Suggestions on types of competitions

[lpaduh]

Hey! Im looking for information on different types of competitions (fitness, figure, bikini). Really Im trying to figure out what type of competition is best suited for my fitness goals, time and financial stand point.

Some background info. I have been working out forever and am currently on a periodized plan. I am 5.4, 121 lbs, 17 %bf. I want to train for something that will leave me looking lean and femine. With that being said, I have no dancing ability for competitions that may require it. Im currently in school, so while funds are limited, I will be able to set money aside for suits etc.

I believe that I am lacking general knowledge about the fitness competition world.

1. What type of competition is best for me?
2. Do I really need a trainer/nutrionist if I have a Masters in Fitness?
3. How much are suits?
4. How long does it take to prepare for a competition?
5. Do I need a cycling diet?
6. What type of training program is best suited for me?

I am very interested in learning more about competiting. If I sound like Idk what I am talking about, it's bc I dont, lol.

I am willing and eager to learn, and I am open to any and all advice! Thanks!

[Rahshe03]

I am not an expert on any of this but I have been doing my share of research. If you dont have any dancing ability then fitness would probably not be for you unless you get a dance coach or choreographer who would help you with your routine. If you want to showcase a feminine body with not alot of muscle then of course bodybuilding would not be for you. So that leaves figure and bikini. If you are going for the athletic and lean then bikini would fit. If you are going for lean with some muscle tone then I think Figure would a good fit. Hopefully someone else could chime in and offer more advice but I hope this helps!

[dvsness]

Originally Posted by lpaduh

1. What type of competition is best for me?

Only you can decide. Fitness is very dance/gymnastics based. Bodybuilding has a routine, but it doesn't require a whole lot. Neither Figure nor Bikini require anything more to the presentation on stage than mandatory 'poses', which are very simple.

Here are some examples of the look of each division:

Bodybuilding (Team Universe 2009 Middleweight winner Pam Wentz):



Figure (North American 2009 Class A winner LaVonda Ezell):



Bikini (USA 2009 Class B winner Michelle Gullett)

Originally Posted by lpaduh

2. Do I really need a trainer/nutrionist if I have a Masters in Fitness?

That depends on if you think you are capable of dieting yourself down to single digit bodyfat (BB or Figure) on your own, and if you have a good enough eye to see your own symmetry.

Originally Posted by lpaduh

3. How much are suits?

Anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand. For a local level show, no more than $300 for a custom made suit.

Originally Posted by lpaduh

4. How long does it take to prepare for a competition?

That's a broad question and depends on the division you choose. I don't expect that it takes long to prep for Bikini. But to accrue the muscle maturity for other disciplines, you need a decent base before you even plan on dieting down for prep. I have lifter for years and years. I typically cut for 16 weeks for a show. Some women I know do longer or shorter preps, depending on metabolism and type of diet.

Originally Posted by lpaduh

5. Do I need a cycling diet?

There is no 'need'. There are a lot of ways to skin a cat.

Originally Posted by lpaduh

6. What type of training program is best suited for me?

Another broad question that I can't really answer without knowing you better.

Originally Posted by lpaduh

I am very interested in learning more about competiting. If I sound like Idk what I am talking about, it's bc I dont, lol.

I am willing and eager to learn, and I am open to any and all advice! Thanks!

Good luck with your goals.

[firecracker3]

great post dvsness!

[shogunrua111]

Originally Posted by firecracker3

great post dvsness!

+1