Preparing for a bikini bodybuilding competition is an incredibly demanding and personal journey. Reflecting on my first experience, there are several aspects I would approach differently if starting over again....
Recommended Reading: How Nutrition Impacts your Success as a Bikini Competitor
If I Were to Prep for My First Bikini Bodybuilding Competition Again, Here's What I'd Change.
Here’s what I’d change:
1. Start with a Clearer Nutritional Plan
Understanding My Macros Better
Initially, I didn’t pay enough attention to the balance of proteins, carbs, and fats in my diet. A more precise understanding of macronutrient needs specific to my body type and fitness goals would have been crucial.
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of just hitting calorie targets, I’d focus on nutrient-rich foods to fuel my workouts and recovery.
2. Incorporate a More Strategic Training Regime
Progressive Overload
I understand now that constantly challenging my muscles through progressive overload is key to growth and avoiding plateaus.
Rest and Recovery
I underestimated the importance of rest days. Muscles need time to repair, and overtraining can lead to injuries or burnout.
3. Improve My Posing Practice
Hiring a Posing Coach Sooner
Posing is an art form in bodybuilding. I’d invest in a coach early on to perfect my stage presence and highlight my physique properly.
Daily Practice
I would incorporate posing practice into my daily routine to ensure it becomes second nature by competition day.
4. Establishing a Mindset for Success
Positive Self-talk and Visualization
Building mental resilience with positive affirmations and visualizing success can be as important as physical training.
Set Realistic Expectations
Understanding that progress takes time would help me stay patient and avoid unnecessary stress over immediate results.
5. Better Time Management
Prioritizing Tasks
With the demands of training, meal prep, and rest, better time management would allow me to maintain balance in my life.
Scheduling Routine Check-Ins
Regular check-ins with my coach would ensure I stayed on track and made adjustments as needed without losing focus.
6.Taking Recovery Seriously
Invest in Mobility Work
Incorporating yoga or regular stretching sessions would have improved my flexibility and reduced the risk of injury.
Sleep Optimization
Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is something I’d make non-negotiable for peak performance and recovery.
7.Don't skimp on things that are truly needed
Invest in a quality competition suit
One made to order for you is going to fit better than one second hand. Plus, you can use it for more than one show.
Anything that will help to minimize stress
Depends on you for what this will apply to, but anything that will help to reduce stress in prepping for the stage whether that is a coach, buying meals from a meal prep service, etc. Keeping stress low and managing it will help keep cortisol levels lower.
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For all your bikini competition needs in one convenient place, work with us to save time and money while competing. Bikini bodybuilding is not just about competing against others; it's a personal challenge of self-improvement. By learning from past experiences and being open to adaptation, you can achieve growth and success in your competition prep. Starting fresh with these changes will set the stage for a healthier, more balanced journey towards success.
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