The glam, glitz, and tan, and posing in front of hundreds of people looking your best is a wholesome feeling!

If you are competing soon in a bikini competition, be ready for more than just stepping on the stage. These competitions are more about preparing yourself beforehand. You think you know what you are in for when you first decide to compete but trust us you are going to be hungry, sore, and tired.

So, we made a guide to help you learn all things a long time before competing. From what the event is going to be like, how you can train to whether it is safe for you, and what the competitors are saying.

The real cost of competing

Bikini competitions can be an expensive deal. Here’s a breakdown of everything that costs you:

• Competition coach – $300 per month
• Posing coach – $70-$100 per hour
• Show heel – $50 to $100
• Hair & makeup – $300
• Spray Tan – $200 to $300
• Micro bikini competition suits – $300 to $1000

As a first-time competitor, these costs can seem like a whole lot of money, but for professionals, it’s an investment in their career and personal goals. So you also need to be prepared for the financial commitment.

Things to consider for competing –

1. Time management – This is also known as prep period. This is the time it takes to get stage-ready. If you are already lean, you might need around 4-6 weeks of prep, but if you are starting from scratch, it can take up to 14 weeks. Bikini competitors usually have body fat percentages between 8% to 13%, compared to the average women’s fat percentage (which is usually around 25% to 30%). So, to achieve the right level of leanness you need to plan accordingly with your coach.

2.  Emotional rollercoaster – The competition prep journey can be a tough battle, mentally and physically. The constant training, strict dieting programs, and posing practices can leave you drained out and affect your mood. Make sure you have a positive mindset for your goals and body and mental resilience before accepting this challenge.

3. Sacrifices – Competition prep includes making a lot of personal sacrifices from social events and activities. As the competition day comes closer, you will need to become more and more strict with your diet and avoid any temptations. This can make you feel isolated but you need to focus on training and dieting (all for the bigger cause).

4. Managing expectations – Not everyone will win the competition on their first try, so set realistic goals and focus on personal growth instead of what the judges decide. In your first competition, aim to blend in with the other competitors and appreciate the effort everyone has put into their bodies. Competition experience in itself is a worthy victory.

5. Enjoy the experience – Despite the hard work, you need to learn to have fun and enjoy the entire process. The show backstage is a hustling bustling affair and meeting other competitors can be a learning process. And once you step on the stage, show off your hard work in confidence and pride.

6. Apply things you have learned – Even if you don’t plan to compete anytime soon, use all your lessons. Apply the rules of your training methods and diet and adapt these to your everyday life. The discipline you learn from this experience can benefit your well-being and overall health.

Conclusion

Bikini competitions involve a lot of investments, financially and emotionally. By understanding what you can expect, managing your future goals, and preparing for the challenges, you can make your competition journey better.

Whether you are aiming for the center stage, or just curious, knowing the realities of the competition can help you make more informed decisions for the future.