I believe we’ve already discussed that getting ready for a bodybuilding competition is hard here, here, and here. I’m not kidding! It’s hard!
Although I’m by no means a veteran of the sport, having only been doing it for two years/seasons, I have learned a lot and watched it go wrong for many acquaintances and even a few friends.
I’ve seen people become extremely weak and sick from taking extra strength diuretics to try to “get dry” for the stage.
I’ve seen people try extremely low calorie diets in combination with hours of daily cardio to try to make weight for a competition.
I’ve seen them rebound after the show and gain back the weight they lost plus 10 extra pounds.
So if you’re thinking about entering a bodybuilding competition, here is my best advice to you:
- Do not prep for a bodybuilding competition as a weight loss strategy or to get a certain “look”. You will fail.
- Do not prep for a bodybuilding competition as a way to begin a healthy lifestyle. You will fail.
- Do not prep for a bodybuilding competition if your attitude is “do whatever it takes to win”. You will fail.
Some people might disagree with me, but I truly encourage you to reconsider competing if you are doing it for these reasons.
You should compete as an extra layer of challenging fun on top of your already healthy lifestyle.
Don’t Compete for Weight Loss
Please be careful about trusting people to coach you who promise that you can be “STAGE READY IN 6 WEEKS GUARANTEED”. Losing weight and being stage ready are absolutely not the same thing, and any competition coach worth his/her salt knows that.
If you want to lose weight, don’t hire a competition prep coach. Get in the gym and lift! (And eat right, which I’m talking about more below.) If you need a little extra boost, hire a personal trainer. Make lifting and cardio part of your routine. Don’t set yourself up for failure by entering a competition as a weight loss deadline.
After a fast weight loss, trying to be comfortable with your newly-shaped body on stage in a bikini would be like someone magically bringing an inanimate object to life and then telling it to go and get a job and a wife and kids. The object would be like, “Yo I don’t even know how to walk or speak English.”
The moral: Work on your body, make fitness your normal, and sign up for a competition next year.
Don’t Compete to Get Healthy
Don’t make bland, tasteless competition prep food your first taste of clean eating. You will hate every meal, you will crave junk, you will cave in, and you’ll get discouraged.
Instead, if you want to start eating better, clean up your diet and eat balanced meals of whole foods. One really helpful and practical tip is to use the hand method to measure your meals.
The moral: Get a taste for clean eating before you dive into the world of competing. Once eating right has become part of your lifestyle, prepping for a competition will be second nature! (Almost.)
Don’t Compete Just to Win
Now there’s nothing wrong with being competitive and wanting to win – if “do whatever it takes” means taking your diet and training seriously, then that’s healthy and okay. But if “do whatever it takes” starts to mean having cosmetic surgery that you didn’t originally want in the hopes that it will help you place higher, or taking drugs you didn’t really want to take so that you can build muscle faster, then that’s when it gets a bit scary.
The moral: Be true to yourself. Compete for the sport of it, but don’t change your values and succumb to the allure of The Quick Fix™.
NOW THAT THAT’S OUT OF THE WAY…
If these no-nos don’t apply to you and you truly are ready for a bodybuilding competition, the best way to manage the craziness of contest prep is to get organized. Next week I’m showing you how to do just that, so stay tuned!
And now for this week’s progress comparison. While the lighting happens to be slightly more flattering in the left pic, I think I look pretty much the same this week.
Read the rest of the posts in my figure competition prep series here, and follow along with my pro figure competition journey with Instagram hashtag: #proprepdiaries!
Hey fit fam! Want a weekly email update on only my new fitness posts? Click here.
Karen Clough says
WOAH! This is insanely impressive! My best friend’s brother did something similar recently and I was amazed how much it was costing him in food! You just don’t realise how much commitment it takes. Well done you for doing it the healthy way 🙂
Coralie says
This is really good info. I used to life weights in high school – just to strength train for Basketball and it made a big difference in what I ate and the sleep I got. You look great!
XmasDolly says
My nephew and his girlfriend both did this it was amazing to see what they had to do to get ready for a competition and their bodies were just amazing. My nephew use to be a dumpy little kid and you should the man he is now. WOW! You my friend look amazing totally….. WOW!
Jasmine Watts says
You are doing such a great job… I wish you all the best for competition!!
Shannon Gurnee says
These are definitely some great ways to know you’re ready for bodybuilding competition. You’re doing a great job girl!
