Preparing For Your First Bodybuilding Competition: Five Crucial Tips For Success

Competing in a bodybuilding competition for the first time is an exciting journey, but it’s also a decision that should be approached with careful consideration.

Before committing to a prep - or announcing how many weeks out you are - there are some critical factors to reflect on. Yes - these far outweigh choices like the colour of your stage attire or where you’ll be eating out at post-show.

Swipe through the post to explore our top five tips for first-time competitors, where we dive into key questions such as:

▪️ Why do I want to compete?
▪️ Do I already embrace and enjoy the bodybuilding lifestyle?
▪️ Am I fully prepared for the realities of prep - before, during, and after?
▪️ Do I have a reputable coach to guide me safely through the process?
▪️ Am I ready to communicate openly with those around me?

As passionate coaches, we’re here to support and educate, not discourage. Comp prep can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s our responsibility to ensure first-timers understand the commitment involved and make informed choices.

For those who’ve stepped on stage before: what do you wish you had known before your first competition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!