Planning on Competing ever?

[Alex A]

I seem to know most of the members that compete here on PM.. but how many of you guys plan on competing sometime in your life or have competed and it was a disaster or better yet very positive...?

Your first bodybuilding show is a very memorable show..

I love telling the story of how i lost 45 freakin lbs in 12 weeks of hell.. But in the end.. it was a really positive life changing experience...

I really think beginners should set goals. And if you set a goal to compete i believe it will help you train harder and stay more disciplined all around. But i also believe competing is not for everyone but setting goals in the gym should be a top priority.
Without goals, what strives you to improve?

Personally, competing is a way for me to stay focused all year.

I always have my eyes set on the next show. And when im in the gym.. each workout has got to be for that show...

I know i need to really work hard to compete against the best amateurs out there and.... I cant wast time, im not getting younger either..

Anyways.. feel free to share about your experience good or bad.. I love talking about my first show.

 

[BigChef]

Hi Alex,

I have never competed but I will see how I go first under your guidance. I always wanted to compete. Wow, how you lost 45 pounds in 12 weeks preparation? What was being on stage for the first time like? Stage fright?
Nervous? or full of confidence? Were you carbs depleted at the time of competition? What do the judges really look for in a bodybuilder? Symetry? Mass? Condition?
Also last question how did your placing go in your first contest?
I remember from your post that placing is not important but life changing is. Correct me if I am wrong.
How true!

Looking forward to hear your experience.

 

[jay_dub]

Here's a question for you Alex. As you know, I havent competed but thats my next goal. For guys out there that have never done a show, when do you think they should take that next step and get up on stage? For me, I'd like to wait until I know I have a chance at winning (I need more mass). But others have said that you should just get your ass up their and do it for the learning experience. What is your take on this?

 

[aeliop]

For guys out there that have never done a show, when do you think they should take that next step and get up on stage? For me, I'd like to wait until I know I have a chance at winning (I need more mass).

1. What if you never win will you be okay with that?
2. When you say chance at winning, how will you know?

Disclaimer.......Jay_Dub I am not picking on you here and I apoligize if it comes off that way but I am just giving you my opinion in general.

It annoys the hell at me when guys who have never competed make statements like "I want to compete but I want to make sure I win" "I am not getting up there unless I got a shot" It is almost like the rest of us aren't trying to win and those guys have come up with this great new concept only compete if you can win. The fact is a lot of factors go into where and how you place, many of those out of your control. When you throw in the factor of 12-20 weeks of preparation, squeezed into 10 minutes on stage, well a lot of things can go against you. Long story short if bodybuilding bliss to you is winning then you might look at another hobby with less factors for an outcome.

But others have said that you should just get your ass up their and do it for the learning experience. What is your take on this?

Depends on what you are trying to learn. How to diet? learn about yourself? how competing in bodybuilding relates to life?

 

[Diesel City]

Great post here, and I agree with Tony. Is winning or placing awesome? Absolutely! More importantly, I know I'll more than likely never be some kind of National Competitor and for me it's not about that. It's that battle within me, my desire to compete with me. I've found so many rewards and challenges in my personal life because of my attempt at bodybuilding.

 

[pesty4077]

Alex, My first show was in 1986, an AAU local show. I imagine some guys on this forum weren't even born back then. I went from a fat 235 to a ripped 205 in 8 weeks. I was the most ripped guy in the show and won. Back then, there was a most muscular, best poser, best arms, best abs, best legs trophies awarded. They also went by weight classes and in some shows height classes. I felt like I was on top of the world for a year after that show.

 

[Flex2019]

My first show was at age in 1999 at age 19. It was the ANBC Natural CT Championships. I had been training for around 5 years but didn't really know what I was doing contest prep wise. I read a lot and did my own prep for for 16 weeks. Looking back, I lost a lot of muscle in the process. I weighed a whopping 159 lbs on the day of the show. I managed to take first place in the Junior class, against some guys that had competed before.

Since then, I've learned a ton about my body and about all types of diet and training, and my posing has improved a ton. My return to the stage will be June 2010 in my NPC state show and I can't wait.

