If you follow us on Instagram, then you may already know that I decided last Monday to compete in a Fitness show on June 1st in New Mexico! I wasn’t planning to do any shows in the near future, but the opportunity came up and I couldn’t turn it down!  If you know anything about competing in the fitness world, then you know that 4 weeks is definitely a VERY short prep!  However, if you aren’t too familiar with this industry, you are in good company! I get a lot of questions from people about what a Fitness competition really is:

Is it body building?   What do you have to do?  What are the divisions?  What do you get if you win?  How do I get involved? 

So, I thought I would give a little run down to help clear some things up! If you are thinking about making the decision to compete, there are a lot of different factors to consider to help you decide what’s right for you.  I am not too familiar with the male divisions, so I apologize in advance if this is a little girly!

Female Divisions – Obviously not everyone has the same build or fitness goals, so they have created divisions for every one! If you are considering entering a show, take a look at some of the body types that are in each division and decide what suits you and your physique goals in order to help decide the best fit.  Each division is judged using different criteria….and yes, this does involve walking and/or posing in a bikini in front of a lot of people!  Here is an overview of the breakdown:

1.) Fitness – This is the division that I compete in.  While there is a swimsuit round in all the divisions, this one is unique in that it also involves a routine round.  The routine can involve anything, but should highlight your particular skills like dance, gymnastics, cheer and strength! The fitness look generally is athletic, fit & toned.

2.) Bikini – The appearance for this division should be fit, toned and feminine with the proper conditioning.  These ladies can strut and pose in a way that best highlights their strengths.

3.) Figure – These competitors generally carry more muscle than fitness or bikini competitors.  Often, unlike the bikini and fitness divisions, these competitors may have mandatory poses, whereas bikini & fitness choose their own.

4.) Body Building – This is just what it sounds like…ladies are judged on the mass, symmetry  & leanness of their body. This division, like figure, generally has set poses.

Competitive Organizations – There are many different organizations that host shows….and they all have slightly different rules, division requirements, pro status’ and prizes (if any.)  Some of the most well known are below:

• Fitness Universe/Fitness America
• NPC/IFBB
• WBFF
• Ms. Fitness
• Tri-fitness

So, if you’ve decided to compete and already picked a division and organization, what’s next?  Here are some tips on getting started:

Pick a show – Choose a local/smaller show for your first one.  It’s nice to work the kinks out in a small arena so you are comfortable when you hit the big stage!

Get a coach or mentor – Thank fully, I had some friends that had competed in the past.  They gave me some great advice and connected me with my fitness mentor Sheri McCall Vucick.  Sheri gave me the rundown with tanner, let me borrow her suit, gave me a meal plan, workout plan, music and helped with my routine!  She is kind of a rock star!

Get a Meal Plan & Diet – Depending on the coach or program you choose, they may or may not provide this, but it is soooo important! You need to have a specific nutrition and training program that will be designed to make sure you peak on your competition day! This will also include drinking a TON of water!!

Practice your walk, posing and routine (if applicable) – Those girls who step on stage may look like it comes to them naturally, but you better believe that they have walked miles in their heels to make sure it looks perfect!  It is so important to practice walking and posing!

If you have ever read Oxygen magazine, then you know Lindsay Messina.  She has put together a great group of women who work together to prep for competitions. If you are in the New York area, check out the New York Divas.  They meet most Saturday mornings for a workout and then practice posing and stage walk.  Check out one of Lindsay’s videos on the stage walk here.

Get your gear – Here is a short list of what you will need once you make the decision to compete

• Swimsuit/Bikini – Styles may change based on the division you select
• Competition heels  – Generally clear and not too high that you can’t walk in them!
• Tanner – Practice this before stage day!  I love Jantana & Dream Tan, but you have to find what works for you!
• Glitzy jewelry – The more bling the better!
• Costumes/Gown –Depending on the division/organization, you may need themeware or a gown.
• Music/Theme/Costume  – If you decide to do fitness, you’ll need these for the routine.

Have Support – Last but certainly not least, you have to have support from your friends and family!  Competing can be like a roller-coaster, especially towards the end and after a competition.  It’s so important to surround yourself with positive people who will help move you towards your goal!

Girls of Steel

If you are in the New York City area and would like some additional information or help with competition prep, I also offer privates for posing and routine choreography.  Message me for more info: average2athlete@gmail.com.