning bed a couple week out , then slap on some protan (or whatever tanner they go with) the night before the show ... Then get on stage and look like an akward robot that got into into a fight with a paint can , but can't understand why they dont do well ...

You can be absolutely shredded and spot on , but if you cant pose or have good presentation it doesnt matter...

 

[jaymaximus]

Definitely, even black guys use a tanners . The liquid tanner looks ridiculous the 48hrs leading up to the show , but if you dont use it even if you have a dark natural tan once you get on stage those bright lights will make you look pale and washed out ... And , with the base coat make sure really get it soaked into your skin , or you'll end up looking blauchy. You may have to apply wash off and reapply a couple days leading up until it really soaks in and stains your skin.

The two things new competitor's screw up the most is 1) not practice posing regularly through out prep 2) just winging it with their tan . They try to get in the tanning bed a couple week out , then slap on some protan (or whatever tanner they go with) the night before the show ... Then get on stage and look like an akward robot that got into into a fight with a paint can , but can't understand why they dont do well ...

You can be absolutely shredded and spot on , but if you cant pose or have good presentation it doesnt matter...

That's what I've been seeing a lot. Posing and confidence while posing. I may have to take a shot before hand

 

[fodsod]

Definitely, even black guys use a tanners . The liquid tanner looks ridiculous the 48hrs leading up to the show , but if you dont use it even if you have a dark natural tan once you get on stage those bright lights will make you look pale and washed out ... And , with the base coat make sure really get it soaked into your skin , or you'll end up looking blauchy. You may have to apply wash off and reapply a couple days leading up until it really soaks in and stains your skin.

The two things new competitor's screw up the most is 1) not practice posing regularly through out prep 2) just winging it with their tan . They try to get in the tanning bed a couple week out , then slap on some protan (or whatever tanner they go with) the night before the show ... Then get on stage and look like an akward robot that got into into a fight with a paint can , but can't understand why they dont do well ...

You can be absolutely shredded and spot on , but if you cant pose or have good presentation it doesnt matter...

Great post man. It’s like I reading exactly what I’d have said the exact way I’d say it. You covered it all and are 100% dead nuts accurate.

Good posing is hard and requires work to know what you’re presenting with confidence. You have to know how a pose “feels” from the ground up when you hit it right so you can be sure of what the judges and crowd are seeing. It should become almost automatic.

You should be able to walk in front of a mirror, close your eyes, hit any pose from the ground up and then open your eyes and see perfection. If you can’t do that then you’re going to regret it come stage time.

Legs are the most difficult for most to learn how to flex and stay flexed. Practice practice practice.

Tanning is really more like staining furniture. You’ll be ridiculously dark. It’s just part of the prep. Stage lights will smooth you out quick if you’re not super dark but being splotchy is just as bad as it obscures your lines.

@LordSamuilo have good advice. Start early and it’s going to take multiple coats. Even the spray tan booths require several coats. If you don’t look at yourself and think that you look weird then you’re not dark enough.

 

[LordSamuilo]

That's what I've been seeing a lot. Posing and confidence while posing. I may have to take a shot before hand

I try to practice at least for a couple 30 minute sessions a week. Just get in front of the mirror and start working on your manditories first . Hit em from slightly different angles until find whats most flattering to physique . There are some decent tutorials on youtube and npcnewsonline where it will kinda break down each so you can get the basic understanding of the poses. So check that out and just get some repetition in each week so when your on stage and a pose gets called you dont have to think it through step by step . Just having some flow in your poses and smooth transitions will give you a massive leg up on the average competitor.

 

[LordSamuilo]

Great post man. It’s like I reading exactly what I’d have said the exact way I’d say it. You covered it all and are 100% dead nuts accurate.

Good posing is hard and requires work to know what you’re presenting with confidence. You have to know how a pose “feels” from the ground up when you hit it right so you can be sure of what the judges and crowd are seeing. It should become almost automatic.

You should be able to walk in front of a mirror, close your eyes, hit any pose from the ground up and then open your eyes and see perfection. If you can’t do that then you’re going to regret it come stage time.

Legs are the most difficult for most to learn how to flex and stay flexed. Practice practice practice.

Tanning is really more like staining furniture. You’ll be ridiculously dark. It’s just part of the prep. Stage lights will smooth you out quick if you’re not super dark but being splotchy is just as bad as it obscures your lines.

@LordSamuilo have good advice. Start early and it’s going to take multiple coats. Even the spray tan booths require several coats. If you don’t look at yourself and think that you look weird then you’re not dark enough.

I never had anyone to give me good advise , but when you embarrass you're self a couple times you either learn quick or end up just giving up bodybuilding and become a gym bro ...

