Perspective gained by a first time competitor

[proud_polack]

Hey everyone, participated in my first contest yesterday and placed 3rd in juniors (guy that took 2nd got it through politics though, and the whole crowd knew it). Anyways, I wanted to write down a few things that I've learned and hope it helps anyone preparing for their first contest.
1. Don't mess around with carb/depletion and carb loading if you're natural. Honestly, it's not going to make a huge difference. It's not worth the risk of spilling over and coming in big and smooth or under carbing and being flat and smooth.
2. Don't sweat the small stuff the day of competition. Worrying about what's good to eat the day of, don't bother. I found that the best competitors ate the worst food the day of. Anything you eat that day isn't going to affect your body too much unless you way over do it.
3. Be prepared for anything and everything. My contest building was freezing, I couldn't vein out at all since I was cold. I should have had a hair dryer and heavier clothes to keep warm.
4. Don't get upset due to a politics call. No matter where you go, someone will know the judges and score better than you based on that and not they're body. So what, you didn't get the trophy you wanted, your body is your trophy.
5. During your pre-contest diet, get a few meals together and know their macros. Don't spend time killing yourself by measuring and counting everything out. Of course still portion everything right by placing it on a scale or measuring cup, just don't stress over it.
That's about all I've got for now. Thanks for reading

[DanTheManB]

[QUOTE=proud_polack;577285611]Hey everyone, participated in my first contest yesterday and placed 3rd in juniors (guy that took 2nd got it through politics though, and the whole crowd knew it).



4. Don't get upset due to a politics call. No matter where you go, someone will know the judges and score better than you based on that and not they're body. So what, you didn't get the trophy you wanted, your body is your trophy.


*eyeroll* strong sour grapes....same song and dance by everyone who doesnt place where they want

[surfergirl36]

1. Don't mess around with carb/depletion and carb loading if you're natural. Honestly, it's not going to make a huge difference. It's not worth the risk of spilling over and coming in big and smooth or under carbing and being flat and smooth.


Congrats on doing that first show and having the experience!

Just a comment on the first thing. I actually think carb loading/ depleting is just as important, if not more important, if you're natural and can make the difference between placings. You need to be lean enough and the trick is to do a few trial runs before your show. Your first time depleting and loading should not be during the week before your contest.

[proud_polack]

[QUOTE=proud_polack;577285611]Hey everyone, participated in my first contest yesterday and placed 3rd in juniors (guy that took 2nd got it through politics though, and the whole crowd knew it).



4. Don't get upset due to a politics call. No matter where you go, someone will know the judges and score better than you based on that and not they're body. So what, you didn't get the trophy you wanted, your body is your trophy.


*eyeroll* strong sour grapes....same song and dance by everyone who doesnt place where they want
Guy didn't even have abs my friend... I think something was up

[proud_polack]

Congrats on doing that first show and having the experience!

Just a comment on the first thing. I actually think carb loading/ depleting is just as important, if not more important, if you're natural and can make the difference between placings. You need to be lean enough and the trick is to do a few trial runs before your show. Your first time depleting and loading should not be during the week before your contest.

Maybe I'll try a few trial runs next time around. Also looking for a different macro composition for my diet, less protein more carbs. Definitely had a good time doing it though.

A few more things I thought of as well.
6. Get someone that will be critique you 100% unbiasedly. My girlfriend was actually very good at this. She'd constantly get on my case about water retention on my abs and not practicing enough.
7. Practice posing for about 15 minutes to an hour a few days (if not every day) a week for at least 6 weeks. You'll be much more confident on stage and it'll only make you sharper.
8. Don't sweat the small stuff at any given point in your prep. Honestly, just keep your diet and training in check.
9. Numbers dealing with your body composition don't mean anything. Use a mirror, pictures, and someone who isn't afraid to tell you how you look and if you're progressing.
Anyone else can feel free to add as well.