Preparing for your first figure competition is exciting, intense, and mentally demanding. From dialing in conditioning to perfecting stage presence, every week counts. This thread is for competitors (new and experienced) to share insights on what truly happens during prep.
Discussion Points:
•📅 How to structure a 12–16 week prep (calorie adjustments, cardio progression, refeeds).
•🏋️♀️ Training split changes during prep (volume vs intensity).
•🥗 Peak week strategies — carb loading, water manipulation, sodium balance.
•👠 Stage essentials — posing practice, suit selection, tanning, heels, hair & makeup.
•🧠 Mental challenges — mood swings, hunger management, social balance
•📊 Tracking progress — body fat %, photos, weight fluctuations