 

[jay_dub]

1. What if you never win will you be okay with that?
2. When you say chance at winning, how will you know?

Disclaimer.......Jay_Dub I am not picking on you here and I apoligize if it comes off that way but I am just giving you my opinion in general.

It annoys the hell at me when guys who have never competed make statements like "I want to compete but I want to make sure I win" "I am not getting up there unless I got a shot" It is almost like the rest of us aren't trying to win and those guys have come up with this great new concept only compete if you can win. The fact is a lot of factors go into where and how you place, many of those out of your control. When you throw in the factor of 12-20 weeks of preparation, squeezed into 10 minutes on stage, well a lot of things can go against you. Long story short if bodybuilding bliss to you is winning then you might look at another hobby with less factors for an outcome.




Depends on what you are trying to learn. How to diet? learn about yourself? how competing in bodybuilding relates to life?

Sorry Aeliop, I didnt mean it the way you took it. I completely understand what you mean though, and I was by no means saying that the rest of the guys up there arent there to win. Right now I'm just too small, thats a fact. I need more size. I'd atleast like to "think" I have a chance at not getting my ass handed to me when I do my first show. I've seen guys do a show just to do it even though they know they dont have the size or condition to compete with the rest up there but they do it anyway for the learning experience. And I'm strictly speaking about state level shows, nothing bigger than that. Of course guys go into The Nats, etc knowing they're not going to place, but thats obviously a whole different ball game.

I know I'll never dominate on stage so no, my bodybuilding "bliss" isnt going to come from first place trophies. I already get that bliss from living the bodybuilding lifestyle. Thats all I'll ever need. Placing well would just be an added benefit.

Hopefully that clears things up.

 

[aeliop]

Sorry Aeliop, I didnt mean it the way you took it. I completely understand what you mean though, and I was by no means saying that the rest of the guys up there arent there to win. Right now I'm just too small, thats a fact. I need more size. I'd atleast like to "think" I have a chance at not getting my ass handed to me when I do my first show. I've seen guys do a show just to do it even though they know they dont have the size or condition to compete with the rest up there but they do it anyway for the learning experience. And I'm strictly speaking about state level shows, nothing bigger than that. Of course guys go into The Nats, etc knowing they're not going to place, but thats obviously a whole different ball game.

I know I'll never dominate on stage so no, my bodybuilding "bliss" isnt going to come from first place trophies. I already get that bliss from living the bodybuilding lifestyle. Thats all I'll ever need. Placing well would just be an added benefit.

Hopefully that clears things up.

Well you seem to have your head screwed on straight. I agree with you on the lifestyle. I very much enjoy the lifestyle in many ways it defines who I am. As far as domination, what level you will get, etc... you really don't know where you will end up or what level. Experience prepping and competing will somewhat clarify the picture for you. As far as getting your ass handed to you, well that can and will happen to all of us. There is no shame in that as long as you give it an honest effort. If you are lacking in something... improve, judges and your fellow competitors will always have respect for the guy that comes back every year with a better, improved version of themselves no matter where they place. The smart competitive bodybuilder takes lessons from being a competitive bodybuilder not neccessarily trophies. There are many great relationships that can be made from this sport but it is also important to not lose your existing ones.

 

[Alex A]

Hi Alex,

I have never competed but I will see how I go first under your guidance. I always wanted to compete. Wow, how you lost 45 pounds in 12 weeks preparation? What was being on stage for the first time like? Stage fright?
Nervous? or full of confidence? Were you carbs depleted at the time of competition? What do the judges really look for in a bodybuilder? Symetry? Mass? Condition?
Also last question how did your placing go in your first contest?
I remember from your post that placing is not important but life changing is. Correct me if I am wrong.
How true!

Looking forward to hear your experience.

Thanks to all you guys who posted here and i want to get to all of you..

Chef: I say that you may want to compete after you start to really see your body transform and that may be the motivation it takes to get you on stage..

The reason i competed for the first time was to get myself in the leanest best shape i could.. .There are shows here in LA about one a month so i chose a show that was small but had a reputation of being a good show for a beginner... The Junior Cal... it has become a really good show..

