It's common for those who are unfamiliar with bodybuilding to think that you each athlete uses steroids, are drowning in supplements, and are starving themselves just to compete.
The truth is that is not the case and actually quite the opposite from that.
Bodybuilding is a sport and while some athletes have done these things, that isn't the case for the majority and it can be done in more of a healthier way.
Let's debunk some of these myths that you may have heard about competing as a bikini competitor.
Recommended Reading: The Best Posing Tips to Slay the Stage
5 Common Bodybuilding Myths Debunked
All successful bodybuilders use steroids'
Bodybuilding does not require you to use steroid's, nor do you have to use them in order to be successful.
There are different federations where some are tested and others are not tested. It really comes down to personal preference on why some use them and others don't.
After being in the fitness industry for over 5 years, I only know of a few who do, while the majority does not.
Reasons for this is that it is costly already to compete, so taking steroids is another expense. Along with this is that it is not the healthiest for you in the long run.
If you want to make sure that you are competing against others where everyone is tested though, you can!
Consider competing in a federation like the OCB where each athlete is tested.
You have to use supplements
Supplements are not necessary. They are just a tool.
Protein shakes for example are a tool to help athletes get in more protein in the day to hit their macros and calories. However, you could easily get in protein from other sources like lean meats and not take protein shakes all together.
It comes down to if you are lacking anything in your current nutrition where you would need help in supplementation to help.
We know vitamins and minerals can help overall, but if you are lacking those, maybe it's important to look at your currently nutrition before supplementing everything.
Signs like low energy, poor digestion, and more can be a result from current routine and nutrition.
I always recommend you talking to a doctor and getting blood work done first before deciding to supplement.
Bodybuilding makes women look like men
This one always makes me giggle a little bit because it would take a lot more than weight lifting to make a woman look like a man....
It would take years of training and nutrition (and possibly hormones) to get that specific look.
Plus it depends on the division that you want to compete in for the look that you would need to achieve.
Weight lifting alone though, does not make you look like man.
If anything it gives you more curves and the 'toned' look that many desire to achieve.
You have to starve yourself in order to get stage lean
Nope, nope, and nope!
If you are starving yourself in order to get ready for the stage, there are more issues that needs to be addressed first.
Food is fuel. Food keeps hormones balanced. Food keeps your sanity.
The goal would be to increase your metabolism as much as possible before deciding to cut for a show so that you are not starving yourself by the end.
Cutting too many calories can lead to other health concerns and it's important to keep your mental and physical well-being at the forefront of everything else when considering to compete.
You have to workout every single day
Rest is still part of the process in order to come back stronger in your workouts.
If you are working out every single day hard, it is important to note that your muscles will not have a chance to recover and your body will eventually make you rest in one way or another.
Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Pushing yourself every single day to the point of exhaustion will cause you too eventually fall off track and loose motivation quickly.
If you are falling victim to any of these myths, join the Top Knot Strong Community!
I help to debunk these and more in our facebook group so that you can reach your health and fitness goals in a more healthier and safe way.
