Confidence matters. And when your confidence and physique are at the point that you are ready to enter your first professional natural bodybuilding competition, there are some things that you should consider in order to have a successful show.
In general, this will be both an exciting and a very challenging journey that will definitely require self-determination, commitment, and consistency. With the right strategy and preparation, you can rule the stage. Competing in your first bodybuilding contest is not a piece of cake; but there’s a way to prepare for it.
1) Set Clear Goals And A Timeline
It should be emphasized that it’s very important to set reachable and clear objectives for the competition you are going to take part in. Setting goals will give you an advantage during the competition.
What do you want to attain in terms of muscle mass, fat loss, and your overall physique? Always keep in mind that you must give yourself enough time to hit your goals. A great physique is not built overnight or even in a few months.
Coaching and the help of an experienced coach/trainer is an absolute must if you want to achieve your goals and get your competition to the desired level. As for competition prep, you can, for example, hire Fitman as your personal trainer in Philadelphia or Bucks County, PA. Fitman can develop your training routine, diet plan, and give you advanced coaching during your contest prep.
The structure of your training plan must be directed to the goals you have set for each specific competition. The primary goals of contest prep are to retain your muscle mass, lose as much body fat as humanly possible, managing your recovery as well as you can, and mastering posing. By partnering with Fitman, you will reach those goals.
Posing is indeed one of the most crucial elements in a bodybuilding competition because posing reveals your physique to the judges. By practicing posing every day you will enhance your posture, confidence, and presence on stage. We will work together to rehearse your posing routine and make sure you make good transition steps.
2) Focus on Mental Preparation
To be ready to step on stage at a bodybuilding competition you have to be prepared for the arduous physical and mental challenges that bodybuilding presents. You must be resilient, have a positive attitude, and stay motivated all along your prep. Visualize success, set aside time to relax and do something you enjoy, and be around people who are supportive, caring, and understanding.
The importance of rest and recovery is another crucial aspect of contest prep. Without the proper recovery your muscles will not have a chance to recover and grow. Attempt to at least 7 to 8 hours of good-quality sleep each night and gradually implement rest days into your workout schedule to avoid the adverse effects of overtraining and burnout. Getting quality sleep is easier said than done during the final weeks of contest prep but you must listen to your body and regulate your training according to your situation.
3) Maintain Nutritional Goals
Nutrition is an essential element of every sport, but in natural bodybuilding, where an extremely muscular and lean physique is displayed, nutrition becomes the key component of competition prep. Make certain to follow a strict diet that supports muscle retention, fat loss, and overall performance in the gym. Your food selection should concentrate on lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Keeping track of your nutritional goals means that you have to prep for meals. It is highly recommended to download a food journal app to help keep track of your food intake.
Get Help With Competition Prepping Today
The key to victory in bodybuilding competitions is to stick to a consistent diet and exercise schedule, show determination, and never give up. You must be consistent with your workout routines, nutrition, and recovery in the lead up to your contest.
Challenges or unexpected setbacks will more than likely occur. Trust yourself and come up with a solid game plan in time for the big day. If you need professional coaching for bodybuilding in Philadelphia or a personal trainer in Bucks County PA, reach out to Fitman today.