Anyways.. i lost a ton of fat and for the first time in my life i got really conditioned.. I ....worked my ass off to get there ...

I had to do double cardio sessions ..and it was just a very tough experience but totally worth it.. my wife, brother, mom and dad all came to the show...

It was a wonderfull experience as i won my class out of 9 guys then i also won the novice class and overall.. My picture was in Iron Man Magazine.. it really motivated me to want to compete again and again..

I was not scare.. I was confident because i knew i worked super hard and belonged up there.. Competing in a bigger show, i knew i had to be much better and started working on that right away..

I continued to compete every years since that show in 2002

Here is one of the only pics i could find from the show because MD was not covering contests and pics were not posted online at the time.

 

[Alex A]

Here's a question for you Alex. As you know, I havent competed but thats my next goal. For guys out there that have never done a show, when do you think they should take that next step and get up on stage? For me, I'd like to wait until I know I have a chance at winning (I need more mass). But others have said that you should just get your ass up their and do it for the learning experience. What is your take on this?

Honestly bro.. keep hitting it hard and putting on good lean size.... your on a good role right now and your transformation in such a short time is pretty awesome.. I would keep it up and ... i have to agree that... to compete.... you have to be competetive

Im not saying you would not be... And i see the other point of view as well.. but.. it really depends on what show you do as well...

If your competing in a pretty big show and its your first show.. you cant really cant get down on yourself if you dont win...

The experience can be and should be lifechanging, if you work hard enough and prepare like you should..

A person who has never competed.. most likely has never been as lean and dry as a person who has not competed..

I just cant see why or how anyone can push themselves to have a full on competetive look yet not do a show?

Lots of suffering and hard work goes into the prep.

Even getting my ass kicked or winning.. im back in the gym the next day trying to improve

To be flat out honest to you.. and this sounds completely ridiculous perhaps.... but..

i enjoy the prep,, seeing myself get in awesome shape and taking my bodyfat to super low levels, the challenge and process is as much or more fun than the damn show.

Every year, ever show.. even recently.. Many positive things have come out of my competitions and i didnt win.. The time on stage is just seconds... and your judged and the show is over..

I think the process is life changing.. that is why i document a lot of pics, videos and take advantage of the publicity i can get to make the best of it..

I always miss being in contest shape.. thats what keeps me coming back.. and i will be back next year..

 

[kscowboy]

Back in about 92 i got into body building pretty seriously. I did it for about a year or maybe 2 and decided to do a local contest. I am an EXTREMELY competitive person and was gunning for the top. I dieted down and got about 3 weeks away from the show and pulled out. I knew who would be in it and i knew i couldnt come close to winning it (Would have probably placed about 4th or 5th out of 12). But my competitive nature would not allow me to do it knowing i didnt have a chance. I never tried it again. But i wish i would have just for the experience.

Its kinda like hunting deer (We do that a lot around here). When you first start off hunting you tell yourself that you are not going to pull the trigger on anything less than a huge buck that you can mount on your wall. Then that huge buck comes right under your stand and you are shaking like a dog shitting a peach seed and you cant even get him in your sites and he runs out of distance. If you would have taken a smaller dear that year you would be able to have to confidence the following year to come back after the bigger one.

Experience counts!!!

 

[BiggJuicy]

I have been training for almost 15 years. The diet was way off and I overtrained for the first half of those years but I have been very serious since. I am planning on competing for the first time in a state show next fall. I will be a super heavy because of my height, 6'3". To be honest the only reason I haven't tried to compete yet is because I am scared. I guess I am just afraid to lose. But I am being helped and pushed by some very supportive state bber's to get up there and give it a shot. My placing will be out of my control, but even if I place dead last I will walk away happy, knowing that I gave it my best, and thats enough for me

 

[Alex A]

I have been training for almost 15 years. The diet was way off and I overtrained for the first half of those years but I have been very serious since. I am planning on competing for the first time in a state show next fall. I will be a super heavy because of my height, 6'3". To be honest the only reason I haven't tried to compete yet is because I am scared. I guess I am just afraid to lose. But I am being helped and pushed by some very supportive state bber's to get up there and give it a shot. My placing will be out of my control, but even if I place dead last I will walk away happy, knowing that I gave it my best, and thats enough for me

I hear you.. maybe because your so big and a super.. more pressure is on you to win..

