Bodybuilding Shows

Which bodybuilding shows will you compete in this year? In this article, I explain what to look out for when comparing the different organizations. Near the bottom of this page is a link to a site that offers more information on the subject. Click on that link and scroll down to see all the different natural bodybuilding organizations.

One point that immediately comes to mind when comparing different bodybuilding shows (mainly the natural ones), is the various types of drug-testing issued to its competitors. Some examples are by urine sample, blood sample, and polygraph/voice-stress (lie detectors).

Who is tested and when? The tests could be issued at random... meaning they literally pick a name out of a box and test that person during pre-season or post-season or directly after a show, without any prior profiling. However, most of the time it's the winner, or 3 to 5 top placing athletes in each category, that will be tested (directly after the show).

Different bodybuilding shows test for different drugs. For example, just because a certain steroid is 'legal', that doesn't mean it's not banned by a particular organization. Also, some types of fat burners and diuretics could also be banned substances according to a certain bodybuilding show. The punishment for testing positive for a banned substance varies. Some don't let their competitors back in the organization for a specific number of years. Others do that plus display that athlete on a wall of shame on their website or magazine... in an attempt to warn other athletes who may be thinking of using physique-enhancing drugs, not to.

All 'natural' bodybuilding shows have an obligatory minimum number of years drug-free policy. Some emphasize that their athletes must have been natural for the last year only, while others stress 5 or even 7 years natural. If you're natural and want to prove it, I don't think that an organization that tests for the last 7 years is necessarily better than one that tests for the last year only. This is simply because the organization that tests for the last year only will continue to test it's competitors year after year. So, assuming you want your bodybuilding career to last a few years, even in this type of organization not many should doubt that you're a drug-free competitor. I have to admit, though, that the athletes in the 1-year only drug-free bodybuilding shows do seem to be consistently bigger than athletes from the 5 or 7 years natural organizations. This is just my observation.

Some bodybuilding shows allow the use of props (like swords). I, personally, prefer traditional bodybuilding... No props or wacky outfits, just good clean posing. For me basic posing, like classical posing, is entertaining in itself. There's been a sad attempt to elevate the popularity of the sport by influencing people indirectly. Props are used to entertain the families/friends of the competitors. The bodybuilding industry, I believe, should focus more on increasing the quality of the sport (by means of stricter drug-testing and offering more financial benefits to it's athletes) than throw away money for useless advertising that, by the way, hasn't really been working. Help the athletes that are the stars of the shows and magazines... and the spectators will come.

Now, let me point out some positive benefits to look out for when selecting an organization you want to work with. Competing and doing photo shoots are great ways to get exposure... to promote yourself or your product/service. Some organizations actually have their own bodybuilding magazines that are displayed in stores nation-wide or internationally. This means that most of their athletes, if not all, will get a shot to be noticed by millions of people. You could use this as an audition for a modeling or acting job/career. If you're using network marketing to promote a product that you endorse, this kind of exposure will definitely help your situation. You may even get a chance to promote your website in their magazine... and the traffic you receive because of it could easily be translated into money.

There are endless opportunities if you use your bodybuilding success wisely. First of all, take responsibility for yourself. Sell your products, service, ideas or whatever... but don't expect to get paid large sums of money for winning bodybuilding competitions or doing photo shoots for their publications. Even contracts with supplement companies will be scarce and having one won't make you financially prosperous. Do the research. Find out which bodybuilding shows and organizations are best suited for you and offer the best exposure. Or, you could do what I'll be doing, which is competing in every single show I'm aesthetically ready for. I want to get the most competition experience but also the most exposure... so that I'll have more opportunities for financial growth. To continue doing what you love and reach your potential, you need to be able to make a living at it. Bodybuilding, in itself, won't be a financially rewarding career. But the opportunities that will be presented to you because of it could make you financially prosperous. Click here for information on ALL the natural bodybuilding shows and organizations.