Where do I start with competitions?

[Babygirl7997]

Im new to this, Ive never even been to a figure/bikini competition, but I would like to make it a 2012 goal of mine to enter one. Please tell me, where do I begin? How do I know which ones to do? Im sure bikini would be a better fit for me over figure.. just wondering if you veterens can point me in the right direction.. Thanks

 

[dmk777]

Hey hun! I don't have a clue about this but just wondered did you check out the sticky on here "all you need to know bout competing" By superqt I'm sure there will be some pointers I'm there.


Donna

 

[Babygirl7997]

Thank you for pointing that out!

 

[Rebecca D]

Im new to this, Ive never even been to a figure/bikini competition, but I would like to make it a 2012 goal of mine to enter one. Please tell me, where do I begin? How do I know which ones to do? Im sure bikini would be a better fit for me over figure.. just wondering if you veterens can point me in the right direction.. Thanks

I played around with the idea a few years ago but always chickened out. The one big question I always had was how do I know if it is a competition meant for amatuers/beginners?


RD

 

[Belladonna]

I would do some research on what federation you would like to compete in. The NPC is most widely know, you can find information on shows at npcnewsonline. Contests are usually around the same time year to year. Next I would see what division you think you might fit in best: bikini, figure, fitness or bodybuilding. What's the difference? Bodybuilding: most muscular of the group, hit mandatory poses in addition to quarter turns. Figure & fitness: not as muscular as bodybuilding but some degree of muscularity. Both do quarter turns but fitness does a floor routine and both wear a two piece suit specific to figure/fitness. Bikini is the newest category, less muscle of all the divisions. Can wear any bikini as long as it's not a thong. Bikini also doesn't do quarter turns they just do a front and back pose. You can find more information on the NPC website.

Some things to think about:
-select a contest
-select a division
-get your diet and training lined out for however long you think it will take...then add about 3 more weeks to that!
-start shopping for you suit
-order clear heels (need to practice in these)
-practice posing and walking, this is a lot harder than people think. Best option is to have someone who has done it help you.
-select a tanning product made for competitions (Dream Tan, Pro-Tan or Jan Tana)
-get your NPC card
- practice stage make-up
-Make travel arrangements

This would be a rough starting point. Hope it helped some.

 

[yorkshirelass]

I don't have the first clue about any of this but wanted to wish you all the luck if you do decide it's something you're going to do!

 

[Babygirl7997]

I would do some research on what federation you would like to compete in. The NPC is most widely know, you can find information on shows at npcnewsonline. Contests are usually around the same time year to year. Next I would see what division you think you might fit in best: bikini, figure, fitness or bodybuilding. What's the difference? Bodybuilding: most muscular of the group, hit mandatory poses in addition to quarter turns. Figure & fitness: not as muscular as bodybuilding but some degree of muscularity. Both do quarter turns but fitness does a floor routine and both wear a two piece suit specific to figure/fitness. Bikini is the newest category, less muscle of all the divisions. Can wear any bikini as long as it's not a thong. Bikini also doesn't do quarter turns they just do a front and back pose. You can find more information on the NPC website.

Some things to think about:
-select a contest
-select a division
-get your diet and training lined out for however long you think it will take...then add about 3 more weeks to that!
-start shopping for you suit
-order clear heels (need to practice in these)
-practice posing and walking, this is a lot harder than people think. Best option is to have someone who has done it help you.
-select a tanning product made for competitions (Dream Tan, Pro-Tan or Jan Tana)
-get your NPC card
- practice stage make-up
-Make travel arrangements

This would be a rough starting point. Hope it helped some.

Thank you so much! This helped tremendously, it is a very large intimidating industry, and I feel like I know where to start now! XO

PS awesome avatar!!

 

[Babygirl7997]

I don't have the first clue about any of this but wanted to wish you all the luck if you do decide it's something you're going to do!

How nice! If I could hug you I would, thank you!!

 

[caligirl85]

If there are still a few shows going on in your area, I'd go watch one. You really get a sense of what it's like when you see it in person. The other thing to do, that I find helpful, is try to find pics of the winners/ runners up for the shows you're interested in from the last year or so. It will give you some idea of what the judges might be looking for. (not that it's always consistant from year to year but it'll give you something to work towards).

I would highly recommend at least doing a consult with an experienced trainer (someone who has done shows and has a client list of competitors). They can give you an objective viewpoint of what catogory you are suited for and how long the diet period might be. I think a trainer for the first show is a really good idea and worth the investment. Not that many haven't done it on their own successfully but it makes a HUGE difference and if you really pay attention, the learning is invaluable.

I'd also start looking at shows now to get an idea of diet timeline. I'd give yourself 16-20 weeks for the first time show prep/ diet. Depending on where you're at, you might then want to consider a focused bulk before the dieting starts.

Just a few more thoughts to add in.

 

[MetalMilitiaBabe]

Very good suggestions by both cg and bg. You can save yourself allot of frustration by having someone help you with you contest prep especially for your first go around. All of us here can also certainly help you as well. I agree with much of what was said. There are several different organizations to which you can compete, but the NPC is most highly recognized and is where most start out. Check out the NPC website and often there are NPC websites for your state which will have all the shows listed. If you can attend a show - it is allot different going to a show than just looking at pictures. Very important is to figure out what show you want to do and work backward from it. Generally shows are only listed for the current year we are in, but generally they run along the same time frames from year to year. Best of luck and welcome to a great industry. Let me know if there are any other questions you have as I will be more than happy to help you out.

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