Alicia says
This is pretty cool to see up close and know more about. A lot of hard work that will in the end pay off!
Yona Williams says
Oh wow, your pose pics are awesome and your smile is out of this world. I know all about preparing for a competition. My brother did his first fitness physique competition last October. It was really interesting seeing everything associated with this type of event.
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says
Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders regarding competition. I admire your resolve, although I don’t think I could ever duplicate what you do! I’m too happy to head into the kitchen and make a nice loaf of banana bread. 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Definitely great advice, a healthy diet is really the best start, it takes quite a bit of determination to get to the competition level. I know a few men that compete and it takes a lot of time and persistence!
Jennifer says
Girl you motivation is inspiring! I cannot wrap my head about the dedication and love you have for this. I really don’t even know how you have the courage to get out there in those tiny suits either! WHOA!
Jaclyn Anne says
You are so inspiring! I wish I had just a tenth of your motivation – I could use clean eating and some exercise! Great job placing in the competition! Hard work pays off and you are the perfect example of that. Rock on girl!
rika says
You look stunning, beautiful body and mind! Congratulation on placing 2nd!
Terri Beavers says
Placing 2nd in the competition is awesome. I’ve never tried to do any body building exercises but those that do have my admiration.
Nicci says
Whoa! That’s a lot of muscle. I definitely don’t have the stamina to be that fit. (I love my carbs and sweets too much.) But way to follow your goals and place high in competitions. It sounds like you love what you do, and you do it for healthy reasons, so keep up the amazing work.
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
Congrats on placing 2nd in the competition. I bet it is a lot of hard work and dedication to keep up that routine day in and day out.
Angie @ My So-Called Chaos says
Holy cow, that is INSANE. You’ve had to put a lot of hard work in to achieve a body like that. While I’ve no interest in body building, I sure wish I had that kind of dedication to at least lose some weight.
Mimi Green says
Great tips, I know people compete for all the wrong reasons. We all hear stories about drugging to get there and then having to give it all up.
Shaylee says
You look amazing and you’re determination is amazing! It gives me hope to be able to lose a couple of pounds myself 🙂 I always find when I try to start “eating healthy” I eat boring and crave other things like you said! I’m going to focus on that and try new things that will keep me on the right track!
Chanelle says
That’s my latest venture too! I’m hate plain ground turkey so I’m going to turn it into chili for next week 🙂
Rosemary says
Diet is a four letter word which most don’t need to concentrate on. No matter whether body building or just staying (or just getting) healthy, moderation and good food is the key. Cut out junk food.
Jonathan says
Such great advice to be true to yourself. Be you bravely. Nobody else will be.
vidya sudarsan says
I’m totally impressed with your prize and your attitude towards these competitions 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Mimi says
I’m trying to figure out this eating right thing. While I’m not an extreme foodie I don’t care for bland foods! Your body looks amazing. Might I add your bio had me cracking up!
Amber NElson says
I think that if I were to compete (which I am sure I would never) I would do it because I want to get healthy and to achieve a goal.
Elizabeth Anderson says
I hadn’t even thought about doing a competition before you’re healthy. It does seem very counterproductive. Your advice is really solid though. I’m in the very early stages of losing weight and I know I couldn’t eat competition food. Nope! Not there yet.
alexandria says
Wow. Your body is insane. Good job. I like myself a little fuller… plus I could never do what you do. Thats really amazing. I feel like you should win all the time. Lol.
Ida says
WOW I am impressed. Your body is incredible but your arms are out of this world. I congratulate you on your win and wish you the best of luck in future competitions!
Shell says
This is good advice for anyone trying to lose weight, too, not just for competitions. Especially about the bland food. I’m trying to lose a few pounds yet I know if I try to do it with tasteless foods, I’ll get cranky and eat something horrid for me just to get something tasty in me!
Tracey says
Wow, you have so much insight on this topic. Actually. a friend of mine is on the fence about competing and I think reading along your journey would really help her. I’ll pass this along 🙂
Chanelle says
Awesome, I really hope it helps her out!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Wow that is really neat. So much goes into a competition like that and the preparation. It goes to show that you have amazing self control. Very excited to follow in your journey!
