Becoming a fitness competitor takes time, discipline and passion.
Fitness competitions are a type of physique contest for females. The contests are similar to bodybuilding, with more emphasis on choreography, costumes and gymnastic moves. There is a lot to learn before you are ready to compete. It takes months to properly prepare for a fitness competition on the local, regional or national level. You must train your body every day, consult with choreographers, abide by a strict diet, use tanning and beautifying products religiously and more. Being a professional fitness competitor is a lifestyle; not a job, and it requires discipline and desire. Fitness competing is not for everyone, and those who can do it have extreme passion for every aspect of the sport.
Instructions
1. Attend a local fitness competition. Take notes and speak with some of the competitors after the show. Decide if this sport is for you. You can find local competitions by performing an online web search. Simply type the words "fitness competition" followed by your city and state. You can also find competition schedules and locations in recent issues of fitness magazines.
2. Make an appointment with a bodybuilding or fitness training company. The consultation price depends on the company, but should be about $35. They will assess your strengths and weaknesses, as well as design a training plan and diet for you. They can also tell you when you will be ready for your first show and where you should compete. Be sure you inform them that you want to be a female fitness competitor and not a bodybuilder. The training regimens are different.
3. Make your own music for your fitness routine. You need a theme connecting five different songs. For example songs about love, parties or America are strong themes. Talk with a DJ or radio personality to have your music professionally mixed.
4. Buy a costume. The costume should match your theme. Used costumes are cheaper than new costumes, and are a good idea in case you discover you don't have the necessary passion for this sport.
5. Buy bathing suits. Depending on the competition locale you may need both a one- and two-piece suit. Buy used suits for cheaper prices.
6. Make an appointment with a choreographer. The fitness company may have someone on staff or may be able to recommend someone. The choreography of a fitness routine is just as important as your appearance.
7. Budget your training time properly. Do not weight train and practice your routine on the same days. This results in burn-out and you may quit the sport. Practice your routine on your non-weightlifting days. Stretch religiously or do yoga and pilates for 15 minutes after every training session. Flexibility is a major part of successfully performing your choreographed routine.
8. Practice walking in high heels. The "physique" rounds require high heels that are four to five inches in length. The presentation of your body and a powerful yet graceful walk are essential requirements.
9. Purchase tanning products and a bathing suit fastener. Due to stage lighting, the darker your skin tone the more defined your physique looks. Suit fastener keeps your bathing suits from moving or giving you "wedgies" as you walk and turn on stage.
10. Consult with a professional make-up artist. They will tell you properly apply make-up so it looks good on stage. They can also make suggestions about jewelry and other beautifying accessories.
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