getting started in competitions?

[Frank-Oh]

im 26, 5'11, 210lbs, need to do some more cutting probably around 16% or less. I want to compete but I know im not ready..

Where do I start? Like how do I find local/close shows, and their requirements?

 

[M21SL]

Well to start off, where do you live? Theres a good amount of shows in most states. As far as conditioning, ya you probably want to get your bf% down a bit before you start dieting for a competition, but you can still make a run at it where youre at. That is great that you are interested in competing though, its a great way to keep yourself hungry for more in the gym!

 

[hotttsauce]

im 26, 5'11, 210lbs, need to do some more cutting probably around 16% or less. I want to compete but I know im not ready..

Where do I start? Like how do I find local/close shows, and their requirements?

Depends what you want to do, NABBA, NPC, etc.

If you go to NPCNEWSONLINE.COM it will tell you the rules and where contests are.

As for a start, hire someone to work with you on it.

 

[Frank-Oh]

Thanks guys.

Yea I know I still have some work to put in. I plan to finish this cut im on, which is going very nice then start to put the weight back on. I assume im in the high 180's if I cut down to 8%.. You know I was thinking to start prepping and researching so that I can sign up for contests a year or a little more (less than 2) from now.

I'm in Miami, FL. If we have any shows, I don't know about em...err..other than the swimsuit/wet tshirt contests..heh.

I guess I need to learn the differences in the organizations too..

Would I be able to step on a novice stage at my height at a scrawny 190?

 

[vadim_b1]

5'11'' at 190 in contest condition is far from scrawny, but i doubt you will be able to stop prep at 190 the first time out.
Dont think of the weight you may or may not be able to make, just concentrate on getting into the best condition possible and learn from the experience.
The next show you do you very well might be able to come in much heavier.

 

[SABAGOY]

My suggestion is to find a local show a few months out and commit to it. Hire someone for prep and do the show no matter what. Too many people get caught up in the "I need to gain more first" or "I need to get leaner first" mode. all this does is give you a reason (excuse) not to ever compete. Remember this will be your first show, winning is nice but it shouldnt be your goal.

 

[eroc613]

Thanks guys.

Yea I know I still have some work to put in. I plan to finish this cut im on, which is going very nice then start to put the weight back on. I assume im in the high 180's if I cut down to 8%.. You know I was thinking to start prepping and researching so that I can sign up for contests a year or a little more (less than 2) from now.

I'm in Miami, FL. If we have any shows, I don't know about em...err..other than the swimsuit/wet tshirt contests..heh.

I guess I need to learn the differences in the organizations too..

Would I be able to step on a novice stage at my height at a scrawny 190?

If you live in Miami you could start out with the Muscle Mania in June. I personally don't like the promoter or the way they run the show but the competion is not as stiff as the NPC shows that are in miami. (It would be a good starting point) Just google Muscle Mania. The NPC shows have alot higher quaility competitors. I live in Florida too, so I know their are tons of shows here. We're going to have a Ifbb Pro show in Tampa this year, in August.

 

[M21SL]

Bro, you would not be scrawny at 5'11'' 190. Dont worry about that stuff, just prep for the show, and dont worry about your weight, just understand what it takes to get show-ready lean. I think the most important thing is that you know how to prep for a show, and get that experience on stage, then as you progress with more size, you will be that much better and more seasoned. There should be a good number of shows in FLA, ones that would suit what you want to do. I also agree with what was said before, I would try to hire someone who knows their shit to help you out with the dieting and trianing. I know guys on here like Phil and others are about as good as it gets, and you can see direct results with their clients: take a look at nuthinbutapeanuts progress pics, he looks absolutely great getting ready for his first show and I believe hes working with phil from what I read.
I would say just find the right people and keep trianing hard, and enjoy the gratification of getting in the best shape possible and stepping on stage. Youll love it man. Best of Luck, keep us posted.

 

[pesty4077]

Thanks guys.

Yea I know I still have some work to put in. I plan to finish this cut im on, which is going very nice then start to put the weight back on. I assume im in the high 180's if I cut down to 8%.. You know I was thinking to start prepping and researching so that I can sign up for contests a year or a little more (less than 2) from now.

I'm in Miami, FL. If we have any shows, I don't know about em...err..other than the swimsuit/wet tshirt contests..heh.

I guess I need to learn the differences in the organizations too..

Would I be able to step on a novice stage at my height at a scrawny 190?

I was only 205 at 6'1" I won the novice Palm springs (I was the lightest heavyweight at the time) See avatar, I was well below 8% at the time. Don't let the weight control you, but the mirror. You should get someone to help you out. I had someone help me out up to my very last show I competed in. Two opinions are always better than one. Train hard and I wish you all the luck.

 

[Fa Seeshus]

don't worry about your weight at all. don't even be too concerned about how "big" you look. when i did my first show, i was freaking out because my weight and measurements dropped alot. on stage though, i looked very big. it is all an illusion--take care of your conditioning, and you will not look scrawny.

p.s. remember to train calves and hamstrings hard! it seems like alot of new competitors don't realize how important these are in the judging.

 

[Frank-Oh]

5'11'' at 190 in contest condition is far from scrawny, but i doubt you will be able to stop prep at 190 the first time out.
Dont think of the weight you may or may not be able to make, just concentrate on getting into the best condition possible and learn from the experience.
The next show you do you very well might be able to come in much heavier.

I agree with you, I'll probably be less than 190 or worse a little puffy. I don't expect to be perfect my first time - though that is what I will be going for. Thanks for the advice!

My suggestion is to find a local show a few months out and commit to it. Hire someone for prep and do the show no matter what. Too many people get caught up in the "I need to gain more first" or "I need to get leaner first" mode. all this does is give you a reason (excuse) not to ever compete. Remember this will be your first show, winning is nice but it shouldnt be your goal.

