Cost of prep coach and contest

[Relentless]

Hi guys, first post! yeah!!! lol so hi there! :ht

Thinking of doing my first comp this year. I've met with a team of two coach who have trained athletes in the past, and we see things the same way. I'd think I'd have a real good time training under them and they offered me a clear opinion on my strengh and weaknesses.

So all in all the question I have, is, for those of you who compete, for how long did you hire a coach and what was the cost of your prep coach?

right now I'm at 30 weeks out (set mid nov)

supervised training would be twice a week
about 80$ (a deal) per training session, so 160$ per week
so about 5000$.

plus supps, plus trunks, plus food...

should I take another mortage ?? ahahah

I'm in Qc, Montreal, so I'd like a chime with the financial aspect of competing... I would very much like to take part in this, but not at 800-1000$ per month, right now that would be crazy for me to do.

I'd just like your opinions, wether the price per session is right, wether I really need 2X per week, etc.... I would like reference points to judge my situation....

thanks!!

[bigtavi8]

Just get a 12 or 16 week prep coach. DK (member: deltking) on this board will prep you online and is doing an amazing job on my prep and also korillons prep just to name a few. I dont no prices offhand but nothing insane like 5000 im 100% sure. Hes always available and just a text away. He really really knows his stuff and has me conditioned like never before in my life and i still got ways to go. Send him a private message and work out the details and see if you can go that way. You have a tonne of time but if you want someone to actually train you in the gym instead of do your diet and prep im not to sure in Montreal Area.

[bigtavi8]

Just an idea a show usually end up costing about 1500 when you break it down. 16 weeks of food at at least 75-100 bucks a week (but you have to eat anyways so i dont count all that), 100bucks for trunks, registration, lodging. Supps depending on natty or gear i still spend most of my money here unfortunatly.

[Memo]

gear alone even if you stay on the light side can cost 200$+ a month..

[bigtavi8]

your right man 200 EASY depending on dosages, compounds, expierence, etc etc. Natty athletes must have an extra chunk of change left over that the gearboxes spend on there cycles. Oh well everyone does what they have to do and spends what they have to spend i geuss. To each there own.

[Relentless]

wow ok thanks for the response. I am looking for a prep coach that will dial in the training and diet, although I am fairly knowledgeable in that respect... I've been training 10yrs and holding a 7.8%BF (got tested five hours ago!) so I'm not starting from nowhere..

ok I'll break it down with the coach that I'm meeting again tomorrow and I'll ask him what would the total be. excluding gym membership 'cause I'm not at their gym right now... and theirs costs 100$ a month, which is crazy in my opinion.

thanks for the quick answer... I come from the t-nation board and I hope to stay here a while also!
thanks

[Ritch]

200? More like per week... And still that isn`t much. I`ve known guys spending over 5 grand for the pro gym show. The numbers I`ve heard from spot on sources (one was a prep coach, the others were doing the show) for the Canada`s are in the tens of thousands.

[bigtavi8]

Welcome and stay this board kicks t nations ass..:cflag:hu

[bigtavi8]

200? More like per week... And still that isn`t much. I`ve known guys spending over 5 grand for the pro gym show. The numbers I`ve heard from spot on sources (one was a prep coach, the others were doing the show) for the Canada`s are in the tens of thousands.

Now come on ritch dont blow it out of proportion. Were not talking about canadian nationals or ifbb pros. I think 3G's max but dont count all food. (not fair as you would already have to eat something to live so..)

[Relentless]

lol we'll see... we'll see..... ; )

wow, hey I like bbing like the next guy, ok... a *lot* more so than the next guy, but there's no way I'm plucking down 5-6 gran for a local show... my conditionning and or goals doesn't justify that....

[Ritch]

Now come on ritch dont blow it out of proportion. Were not talking about canadian nationals or ifbb pros. I think 3G's max but dont count all food. (not fair as you would already have to eat something to live so..)

I`m not exagerating. One guy I was talking to was using 2100mg of deca a week among a ton of other shit for the pro gym cup. And my numbers on the Canada competitors are not bullshit. But 3 grand for this guy would sound about right, but I have no idea what his drug use, experience is, so these are pure guesses. People have no clue how expensive it really is...

[Relentless]

oh ok ... 3000$ for 6 months I could do... I really only need the trunks, oils, coach. I already have the supps and like you said, the food is alreayd counted in anyway

[bigtavi8]

I agree for a local show that would be plain stupid. A basic cycle, an effective diet, and some basic supps. A thong and some protan. Bam your in. IF you cant make it to provincials with that well dont waste the money to find out.

[bigtavi8]

I`m not exagerating. One guy I was talking to was using 2100mg of deca a week. And my numbers on the Canada competitors are not bullshit. But 3 grand for this guy would sound about right, but I have no idea what his drug use, experience is, so these are pure guesses. People have no clue how expensive it really is...

Ill bite my tounge. Im wrong honestly. I wasnt aware of dosages like that. Unbelievable. That high plus test to begin with plus gh and slin i assume. YES 10g would be right. You have a point there.

