How do you plan your contest season

[fatbackgoal]

I have made really good progress this year with still more work to go. I know I will compete next year but not sure how to go about setting up what my schedule should be. I would be real curious how you all go about setting up your year in advance.

Thanks

[godstrength]

The most important thing you can do is hire a coach. I made the mistake of competing in my first show without the use of a coach. The outcome was terrible.

For my next show only six weeks later, I hire a coach. Not a lot of time, but just enough. Although I could have been even leaner.
My coach did very-very well getting me dialed in- in that short amount of time.

I won the masters and placed second in the novice. The novice winner actually won the show, and went pro. That is how close I got.

You'll need to plan on at least a 16 week prep, I'd say 20 weeks for your first show, just because you'll be in uncharted waters...

While there are some really good coachs, there are also some not so good ones, and there are also those who like to use extreme methods and weird ass protocols.

Until a person compete's for the first time, you really have no idea how your body is going to respond to a caloric deficit while training and performing cardio.

Prep has to be taylor made for each and every person. NO two are alike. Yet there are many coach's who line everyone up essentially the same way.

Just do some research and ask a few questions....

I'd very much recommend contacting Eric Broser. He has trained many natty's who've turned PRO.

He took me from a last place finish to a win in just six weeks. He truly knows his stuff....

He also trained Kyle Harris...

The Kyle Harris (aka fitcorps) Q&A Thread - RX Muscle Forums

Good luck.

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[NATURAL-1987]

I would first say research ALL the natural federations and find where you think you would fit in best. Know what the drug testing is before you compete with an organization. Talk to your spouse, girlfriend,kids,family,whoever will be around you during this time and let them know what your planning on doing. If its your best buddies wedding in Mexico and your the best man. A show the next week probably wouldnt be the best time to compete(yes I know someone who had to switch shows because of something similar). Know when you can and cant get time off of work. Book vacation weeks for contest time. Look at your finances, if your car and house insurance are due and things are tight as it is, eating tilapia chicken breast, steak and so on probably wont help things. Give all different supps, food, and diets a try in the off-season to see how your body reacts. An example is that baked potato's make me look and feel 6 months pregnant. Not a good food to diet on and especially carb up on before a show. I also like to take a 1 week vacation, no training, and make sure I eat enough protein but the rest is anything goes. It helps my body respond better to the diet, as well as gives my joints and muscles a break. The mental rest also helps me out. Not all of these things pertain to me specifically.However I know people that have been in situations where planning these things would definately help. Also speak to a coach as soon as you think of competing take pictures so they can work with you off-season as well. If I thinkg of more things I will let you know.