Tammilee Tips says
I can’t imagine entering a contest like this! Great tips on finding the right reason to join in a competition like this! Good luck 17 weeks out I would be getting nervous but so excited for it to happen!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Ouch, I cannot believe you are only two years into this career! You look amazing and give seasoned type advice.
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
Go girl! You look fab and I believe in you! These are all great pieces of advice and I hope others follow your words of wisdom. Good luck to you on reaching your goals!
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
I’ve never competed. But my husband’s co-worker did. She didn’t win, but she definitely felt fulfilled.
Cyndi says
Wow!! I’ve had a couple of friends go through competitions. The work they put into it was tremendous. I consider myself to be fairly fit and healthy and have considered doing a competition. I just don’t know that I have the self discipline to do it. Maybe I should just stick to my marathon training. : )
Chanelle says
Well heck, I think marathon training takes a similar level of discipline!
Cyndi says
It definitely takes a similar mindset. Especially on those long runs when you have to get the negativity out of your head and you start questioning why you are putting yourself through the hard work.
Crystal says
Gosh, that sounds like no small feat. Watching my brother train for Iron Man was intense. Not sure I’m there…yet.
Heather S-G says
This is great advice – and the discipline it must take to sculpt your body must be intense! My husband was a competetive bodybuilder in his younger years (before we met)…and the sport has always fascinated me.
Chanelle says
Oh wow! That’s really cool, did you ever get to go to a competition?
Heather S-G says
Nope, never! He’s told me about them and about how to prepare, but I’ve never actually been to one. Which when I think about it is kind of crazy since my second cousin AND his wife (who live close) were also big time competitors when I was younger.
Ickle pickle says
Wow – you look amazing, great advice here – not that I could so what you do in a million years! Kaz
Tina @ My Highest Self says
Sounds like you have learned a ton in a short time. Look forward to reading your continued progress!
Heather lawrence says
Damn girl! I had no idea getting ready for a bodybuilding competition was that hard…none. Both my neighbours across the street are body builders but we hardly seem them during competition season so I had no idea!
Chanelle says
Haha. They’re hiding from all the treats and beers out there in the world.
Brandy says
What a great post, I love that you share the side of reasons to bodybuild, because you are right – it isn’t about weight loss. I always assumed you may gain weight as you are building muscle while losing fat, and muscle weighs more. I am glad this is a path that makes you happy!
Rachel Mouton says
Look how beautiful you are! Good job 🙂
Jessica Cassidy says
Congratulations for winning the second place. You look awesome, Wow! your body is beyond beautiful. You look amazing.
Rebecca Swenor says
Congrats on second place and you look amazing in the photo with the trophy. This is indeed great advise for those who want to get in to bodybuilding competitions. I love the advise that you said about not entering if you have to do what it takes attitude going into it. That is truly great advise.
Mardene Carr says
You are absolutely right. The first and most important thing is taking care of yourself even if it is a competition. We have this one body and we cannot afford to abuse it
Lexie Lane says
You’re awesome, I love those pics, you deserve your place. Congrats to you.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
These are all great tips that we can apply in our everyday life. It can get crazy when we prepare to compete for all the wrong reasons.
Crystal says
It’s good to identify your motivation. I can imagine that this type of competition could be addicting!
Nicole Escat says
Such a lovely pics, congratulation in your place.
Ron Leyba says
Chanelle, you are such an inspiration for me in terms of staying fit and being healthy. Wow! just wow.
Amber says
1st of all congrats on your placement. I think it’s interesting the difference between trying to get fit and healthy and trying to compete and what you need to do to be able to get there. It takes a lot of dedication, kudos.
Crystal says
I don’t see competition in my future, but I love having reasons to set new goals. This sounds like an awesome way for those living a healthy lifestyle to keep it up!
Alison says
Thank you for this post. I’m not a very fit gal anymore, but I actually star a program with a trainer and nutritionist next week. Obviously competing isn’t my initial goal, the weight loss is, but at some point I would like to work on figure and possibly compete in a couple of years as my longer term goal…I don’t even need to win, I just need to prove to myself that I can do it and your post has totally motivated me!
Chanelle says
AWESOME! Good luck to you on your journey!
Aubrey says
Great tips and thoughts. People can get crazy when it comes to weight loss and stuff.
tiaras and tantrums says
My brother’s girlfriend’s daughter is competing – but she looks nothing like you! All she does is eat all day long! Works out for HOURS and eats – but she eats a lot of junk!
