Going into your first competition can be a daunting experience. I'm going
into to a local bodybuilding competition soon in the under 19
first timers and I've been told all these small details which can really
effect my performance on stage.
If you are thinking about going into a competition you must already have a
pretty good physique which took time and a great deal of sacrifices to
develop so it would be a real kick up the ass if at the end a few people
come up to you and say you could have easily took the class but your stage
presence was not as good as the winners. This is where all the practicing
and knowledge comes into it. There are several factors that you need to look
into from choosing the correct trunks to the right posing music.
The best way to learn everything which you will need to be prepared for when
you finally get on stage and also leading up to the event is to speak with an
experienced competitor or someone who has experience with competitions.
The person who's organizing the competition I am going in for (The Sidmouth
Spring Classic) is organizing the eighth spring classic so he's very
knowledgeable and seen all sorts of competitors throughout the years he's been
organizing the event. He's also friends with Dorian Yates who he's talked to
about training and he's now passing on his knowledge to me.
There are several things that I recommend getting organized for your first
competition for you to walk backstage when pumping up and feeling in control
of yourself.
Evaluate yourself
The first thing is taking a good look at yourself to see if you are ready to
compete on stage. Remember you may think you are big compared to other
members in your gym but compared to other competitors you may not look as
good as you think. This is where other people who know the standards in the
competition you want to aim for (which would probably be a local small
competition to start with) could come and see you to see if you are ready or
not. If they say you are looking good for the competition you want to go in
for it would be a big confidence boost for you.
Nutrition
I'm sure if you are ready for a competition you know all about nutrition and
have got that nailed. If not I recommend reading some of the nutritional
articles on Bodybuilding.com to get your diet sorted.
Trunks are also important
Again on Bodybuilding.com they have a chart which
has recommendations for colors of trunks for different hair colors which
could be beneficial but I think going with black would be the best choice so
you do not see the oil dripping on your trunks as much.
Go to a bodybuilding competition
Go and see a bodybuilding competition so you can see the type of atmosphere
around and how everything works. I have not been to a competition but seen
all the videos of the previous Sidmouth Spring Classics to see how
everything is run. This will also teach you how the compulsory poses are
executed. Remember good posing is necessary especially when competing in a
very tight competition where everything counts and could effect your
placing.
Try different ways to remove your hair
Some people like clippers others
razors. There are several ways which allow you to remove your hair and some
of them can leave you with a temporary rash as your body is not used to it.
It is your job to try different hair removing products to see what works for
you.
Pick music appropriate for your physique for your routine
Dorian Yates
used Guns and Roses but unless you have a solid physique like his it would
probably not suit you. You should pick a piece you like but also think about
what would be a good choice of music which would allow you to show your
physique the best possible way. Try getting advice from other people
experienced in the sport and start listening to all kinds of music. Remember
you do not need to have only one type of music you can have half your
routine with one tune and the other half with another or you can pick out
one song and cut certain bits out the middle if you think it's appropriate.
When picking the music for your routine remember the time limit you are
given and try to complete your routine within the limit.
Practice posing
You cannot practice your posing too much. The last thing
you want is to get a cramp on stage from not being used to holding a pose
for a length of time. Watch how the pros pose or get a video showing how
they are done and practice practice practice.
Design a posing routine
You should design your routine to go with your
music but also do a routine that shows of your best features. If you have
bad arms but great leg development don't spend most of your time flexing
your biceps.
Remember to tense everything
When you do a double biceps you still need to
tense your legs as the judges are not just looking at your upper body in
this pose.
Go on a sunbed
Even when you are all oiled up on stage you will look light
if you have not got a good base. Going on the sunbed is the best way to get
an all over tan which will be a good base for when you put your oil on.
Try different oils
Some tans look better on one person but not the next.
Try a range of tans to see what brings your physique out the most.
The day of the competition do not wear socks
I've seen a lot of people all
oiled up but you can see clearly they have been wearing socks when they were
oiling up.
Make a checklist
Write a checklist the day before the competition to make sure you have
everything. The last thing you want is to look in your bag when you get
their and realize you have forgot your trunks.
Checklist:
- Posing trunks
- Spare clothes
- Pro tan
- At least two copies of your posing music one for the organizers to
- play and one for yourself to listen to backstage or if anything happens to
- the first copy.
- Walkman
johnlemare@hotmail.com
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