If you ever want to join a body-building competition, chances are you would have a good idea of how one happens - especially since these competitions differ quite a lot from races, marathons, and even pageants. Like with any competition, however, you may not be exactly immune to being nervous about your performance. If you’re in need of a few key ways to prepare your mind mentally for body-building competitions, here’s a quick guide for you:
For a bit of a scientific perspective, a study in Preventive Medicine Reports had participants from the University of Pennsylvania go through an 11-week fitness program where they participated in weightlifting, Pilates, yoga, spinning, and running classes. When segregated into groups of working out alone and with groups, it's been found that participants under a competitive banner were 90-percent likelier to attend their classes, and having an active participant can boost activity because these participants are the "ones to beat." In short, it's all about manipulating the environment to your advantage. So what are key ways to prepare your mind mentally for body-building competitions, given this research in competitiveness?
● Stick to the objective, and make sure your follow the rules.
Not everyone joins competitions to win sometimes, others just love the experience, or they love making connections, or they just love body-building. Before joining a body-building competition, remember what your goal is and if you're willing to sacrifice time and effort to achieve that goal.
● Get your research game on, and research on everything you need.
If you're going to participate in a body-building competition, always remember that research is also an extremely powerful asset. The more you know about the competition, its rules, and especially your body, the likelier you'll be able to form a plan that fits your needs when it comes to the competition. This also helps put your mind at ease, as the more you get to know, the more grounded your mind becomes and you can finally focus towards actually meeting something tangible.
● Practice and consistency is key.
Body-building competitions not only require you to achieve certain goals in a set period of time, they may require other tests of patience and looks that you have to fulfill. Remember to make sure you adjust the parameters of your workout according to these goals. Is your diet appropriate for the kind of challenge you're expected to do? Make sure you're prepared to experience new things, and you're prepared to do them consistently.
● Asking help can help you make that leap.
If you’re unsure of anything about what you’re doing with the competition, don’t hesitate to ask around. When it comes to health, for instance, it’s best you first consult your physician before joining the competition. A dietician can also help determine the best diet for you to get the results you need. In the case of emotional and mental health, psychologists from groups such as Psychologist Southern Sydney can help you.
● Don't mind the others, mind your form.
Remember, when it comes to body-building competitions, your form is a huge (no pun intended) part of your success. Even if you have the best body out there, if your form isn't adequate, you might lose the trust of the judges and the appeal of the audience. As such, don't mind how others do their form, and instead focus on what you've trained to do and making sure you execute what you've practiced.
● Smile genuinely, and genuinely have fun.
A lot of performers may advise you to smile during a performance, as smiling can increase the energy levels of the area. In way, smiling can also increase your energy levels. Remember, however, don't smile because you need to, smile because you're having fun. While the maxim "You did your best" is cliche, if you do know you've worked hard before the competition, there's nothing to lose but recognition and bragging rights. Then again, if you do get to build a great body, your health and your vigor in the competition are rewards of their own. So enjoy, have fun, and make sure you know that even if you lose, you at least gave your competition the challenge they deserve.
● It's the journey, not the destination.
While this quote is yet another cliche, remember that body-building competitions are also deep inside tests of personal development. How far are you willing to go to ensure not only you get a nice body, but you get a body according to a particular challenge that you get to showcase in front of a crowd? The parameters and rules can get overwhelming that other people may not even get the courage to take the risk, and yet you did. Turn that into a source of motivation.
The Bottomline: Competition Can Be Motivation
Sometimes the idea of a competition can be overwhelming and discouraging because you may not want to lose. This is normal, especially if you know you have expectations set out for yourself. Key ways to prepare your mind mentally for body-building competitions are as such made sure to help you find the inspiration and the courage to be yourself and be confident with the body you've grown. This of course isn't easy, but like with body-building, the mind may just need a bit of practice to get the hang of believing in your capabilities.
Janice Killey
Janice has a wealth of experience and training. She holds a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Master of Arts (Counselling), Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ASH) and is a Registered Psychologist at Psychologists Southern Sydney. She’s also a member of the Australian Psychological Society.