Any bodybuilders out there?

I'm 18 and have been lifting hard for several years. I will be entering my first bodybuilding competition June 2011. So if any of you guys have ever entered one I'd love for you to share the experience. What was your first competition like? It's a year away and I'm already excited!

Thanks,
Kevin

 

No but from the looks of the winners these days I doubt anyone would have a chance without juicing up.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm not planning on going pro or anything, but just a small competition. I've seen the past results of the competitions I'll be competing in and the bodybuilders are usually quite small. I should do well in my class (175 cut).

 

I've been around body builders my whole life, I have two pro carded body builders in my family.

There is not one pro body builder who isn't juiced to the gills, period.

A trainer at one of my local gyms, won the Ontario All Naturals a couple of years ago - and he is juiced to the gills.

Another trainer I know, spent 6 grand on drugs getting prepared for the Ontario Naturals - not only is he a trainer, but hired an ex Mr. Canada as a trainer for himself.

He failed to place, juiced to the gills - in an all Natural contest (Ontario) - they liked his cuts, shape, and definition - but said he wasn't big enough!!!!

Body line, you can't place, win, a body building contest without drugs, and lots of them.

 

I am a former natural bodybuilder, competed in quite a few shows back in the 80s, placed a few times (and won some lower level shows). I am now 41, married with children and gave up bodybuilding for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and running.

I agree with everything Robreid said. I know many pro bodybuilders from the 80's, and they were all using something. The good Lord blessed me with a freakish physique - many of my BJJ compadres can't believe I am in my 40's - and I could probably go into a low level bodybuilding competition and not embarass myself completely. I remember working out at Muscle Beach 20 years ago, and a few "known" pros commented on how good I looked. For comparison, I am 5'6", about 180-185 lbs., and pretty cut. Back then, I was flat out ripped. Standing next to an IFBB pro of my height - and he'd weigh about 230!

Compared to them, I just looked small. As cut as I was, I looked smooth compared to the pros. The sad thing was, I competed in "natural" competitions and nearly everyone was juiced! It was so obvious, it wasn't even funny. Thankfully, I had a good enough head on my shoulders to not get caught up in it.

That being said - the contest are usually done in stages. Early in the day, you'll have to do compulsory posing with your class. Later, you'll do your free posing routing and be judged / ranked. It's fun, and nice for your ego if you win. I look back and I'm happy I had the experience - I've even considered doing one more just to say "I did it at 41", but I am not prepared for the dieting and prep to get to contest shape.

One good thing to keep in mind. At your age, if you continue to exercise through the years, it will pay back in spades when you are my age. Stay away from the bogus supplements and for sure any controlled substances, just simply because that's a shady business and you'll never know what you get. Not to mention trouble with the law.

Good luck - let us know how you do!

 

Well, I don't plan on juicing EVER! Hopefully I do just fine in my class (teens). I'm only about 170 lbs cut. But all the other guys competing in my class are about my size, so it should be close. I'll be sure to let you guys know how I do.

Kevin

 

I've been lifting weights since 2004. Not for competition, but just for recreational purposes, look and feel good.

I was 53 kgs before i started lifting weights. Today, i'm 75kgs.

 

I'm not Rob's age, but wanted to add my $0.02. He's absolutely right about exercise and aging. But I'd throw in one word of caution. Be extra careful about injuries while young, especially to areas that don't heal/repair.

Everyone has strains and sprains - I'm not talking about them - but I have two friends who no longer can do certain exercises because they trashed their joints (one an elbow, the other a knee) while young.

Definitely take care with your form and, when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

 

I always lift with a weight belt and use proper form. However, sometimes I have trouble keeping my butt down on the bench (not severely; just a half an inch off sometimes).

 

Those are some crazy gains man. I've been lifting for 2 years and have gone from 121 lbs to 171. Keep it up!

Kevin

 

Most of what has been said is spot-on. I have been a gym rat for years. I am 6'1'', 260, and at about 12% bodyfat. At 42 I have a pretty good physique, but there are some movements I don't do anymore. I would caution you on heavy squats, military presses over 150lbs, deadlifts, and anything else that puts too much strain on your back.

The squats will trash your knees if you are not carefull. I suggest you use a leg press first for heavy sets, then do the squats with lighter weights. Go slow, concentrate on form, and eat right. The diet is really the biggest factor to growth. Good luck and have fun, Scott

 

Hey, thanks Scott! 6'1" 260 @ 12% is insane! I don't do too many exercises that involve back strain and when it comes to squats I keep it below 225. I admire the bodybuilders of the Golden Age most (huge upper body and moderate leg size), so leg size isn't one of my top priorities.

Kevin