The nearest is MuscleMania here in Miami in June. I think I'm a little tight on time for that one. But I figure in a year I'll be better. Im working on my routine, ive been dieting for a while now and I still have work to do. I figure I'll be able to go into a clean/lean bulk from now to a couple of months out from next years show. Again, I agree with you too. My goal is to win, but if I don't it wouldn't be that bad. Getting that far will have me stoked.

If you live in Miami you could start out with the Muscle Mania in June. I personally don't like the promoter or the way they run the show but the competion is not as stiff as the NPC shows that are in miami. (It would be a good starting point) Just google Muscle Mania. The NPC shows have alot higher quaility competitors. I live in Florida too, so I know their are tons of shows here. We're going to have a Ifbb Pro show in Tampa this year, in August.

MM is in June. I need to see what NPC has down here.. Do you have a link to that IFBB show in Tampa? I can't find anything on it. I'd like to check it out.

Bro, you would not be scrawny at 5'11'' 190. Dont worry about that stuff, just prep for the show, and dont worry about your weight, just understand what it takes to get show-ready lean. I think the most important thing is that you know how to prep for a show, and get that experience on stage, then as you progress with more size, you will be that much better and more seasoned. There should be a good number of shows in FLA, ones that would suit what you want to do. I also agree with what was said before, I would try to hire someone who knows their shit to help you out with the dieting and trianing. I know guys on here like Phil and others are about as good as it gets, and you can see direct results with their clients: take a look at nuthinbutapeanuts progress pics, he looks absolutely great getting ready for his first show and I believe hes working with phil from what I read.
I would say just find the right people and keep trianing hard, and enjoy the gratification of getting in the best shape possible and stepping on stage. Youll love it man. Best of Luck, keep us posted.

Thanks for the motivation!

I think at the amateur level, the most ripped physique is USUALLY fairly rewarded. so, i say pick a length of time to diet, add 4 weeks (seeems to always take longer than you expect) and commit to a show no matter what. oh, and have someone to help you pose. MAYBE you could diet on your own, MAYBE you could workout alone, do cardio alone etc. BUT you CANNOT POSE ALONE! have a coach or someone good luck and keep us up to date STEELE

Will do!

I was only 205 at 6'1" I won the novice Palm springs (I was the lightest heavyweight at the time) See avatar, I was well below 8% at the time. Don't let the weight control you, but the mirror. You should get someone to help you out. I had someone help me out up to my very last show I competed in. Two opinions are always better than one. Train hard and I wish you all the luck.

Thank you!

don't worry about your weight at all. don't even be too concerned about how "big" you look. when i did my first show, i was freaking out because my weight and measurements dropped alot. on stage though, i looked very big. it is all an illusion--take care of your conditioning, and you will not look scrawny.

p.s. remember to train calves and hamstrings hard! it seems like alot of new competitors don't realize how important these are in the judging.

My legs are my strong point right now, along with my back. Chest and arms got some catching up to do..

Great post - agree completely, and with what others have said, too.

Also be sure to continue to train heavy on a regular basis while prepping for contest. One of the best ways I can think of to LOSE muscle is to do a lot of light, pumping with high reps, adding in aerobics and diet. Don't be afraid to keep the heavy squats, deads, benches, presses, chins, dips, shrugs and other exercises where yuo move a lot of weight.

DC has said he's seen powerlifters diet down and come and crush bodybuilders at shows! I was doing heavy triples in the squat and dead with full powerlifting gear at close to 600 lbs (I know, weak by today's standards, but ok 20 years ago). Everyone thought that was nuts and laughed, including friends who were experienced National-level competitiors. They weren't laughing the day of the show.

Suggest a routine/rep/set scheme? Right now I do light and heavy days. Light is 10-18 reps, heavy is 6-8 reps. I work out everything every day, what changes is how much focus I have on a particular body part of the intensity/volume/light or heavy. Basically if I hit it hard yesterday I do it light today and stop when I think ive done enough or more recoop is needed. Ive made great progress but I think I need to be less taxing to myself.

Would you guys recommend an online trainer, or someone in person? Maybe both? I assume for the posing someone in person is best. I really enjoy Phil's posts and thoughts on things. But I worry that someone long distance will not be as motivational..?

 

[pesty4077]

I agree with you, I'll probably be less than 190 or worse a little puffy. I don't expect to be perfect my first time - though that is what I will be going for. Thanks for the advice!



The nearest is MuscleMania here in Miami in June. I think I'm a little tight on time for that one. But I figure in a year I'll be better. Im working on my routine, ive been dieting for a while now and I still have work to do. I figure I'll be able to go into a clean/lean bulk from now to a couple of months out from next years show. Again, I agree with you too. My goal is to win, but if I don't it wouldn't be that bad. Getting that far will have me stoked.



MM is in June. I need to see what NPC has down here.. Do you have a link to that IFBB show in Tampa? I can't find anything on it. I'd like to check it out.



Thanks for the motivation!



Will do!



Thank you!



My legs are my strong point right now, along with my back. Chest and arms got some catching up to do..



Suggest a routine/rep/set scheme? Right now I do light and heavy days. Light is 10-18 reps, heavy is 6-8 reps. I work out everything every day, what changes is how much focus I have on a particular body part of the intensity/volume/light or heavy. Basically if I hit it hard yesterday I do it light today and stop when I think ive done enough or more recoop is needed. Ive made great progress but I think I need to be less taxing to myself.

Would you guys recommend an online trainer, or someone in person? Maybe both? I assume for the posing someone in person is best. I really enjoy Phil's posts and thoughts on things. But I worry that someone long distance will not be as motivational..?

Phil is a pro, I would ask him for training tips and advice. He looks that good because he knows what he is doing.