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It’s time for your first bodybuilding show. Your opportunity to shine has finally arrived. You have no doubt paid very close attention to your posing, dieting, and lifting for months, and you feel your physique is very ready for presentation to the world. You want that trophy! However, with bodybuilding competition also comes a slew of other items that should be on your ‘to do’ list. Let’s examine the factors you should remember before, during and after your bodybuilding competition.

Before The Show
Pack two of everything. Bring shower curtains to sleep upon. Keep cash on hand, as you may not have access to an ATM machine. Bring a buddy or girlfriend to pick up the items you will discover you need at the last minute. Don’t depend upon room service for anything. Use your smart phone for finding information you need, and staying connected to the world. Hanging out in the hotel lobby is a good way to pick up a few details of who is the frontrunner, who is behind shape, etc.

During The Show
Water management is essential. You must replace lost fluids following prejudging before the finals. Failure to do so will result in your muscles appearing flatter for the night time show. Take a quick nap. Keep your stress levels low. You don’t want your body releasing stress hormones at this point, right? Graze on small servings of carbs to keep your energy up, but avoid any meals with any kind of real impact upon your physique, which should be perfect at this point. Bring an alarm clock, and set it for 2 hours before you go onstage. There will always be arrangements with traffic/transport, tickets, and early/late class presentation which can result in your being thrown off your game in the one time each year when the world really will see the stress you feel reflected in your body.

After The Show
Talk to the judges. You’ll meet them again next year, then the year after. Learn what their preferences are, and what weak areas you need to improve upon. Enjoy a post-show meal, but don’t go crazy with the junk food. Your system is very fragile, and insulin and water levels are very much altered following a bodybuilding show. So keep the post-show binge under 1000 calories, with slow and gradual water loading as well. Keep a positive spirit. Don’t make any major decisions or announcements regarding your future. A Facebook post trashing the judges or announcing your retirement won’t help your chances next year.

Enjoy the sport for what it is – a chance to display your physique and hard work to the world. Arrive prepared, pay close attention to detail, learn from it, and have fun!