Choosing Your First Bodybuilding Show

**Many thanks to friend Josh Burt for his contribution to this post*

    Do you want to compete in Bodybuilding so don't know how to go about choosing a show? This post was written for you in mind :) Here are the key factors to account for:

CURRENT STATE OF YOUR PHYSIQUE

Across the board, all coaches I spoke with asked to see initial front, back, side, and abdominal pictures. They will also want your height, weight, and body fat percentage results. I prefer the 9-point caliper testing with the same test administrator under the same conditions. A good coach will have knowledge of where and when to get you started. See my second post for more details on this! Especially if this is your first show, you want some cushion timing to adjust to the new prep. Most competitors prep 12-16 weeks from what I have read so far.

COSTS OF COMPETING

        No joke, bodybuilding can be expensive. For almost all competitors there is the cost of specialized food, personal trainers, coaches, transportation, tanning, posing classes, competition federation membership, and entry fees. Women have the added expense of heels, designer suits, hair, and make-up. In a nutshell, this is not the cheapest sport to compete in so check your bank account before filling out that show entry form.

DO YOU HAVE A COACH?

     I personally highly recommend a coach that has experience competing, knowledge of the sport, and a sound nutritional/training philosophy. (Of course the last criterion is up for debate). Aim to get a coach with judging experience that you feel communicates well and you feel comfortable with. If you don't have this first, I highly recommend reconsidering starting show prep.

*WHAT DOES THE COMPETITION MEAN TO YOU*

    You will need more direction and focus now than ever. Consider why you want to compete. To better yourself in some way? Win the attention of that certain person? Hit a personal goal? Become a professional bodybuilder? Personally, my drive stems from being the best me and living out the character-based principles I have set for myself. Bodybuilding has made me more punctual, dependable, agile, interdependent, free-spirited, and competitive. I prepare compete with the goal of winning the trophy :). That's just my bodybuilding philosophy.

Now, take a look at that NPC calendar and start planning :)