Bodybuilding/physique help?

rozziclarke

Hello! I am interested in becoming a bodybuilder but I am scared of taking the plunge! I have been powerlifting for two years now and am really pleased wit the results. I was just wondering how hard it is to then get up on stage? How expensive is it? How much time does it take up? Is it hard to maintain relationships? What will you do over Christmas? Is it worth it!?

really appreciate any advice

usmcmp

I've competed in bodybuilding. I would start by talking to a trainer who preps bodybuilders and get a solid assessment of where you are and what you need to do to get stage ready. You'll likely be lifting 4-5 days per week with a bit of cardio as well. Competing in bodybuilding is pretty expensive. Here's a rough cost breakdown:

Training/posing coach: $50-100 per hour at least once per week for 6+ months
Federation fee: $50-200 for one year
Competition fee: $100+ for one show
Posing suit: $100 for a bodybuilding show that doesn't allow decorations on suits, $300-2,000 otherwise
Tan: $20 for a DIY, but worth paying $100+ for professional tan

Bodybuilding and physique can be a bit cheaper than figure since there are no shoes and jewelry, plus hair and nails can be cheap or might have to be natural looking depending on the federation. Choose a natural federation or you'll get smoked with only two years of lifting under your belt. Avoid a trainer that pushes steroids unless you've already taken that leap.

not_a_runner

usmcmp wrote: »

I've competed in bodybuilding. I would start by talking to a trainer who preps bodybuilders and get a solid assessment of where you are and what you need to do to get stage ready. You'll likely be lifting 4-5 days per week with a bit of cardio as well. Competing in bodybuilding is pretty expensive. Here's a rough cost breakdown:

Training/posing coach: $50-100 per hour at least once per week for 6+ months
Federation fee: $50-200 for one year
Competition fee: $100+ for one show
Posing suit: $100 for a bodybuilding show that doesn't allow decorations on suits, $300-2,000 otherwise
Tan: $20 for a DIY, but worth paying $100+ for professional tan

Bodybuilding and physique can be a bit cheaper than figure since there are no shoes and jewelry, plus hair and nails can be cheap or might have to be natural looking depending on the federation. Choose a natural federation or you'll get smoked with only two years of lifting under your belt. Avoid a trainer that pushes steroids unless you've already taken that leap.

This!

I have not competed myself, but I have several friends who have, I am fairly familiar with the process and have worked with a pro physique coach/competitor for dieting and training.

I'm assuming you don't know a lot about the process based on some of your questions, so I would also add-
Start incorporating more hypertrophy training if you aren't already. Assess your current body fat and muscle mass and your competition goals (if you want to do figure or physique you will likely need to spend more time building muscle). For people just getting started who aspire to be a successful competitor, there is usually a lot of time that needs to go into the process before they start thinking too much about the actual competition.

How to handle time, relationships, and holidays are somewhat personal things, and would also be dependent on if a person has a show coming up, or if they're in a muscle gain phase. I would get a good handle on diet and training (spend some time doing a few bulks/cuts). If you're not already tracking your food intake in some way, counting macros is a good place to start for most people.

Here is a good youtube channel which might be helpful to you. He is a competitor himself, and coaches both men and women for competition and lifestyle. Lots of good stuff- macros, training, cardio, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykSWsfEKRES6RDotQF6ChQ

watts6151

not_a_runner wrote: »

usmcmp wrote: »

I've competed in bodybuilding. I would start by talking to a trainer who preps bodybuilders and get a solid assessment of where you are and what you need to do to get stage ready. You'll likely be lifting 4-5 days per week with a bit of cardio as well. Competing in bodybuilding is pretty expensive. Here's a rough cost breakdown:

Training/posing coach: $50-100 per hour at least once per week for 6+ months
Federation fee: $50-200 for one year
Competition fee: $100+ for one show
Posing suit: $100 for a bodybuilding show that doesn't allow decorations on suits, $300-2,000 otherwise
Tan: $20 for a DIY, but worth paying $100+ for professional tan

Bodybuilding and physique can be a bit cheaper than figure since there are no shoes and jewelry, plus hair and nails can be cheap or might have to be natural looking depending on the federation. Choose a natural federation or you'll get smoked with only two years of lifting under your belt. Avoid a trainer that pushes steroids unless you've already taken that leap.

