How big do you need to be to compete in bodybuilding at the local contest level?

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

I'd like to try it eventually but I don't know how big you need to be to walk on stage without getting laughed at. That's me in my avatar. That's not the best pic, the lighting is a bit harsh and I have no tan so no definition shows. How big are guys that compete in the local contests in the novice division? Keep in mind I don't give a damn about actually winning, I'd just like to have an event to train for. It's easier to make gains if you have a goal of peaking at a certain date. I've noticed some bodybuilding contests have a lightweight novice division. I'm wondering if I have anywhere close to enough mass to walk on stage without looking like a fool. What do you guys think? Does anyone know what guys in the novice division look like? I realize I'm not exactly cut right now but I think I could hit 10% BF with a 12-15 week cutting cycle.

 

[Stillgoing]

The best advice is to go watch the show you want to enter the year before you enter it.

Good advice. You should also compare your stats to the typical local show competitors. First time competitors though, always substantially underestimate the amount of weight they need to lose to get contest prep ready.

How about these guidelines:

6'0 or taller; you need to be a heavyweight to do well (198lbs and up)
5'9 to 5'11; lightheavy (I forget the cutoffs now, its been 7yrs since I competed) (176 - 197lbs ?)
5'6 to 5'8; middleweight (? to 175lbs)

And to do really well you should be at the top end of the weight range for the class your in at these heights (and be in shape ofcourse).

I'd have to think about this more and look up the weight classes again, so, its not perfect, but, it came to mind as a way to evaluate yourself for competition. What do you think bros??

 

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

I saw some pics of some contestants at a local meet a few years ago. I would look pathetic next to the guys in the regular division but the guys in the novice division didn't look too much bigger( if any) than me but they were a lot more cut. I have no idea how much mass I would lose while cutting.

 

[rugal]

Dial tone was right on the money. also it depends on who shows up. not every show every year is the same the competiton will change everytime. also if you plan on doing one i would suggest that you enter the novice division its not that intimidating as say an open class. good luck

 

[The Shadow]

...enter as a novice

 

[AAP]

You don't have to be the biggest guy on stage, just the best of your weight class.

 

[needsize]

I'm doing my first show this year, I'm figuring on stepping on stage around 210lbs at just under 5'9", and it looks like I'll do well for a level 1 show.

 

[dissto]

level one shows are hit and miss, i;ve been to a few. one shot, the competition was insane! at the other, it was ok, so its hard to tell, you never know when that freak of nature from your gym decides to enter at the last minute

 

[pitbullstl]

I did my first show at 5'11" 205 and 4%.....consequently...I waited three years before my next show...and weighed in at 237 and 4%.....But Dial has the best advice...and that is to scout out the show a year in advance....I did the same thing....for the NPC Caveman a couple years ago

 

[Stillgoing]

You are way ahead of city level competition status, unless you're in Los Angeles.

Yeah, I won my class in a city level show early on at 210 and 6'2. Also though, I don't think back then (1991) bros used as much gear as they do now, or atleast I know I didn't.