[Relentless]

yeah like I said, I have a slight clue... 2-5K figure was in my head...

10 yrs training, 7.8% Bf weight at 148 5`6 age 30

2 cycles under my belt, right now on EQ 400mg-week +tren 466mg-week (3 out of 10 week) + pct anciliarries etc etc.... just to glaze over my numbers ...

[bigtavi8]

please say you have 500mg of test with that and you forgot to mention it.

[Ritch]

please say you have 500mg of test with that and you forgot to mention it.

what he said.

[519Muscle]

Hi guys, first post! yeah!!! lol so hi there! :ht

Thinking of doing my first comp this year. I've met with a team of two coach who have trained athletes in the past, and we see things the same way. I'd think I'd have a real good time training under them and they offered me a clear opinion on my strengh and weaknesses.

So all in all the question I have, is, for those of you who compete, for how long did you hire a coach and what was the cost of your prep coach?

right now I'm at 30 weeks out (set mid nov)

supervised training would be twice a week
about 80$ (a deal) per training session, so 160$ per week
so about 5000$.

plus supps, plus trunks, plus food...

should I take another mortage ?? ahahah

I'm in Qc, Montreal, so I'd like a chime with the financial aspect of competing... I would very much like to take part in this, but not at 800-1000$ per month, right now that would be crazy for me to do.

I'd just like your opinions, wether the price per session is right, wether I really need 2X per week, etc.... I would like reference points to judge my situation....

thanks!!

As bigtavi already said DeltKing is a great coach, and he's leader of Canadian Muscle Team (CMT) he's been coaching me for a while now, and wow he's like a walking/talking encyclopedia book. I don't think i could have all my gains with out him.

[Ritch]

Delt king is seems to have a great rep here, but let`s not forget Praetorian. I was on his site, and was stunned to see how affordable his rates are. You may not be in the gym together, but shoot him a pm. Delt kings methods (as far as I know) would better suite a guy like me if I wanted to do a show, but he should explore all of his options to make sure he`s doing what`s best for him.

And oh yeah, welcome to CBB!

[tiramisu]

You guys spend way too much on drugs.

I can see where a diet/prep coach would be nice to have and almost assuredly save you some mistakes but it's definitely not a requirement for an amateur show. I'd save my money till I was ready to think about winning a show rather than just competing in one.

[btufts]

contact praetorian, he and his wife helped me with my prep this year and did a phenominal job... they'll work online through email, they are great to work with and have more information at hand than anyone i know. give him a PM and his rates are very manageable

[Sean Summers]

You can always give us a shout...

www.elitephysique.ca

SS

[dangit]

"yeah like I said, I have a slight clue... 2-5K figure was in my head...

10 yrs training, 7.8% Bf weight at 148 5`6 age 30

2 cycles under my belt, right now on EQ 400mg-week +tren 466mg-week (3 out of 10 week) + pct anciliarries etc etc.... just to glaze over my numbers ... "

If you weight 148 and you're sure you're 7.8% bodyfat, then I wouldn't bother with a coach. Waste of money unless you're a pro or want to be a pro and weigh well over 200 with 10% bodyfat. Save some money. Maybe seek a bit of advice on how to make training diet better, but that's it.

The internet has a wealth of info and if you know a few people from your gym that have competed, then pick their brains.

[ubcpower]

your right man 200 EASY depending on dosages, compounds, expierence, etc etc. Natty athletes must have an extra chunk of change left over that the gearboxes spend on there cycles. Oh well everyone does what they have to do and spends what they have to spend i geuss. To each there own.

you would be suprised, natty athletes (the ones i know atleast) will tend to over think the 'supplement' side of things and buy every natural thermo, bcaa, no2...etc under the sun.

[ubcpower]

"yeah like I said, I have a slight clue... 2-5K figure was in my head...

10 yrs training, 7.8% Bf weight at 148 5`6 age 30

2 cycles under my belt, right now on EQ 400mg-week +tren 466mg-week (3 out of 10 week) + pct anciliarries etc etc.... just to glaze over my numbers ... "

If you weight 148 and you're sure you're 7.8% bodyfat, then I wouldn't bother with a coach. Waste of money unless you're a pro or want to be a pro and weigh well over 200 with 10% bodyfat. Save some money. Maybe seek a bit of advice on how to make training diet better, but that's it.

The internet has a wealth of info and if you know a few people from your gym that have competed, then pick their brains.

Same Dangit from CJM?? if so, congrats on your win, you should intro yourself here and post more

[dangit]

Same Dangit from CJM?? if so, congrats on your win, you should intro yourself here and post more

Yeah, same one. Thanks man. I've been a member here for a few years, just never posted. Just a lurker ;)

I miss CJM. Doesn't seem to be going anymore is it?

[ironwill]

Holy crap!!! 500 mg of test /week and a bit of anavar, some clen and 50 mg eod of winny the last weeks is all one needs, Maybe gh if older and necessary.....
Several hundred total cycle if not including gh....
Get someone like Delt king, prae or sean summers to help you out, they wont be near the cost your other trainer quoted you and probably do a better job!!!!

