The Basics by Chrissy Garcia

-What, When, & Where

So, you just got home from witnessing your first bodybuilding show. I bet your thinking, “Damn, I looked better that most of those girls up on stage. I could do that.” So why don't you? Before jumping the gun and filling out the entry form for the next local show, there are three questions you need to ask yourself, What? When? and Where? If it’s your first competition your first decision has to be, “What division do I want to enter?” As far as females are concerned, we have three very different divisions to consider, Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure. No matter which division you choose, you must remember that this is an extreme sport. That's right, extreme. We push our bodies to the extreme. First we lift weights until there's no tomorrow. Heck, we know every trainer at our gym because we’re always there. Then we take it to the next level, we diet, we do endless hours of cardio, we drink obscene amounts of water, and we’re able to function on little sleep because we’re always going to the bathroom. If That's not extreme, I don't know what is. But, this is what makes us, us.

Next, you have to decide, “When do I think I can be in the best shape of my life to actually step on stage nearly naked and have someone judge me on my physique?” Your current physique will dictate when you should compete, this when you should start doing your homework. Get on the internet and check out the different websites and their forums. My personal favorites are Getbig.com, Musclemayhem.com, and of course Hardfitness.com. There is a lot of valuable information in these forums, from local contests to show preparation. You can ask all the questions you want, and everyone is willing to help out a “first-timer”. Or, you can seek help from a professional. Many of us have websites and an email address where you can contact us for help.

Your final question you should ask yourself, “Where do I want to compete?” This may seem like an easy question, but it’s actually the hardest. First, you need to decide which “division” you want to compete in. The two main are the National Physique Committee (N.P.C.), and the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (N.A.B.B.A.). The NPC is your best bet especially if you want to obtain your Pro Card. I'm not knocking the other divisions, it’s just the truth. The judges do not like it if you bounce around the divisions. They prefer it if you remain in one. The key is consistency. The N.P.C is directly linked to the I.F.B.B. so this is definitely the best division if you are seeking your Pro Card. Next, you need to decide on which show. Go to www.npcnewsonline.com for a list of all upcoming shows in your area. The NPC news has a lot of valuable information pertaining to rules and regulations for the amateur competitor.

That's it for the basics. Now that you have a bit more insight, are you ready to compete? As I was told by someone very familiar with the sport, “Put on the damn suit and get on stage. The worst you can place is last. You have nothing to loose, and you'll be in the best shape of your life.” Finally, the most important piece of advice given to me was this:

“The moment you stop having fun, stop competing. You have a career, this is just a hobby, but as long as you have fun it will show in all you do.”
Quoted by: Erick S. Garcia

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