Edit: plus im just a genuine fan of bodybuilding just as im sure you are too , and when your passionate about something you tend to pay closer attention to the small details were others miss it .

 

[jaymaximus]

I try to practice at least for a couple 30 minute sessions a week. Just get in front of the mirror and start working on your manditories first . Hit em from slightly different angles until find whats most flattering to physique . There are some decent tutorials on youtube and npcnewsonline where it will kinda break down each so you can get the basic understanding of the poses. So check that out and just get some repetition in each week so when your on stage and a pose gets called you dont have to think it through step by step . Just having some flow in your poses and smooth transitions will give you a massive leg up on the average competitor.

I've been checking them out on youtube, I definetely have to put some time in, it's good I'm so far out. And thanks for the help, it is highly appreciated (I was asking all sorts of questions to the powerlifters on here when I started, Meso is a great community for sharing knowledge)

 

[fodsod]

I never had anyone to give me good advise , but when you embarrass you're self a couple times you either learn quick or end up just giving up bodybuilding and become a gym bro ...

Edit: plus im just a genuine fan of bodybuilding just as im sure you are too , and when your passionate about something you tend to pay closer attention to the small details were others miss it .

Same here. I was competing as a 15 yo teenager before there was anything except Arnold's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding and muscle mags for information. I'll put it this way, the music for your routine was on a cassette tape, not a CD or MP3. That's how long ago it was. You literally learned by asking other competitors and just figuring it out. There was no other way to do it.

I'm a lifetime bodybuilder. I'm beyond a fan, it's literally just part of who I am. Even if I wasn't training hard or competing I'd still be immersed in it. I just cannot live or eat like "normal people" for an extended time. I've been doing this stuff too long.

 

[LordSamuilo]

@fodsod thats freaking awesome that you've been at this that long , and not only do you still have a passion for bodybuilding but are still going strong living the lifestyle everyday ! Unreal man , thats not something you see to often !

Seriously though what do you attribute to having that kinda longevity in bodybuilding? Because it seems like more often than not guys tend to crash and burn in this sport . Either injuries , health complications , or alot of the times just plain lack of interest and they up and quit ?!

Obviously its not a one size fits all answer , but im just curious what your take on it is ... Did you stay a little more conservative with your training and peds over the years ? Or are some people just genetically better suited to handle the stesses of the lifestyle ? Is it all just the mentality you have ?

The reason i ask is because Ive always loved bodybuilding and training , but because I played football in college I never really devoted my time to bodybuilding in my teens and early twenties. And then after a rough patch in my life i really just got consumed with bodybuilding again in my late 20's , but because I started so late I feel like I've only got so much time to really make a competitive run , so I end up standing real close to the line between making maximum progress and longevity ! I know im starting ramble a bit , but what im basically trying to ask is how do approach pushing the limits competitively without falling victim to alot of the pitfalls that come along with it ?

Thanks for any input you have to offer , and hope this question is still in the general theme of the thread. .

 

[Sk8man101]

Another Question, Coaches, do you NEED them to be successful and how to pick one that doesn't just want to see my noodz?

Honestly Jay, I'll say you likely have more knowledge than any of the "coaches" your gunna find unless you have a real hook up on a proven coach.

 

[jaymaximus]

Honestly Jay, I'll say you likely have more knowledge than any of the "coaches" your gunna find unless you have a real hook up on a proven coach.

Training im good on, its all the little things (tan, pose, peak carb manipulation, etc). But i have enough time to figure it all out

 

[fodsod]

@fodsod thats freaking awesome that you've been at this that long , and not only do you still have a passion for bodybuilding but are still going strong living the lifestyle everyday ! Unreal man , thats not something you see to often !

Seriously though what do you attribute to having that kinda longevity in bodybuilding? Because it seems like more often than not guys tend to crash and burn in this sport . Either injuries , health complications , or alot of the times just plain lack of interest and they up and quit ?!

Obviously its not a one size fits all answer , but im just curious what your take on it is ... Did you stay a little more conservative with your training and peds over the years ? Or are some people just genetically better suited to handle the stesses of the lifestyle ? Is it all just the mentality you have ?

The reason i ask is because Ive always loved bodybuilding and training , but because I played football in college I never really devoted my time to bodybuilding in my teens and early twenties. And then after a rough patch in my life i really just got consumed with bodybuilding again in my late 20's , but because I started so late I feel like I've only got so much time to really make a competitive run , so I end up standing real close to the line between making maximum progress and longevity ! I know im starting ramble a bit , but what im basically trying to ask is how do approach pushing the limits competitively without falling victim to alot of the pitfalls that come along with it ?

