My first contest. How do I start?

[BenKelley119]

I could use some serious info guys. I'm set on prepping to compete in my first contest but I don't even know where to start! All I know is that I'm in the bantamweight class. My research isn't helping much. Do I need to start eating like a horse? Can I maintain this weight and stand a chance? Is there a really a physique division where gargantuan muscle mass isn't a must-have? Wtf, someone help me get on track here.

[fltallpaul]

I could use some serious info guys. I'm set on prepping to compete in my first contest but I don't even know where to start! All I know is that I'm in the bantamweight class. My research isn't helping much. Do I need to start eating like a horse? Can I maintain this weight and stand a chance? Is there a really a physique division where gargantuan muscle mass isn't a must-have? Wtf, someone help me get on track here.

Layne Norton wrote a wonderful article on contest prep. It's a sticky in this section as well. It's a few years old but its a great starting point. You should also look up his video series on BB.com called Life of a Natural Pro. It shows him coaching Tommy Jeffers to a Pro Qualifier. Those two things are what got me to compete and has helped shape my competitive and coaching career.

Good luck.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/layne36.htm

[doza808]

Layne Norton wrote a wonderful article on contest prep. It's a sticky in this section as well. It's a few years old but its a great starting point. You should also look up his video series on BB.com called Life of a Natural Pro. It shows him coaching Tommy Jeffers to a Pro Qualifier. Those two things are what got me to compete and has helped shape my competitive and coaching career.

Good luck.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/layne36.htm

Excellent article. Thanks for posting this. I'm thinking about doing my first contest this year.

[BenKelley119]

Layne Norton wrote a wonderful article on contest prep. It's a sticky in this section as well. It's a few years old but its a great starting point. You should also look up his video series on BB.com called Life of a Natural Pro. It shows him coaching Tommy Jeffers to a Pro Qualifier. Those two things are what got me to compete and has helped shape my competitive and coaching career.

Good luck.

A lot of useful info, thank you. But there wasn't anything on amateur competitions or if there is a different category for smaller guys. Are there fitness model/physique shows as opposed to bodybuilding shows? Or are they one in the same?

[fltallpaul]

A lot of useful info, thank you. But there wasn't anything on amateur competitions or if there is a different category for smaller guys. Are there fitness model/physique shows as opposed to bodybuilding shows? Or are they one in the same?

Each organization has weight classes and different categories, as well as novice or beginner classes. Almost all organizations now have physique or model classes as well.

[allancadenhead]

bump