Im a smaller guy so .. i get mad props for winning because im not a big guy and people dont expect a smaller guy to win sometimes... so there is less pressure.. i know some guys are scared to lose.

but.. i always tell those that work with me..

" i want you looking your best" and you will get respect if your complete, and conditioned... and...thats all there is too it..

its a subjective sport.. out of our control when we step on stage..

I trully believe only in training to win... every damn show.. i have trained with the intention and drive and mentallity that i can win..

it doesnt always happen that way... not even Mr Olympia has an un defeated record..

there is not a single bber that will win every show he does... not even close.. too many factors are involved.

Train to win, be happy if you looked your best...

 

[bigG]

I want to compete, as I am east indian and I havnt seen any east indian bodybuilder compete. I been training for 3 years now at 178 lbs and 10.5 bf%. My trainer wants me to compete just to be like a poster boy for indian people. Where I live most indians are on drugs/alcohol. I think by me competing I can influence my community to train hard at the gym and feel good about them selves without the need of drugs/alcohol
P.S I live in toronto,Canada . lots of brownies here

 

[Jcagle]

I was lucky guys. I found found Alex ( via Pesty's reccomedation) for my first prep ever! We cut it close I only had 12 weeks with Alex. Alex, can't help to think what another 4 weeks would have got me! I went from 202 and weighed in at 153 for a total of 16 weeks.
I was prepping myself for a eariler contest that I pulled out of.
I had always lifted for sports, wrestling and football. After highschool went right to work fighting wildland fires. Did that for 12 years and pretty much trashed my body. 4 years ago I got hired with a municipal fire department. Since then I decied to spend the next 30 years of my life taking care of my body. Got into lifting angain and here I am. Can't wait to compete again, my first contest turned my world around and now this is all I want to do. I can't wait to work a full year with Alex to grow and compete in 2011 bigger, drier and grainy!!!!!

 

[Lenny]

I was lucky guys. I found found Alex ( via Pesty's reccomedation) for my first prep ever! We cut it close I only had 12 weeks with Alex. Alex, can't help to think what another 4 weeks would have got me! I went from 202 and weighed in at 153 for a total of 16 weeks.
I was prepping myself for a eariler contest that I pulled out of.
I had always lifted for sports, wrestling and football. After highschool went right to work fighting wildland fires. Did that for 12 years and pretty much trashed my body. 4 years ago I got hired with a municipal fire department. Since then I decied to spend the next 30 years of my life taking care of my body. Got into lifting angain and here I am. Can't wait to compete again, my first contest turned my world around and now this is all I want to do. I can't wait to work a full year with Alex to grow and compete in 2011 bigger, drier and grainy!!!!!

You are with the right guy. Good luck and keep growing!

 

[ericraven2003]

I will never compete. With work, wife, and kids. I wouldn't want to half ass it. Now, I was able to loose 46lbs in 14 weeks. I have maintained it for a year and almost half. My jean size now is 29". Like someone said you need to have goals. I have 2 to 3 a year. They all revolve around vacation trips. It keeps me focused,and always keeping tabs on my weight. Without goals in any part of our lives, it makes slipping much easier.

With all that said, for those who compete, I have the most respect. It takes real focus and dedication that most of us will never be able to do.

 

[Jcagle]

Right you are Lenny, right you are!

 

[duke123]

I did my first show this year in december.For many years i wanted to do a show.Always talked about it but never went through with it.It was an awesome experience and yes, I was scared shitless the night before and the day of the show.Hid it well from others but inside was shaking like a little kid.I had very little help with posing and because of that was going to back out at the last minute.But I didn't and it has changed my life and outlook on training forever.I am now preparig for 2 shows in 2010.I am focused every moment of everyday working on improving my body inside and out.For all you guys who are thinking about doing a show.I say do it!!Even if you do not do a show I believe everyone should attempt to get into contest type shape from time to time.Once you are in that condition you will not want to go back to double digit body fat % or let your diet get to sloppy or miss to many workouts.It will keep you motivated.