NOVICE NEWS
So you want to compete? Well you have come to the right place. NPC News Online is the hub for everything you need to know. But before you put on a suit and get a spray tan, I suggest doing a little bit of homework first.
Think about why you want to compete?
Competition prep is unlike most other sports in that it is a 24-7 commitment. Once you finish your training session or “practice,” you aren’t done. From your diet, to water intake, to adequate rest, this is your lifestyle. Because of the dedication this sport requires, you have to be your own driving force. You have to compete for YOU. Not for a trophy, not for your boyfriend and not for your trainer. For YOU! You are the one who has to do the work. This sport is YOU vs. YOU.
Which division is right for you?
The division you select has to be the one you are most passionate about. What is the body 
you want to work hard for? What is the vision you see while you are training and pushing yourself? Obviously your genetics and natural body composition will play a part in your decision. If you are 100lbs dripping wet, maybe bodybuilding isn’t the right first step for you; but it can be something you strive for!
Go to an NPC or IFBB show. Ask the competitors and judges the questions circling in your mind.
Ideally your first experience with a competition isn’t the one you are in. I highly recommend being a spectator at an NPC show before you step on stage for the first time. If nothing else, it will up your motivation level and fuel your fire. Training for a show is only half the battle, posing and stage presence will make or break your placing. You could have the best physique in the gym but if you do not practice the poses and learn to highlight the best aspects of your physique, you may find yourself disappointed. Watching YouTube videos of a competition is great, but watching the competitors go through the mandatory poses and routines live will give you more of a sense of what it is like to have your body and hard work judged in a matter of minutes. A posing coach told me once that no one would ever know how wide my back was if I only spread my lats in my basement practicing.
Don’t break the bank buying the most expensive suit and every supplement on the market.
The glitter and sparkle, the oohs and ahhs! Yes, I have to admit, the suit and the glamour that go with being on stage are my favorite parts of competing. I envy the pros with their fully stoned suits and custom jewelry. But that isn’t going to win a show for you. Find something that is in your budget so you don’t go broke before even paying your entry fee. Maybe a reward for training hard and accomplishing your goals in your first show is a new suit for your second show, this time with a little more bling. Also, there is no shame in buying a pre-owned suit. Heck it may have some wins already attached to it!
And supplements. I love supplements and I believe in them. I don’t think my training and my prep would be the same without proper supplementation. But, once again, you don’t have to buy every single product at your health food store and try them all at the same time. Start with basics and slowly add in new products so you can truly evaluate what is working with your body and what isn’t. Every single body has its own unique chemistry and just because your favorite pro uses a certain product it may not work as well for you. So a definite yes to supplementation, but in moderation, like everything else and really learn what works for you.
Learn your body
I know you want to get started on your 12-week competition prep, like yesterday… but I 
always suggest taking some time to evaluate where you are at with your personal fitness level. How much body fat do you need to shed before you are comfortable to step on stage? How much muscle would you like to build before you are ready to compete? This is not to say you shouldn’t get on stage until you are ready to take the Olympia Title, but you don’t want to try to cram years of muscle building and months of leaning out into a short 12-week time. That is a sure fire way to not only wind up disappointed with your results, but get on the first train to rebound city.
The wrap up
As an NPC Judge, the Novice division is by far my favorite. Those athletes are the future of this sport, those nervous, shaky, over tanned, under muscled wonderful athletes. Everyone has a starting point and I truly enjoy being witness to a competitor’s first steps on the “big” stage. However, my heart goes out to those who have clearly worked so hard on their physique, but totally miss the mark on the easy stuff, such as tan or makeup. At a recent show I judged, one of the Novice Physique Competitors thought pre-judging was just a meeting. Clearly a meeting he was not paying much attention to! Imagine going through an entire contest prep only to miss the actual prejudging show. So do your homework before your own show day arrives. Ask questions. Read all of the available information here on NPC News Online and bring your best YOU the First Time you hit the stage!
Always consult your doctor before beginning this or any training or diet/supplement program.
It is important to check with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any diet or exercise program.
These programs may not be appropriate for all individuals.
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