When considering competing in a bodybuilding competition, you might have a lot of questions from training all of the way to the tan and more.
We have some of the questions here that you might be afraid to ask about bikini competition prep and have answered them to help give you more insight into the process of what competing will entail.
Recommended Reading: 10 Things That Will Make You A Better First Time Competitor
12 Questions you might be afraid to ask about bikini competition prep
1. Do you have to get a boob job in order to be a successful competitor
The answer to this question is no, you don't have to get a boob job in order to be a successful competitor. You can still be successful and maintain your natural form. The only thing that you need is confidence and self-love.
Many who undergo getting surgery are those who want to enhance the proportions of their physique because while you lean down you will usually lose most of the fat around your chest.
However, there are successful competitors who don't go this route and are very successful.
2. Do tattoos affect placing in competition
No, tattoos do not affect placement in a competition. In most cases the tan will cover the tattoos and mute the vibrancy of the tattoos.
Many competitors have tattoos and it doesn't affect placement in their shows, it would only become an issue if the judges are not able to see the hard work you have put in for what they will be judging you on.
3. Are steroids required to be competitive
No, steroids are not required to be competitive. Steroids are a performance enhancing drug and can have negative side effects.
Steroids have been used for many years to improve athletic performance. They are a performance enhancing drug and can have negative side effects.
There are some federations who do test and not allow any performance enhancing drugs like the OCB. It is up to you on which federation best aligns with you, but steroids are not required.
4. Do those who have darker skin tones still get a tan
This is a question that has been asked for decades and the answer is yes. Those with darker skin tones can get a tan, but it will be browner than someone with lighter skin.
By getting a tan, it can even out skin tone and help to show more definition on stage no matter the skin tone. If unsure, reach out to the tanning company that is to be at the show you plan on entering to ask any specific questions.
5. Can you compete without a coach
The answer is yes, but it’s not easy.
The truth is, you can compete without a prep coach if you have the time and resources to do it. However, the process will be more difficult and it may take a lot more time than if you had someone to guide you through the process.
A prep coach can guide you and help to take off some of the guesswork out of the process while also keeping you on track to get there.
@topknotstrong Posing client Cynthia had another great show in the books and congrats on her wins in figure and her first time in bikini! 🥳👏🏻#bodybuilding ##candycrush10 #bikinicompetitor #figurecompetitor ♬ ZEE - ZEE
6. Does genetics make a difference in your results
Genetics is a huge factor in how you can train your body.
Some people are able to build muscle faster than others, which makes it easier for them to achieve their goals quicker. Genetics also play a role in how your body reacts to exercise and diet, which can lead to varying results.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to achieving your fitness goals and genetics do have an impact on that.
However, this doesn't mean that you can't compete if you have underlying health conditions, it just may take longer or specialized training in order to compete.
7. Do top athletes starve themselves to get their results
No, that’s a myth. Athletes who are trying to lose weight do not need to starve themselves. Actually it is quite the opposite for most as long as they are educated and have a credible coach.
Many will spend the beginning part of training for a competition by increasing their metabolism prior to cutting for a show. This way they have more room to work with in calories and macros.
Only cutting calories as needed to make sure they are on track for their show date.
8. What's the purpose of competing in a bodybuilding show
Everyone will have their varying reason so competing in a bodybuilding show is a personal journey.
For most, it is about challenging yourself and pushing your limits. You get to take on the role of an athlete and compete against others in your class.
The purpose of competing in a bodybuilding show is to push yourself to the limits, challenge yourself, and work on achieving your goals with the help of others who are also passionate about fitness.
9. How expensive is competing
The price of competing in a bodybuilding competition is expensive especially for the first time.
Things to consider for your first time:
- Entry fees - Competitor card, competition classes (can be multiple)
- Outfit - Competition suit, heels, jewelry, robe or loose fitting clothing
- Prep Coach - training and nutrition for bodybuilding
- Posing Coach - if your prep coach doesn't include posing
- Finishing touches - makeup, hair, and competition tan
- Travel - hotel, gas, plane ticket, etc.
- Supplements - not a necessity, but may help if you are lacking something in your nutrition
All of these items added up can add up quickly as you can see and will vary greatly depending on location and/or if you have any of these things already.
Many first time competitors will typically spend at least $2500-$5000 their first time.
10. How do you prep the "downstairs" as a woman for your tan and competition
In order to have a successful competition, you need to be confident in your physical appearance. You need to feel good about yourself and what you are presenting on stage.
For the tan in general you will have to exfoliate prior to the tan. For body hair many competitors men and women will shave everything or have areas waxed.
This helps to make the tan go on more evenly and also helps the judges to see more the muscularity and definition on stage under the bright lights.
11. If I have a lot of weight to lose yet, can you still enter a bodybuilding competition
It’s possible to enter a bodybuilding competition with a lot of weight to lose yet. It just may take you a little longer than someone who has less to lose prior to a show.
The best way to determine a good timeline for yourself is by talking to a prep coach or in the meantime work towards a show by being disciplined with your workouts and nutrition that is geared towards a bodybuilding show.
Some federations also have a transformation category such as the WBFF.
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12. When is the best time to enter a show
The biggest thing to consider when the best time would be is when you are mentally ready and with the least amount of stress and distractions.
Mentally it will take a lot of discipline and saying no to foods or spending more time working out depending on coaches protocols.
On top of this if you have a lot of vacations and or things planned that will throw you off course, it might be best to wait or find a time when you will have time to dedicate to competing.
This is however, this will vary from person to person, so it's best to consider what would be best for you and what support you will need during this journey.
All of these are great questions to consider and realize that a lot of it is different from person to person.
If you are considering competing and need more insight on specifics for this part of your journey, it is best to talk to a coach!
Our coaches here at Top Knot Strong are certified personal trainers and have different specifications too.
Schedule a free 15 minute consultation today to start chatting about what would be best for you on this journey to the stage below.
