Amateur bodybuilding competitions have become popular options in the past few decades, particularly for athletes who find themselves unable to continue to participate in their sport. Since bodybuilding competitions are a great fit for those who already have weight lifting experience, entering a competition can be a great way to take your training – and physique – to the next level. If you’ve made the decision to participate in a bodybuilding competition, it’s time to get down to business and start training.

 

First of all, make sure you’ve attended several competitions as a spectator. There is a pacing and sense of control that participants exhibit in their respective categories, and you’ll want to have that down before you compete. Plus, it will be a great way to gain some exposure to the people you’ll likely be competing against.

 

Next you’ll want to make some goals. Start with training goals – how often you’d like to lift, your goal weight, your goal BMI – which can help you identify what you need to do to achieve them. If you find yourself stuck in your routine, consider finding a Manhattan personal trainer who will make sure you have a variety of exercises that will tone and sculpt your body.

 

Training for a bodybuilding competition will require lots of different exercises in addition to weight lifting, so it can be helpful to have a guide during this process. You’ll need to incorporate cardio at least several times a week, and you’ll need to follow a strict diet that is heavy in protein to make sure you look cut and lean.

 

If you can, find a local bodybuilding group that can help you find a community of support in your training. If that’s not an option, at least identify a few friends who will be honest with you about what kind of results you’re getting.
Remember, training for an amateur bodybuilding competition is a long road of hard work, so you’ll want to start planning at least a year in advance of your first foray onto the stage. This includes finding the right outfits and working on your poses, so that when you are on the stage all of your movements seem natural and unforced.

 

Entering an amateur bodybuilding competition will put you on the stage with a number other contenders who have been training for this, so give yourself an extra edge by finding personal trainers Upper East Side who will push you to your maximum potential.