The week prior to a bodybuilding, fitness or figure show should be spent packing and organizing just as you would for a vacation or weekend trip. The list of items are long and forgetting one or two things may be enough to put you over the edge; especially after weeks of dieting, carb depleting and cutting water. On the day of the event, things will be hectic and even if check-ins are running as scheduled, it’s imperative to be prepared. Items such as posing suits and high heel shoes are obvious for a bodybuilding competition, but there are some items that make the day run a bit more smoothly.
Rolling Suitcase
After carb depleting and cutting water, the last thing you’ll want to do is carry a forty pound gym bag on your shoulder. Besides the awkwardness of a gym bag; it can also crease the tanner.
Tanner
Different organizations will have specific rules about using tanner at the venue, and in some cases it can lead to a disqualification. Regardless, take tanner with you. Step outside the building if it’s necessary to reapply. Mishaps such as spilled drinks, sweat and urinating on yourself are common occurrences.
Sheen
There may be a “Pam” table and covered floor area for you at your show, but not all shows will provide this. To be on the safe side, pack a sheen such as Pam(cooking spray) or oil. There are also Pro Tan and Jan Tana muscle sheens available to purchase online or in specialty stores.
Bands
Though there will be a “pump room” set up with weights, there’s no telling how many competitors you’ll be sharing the weights with. If the bodybuilding show is large or there are few weights to accommodate the competitors, then use a set of bands. The bands are light, portable and create the same effect as free weights. Perhaps you forgot your bands? That’s okay also. Use an old t-shirt or a towel you have on hand to get the job done.
Towel
Throw a towel in the suit case since some venues have gone paperless and finding a paper towel is impossible. Simple things like excess water from washing your hands can drip on your tanner leaving it streaky, which will not look well on stage.
Bikini Bite, M3 Adhesive or Spray Elmer’s Glue
Bikini Bite, M3 and spray style Elmer’s glue are adhesive suit fasteners that washes off easily. The adhesive will be used to glue down the bottom of your posing suit so it doesn’t “ride” when on stage. Picking at a suit on stage is not only unattractive, but will definitely cause a lower score. Also, use the adhesive on the bust of the posing suit since the twists and turns may cause the top to ruffle or gape.
Hairspray
For the most part, female athletes have their hair done at the venue or early that morning before leaving home. The average day for a bodybuilding show is 16 hours long, so it’s important for your hair to stay in place. Hairspray is key.
Cooler with Food
Bring a small cooler with snacks, even if you don’t plan to eat. Choose items that are light and be careful of certain foods. You’ll be extremely lean, and won’t want something that will bloat you or upset your stomach.
Latex Gloves
By the time you reach the venue, you should already have several coats of tanner on, but it’s important to bring a set of powder-free latex gloves. It will protect the palms of your hands from additional touch-ups or while helping another athlete get stage ready.
Bodybuilding 101: Additional bodybuilding, fitness, figure, bikini items