Post contest nutrition and training can be just as challenging on you mentally as your pre contest phase. After your competition, you celebrate by enjoying all the foods you've been starving yourself for in the last 3 months. You hoe into your 2nd packet of Toffee Pops, your second Pizza or McDonald's. This binging is probably ok as a celebration meal after the show but when it becomes a habit the week or two weeks after competition - it could turn to be a problem for you psychologically.

The contest year is over, your tan has faded but your hunger is still there. No not hunger for the limelight but for all the 'treat' foods you promised yourself you'd only have after your show. But still after 3 or 4 weeks or even months, you still overindulge.  We realise its probably a little late but the issue of post contest nutrition is still an important topic for those who have competed or contemplating competing, and its an issue you should prepare for as part of your contest plan.

" Do I need to join a club to compete in a bodybuilding show?"
" How many organisations are there?" " Which one for me?"

They're some of the most common questions asked of me when athletes start to prepare for a bodybuilding show, and ultimately compete in one. So to put a few minds at ease, we'll try and answer a few niggling questions and enlighten you about the very competitive bodybuilding scene in New Zealand. If respective organisations have more to add, please email me with details as I maybe out of touch with what's happening in your organisation.

Assessing your physique
As a novice or even a seasoned competitor will know, one of the things you learn pretty quickly after competing in your first bodybuilding show is the need for assesment of your physique before, during and after each show. Granted, as bodybuilders or figure athletes you're constantly critiquing your physique anyway right?! you think your legs could be more cut, your biceps could be bigger, maybe your biceps are too big or you think you're lean when in fact you could still lose a few kgs.

What you need to paint up - without the mess! You'll need to start putting on your undercoat ie dream tan spray or pro tan on your body at least 3 days before contest. So if you're competing on Saturday, put on a coat on Thursday night, and 2 coats on Friday.

Here we are, the final instalment of your contest journey, your contest day. Your heart's racing with nervousness and excited at the prospect of showing off your hard work on stage. It's quite easy with so much going on in your head to forget a few things as you rush off to your competition. So here's a few things for you to tick against.

Day of comp you'll need the following Food: Be sure to pack a container of goodies to have during the day. Water bottle: Sip on water Money: For registration and entry fee ($45) CD with your posing music on it Heels: if figure athlete Posing Costume Dream Tan / Dream Tan spray / ProTan / Foundation/ make up Pump Up Gear: Weights, towel, dynabands Grooming Paraphoniae: Foundation, hairspray, needle, thread comb, mirror, razor, make up, hairspray, bikini bite etc. Extra clothes: Few shirts, comfortable cloths, etc. Jandals (optional): To keep bottom of feet clean Towels (2-3): to wipe your hands and feet