Ever thought about doing a Men’s Physique competition? Chances are if you’re reading this article then you probably have.

“It’s good to learn from your mistakes. It’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.” – Warren Buffet

 

Easier said than done, right?

 

And trust me, when you’re going through a competition prep many mistakes will be made.

 

However, you can limit the number of mistakes you make if you do your homework and prepare yourself with what to expect.

 

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the truths I learned as a Men’s Physique competitor as well as some good-to-know advice from doing many Men’s Physique competitions.

 

From my experience, I learn something new every single time I do a show.

 

Whether it’s about carb loading properly or if I need to get a tan even though I’m black.

 

Yes, that was a real issue and yes you do need a tan even if you’re black, I’ll give you the details below.  😉 

 

 

 

With Instagram making competitors look like celebrities nowadays there’s no wonder why you wouldn’t want to do a competition.

 

The spot light, the challenge, and the rewards are all valid reasons to do a show.

 

The trouble is, competing is a bit more involved than people tend to think.

 

And, while you’re on your way to getting on stage you’ll have a shit ton of questions.

 

After turning pro and competing in nine shows between the WBFF and NPC, here are a few of my personal experiences to help you gain some insight on what to expect.

 

1. Build A Competitive Physique

 

If you’re like me (which I’m pretty sure you are) then you’ve looked up to the greats like Steve Cook, Simeon Panda, and Jeremy Buendia for the longest and probably thought to yourself, if they can do it so can I!

 

And, the truth is, you absolutely can!

 

However, these guys have years of experience under their belt and have created a solid foundation for themselves.

 

The number one mistake you can make with going into a show is not having enough muscle maturity to even step on stage.

 

Let’s face it, looking like a 16-year-old with abs on stage won’t get you a first-place trophy.

 

Men’s Physique is a branch of bodybuilding. That being said, you’ll need to develop a solid foundation of the whole package which can include chest, back, arms, shoulders, and yes even legs.

 

And, if you don’t have a solid foundation I would suggest that you wait to compete so that you can be competitive. Go through a few bulking and cutting cycles or get a credible coach (I know a great guy ☺ ) to help you shortcut your success.

 

2. Be Shredded Before Peak Week

 

Some people think peak week is a magical experience and drying out is the magic key because you’re holding a lot of water.

 

I got news for you Johnny, that’s not water you’re holding. You’re just fat.

 

If you’re still trying to lose fat seven days from a show then you should probably pick another show.

Harsh yet very true.

 

The key to winning, especially in Men’s Physique, is being in really great conditioning.

 

A rule of thumb that my clients and myself practice is being show ready three weeks out so you can cruise into a show and put the final touches on your physique.

 

3. Don’t Pose Like The Pros, Pose Like The Winners Of The National Physique Shows

 

What’s worse than not being in tip top conditioning for a show?

 

Being in tip top conditioning and not knowing how to present your winning package.

 

I’ve seen some incredible physiques on stage and it’s a very sad day when a winning physique comes on stage and they look like a new born bambi trying to pose.

 

Let YouTube be your best friend.

 

But, make sure you’re watching the winners of National shows and not just the pro shows.

 

The posing at the pro level is very different and you can easily find yourself getting rushed off stage by the expeditor or having your points docked due to your flamboyant posing.

 

Go to www.npcnewsonline.com to find out more about national shows and for posing.

 

4. Save Your Money!

 

If you’ve competed before then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

 

Doing a prep from anywhere between 12-20 weeks can cost a small fortune. Between food, supplements, coaching, registration fees, traveling it all adds up.

 

To be on the safe side save up about 1-2K  and you’ll be good.

 

The cheapest thing about competing might be your trunks and even a good quality pair will run you about $60.

 

5. The Style of Your Trunks Matters

 

Choosing trunks for your show is a very important part of your prep. Why? Because it goes hand in hand with the presentation aspect.

 

Wait until you’re about two to three weeks out before you pick up a pair of trunks.

 

If you get them too early there’s a possibility that they won’t fit come show time due to you getting leaner.

 

Approve Tip: Get trucks that are fitted and are tailored right about the knee.

 

If you can’t find any go to a seamstress and get them tailored.

 

If women can buy a $500 bikini sure enough we can spend an extra $20 to get our trunks tailored.

 

RVCA, Hurley, LVFT, Hollister and Abercrombie all have off the rack fitted trunks.

6. Trust The Process And Only Listen To Your Coach

 

Don’t go around asking everybody in the gym about advice for your contest prep.

 

Remember, there’s many ways to skin a cat and each coach depending on who they learn from may approach it differently.

 

If you have questions, ask your coach.

 

If your coach can’t answer your questions or doesn’t want to. Get a new coach.

 

I’m very serious when I say that.

 

Why do a show if you don’t learn along the way? Why wouldn’t your coach that you’re paying not answer your questions?

 

Also, it’s very important to qualify your coach before making that commitment.

 

Schedule a phone call and start building the relationship.

 

7. Yes, You Need A Tan If You’re Black

 

But wait Reuben I’m already darker than a skillet why do I need a tan?

Great question!

 

There’s a reason why people want to appear darker while competing, it’s because the tan highlights your muscles.

 

Under the light your skin becomes uneven.

 

You don’t need many coats, just one or two and you’ll be fine.

 

8. Night Of The Show Eat A Good Meal But Don’t Overdue it

 

I get it, prep was long and challenging and all you’ve been thinking about for the last couple months was having a big ass juicy gourmet hamburger, with fries seasoned to perfection, donuts that melt in your mouth, and a whole tub of ice cream to top it off.

 

Have it! Turn up and have fun with your friends and family.

 

When I say don’t overdue it. I mean the following day get back to a routine. Don’t spend the rest of the week eating like a crazy person.

 

Wake up in the morning have a delicious breakfast and for the rest of the day get back to a “healthy” way of eating.

 

Come Monday morning following the show you should be back on track with a solid plan.

 

9. Have a Plan After The Show

 

After the show’s done take time to analyze what will be your next move. Do you need to work on weak muscle groups, do you want to stay lean and do another show, or do you want to get back to comfortable level of leanness and maintain it?

 

If you’re smart which I know you are, you would have already been thinking about your next move.

 

A mistake I made during my earlier years post show was binge eating and gaining about 20lbs in a matter of 3-4 days.

 

It didn’t stop there, I went weeks without following a plan, eating everything in sight and you wouldn’t even have been able to tell that I was in a competition a few weeks back.

 

Months of hard work was basically ruined because I didn’t have a pIan to follow post show. I was a mental wreck and people had to double take when they looked at me because just the following week I was in the best shape of my life.

 

And to make things worst I ended up damaging my metabolism.

 

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”- Benjamin Franklin

 

After that disaster I vowed to myself that no matter the situation that I would plan my next move post show and stick with it.

 

That being said, before you decide to do your first or next Men’s Physique competition make sure you do your research, get your ducks in a row, strategize, and do the necessary steps to get to the top.

 

If you want my help personally with competing CLICK HERE to schedule a call.

 

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