Should I Do a Bodybuilding Competition?

Should I Do a Bodybuilding Competition?

Dec 25, 2024 mindpump

Bodybuilding competitions have a certain appeal—sculpted physiques, the spotlight, and the sense of achievement that comes with seeing years of hard work pay off. If you’ve been training consistently and are curious about stepping on stage, you’re not alone. But before you commit, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. Competing in bodybuilding is as much a mental and lifestyle challenge as it is a physical one, and it’s not something to take lightly.

It’s a Full-Time Commitment

Let’s start with the obvious: preparing for a bodybuilding competition takes an incredible amount of time, dedication, and focus. Your workouts will need to be precise, with every rep and set tailored toward symmetry, muscle growth, and conditioning. But it doesn’t stop there. As someone who has competed before, EVERYTHING needs to be dialed in. You can’t NOT be doing the most common things most people hate doing. This means meticulously tracking every meal, portions, and sticking to a diet that gets stricter the closer you get to competition day. The leaner you get the more miserable you will get due to the low intake of calories.

This level of commitment can bleed into every aspect of your life. I had to carry Tupperware everywhere with me so that I didn’t risk deviating from my nutrition plan. I couldn’t eat at certain restaurants at all due to not knowing how the food was prepared. If you’re the type of person who thrives on structure and discipline, this might feel exciting. But if you’re someone who values spontaneity or enjoys an active social life, you’ll need to consider whether the trade-offs are worth it.

The Mental Game Is Real

Bodybuilding isn’t just about building your muscles—it’s about building your mindset. When you’re dieting down for weeks, energy levels drop, and cravings can hit hard. There will be moments when you’ll question why you’re doing it and whether it’s worth it. The urge to even open up a jar of peanut butter and just take a couple bites will occupy your mind.

On top of that, stepping on stage means being judged—literally. Your physique will be critiqued, and no matter how much progress you’ve made, it might feel uncomfortable at first. That’s why competing is as much about personal growth as it is about winning a trophy. If you approach it with the mindset that this is for you—a way to challenge yourself and celebrate your hard work—you’ll get far more out of the experience. One thing I was able to be very objective about was stepping on stage. By the time I got to that point, there was nothing left to do but enjoy that you made it that far. Stop worrying about where you’ll place. Did you bring the best physique you’ve ever had? Then you’ve already won.

Experimenting

If you enjoy the idea of turning your training into a science, competing could be an exciting next step. Prepping for a show means honing in on muscle imbalances, dialing in your weak points, and mastering posing routines to show off your best angles. You’ll likely focus on everything from exercise selection to rep ranges with an obsessive level of detail—and you’ll have to learn to love it.

This can be a double-edged sword, though. On one hand, it’s an incredible way to grow as an athlete and discover just how far you can push your body. On the other hand, the constant focus on “perfection” can make training feel more like a job than a passion.

Your Lifestyle Will Shift

When you’re prepping, everything revolves around your goal. From your meals to your sleep schedule, it all has to align with optimizing your performance and physique. Friends and family might not understand why you’re eating out of Tupperware or skipping drinks on a Friday night. Some people will be supportive, while others might not get it at all. Learning to navigate those dynamics is part of the journey, and being clear about your goals upfront can help you set boundaries when needed.

It’s About More Than Winning

The beauty of bodybuilding lies in the process. Yes, trophies and stage photos are great, but the real reward is in the transformation you undergo—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. You’ll develop discipline, patience, and a deeper understanding of your body.

So, should you do a bodybuilding competition? That’s up to you. If the idea excites you and you’re ready to embrace the challenges, it can be one of the most fulfilling experiences you’ll ever have.