pumping up backstage, what exercises help ya, which ones blur ya?

[abolish the weak]

I guess in the past I've found that certain exercises backstage help, but certain body parts can become blurry due to the pump. Biceps for me can often blur out easy if they get too pumped. I def dont do abs backstage, no legs but I try and pose my legs and squeeze. Now lateral raises I think help me, not sure about any sort of rows, maybe. Lets hear it from some of you more experienced guys

 

[IRON37]

I didnt know what the hell to do for my show so I did some curls and like a million pushups lol I was kindof nervous/psyched up. I think it was good to pump up my chest, it looked full compered to everyone else but really took out my lines which was my strong point. I think next time around I would do minimal pumping up. Probly just some light arms to get the veins out and maybe some light side laterals to pop them out a bit.

 

[Tom]

side laterals and a few push-ups and mostly just posing

 

[GymDudeVA]

Few years since I competed, but....I found this confusing too. Add that there may be very little weights/equipment, you're not sure of the timing of when exactly you're gong on, plus the aforementioned nerves/anxiety.

I just did a couple of sets of pushups every few mintues when it was getting close. That seems to get the blood going in my upper body and give a little pump to my best bodypart, chest. But I dont' think a real pump lasts very long, esp. when dehydrated, etc., so I think it's mainly about keeping the blood flowing to the muscles. Oh yeah, posing backstage is good too.

 

[oldfella]

Mainly practice your posing and some side lats. Save the legs for the stage because they can become blurred very quickly with a solid pump. Just try to relax and feel the muscles work as you pose. Hit your mandatories and hold them for a few seconds each. You will be more pumped than using weights. If you have some weights available use them but do not go crazy, save it for the stage.