Thanks for any input you have to offer , and hope this question is still in the general theme of the thread. .

My key has been moderation between pushing for progress. I've put the competition side of bodybuilding (and the all inclusive mindset it requires) on hold several times in my life to allow room for other things but my passion for the lifestyle never sways. I am and always have considered myself a bodybuilder since age 14. It's the one sport you carry with you at all times and if you're good at it there's no denying it regardless of what you're wearing or doing. That's pretty damn cool IMO.

I have had long breaks in between my competitive phases. I'll train and eat like a bodybuilder but my PED use would be limited and my pursuit of perfection would go into maintenance mode.

I know my body pretty well and I'm not a win at all costs kind of guy. I know my limitations but I do push the envelope when the time is right. I do regular blood work and I am always looking for a better way to accomplish my intended goal whether it's smarter PED use, advanced training techniques or improving the diet side.

I've only had 2 major injuries in my 30+ years of training that stopped my training completely for a while. Both my left bicep and left rotator completely ruptured at the same time 4 years ago requiring surgery. I was 100% within 6 months after that. I train intuitively but do have a cycled training protocol I follow also.

That's about as boring as it can get but it's the truth.

 

[LordSamuilo]

That's about as boring as it can get but it's the truth.

No not boring at all , thats a great answer! plus it makes alot of sense because ive actually seen where guys get so caught up in chasing a trophy , or pro card , ect. That they just get sucked down the rabbit hole and start going to extremes and never take time just to live life.

Its definitely not sustainable , and probably just gets to the point where it cant be fun anymore !

Thank you though , that makes me feel better now because ive more or less taken the same approach with training intuitively and then following more of a structured program in the offseason to grow , plus eating like bodybuilder year round . Ive definitely pushed the PED's at certain points but generally stay pretty moderate and get appropriate bloodwork done. But, I for sure need to make more time for "normal" activities , and take more time to go into maintenance mode but ill work on it

Thanks again , didnt want to miss the chance to pick your brain

 

[fodsod]

No not boring at all , thats a great answer! plus it makes alot of sense because ive actually seen where guys get so caught up in chasing a trophy , or pro card , ect. That they just get sucked down the rabbit hole and start going to extremes and never take time just to live life.

Its definitely not sustainable , and probably just gets to the point where it cant be fun anymore !

Thank you though , that makes me feel better now because ive more or less taken the same approach with training intuitively and then following more of a structured program in the offseason to grow , plus eating like bodybuilder year round . Ive definitely pushed the PED's at certain points but generally stay pretty moderate and get appropriate bloodwork done. But, I for sure need to make more time for "normal" activities , and take more time to go into maintenance mode but ill work on it

Thanks again , didnt want to miss the chance to pick your brain

Happy to give some usable information. I've found it's best to not fight with life too much. If everything lines up for you and it's go time then push and push hard but if there's legitimately just too much going on or your health isn't 100% or your heart isn't really in it then back off. In the end it's really only you that it matters too.

I've seen some success in bodybuilding winning the NPC open overall in my state and a well known NPC regional show many years ago back to back. I made the cover of a small magazine and actually got some fan mail (this was prior to social media and the internet was in it's infancy). I was being touted as the next guy to watch at the nationals the next year. I had a small supplement contract and some attention from the west coast guys in the industry.

Six months later, I walked away from all of it for personal reasons but I have no regrets. I left competitive bodybuilding at the my highest point but I put a thumb tack in my goal to get an IFBB pro card. It's mostly just a validation of many many years of doing this and a personal goal. I have no plans to make a living at it or anything like that.

Now that life has moved forward quite a bit, I've been in good spot physically, financially and personally to spend the last 2 years methodically getting back to a competition winning worthy physique. I'm still not where I want to be but I'm good enough to wade in and get qualified for the national level. At least that's my personal assessment.

So I'm pushing again now because it's time to pursue that goal. Maybe it happens, maybe not. But it won't be because I didn't try my hardest without sacrificing the things that are important outside of competition. It's all about balance and focus IMO.

 

[jaymaximus]

What did y'all compete in for your first contest? I signed up for novice and I think i'll add sub-masters (35 - 45), but I'm torn on open.

 

[jaymaximus]

@rutman
@size26s
Any thoughts on anything?

 

[fodsod]

What did y'all compete in for your first contest? I signed up for novice and I think i'll add sub-masters (35 - 45), but I'm torn on open.

Based on your current pics I'd have passed on novice and went open and masters. You're going to kick your self when you realize you look better than most of the open guys. LOL.

Definitely get into the masters. Prep is costly and time consuming so get the most out of your show as possible.