39 and just getting started

[chadkitz]

I am wondering specifically about competitions and progressing for Men's Physique. Is there a path to national and beyond through masters classes? What I seem to be finding is that to move from local to national and beyond you need to compete in an open class at a qualifier. Is that the case? I see in my local shows there are masters classes with few people in them. What is the point if you are competing against 1 or 2 others even entering? Finally, as a relatively new lifter and new to this sport is it even feasible to try and compete against people way younger? Lots of questions and not a lot of answers I can find out there.

[OldFartTom]

... is it even feasible to try and compete against people way younger?....

There are age categories!!

[chadkitz]

I know about the categories. What I am saying is with the age categories it seems there are not that many competitors so not sure of the point of going into a over 35 class if there are only 3 total people and also if you cannot progress to nationals in that category.

[ECGordyn]

I know about the categories. What I am saying is with the age categories it seems there are not that many competitors so not sure of the point of going into a over 35 class if there are only 3 total people and also if you cannot progress to nationals in that category.

Do it for your own reasons, not for some extrinsic reason. Any outside goal that you have might get taken away or cancelled, so you need the internal satisfaction of improving your physique, health, strength, mood, etc. in the first place.

[StevieHertz]

But like have you already done some bodybuilding or do you think about going directly into competitions? What is your status in regards to your physique?

[chadkitz]

But like have you already done some bodybuilding or do you think about going directly into competitions? What is your status in regards to your physique?

Probably a year minimum away. Haven't competed ever.