Nervous about getting on stage....

[Italian_13]

Hey guys hows it going? So I decided last year that I wanted to compete in a bodybuilding competition. But, in a last minute decision, I chickened out. I finally decided that this is the year I will try to break out of my shell and compete. The only problem is.... I'm REALLY self-conscious. I guess my question or discussion is this, how many of you were like this, or still are? I think, for me, its all psychological being that I was a really fat kid growing up. Any suggestions or comments? I plan on doing a local show first in Grand Rapids on June 2nd, its non-affiliated but I figured I might as well start off small, that way I know if this is what I want to do again and to get out some nervousness and some people shyness. Thanks and good luck to all that are also competing this year!

[mass_chaos]

Hey guys hows it going? So I decided last year that I wanted to compete in a bodybuilding competition. But, in a last minute decision, I chickened out. I finally decided that this is the year I will try to break out of my shell and compete. The only problem is.... I'm REALLY self-conscious. I guess my question or discussion is this, how many of you were like this, or still are? I think, for me, its all psychological being that I was a really fat kid growing up. Any suggestions or comments? I plan on doing a local show first in Grand Rapids on June 2nd, its non-affiliated but I figured I might as well start off small, that way I know if this is what I want to do again and to get out some nervousness and some people shyness. Thanks and good luck to all that are also competing this year!


I feel the same way. What I did was, pay entry fees and told everyone and their momma that i was competing. They are all behind me so there is no way I can't back out on myself or them. Basically, the time, money, blood, sweat, tears and most of the damn dieting, will have to be my motivation.

[jumpa14]

I feel the same way. What I did was, pay entry fees and told everyone and their momma that i was competing. They are all behind me so there is no way I can back out on myself or them. Basically, the time, money, blood, sweat, tears and most of the damn dieting, will have to be my motivation.

hah..man believe me I am nervous everytime..but once you get on stage you cant wait to get on again...it is a VERY addicting sport..especially when you have a hyped crowd and good competition...Just go through with it and you will be glad you did...Besides if you can step in front of a 1000 people 95% percent naked then you can do anything..ha

[irocktheyellow]

Well for me i was so tired and depleted on the day of the show i had no energy to be nervous.

[GSOgymrat]

I feel the same way. What I did was, pay entry fees and told everyone and their momma that i was competing. They are all behind me so there is no way I can't back out on myself or them. Basically, the time, money, blood, sweat, tears and most of the damn dieting, will have to be my motivation.

I did the same thing: I told my family and friends I was doing this so there is no way I could back out now. I've always had a fear of being in front of an audience and I'm using this fear to make me workout harder. Getting on the stage is definitely going to be the most difficult part of this bodybuilding thing. My strategy is going to be as prepared as I can and to ACT like a bodybuilder.

[Italian_13]

Well at least I don't feel alone then! I guess because I was fat for most of my life I have a hard time noticing that I look skinny and muscular. The reason I want to do this is for me, but for several reasons. First, I think it will make me a better personal trainer in the long run. Second, I want to see what I can do, I have worked hard to get where I'm at and I think by entering a competition, I can see how much I have progressed. And third, so I can stop being so nervous and people shy. I like what Jumpa14 said: "...if you can step in front of a 1000 people 95% percent naked then you can do anything..." <-- Thats true!! Thanks guys

[FATHER FLEX]

I feel the same way, so I just did somethine like what va_new_guy did. :D

[KnowstheSky]

When I knew I was gonna compete, I started working on my posing in the aerobics room at my gym. When people walked in at first I got nervous, but I quickly realized I would be out in front of many people, so I had to had some self confidence and not be inhibited.

About 4 weeks out from the show I felt stage worthy, and I lost most of my nervousness about posing mostly naked in front of people.

Hope you have a great time buddy!

[Italian_13]

Hey thats not a bad idea. At my college they have a dance room with mirrors surrounding the whole room. I think I might reserve the room for like an hour or so a day and start practice posing there. Hell, one day I just won't even reserve it, then when the girls come to practice, they see my half naked A$$!! J/K (Not a bad idea though right?) Anyways, thanks for the advice.

[sixzebra]

When I knew I was gonna compete, I started working on my posing in the aerobics room at my gym. When people walked in at first I got nervous, but I quickly realized I would be out in front of many people, so I had to had some self confidence and not be inhibited.

About 4 weeks out from the show I felt stage worthy, and I lost most of my nervousness about posing mostly naked in front of people.

Hope you have a great time buddy!
I did the same thing. after my weight w/o, i'd go through my poses at the squat rack, in front of huge mirror, (if nobody was going to use it of course). helped immensely with the stage fright.

[Beefcake Girl]

I was REALLY nervous before my first national show. Which was odd for me, because I do not normally get stage fright! But my trainer came to check on me and he said I had the "deer in headlights look". He reminded me that I earned the right to be there. So I thought about and I decided if I didn't feel confident, I would PRETEND. I would act like I was most self confident girl in the world and that I was as good as the rest of the competitors. And suddenly my perspective changed...and slowly I became that girl for real. I still remind myself of that before shows. I busted my ass to get here and I deserve this moment. And I just try to enjoy it :)

PS people may not say it but everyone in the audience and ESPECIALLY backstage admires your dedication to train and get on stage. Some of my guy friends who used to think bodybuilding was a joke went to one of my shows...I gave them one piece of advice before they watched the bodybuilders. I told them to remember how hard I trained and dieted and keep in mind that all these people went through the same thing. It actually shut them up and they were amazingly interested in the show. Even the naysayers gotta give you respect :)

So be proud and get up there and know that the people that matter support you...and have fun!

[Beefcake Girl]

Oh and I do agree with the other posters...practice a TON. In times of stress the body goes on automatic pilot but if you are really rehearsed, it will know what to do and you will be fine even if you do get nervous.

I pose every day when I am on season and it helped me a lot. When they changed up the order of our poses and such at each national show, I was able to stay calm. I knew the poses, all I had to remember was the order!

[CarolinaGurl]

Just go through with it and you will be glad you did...Besides if you can step in front of a 1000 people 95% percent naked then you can do anything..ha

Amen, that is all I can say!! and no, I don't wear my competition suits to the beach *lol* people have really asked me that!!

~T

[CarolinaGurl]

When I knew I was gonna compete, I started working on my posing in the aerobics room at my gym. When people walked in at first I got nervous, but I quickly realized I would be out in front of many people, so I had to had some self confidence and not be inhibited.


I did the same thing at first and then I graduated to practicing my routine in front of the big mirrors on the workout floor with my iPod on. That way I had my music to work to and people were more inclined to leave me alone (esp guys, cause I don't wear a wedding ring while working out. The nice thing was the guys who know me and my husband usually kept other guys away so I could focus).

I also made a habit of practicing without music too that way you get to know your routine by memory which is always a good fall back when you get nervous which I was the first time out, but after that... game on!! waaahoooooooo!!

[thaibodybuilder]

how about you go tanning at a beach (if you have one) -and- bust out the posing trunks in the middle of a crowd? then you get used to the attention. lol.