So, you think you want to do a bodybuilding competition…. Why?
Written by Stephanie Santamaria, IFBB Pro
There are a lot of things to consider when making the decision to compete. But the most important thing to take into account is WHY you’ve decided to compete. Because it is the ‘why’ that will be your main source of motivation.
I can’t count the times I’ve been asked; “why did you get into bodybuilding?”
In my youth I was never much of an athlete. The only sport I participated in was diving, and truth be told, I was a mediocre diver. However, because I wasn’t a natural wiz on the diving board I became a hard worker. No matter how many times I smacked my body against the water, I got back up on that board and tried again.
I was 30 years old when my grandfather passed away. He was a boxer in his younger years… so I decided to give it a try. Why? Why not? I love a good challenge. I started with kickboxing, then muay thai, and then a bit of jiu jitsu. I began to weightlift to supplement my training. One day in the gym, someone told me I had the physique to compete. I laughed! No way would I put that spray tan on and prance on stage in heels. But I watched an NPC show, looked at the other girls and thought, “what the heck, I’ll try it.” And here I am today, an IFBB Pro figure athlete.
I decided to compete to challenge myself. And I fell in love with the tenacity of bodybuilding. With each prep I show myself just how strong I can be, and how much I can overcome. This is my WHY. I compete for ME. I compete because I am STRONG, I am STRONG because I compete, and strong is beautiful.
So ask yourself, what is the draw for me?
Have you always loved the gym and want to take it to the next level?
Is it because all the girls on IG seem to compete?
Do you just want to lose weight and be sexy?
Next, ask yourself, “What am I willing to do to make it to the stage?”
If you’re not willing to sacrifice for it… work hard and sweat for it…you’ll never succeed. Preppin’ ain’t easy folks!
- Your diet WILL change
- You WILL NOT be able to eat things you love
- You WILL have to go to the gym almost every day
- You WILL have to plan your days around your meals/workouts
- You WILL get tired
- You WILL get hungry
- Your days WILL get longer
- You WILL have to do cardio
- You WILL probably notice a change in your social circle
If your WHY is not legit and worthwhile, you won’t want to endure the ‘suffering’ that comes along with prepping.
And the kicker!… bodybuilding is not cheap in any way! If you already struggle financially month to month, save up first.
- It WILL cost you a small fortune to compete (especially if you’re a girl!)
Still want to compete?
I do however promise you, if you make it through prep and onto that stage.
- You WILL NOT regret all you’ve sacrificed to get there!
- You WILL be damn proud of yourself!
- You WILL be stronger for it!
You can do this! I believe in you! Nothing can stop you!
-Stephanie Santamaria, IFBB Pro