Claudette says
This totally out of my league but I do wish you all the best. 🙂
Jennifer Dawn says
I admire your dedication. I can tell it’s something you are really passionate about. Me? I’d just like to lose the baby weight I’m still holding onto. 😉
LauraFunk says
2nd place your first national competition! Fantastic! Have you got your pro card yet?
Chanelle says
I sure do! I won it about a month after that 2nd place finish. 🙂
Tonya C says
Wow! This is amazing… All of these girls look great and you guys have great dedication and goals. Keep of the amazing work!
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Wow! What incredible dedication you have! Congratulations on your placement–That’s wonderful!
Theresa says
Honestly, I don’t have the will-power to get fit like this. It takes everything I have to get off the couch and get my 10,000 steps in each day lol. I really admire the dedication that you body builders have to get fit, and get out there and compete.
CourtneyLynne says
Being an ex-model I have tons of friends that now do these competitions! It’s so fun to keep
Up with them on IG! You’re right though, if you do it just to win you really will fail. I feel that goes with anything in life though 😉
Chanelle says
Definitely agree with you on that! 🙂
Carol Cassara says
It’s really hard work to pursue this level of fitness. I have the utmost respect.
Miles L. says
Competition can really wear you out. I think we should all have the proper mindset and realistic goals.
Jenn Peters says
Good advice. I can’t imagine feeling the need to do cosmetic surgery in order to “win” or to “do whatever it takes.” I think that’s very unhealthy thinking.
Melissa says
You’ve got some great advice! I like how you say make it fun!
Rebecca Bryant says
Very good advice. I especially like the part about eating clean. I really need to be doing more of this.
Stacie says
This is great advice. You should only do bodybuilding if it’s something you are passionate about.
tara pittman says
This is too much work for me. I like to run for 40 minutes for my workout.
Anne says
That makes sense, competing should be something you do because you love it! I would guess the people in it for the wrong reasons find it hard to stay motivated and keep up the work.
Elizabeth O. says
That really makes a lot of sense. Of course it’s not going to work if you’re competing for all the wrong reasons. It’s even more risky since you’re putting your body in so much pressure. Thanks for the insightful post!
Michelle F says
That is such great advice. Many times people do things for the wrong reasons.
Chasing Joy says
I think this is really great advice. Often we do things for the wrong reasons and end up doing ourselves more harm than good.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
This comes at a great time. I just joined a biggest loser competition :p
Caroline says
First, you look great! Second, I don’t ever plan on doing a competition, not because I don’t admire you, but I can barely exercise once a month LOL Continue the good work!
Marielle Altenor says
I don’t think I could ever be a body builder. I don’t have the drive for competition. You look amazing btw!
AnnMarie Brown says
Oh my lands that sure is a lot of work and dedication on you part. Good for you.
dawn says
wowsers! you go girl! you looks sooo amazing. werk it!
Ana De- Jesus says
How long have you been bodybuilding for that must take a lot of work! Great figure and fitness regime.
Jeanine says
Not to sound weird but seriously, you have such an incredible body. I would be flaunting that everywhere. Amazing.
Diana Villa says
Wow!!!! Your body is just amazing, I wish mine looks like that 😀
Patty says
It sounds that just like with everything – enter it with knowledge and do it sensibly. No one can be an expert in anything in 6 weeks.
Like me who got goats when she didn’t have a barn or fencing or anything. Like that. Don’t do that.
andrea says
SO many reasons NOT to compete. Sadly, a LOT of women use these kinds of competitions as an excuse to starve themselves (as a survivor of eating disorders….)
Chanelle says
Yes, it can be very dangerous. That’s not what it’s about at all! Gotta find the good reasons 🙂
Lady Lilith says
Everything you do in life, should be done because it makes you happy. If you are not happy, you have no reason doing it.
Jessica Harlow says
Competitive body building is so involved and requires a devotion and desire and like you said, should not be considered lightly or for the wrong reasons. My husband’s cousin recently got involved in training for a competition and ended up dropping out just weeks before because she got hurt working out. She was absolutely heart broken, but plans to pick it back up.
Athena says
These are some excellent tips. Like any competitive sport there are extremes and they need to be taken into consideration. Everyone needs to do what is right for them and understand what their limits are in acceptance.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
Such sound advice. You could remove the body building focus and apply this to any new sports or health endeavor and it would be great inspiration.
