Ask Misty by Misty Green

It seems the time has come where many of you are trying to figure out where you want to go with your fitness goals and are not quite sure how many shows to do and/or at what level. Here is a similar question I answered a couple of years ago that resembles what so many of you are asking. I also attached a link on where you can get a list of local and national shows.

I’ve only been competing for a short time and was wondering if it matters on which shows I compete in. If so, how do I go about picking the shows and how many do you suggest I do in a one-year period?

Bethany

It really depends on what your goals are. If you love competing for the sake of competing, then picking the shows to do are really pretty open. It would just be a matter of timing and location of the show. If your goals are to get to the national level or possibly even the pro level, then it takes a bit more planning. The first thing I recommend is to talk with your trainer and lay out a timeline for the year as well as setting a list of goals. You could then pick out a local level show and see how you do. If you do well and the show was not a national level qualifier, the next step would be to do a show that is a national level qualifier. If you place high enough and qualify for national, give yourself a big pat on the back! You are now ready to move closer to your goal of stepping on a national level stage. Review the time frame with your trainer and pick out a national show that gives you time to be ready. Remember to absorb as much info along the way as you can. This is all a learning experience and you will be able to grow leaps and bounds as you go! Once you have completed you first national show (yea!) set aside time with your trainer to re-evaluate your goals and timeline. As for the number of shows you do in a year, I think it is going to vary from person to person and also depends on how your body holds up from show to show. Some gals do two shows in a year and I have known some to do up to seven. Again, I insist on keeping open communication with your trainer about what you want to do and what both of you decide is realistic for your mind and body. I also have to say, be very proud of each and every one of your stepping-stones. I truly believe you have to take time to reflect and celebrate all your victories, big and small! Take care, train hard and have fun!

Link for list of shows:
http://www.npcnewsonline.com/new/
PDFfiles/MarApr08_NPCcontestListing.pdf

"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born." 
Dale E. Turner

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