This!

I have not competed myself, but I have several friends who have, I am fairly familiar with the process and have worked with a pro physique coach/competitor for dieting and training.

I'm assuming you don't know a lot about the process based on some of your questions, so I would also add-
Start incorporating more hypertrophy training if you aren't already. Assess your current body fat and muscle mass and your competition goals (if you want to do figure or physique you will likely need to spend more time building muscle). For people just getting started who aspire to be a successful competitor, there is usually a lot of time that needs to go into the process before they start thinking too much about the actual competition.

How to handle time, relationships, and holidays are somewhat personal things, and would also be dependent on if a person has a show coming up, or if they're in a muscle gain phase. I would get a good handle on diet and training (spend some time doing a few bulks/cuts). If you're not already tracking your food intake in some way, counting macros is a good place to start for most people.

Here is a good youtube channel which might be helpful to you. He is a competitor himself, and coaches both men and women for competition and lifestyle. Lots of good stuff- macros, training, cardio, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykSWsfEKRES6RDotQF6ChQ

Paul revelia’s YouTube channel is great for anybody who competes or is thinking about
Competing, some great information on there

LiftHeavyThings27105

not_a_runner wrote: »

usmcmp wrote: »

I've competed in bodybuilding. I would start by talking to a trainer who preps bodybuilders and get a solid assessment of where you are and what you need to do to get stage ready. You'll likely be lifting 4-5 days per week with a bit of cardio as well. Competing in bodybuilding is pretty expensive. Here's a rough cost breakdown:

Training/posing coach: $50-100 per hour at least once per week for 6+ months
Federation fee: $50-200 for one year
Competition fee: $100+ for one show
Posing suit: $100 for a bodybuilding show that doesn't allow decorations on suits, $300-2,000 otherwise
Tan: $20 for a DIY, but worth paying $100+ for professional tan

Bodybuilding and physique can be a bit cheaper than figure since there are no shoes and jewelry, plus hair and nails can be cheap or might have to be natural looking depending on the federation. Choose a natural federation or you'll get smoked with only two years of lifting under your belt. Avoid a trainer that pushes steroids unless you've already taken that leap.

This!

I have not competed myself, but I have several friends who have, I am fairly familiar with the process and have worked with a pro physique coach/competitor for dieting and training.

I'm assuming you don't know a lot about the process based on some of your questions, so I would also add-
Start incorporating more hypertrophy training if you aren't already. Assess your current body fat and muscle mass and your competition goals (if you want to do figure or physique you will likely need to spend more time building muscle). For people just getting started who aspire to be a successful competitor, there is usually a lot of time that needs to go into the process before they start thinking too much about the actual competition.

How to handle time, relationships, and holidays are somewhat personal things, and would also be dependent on if a person has a show coming up, or if they're in a muscle gain phase. I would get a good handle on diet and training (spend some time doing a few bulks/cuts). If you're not already tracking your food intake in some way, counting macros is a good place to start for most people.

Here is a good youtube channel which might be helpful to you. He is a competitor himself, and coaches both men and women for competition and lifestyle. Lots of good stuff- macros, training, cardio, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykSWsfEKRES6RDotQF6ChQ

This!!!! Paul Revelia is absolutely amazing. So is Laurin Conlin (one of his buddies). William Grazzione is pretty dang good as well.

I am a subscriber to Paul's youtube channel. You really can not go wrong with him. But, it is often about how you click with your coach. He is a good dude and a good person. Still, I threw in those other two names (Laurin and William) just in case.....

No matter what you decide, kick *kitten*!

not_a_runner

^ Yes, Lauren has a great channel as well! One of Paul's bikini clients who recently went pro also has a channel, but does more vlog type vids. I can't think of her name right now..
You can gain a lot of insight/knowledge from the youtubes haha

LiftHeavyThings27105

You are thinking of the very pretty Miss Dannenmiller, likely? She has a boy friend and they are always on each other's channel? There are so many "clients" that Mssr. Paul has. He really does things right.....in my opinion.