Chanelle says
You’re right! Thanks for pointing that out!
Miranda (Anosa) says
I can not even begin to imagine how much work, time, money goes into such competitions but I am loving your advice and tips. Competitions should be done for the right reasons.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Wow, it’s amazing how much works it takes to get ready to enter a bodybuilding competition. It requires so much dedication and commitment, but it must feel great to achieve such wonderful results!
travel blogger says
So incredible! It is so easy to develop conflicting reasons to compete. This is so inspiring!
Cara (@StylishGeek) says
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice Chanelle. You look fabulous and what you do is inspiring in the broader sense because you are really prepping up to getting what you want. And that is a great formula to work on in any goal!
Brittany says
I have a friend training to compete! She motivates me to want to eat healthier!
Chanelle says
That’s awesome! Maybe she would enjoy the Pro Prep Diaries series 🙂
Meagan says
Wow, you are inspiring! I really need to get on a new work out regimen!
Jeanette says
You look absolutely amazing! I am starting to work on a program or have been for a few months! I will be talking to a personal trainer this week to see how I can focus better on getting my body a lot more in shape.
Julie Syl Kalungi says
Gal you absolutely look buff, toned, fit, fab, gorgeous, beautiful…lol av run out of words…Dont beat yourself up at all I sure hope you arent doing that.
I dont know about anyone else but the sheer disciplne it takes to get ready for a body building competition is truly admirable. Now shortcuts may be taken by some, and obviously you dont do that.
But it doesnt take away form the sheer effort put in. I would give lots to look half as fit as you do! I wonder how many hours a day you spend doing what you do…wow. Gal lets just say I would…..
Chanelle says
Awww thank you for the kind words. It does take a lot of commitment but I truly enjoy it!
Alli says
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look at preparing for a bodybuilding competition. I admire your hard work and dedication and that you don’t take drastic measures that won’t last.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
Oh I could never body build! I don’t have the patience or self-control to even think about it. But these are great tips and you look AMAZING!
Catherine S says
I agree these are great tips and you do look amazing. I am trying to get into shape, but I don’t have the dedication to body build.
Catherine S says
This is great information for anyone considering competing. You look amazing and all of your hard work and dedication is paying off.
Ashley Whipple says
Wow! You are a rockstar! My friend is about to start competing and I am going to send this to her. Great info especially for a beginner.
Chanelle says
That’s fantastic! I hope this article helps her!
Amanda Ripsam says
Way to go good for you. I have been struggling to loose weight let alone think of body building. I agree eating clean is the way to start being healthy. Great photos you are very inspiring.
Michele says
That sounds like very good advise to anyone who is thinking about body building competitions. I, for one, am not–but I still try to eat healthy. Competitiveness is not in my genes–I have no problem helping others if they ask-even if they end up doing whatever better then I do!
Paula Schuck says
Contest prep is such a tax on the body. I can’t imagine that it would end up in anything other than disaster if you tried to use prep strategies as a lifestyle.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Great article! Contest prep is all for ONE DAY. It’s not for a lifetime. I read that contest prep is quite stressful on your body, so it’s not something you’d want to try as a lifestyle.
Dogvills says
You look great! I think being passionate about it is very important to succeed.
Kay says
It seems that your are very focused and understand what you are undertaking. Your ideas sound smart and doable.
And I agree that anything we endeavor can only have success if we are honest and committed to the cause!
MyTeenGuide says
This is great advice. I think doing it gradually is the secret to being successful.
Lois Alter Mark says
This is such good advice. I think you need to do anything because you’re passionate about it, not because you have other motives.
MyTeenGuide says
You are right. It’s not hard work if you love what you are doing.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
So basically, you need to change your lifestyle FIRST or it’s not gonna work. That makes sense to me 🙂
Heather Johnson says
I think that, as in anything in life, you should compete for yourself and against yourself. Winning is nice, but you should do things like this for you.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is exactly what my trainers always says. You need to workout for you and nobody else.
Pam Rote says
I like your first point -Do not prep for a bodybuilding competition as a weight loss strategy or to get a certain “look” –While bodybuilding is NOT a desire of mine I think your points are good for any sore of workout/exercise make fitness your normal-not just some thing you bing on to look good at your High School reunion.
Chanelle says
Absolutely! It has to be a lifestyle change. 🙂