To compete or not to compete

[bustasinclair]

I have made it known of my intentions to get to the stage in 2 or 3 years; I have been thinking lately that there are many of you in the O35 section that look great, but do not aspire to be on the stage. A couple names come to mind off the top: Aneas, Bodyhard, DBX etc.

For those who do not want to compete--what might be the reasons? I thought thread this might help some of us who are aspiring for the stage to get some feedback from those who might know more about the rigors.

For those who are competing/have competed--what potentially scary information would you think we who are aspiring to the stage should know?

Any feedback or healthy debate would be cool!

[DeathtoToasters]

I have made it known of my intentions to get to the stage in 2 or 3 years; I have been thinking lately that there are many of you in the O35 section that look great, but do not aspire to be on the stage. A couple names come to mind off the top: Aneas, Bodyhard, DBX etc.

For those who do not want to compete--what might be the reasons? I thought thread this might help some of us who are aspiring for the stage to get some feedback from those who might know more about the rigors.

For those who are competing/have competed--what potentially scary information would you think we who are aspiring to the stage should know?

Any feedback or healthy debate would be cool!

Well I know that when I get my body to the way I want it to look like, that there would be riots by women trying to get to me.

So for the PUBLIC GOOD I don't want to compete.

Yes you can all thank me now!

[aneas]

I have made it known of my intentions to get to the stage in 2 or 3 years; I have been thinking lately that there are many of you in the O35 section that look great, but do not aspire to be on the stage. A couple names come to mind off the top: Aneas, Bodyhard, DBX etc.

For those who do not want to compete--what might be the reasons? I thought thread this might help some of us who are aspiring for the stage to get some feedback from those who might know more about the rigors.

For those who are competing/have competed--what potentially scary information would you think we who are aspiring to the stage should know?

Any feedback or healthy debate would be cool!

Thanks for the compliment. It takes supreme dedication (more than I either have or am willing to give) to get in the shape it takes to win. I have a ton of respect for those that do. Its just not for me. I only do it becuase I enjoy it. Even cutting to a certain point is fun for me.

[bodyhard]

Thanks for the mention, I would love to compete, I want to compete, but I honestly don't think I have what it takes to do so. I love bodybuilding, I live it, but I would hate to get on stage and lose. I don't think I have the mental toughness for that.

Also bodybuilding is not what it used to be, it has changed so much I PM'ed Carl once cause I wasn't sure if everyone had to prance around like a folly with a thong in order to win.


If you want to do it I say go for it, just go at it 100%

[LyingSac]

yep you would have to become like these guys and then some...it is the "and then some" that makes the difference.I'm all about "experiences" in life...So's I say go for it.....Live and Learn

[Do_Somethin]

Go ahead. It will be one less "what if".

[ardsranger]

dont laught at this please
But I compete ever time im in the gym. to see if im better than previous time.
Someday it may be fun to do comp. i have a very long way to go for that. So for me short term goals is to be better everytime. If i can beat them most days the Long term goal of a comp will most likely come.

post by your GROUPS NOOB

[bustasinclair]

Well I know that when I get my body to the way I want it to look like, that there would be riots by women trying to get to me.

So for the PUBLIC GOOD I don't want to compete.

Yes you can all thank me now!

I can hear the crowd cheering

Thanks for the compliment. It takes supreme dedication (more than I either have or am willing to give) to get in the shape it takes to win. I have a ton of respect for those that do. Its just not for me. I only do it becuase I enjoy it. Even cutting to a certain point is fun for me.

Understandable; I guess success in other areas probably play out in this decision as well.

Thanks for the mention, I would love to compete, I want to compete, but I honestly don't think I have what it takes to do so. I love bodybuilding, I live it, but I would hate to get on stage and lose. I don't think I have the mental toughness for that.

Also bodybuilding is not what it used to be, it has changed so much I PM'ed Carl once cause I wasn't sure if everyone had to prance around like a folly with a thong in order to win.


If you want to do it I say go for it, just go at it 100%

Well, I hope you decide to go for it; who cares about winning the first time out.....I believe by hitting the stage, you've already won in a sense. Dude, you could prob be stage ready in a matter of a few months.

yep you would have to become like these guys and then some...it is the "and then some" that makes the difference.I'm all about "experiences" in life...So's I say go for it.....Live and Learn

No misconceptions on my part; I realize what it takes and I think I have it. I am going to put Ol Supe's theory to the test. I have the extreme desire, tenacity, and passion, but can I outtrain genetics? I guess we'll see.

