Competing

[6.8SPC]

So I've been taking the last month or so off from training after a nasty case of the flu put me out of commision for almost two weeks. (see my other thread "overtrained" in this forum) I decided that I'm not going to worry about lost gains and just come back when I feel ready. I have been focusing on other areas of my life, focusing on financial stuff/finding a better job and planning the completion of most of my FAA certs. over the spring and summer (haven't flown in almost three years, ). The only difference is this time I've been reflecting about where I want to go with bodybuilding. I think it's time for me to bite the bullet and enter my first competition within a year from now, I ain't gettin' any younger! Even if I hate it and decide it's not my thing, it's one of those things taht I feel I must do sometime in my life or I will regret it if I don't. My question is, what's a good way to find a local show that fits my level of experience (0) ? What criteria will help me decide on the right show for me? Does the 4H club have a novice show or something? (j/k) I know there are plenty of competitors on here so any advice from you guys would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[oldfella]

So I've been taking the last month or so off from training after a nasty case of the flu put me out of commision for almost two weeks. (see my other thread "overtrained" in this forum) I decided that I'm not going to worry about lost gains and just come back when I feel ready. I have been focusing on other areas of my life, focusing on financial stuff/finding a better job and planning the completion of most of my FAA certs. over the spring and summer (haven't flown in almost three years, ). The only difference is this time I've been reflecting about where I want to go with bodybuilding. I think it's time for me to bite the bullet and enter my first competition within a year from now, I ain't gettin' any younger! Even if I hate it and decide it's not my thing, it's one of those things taht I feel I must do sometime in my life or I will regret it if I don't. My question is, what's a good way to find a local show that fits my level of experience (0) ? What criteria will help me decide on the right show for me? Does the 4H club have a novice show or something? (j/k) I know there are plenty of competitors on here so any advice from you guys would be much appreciated. Thanks.

First time should more than likely be a local or regional show. Just look up the federation you want to compete with and email them formcontests in your area/region. Then pick a date. Give yourself an hinest 12 months to lift and train for this. Then pick a show 6 months ahead of time and start your prep then. This gives you enough time to experiment and fine tune things with out stressing. Once you hit the 12 week point, it is on for young and old. Buit because you started your discipline well ahead of this the final prep should be relatively easy. And you are right. better to have at least tried for real then you can say, well this is not for me!! Or you go out and win your first show and say, hell yes, I like this!!

 

[6.8SPC]

First time should more than likely be a local or regional show. Just look up the federation you want to compete with and email them formcontests in your area/region. Then pick a date. Give yourself an hinest 12 months to lift and train for this. Then pick a show 6 months ahead of time and start your prep then. This gives you enough time to experiment and fine tune things with out stressing. Once you hit the 12 week point, it is on for young and old. Buit because you started your discipline well ahead of this the final prep should be relatively easy. And you are right. better to have at least tried for real then you can say, well this is not for me!! Or you go out and win your first show and say, hell yes, I like this!!

The guy who owns the local gym where I train has suggested the INBF to get my feet wet, as he is a former competitor and champion in the open class of that body. I know they have a fairly large circuit here in the US, just not sure how I feel about "natural" shows. A natural bodybuilding competition seems like an oxymoron to me, there is nothing natural about being sub 5% bodyfat while displaying a muscular yet dry physique. I don't know, maybe I should look into it more to see what the actual testing policies are for competitors. i suppose I wouln't be totally against being clean, as long as I could expect the same from my competition.

 

[oldfella]

The guy who owns the local gym where I train has suggested the INBF to get my feet wet, as he is a former competitor and champion in the open class of that body. I know they have a fairly large circuit here in the US, just not sure how I feel about "natural" shows. A natural bodybuilding competition seems like an oxymoron to me, there is nothing natural about being sub 5% bodyfat while displaying a muscular yet dry physique. I don't know, maybe I should look into it more to see what the actual testing policies are for competitors. i suppose I wouln't be totally against being clean, as long as I could expect the same from my competition.

I have the utmost respect for truely natural BBers!! I have trained several and know they were drug free. The problem I do have with some of the comps is that they have drug takers in them and are not being tested.
The INBF is supposed to have a fairly strict policy, but do your homewirk. Otherwise it is a great place to start!!

 

[supertrucker212]

I have to agree with Oldfella on everything. This doesn't apply to just bodybuildingbut life in general, how will you ever know what anything is like if you don't try? You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I would go watch an INBF show that way you know what you are up against. I am not natural but do hate it when guys that are on gear enter these shows. A local bodybuilder in my hometown used to do this. He'd compete at 5'10 230 ripped, dominate the show, then act like he just won the O. Guys that do this are ball-less, if your "on" then compete with other guys that are too! The worse part is anybody with half a fucking brain in the audience can pick these guys out. Sorry I'm rambling on. It sounds like you're taking a very smart aproach. I wish you the best of luck. Like Van Halen said; "might as well Jump." Over these next few months gather as much info as you can and formulate a solid game plan.

 

[6.8SPC]

solid advice

Well said. I am looking for a show that is close enough to drive to so I can check it out. Once I figure all the logistics out, I will pick a show to enter. I'll keep you all updated over the coming months. Thanks.

I have to agree with Oldfella on everything. This doesn't apply to just bodybuildingbut life in general, how will you ever know what anything is like if you don't try? You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I would go watch an INBF show that way you know what you are up against. I am not natural but do hate it when guys that are on gear enter these shows. A local bodybuilder in my hometown used to do this. He'd compete at 5'10 230 ripped, dominate the show, then act like he just won the O. Guys that do this are ball-less, if your "on" then compete with other guys that are too! The worse part is anybody with half a fucking brain in the audience can pick these guys out. Sorry I'm rambling on. It sounds like you're taking a very smart aproach. I wish you the best of luck. Like Van Halen said; "might as well Jump." Over these next few months gather as much info as you can and formulate a solid game plan.