Ready, Set, Pose! – Bodybuilding Competitions
Now we’re talking! Finally, after months and months of hard, consistent and dedicated work you get to show off your physique to people who will actually appreciate everything about it. There is so much to take care of, from your physique itself, the routine you need to plan, the music that will go with the routine, down to the very color of your bathing suit and which bronzer or tanning cream you are going to use.
Sometimes you may need to start planning up to six months before the contest itself. A good way to start is by actually watching videos of contests and making detailed notes. How do contestants put their programs together? What poses do they use? What kind of music? What is it that makes the winner a winner?
If you feel you’re ready for a contest and all the preparation that goes into it then about six months to a year before, you need to take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Where could you use a little more bulk, a little more mass, a little more definition? Where can you cut down on body fat? Should you grow your hair out more or keep it short? Consult with a professional, with your coach or with previous contestants. If that is not possible log on to internet forums and get advice from people who have been through the experience.
Judges will give you marks on everything mentioned above, including music choice, pose routine and your posing outfit. It’s best to start at a local or amateur level and work your way up from there, gaining experience and confidence as you go along. Get each contest you participate in on video so you can watch it more critically later on.
As for the contests themselves there are plenty at both local, national and international levels. They are held by bodybuilding organizations of which some of the more well-known ones include the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation, the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation, the Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness, and the Amateur Bodybuilding Association. Looking up their websites should help you find competitions in your area or your level of experience.
