Bikini Competition Myths
Let’s chat about some common myths about bikini competitions. (I believed some of these as well.)
Myth 1: Cardio is the Most Important Aspect of Prep
Reality: Let’s get this straight—while cardio has its place in your training, it is not the be-all and end-all of your prep. Sure, it helps with fat loss and endurance, but if you’re neglecting strength training and posing practice, you’re missing the bigger picture and won’t bring your best to stage.
Myth 2: It Takes 12 Weeks to Get Ready
Reality: There’s no magic timeline that fits everyone. Sure, many people use 12 weeks as a guideline, but your prep time should depend on your starting point and personal goals. Some people might need more time, and that’s perfectly okay!
Confession: I’ve seen people step on stage after just a few weeks of prep and look amazing, while others take months to dial it in. It’s all about listening to your body and finding what works for you.
Myth 3: Just Lose Weight and You’re Ready
Reality: Losing weight is just one piece of the puzzle. Competing is about presenting a balanced physique with muscle definition, conditioning, and stage presence. You can’t just drop pounds and expect to shine on stage you need to have the muscle underneath it all.
Myth 4: You Have to Starve Yourself to Get Ready
Reality: Let’s bust this myth wide open! You don’t have to starve yourself to compete. Sure, the diet can get strict and you will need to be in a calorie deficit, but there’s a huge difference between eating healthy and depriving yourself. It’s all about nourishing your body to look and feel your best.
Confession - If I had a dollar for every time I craved pizza or cookies during prep, I’d have enough money to buy a whole pizza chain and bakery!
Myth 5: You Just Put on a Sparkly Bikini and Stripper Heels
Reality: Sure, the bikini and heels are essential, but that’s just the surface! The real work is behind the scenes—training hard, dieting right, and practicing your posing. It’s about confidence and owning your look! It’s about building your mindset, working your fmobility, prioritizing rest and recovery.
Confession: I thought I could just throw on a sparkly bikini and call it a day. But once I started practicing my poses and learning how to showcase my body, I realized it was a whole different ball game!
Myth 6: Competing is Not a Sport
Reality: Competing is 100% a sport! It requires discipline, training, and dedication. You’re putting your body through the wringer and pushing your limits, which is definitely a sport in my book!
Confession: I remember telling people I was doing a bikini competition. They thought it was just a beauty pageant and all I had to do was do some cardio. Now they realize it’s a serious commitment and lifestyle!
If you think it’s not a sport, try telling a competitor that after they’ve spent hours lifting weights, meal prepping, and practicing their poses. They might just laugh in your face or punch it if they’re hangry!
Myth 7: You Don’t Have to Lift Heavy Weights
Reality: Lifting weights is crucial for building the muscle definition needed for competition. You don’t have to be a powerlifter, but strength training is key to building that sculpted look on stage.
Confession: I thought I was doing enough. I was training hard, going through the reps. Once I started lifting heavier and focusing on progressive overload and true bodybuilding, my physique transformed!
Myth 8: You Have to Be a Natural Athlete
Reality: You don’t need to have been a star athlete your whole life to compete. Many people start from scratch and achieve incredible results through hard work and dedication.
Myth 9: You Will Have Time for Everything During Prep
Reality: While you can make time for social activities, prep will require sacrifices. You may have to prioritize your training and nutrition over spontaneous plans.
Confession: I learned quickly that prepping for a show meant saying no to some social gatherings. But I also found ways to enjoy myself without derailing my progress!
If you think you can binge-watch Netflix and eat snacks during prep, you might be in for a rude awakening!
Myth 10: You’ll Always Be Ready for Show Day
Reality: Feeling “ready” for competition day can be a rollercoaster. Many competitors experience nerves and self-doubt leading up to the event. It’s completely normal and part of the journey! But if you work on your mindset you can put yourself in a better headspace so you don’t stress out leading up to your show.
Bikini competitions can be an incredible journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and a supportive community. By debunking these myths and embracing the reality of competition prep, you’re setting yourself up for a fulfilling experience. So, whether you’re gearing up for your first show or you’re a seasoned competitor, remember to enjoy the process, laugh at the misconceptions, and most importantly, celebrate the badass competitor you are becoming!