[Do_Somethin]

dont laught at this please
But I compete ever time im in the gym. to see if im better than previous time.
Someday it may be fun to do comp. i have a very long way to go for that. So for me short term goals is to be better everytime. If i can beat them most days the Long term goal of a comp will most likely come.

post by your GROUPS NOOB

Look at your keyboard... Tell me that would've been an embarrassing typo just one key to the left! lol

[ardsranger]

Look at your keyboard... Tell me that would've been an embarrassing typo just one key to the left! lol

funny, Ill leave it for a jolly for everyone

[aneas]

Thanks for the mention, I would love to compete, I want to compete, but I honestly don't think I have what it takes to do so. I love bodybuilding, I live it, but I would hate to get on stage and lose. I don't think I have the mental toughness for that.

Also bodybuilding is not what it used to be, it has changed so much I PM'ed Carl once cause I wasn't sure if everyone had to prance around like a folly with a thong in order to win.


If you want to do it I say go for it, just go at it 100%

In a natural comp if you can get back to your old shape I think you would clean up.

I dont know about you but right now I am consumed with getting my old build back. My delts, arms and legs have a long way to go. But to be honest I am enjoying the challenge of getting it back and am not the least bit discouraged by it.

[Most Muscular]

As far as advice goes.... I strongly urge you to attend as many shows as possible before stepping on stage. I am surprised at the number of people who decide to compete and have never witnessed a show. When they do get on stage they usually have a rude awakening. They don't don't the level of conditioning they require, they don't know how to pose, they don't tan, they apply too much oil and many times make a fool out of themselves because they didn't do their homework.

Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.

nuff said...

[ctgblue]

For those who are competing/have competed--what potentially scary information would you think we who are aspiring to the stage should know?

You are NEVER as lean as you think when you start, you always have at least 15 more lbs to lose than you think
you will look great shirtless, but a lot smaller in clothing as you approach the end
You MUST be able to turn off the emotional eating and eat for results.
It does not have to be bland, but it has to be the same mix, day in and day out, no deviation

when you get to 7-8%, you start to ache in your joints, when you hit 5-6%, the bottoms of your feet hurt as well as your ass as you have no more fat, I never felt really bad this last time, just not much energy
posing practice is HARD and MUST be done every day beginning at least 4-5 weeks out (get the DVD from bb.com, boring but good, go see shows)

you will always look better, in your mind, the day AFTER the show
you will have a six pack again, the one you never thought you'd EVER see again

you will make new friends
you will either hate the experience and never compete again, OR, like most, get bitten by the bug and want to keep after it. It will keep you honest if you do a show every year or two, you cannot get too far out of shape

[DeTazMan]

I have always thought that I wouldnt compete because

a. Too narrow in the shoulders
b. Pigeon chested and thought I would get killed for that
c. The pre competition cut and dedication would make it seem more of a job than a relaxing and stress reducing hobby.

[Mr. Someday]

As far as advice goes.... I strongly urge you to attend as many shows as possible before stepping on stage. I am surprised at the number of people who decide to compete and have never witnessed a show. When they do get on stage they usually have a rude awakening. They don't don't the level of conditioning they require, they don't know how to pose, they don't tan, they apply too much oil and many times make a fool out of themselves because they didn't do their homework.

Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.

nuff said...

As usual, great advice Randy! Amazing to me how many show up with beach muscles and look like complete fat asses up on a stage. What's worse are the ones that do it and have no comprehension of why they placed where they did!

I'm guilty on the posing thing though....worked with someone the last 6 weeks coming up to the show, but really should of spent more time on that. My prep guy immediately made that point after the show saying I easily could of placed higher if I just did a better job presenting myself. I'm convinced now you have to make it look effortless up there and keep a smile on the whole time...anything to make it look easy. Now I still will never give a rats ass about the 90 second routine because the show is over at prejudging. You can pretty much walk around like Frankenstein to the Sesame Street theme song and still place in the same exact spot you were in after prejudging. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the guys/gals that put on a good show at night for the crowd, but that will never be me! lol

[aneas]

As usual, great advice Randy! Amazing to me how many show up with beach muscles and look like complete fat asses up on a stage. What's worse are the ones that do it and have no comprehension of why they placed where they did!

