The allure of competing in physique shows draws thousands of participants every year. The industry has changed over time and with the sudden rise of health clubs and gyms being established every day across the nation, more and more people are undertaking the challenge of testing their abilities on stage.
Every individual stands to benefit from undertaking goals as they relate to fitness, health and bodybuilding. For many, this comes in the form of Physique competitions. When done properly competitions offer the unique advantage of setting a goal and sticking to a training and nutrition plan that allows you to achieve it.
If you have spent any time in the gym lately, you have likely noticed the individuals involved in this sport. It’s rare that anyone who competes goes unnoticed as their physiques often capture the eye of others regardless of locale. If you are at a point where you want to take your fitness to the next level and achieve that “highly desirable” build, you might be a good candidate. Before signing up, follow these steps to determine if physique competitions are right for you.
Step 1: Attend a show.
There are a variety of promoters all across the United States that hold competitions on a regular basis. Do some research and find out what’s located in your area. Many people decide to complete without ever having watched a show and often feel lost when it comes time to go on stage. Attending as an observer first will allow you to compare and contrast competitors, develop a better understanding of what the judges are looking for and formulate ideas on what will be expected of you on stage. In addition to benefitting from these factors, one of the best ways to find trainers, services such as tanning, suit makers, and nutritional companies, is to browse booths at a show or pick up a pamphlet supplies by the show sponsors. This will give you a point from which to start your competition journey.
Step 2: Identify a Trainer.
Just as each competitor is an individual with different philosophies on fitness, so is each coach. A valuable investment for this endevour is spending time meeting trainers and asking about their services. A coach that may be a good fit for your friend may not be the best fit for you. Take the time to write down your goals as they relate to competing. Is one of your top priorities winning? Do you hope to gain an endorsement? What are your boundaries? How much time and effort are you willing to contribute to reaching these goals? Is this a weight loss challenge or something you are doing simply for personal reasons? By asking yourself these questions you can better define why you are doing this and then match your vision to an appropriate trainer. It can also be helpful when seeking a trainer to ask for opinions of others you trust.
Step 3: Adjust your eating plan.
If you’re eating plan is not fairly rigid to start with, you may wish to begin making small changes as you spend time considering enrolling in a competition. It can be very difficult if you wait until the last moment when your trainer hands you a diet which includes nothing you currently eat. Begin by eating clean, all natural one-ingredient foods. If you consume drinks other than water, cut those out and try to refrain from eating foods other than those you cook or prepare. Doing these simple things will allow you time to gradually adjust your diet so you are not in shock when it comes time to lean out and get shredded for the show. A competition eating plan can be very limiting, so it’s best to know what you are signing up for ahead of time and test your ability to stick to it gradually.
Step 4: Consult your calendar.
There are generally no exceptions when it comes to competing in regard to training and diet. When the time comes for you to step on stage you have to be ready. Before signing up consult your calendar and determine the best timing for a show. If you know ahead of time that you like to relax around the holidays, indulge in sweet treats or have time off work where you plan to travel, don’t plan a show during that time frame. You are less likely to be successful. Rather; schedule a show during a time you can commit your time and energy to the goal and don’t plan things that will detract you in the weeks leading up to the competition. The final weeks are a critical time when you’ll need to focus your energies.
Physique competing is a worthy goal that can offer a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction. In order to ensure it’s a positive experience take the time to understand the industry and how to navigate it successfully. Doing this will ensure you enjoy the journey and a positive experience on stage the day of the show.
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