First Comp. Need Advice

[yardrock]

I want to do my first comp. this year. I am 42 yars old 5'4" 200lbs about 15% body fat. Had cervical fusion Oct 2002 and was release by doc to train back and legs again Oct 2004. So its been 2 years and my legs and back are lacking but coming along good as they are good body parts for me.
My question is this. There are two contests I am cocidering. One is in June, The Tampa Bay Classic which is a level 2 or 3 and Hurricane Bay in Oct which is a level 4. Where should I start? What class should I go in? Novice, Mens Open or over 40. I of course want to win but wouldnt want a win in a class that I should not be in or by the same token wouldnt want to lose simply because I entered a class I should not have.

 

[FutureFreak]

I think if your willing to dedicate yourself 110% to dieting and preparing for a competition go ahead and enter either open or master 40 & over class. I think if you did the novice and did very well, perhaps win, you would of wondered how well you could of placed in an open event. I know its a first show but, I believe you'll feel better and more commited to preparing for a higher caliber of competition. Either way, it should be a fun learning experience. Good luck.

 

[hardkor]

I think if your willing to dedicate yourself 110% to dieting and preparing for a competition go ahead and enter either open or master 40 & over class. I think if you did the novice and did very well, perhaps win, you would of wondered how well you could of placed in an open event. I know its a first show but, I believe you'll feel better and more commited to preparing for a higher caliber of competition. Either way, it should be a fun learning experience. Good luck.

I have to disagree on this one. If it's your first show, i would do the lowest level class you can. There's nothing more motivating to a newbie competitor than a WIN. Regardless of the quality of the class, the psychee behind being first place is worth it. If you ended up doing the open class, and then got your ass handed to you, you might have wondered if you could of won the novice. At least this way, you'll come out with a 1st place trophy.

If your show allows you to enter more than one class, then do them all! You know your body best and if you and others think you have a kick ass physique and a lot of potential, then go for it and do the open. But most first timers, usually dont have the physique of an open level competitor, nor the experience to nail his conditioning on the first try. Pictures would help us decide.

Either way, good luck to you this year!

 

[yardrock]

But most first timers, usually dont have the physique of an open level competitor, nor the experience to nail his conditioning on the first try. Pictures would help us decide.

Either way, good luck to you this year!

That is exactly my main concern. With out ever getting into contest shape, it will be my first time dieting down, carb and water depletion/loading and my first time w/ certain gear like masteron, halo, diuretics. I think I am leaning towards the over 40 as I think thats the best fit. How big of a diff is there between a Level / competitor and a Level 4?