A friend of mine a few years back did exactly that never attened a show walked in and took dead last. He probably was about 9-10% BF and had no legs. He was pissed at the judges and thought he was robbed. He told me a judge took him aside and said he needed to come in better shape and really work on bringing up his legs. He told me the judge was clueless. I was thinking the same thing about him though. Chicken legs...

[bodyhard]

Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the guys/gals that put on a good show at night for the crowd, but that will never be me! lol

Damn it feels good to see someone who competed say this. I need to know that this is not necessary, seriously.

[rickbless]

Go watch a couple shows . Talk to people who have competed to learn what to do .Then get out there you win by just showing up.I started competing at age 35 after running into Arnold at the classic I realized that I was bigger and talller than him , that was it for me. I grab a top placement once in a while but the shows are a blast. Do it for yourself.By the way I am 51 and training for a show in July

[Taichichuan]

Go watch a couple shows . Talk to people who have competed to learn what to do .Then get out there you win by just showing up.I started competing at age 35 after running into Arnold at the classic I realized that I was bigger and talller than him , that was it for me. I grab a top placement once in a while but the shows are a blast. Do it for yourself.By the way I am 51 and training for a show in July

I'm with you rickbless! I was talking with one of my younger brothers a few days ago about guys competing well into their seventies! My brother didn't want to believe this until he checked out the Web!

"Let's try this anyway, just for the hell of it! There's going to be a lot of hard work", I said. He said, "Fyuck it! Let's do some shoppin!" LOL

[rebuffed]

Aside from the clueless competitors already mentioned, there are two types: those whose goal is to win and those who do it for their satisfaction. If anything less than a top finish will be a failure to you, then you need to very carefully determine if you have the potential to win. Get some HONEST opinions from people who KNOW what it takes to win -- and that's probably NOT your training buddies. If you want to do it for your own satisfaction, I guarantee you will learn a tremendous amount about your body, training and nutrition. And getting into TRUE competition shape for the first time is a real rush, something that very few people can pull off and yes, something to be very proud of. Chances are, you will meet some great guys in the Masters classes. Compared to the younger guys, they are a lot more laid back with fewer attitudes. Keep in mind that in the over-35 classes you will be competing against guys who may have been bodybuilding and competing for 20+ years. But there are lots of newbies, too, just getting into it for the first time. Set realistic expectations and goals...and have fun!

[KeepItMoving]

I competed in college ...once. I powerlifted all summer and did a powerlifting competition in the Fall. I did pretty well. Then, I "cut" and competed in a bodybuilding contest in the Spring. I did terrible! I was pale, smooth, and looked surprisingly small compared to the guys that were well cut, with some size, even though I was actually bigger than they. Also, I realized that I had certain genetic weaknesses that stood out like sore thumbs on stage.

The only good thing about real "body building" for me was that I got a helluva lot more looks from the ladies when I was trimmed and cut than I ever did when I was at my powerlifting strongest. So, that was a good thing. As for the rest of everything you should do and should have before you decide to get on the stage, I realized long ago it wasn't for me.

I have huge respect for those who do it, and I continue to love the feel of a great weight workout.

[Baldiewonkanobi]

Busta...do go to some shows. See the pre judging where almost all the action takes place. The night show will set up pose downs between weight classes and lighting up the place with a dialed in posing routine can break a tie in the Judges eyes. This is also important if you are going to do the same show a year later. The Judges will remember you. I am a boring poser. Only once did I ever get the audience going...all un rehersed.

I find my fellow competitors a mixed bag. Some men that you want to have remain as new friends and some...royal pains in the ass A holes.

Baldie

[ironviolin]

I remember I got the bug when I went to see Body Rock a few years ago...saw so many body types it was like being a kid in a candy shop...had been lifting for about a year to just get in shape...posed the comp. question to my trainer and he gave me a year to get ready for my first show...and I thought I was in shape...wow...learned alot about my body, my ability to go the next step when you think you just can't...and then to see it come together...its a frikken science experiment...so cool..the end process is something you will want to share with an audience...you're presenting a well sculpted body for them to admire..you're a walking piece of art...I say go for it...not everyone can win but thats what competition is for...if nobody showed up, if we all looked the same...geez i'm glad we come in all shapes and sizes..so enjoy...check out a few shows and get started...