[Praetorian]

Holy crap!!! 500 mg of test /week and a bit of anavar, some clen and 50 mg eod of winny the last weeks is all one needs, Maybe gh if older and necessary.....
Several hundred total cycle if not including gh....
Get someone like Delt king, prae or sean summers to help you out, they wont be near the cost your other trainer quoted you and probably do a better job!!!!

Thanks IW...agreed...its funny how many guys rely on large amounts of gear thinking that will make the difference when doing a show. This couldnt be further from the truth. You can use tonnes of gear if you like and waste your money but it wont help you...diet, training, and proper fine tuning will make the difference between top 5 and not placing. For someone doing a show for the first time...500mg test weekly, some clen, T3, and some winny the last 4 weeks...gh if affordable only. Keep it simple...
P

FYI Here is a sample National level cycle:

week 1-8 test C 1000mg weekly
week 1-8 deca 600mg weekly
week 9-16 test E 1000mg weekly
week 9-16 EQ 600mg weekly
week 9-16 tren ace 75mg EOD
week 11-16 winny 50mg ED
week 1-16 clen, T3, GH (2-4iu ED)

[btufts]

Yeah, same one. Thanks man. I've been a member here for a few years, just never posted. Just a lurker ;)

I miss CJM. Doesn't seem to be going anymore is it?

Danny congrats on the show this year! i seen you backstage there for a minute you looked like a freak!!

[btufts]

Thanks IW...agreed...its funny how many guys rely on large amounts of gear thinking that will make the difference when doing a show. This couldnt be further from the truth. You can use tonnes of gear if you like and waste your money but it wont help you...diet, training, and proper fine tuning will make the difference between top 5 and not placing. For someone doing a show for the first time...500mg test weekly, some clen, T3, and some winny the last 4 weeks...gh if affordable only. Keep it simple...
P

FYI Here is a sample National level cycle:

week 1-8 test C 1000mg weekly
week 1-8 deca 600mg weekly
week 9-16 test E 1000mg weekly
week 9-16 EQ 600mg weekly
week 9-16 tren ace 75mg EOD
week 11-16 winny 50mg ED
week 1-16 clen, T3, GH (2-4iu ED)


found that out the hard way haha you couldn't be more correct p

[O-Train]

you would be suprised, natty athletes (the ones i know atleast) will tend to over think the 'supplement' side of things and buy every natural thermo, bcaa, no2...etc under the sun.

Yup, but it doesn't really do them any good. I don't think I could justify spending even a fraction of what some people do. Tanning minutes, protan and oil, posing suit, razor, entry fees, accomodation and maybe a bit of extra money because the diet changes. That's it for me. Probably like $300-500.

[steve_d]

The above would be way more than 300. just 1 contest alone will run you over 150$ just in entry fees. 250$ in accomodations for 2 nights. You're already at 400. tanning is an easy 100$. protan, oil, suit, well over 500$.

Still way cheaper than being in any other typical sport. Oh, and about spending 80$ a week to have someone just train you...If you're just starting out and you need that type of help, the stepping on stage should not be the immediate goal. You'll end up being the "clueless competitor"
see: http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17519

[O-Train]

Nope. OPA shows have a membership fee and most of the natural shows have a drug testing fee but I've never spent 150. Only need one night accomodation (or none depending on the location) because the shows tend to be within a short driving distance. It's cheap if you want it to be. I did my first show in University on a nothing budget. Second show I did I bought a whole bunch of tickets in advance when they cost less and sold them for a profit at the show.


The above would be way more than 300. just 1 contest alone will run you over 150$ just in entry fees. 250$ in accomodations for 2 nights. You're already at 400. tanning is an easy 100$. protan, oil, suit, well over 500$.

Still way cheaper than being in any other typical sport. Oh, and about spending 80$ a week to have someone just train you...If you're just starting out and you need that type of help, the stepping on stage should not be the immediate goal. You'll end up being the "clueless competitor"
see: http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17519

[Relentless]

ehehe, I don't mind the hijack, you guys seems a fun bunch here : )

yeah my test is on the way, I know I should ideally include this in the mix. I'm 3wks in right now and feelin no sides with legit gear.

yeah, I'm apparently at 7.3%, my typo. I got my scan yesterday a the trainer facility.

There is a class for the 143lbs and less (bantham division) which I could enter.

Obviously I know how to train and eat, but I know little to nothing about contest prep and posing.

I met again with him today and he's a nice guy, pretty knowledgeable, he competed. I'm not arguying about his credentials, nor his approach. In fact he want to keep me conditionned at 7-8.5% and slowly add muscles till 15-16wks out.

anyway, the question I had was for how long before the show, and how frequent do you think you need a prep coach? I have intensity in the gym and require little hand-holding... and at 80$ per session, I can do without. I guess I would need help setting my training initially, but then I could slack down on the frequency.

[steve_d]

Nope. OPA shows have a membership fee and most of the natural shows have a drug testing fee but I've never spent 150. Only need one night accomodation (or none depending on the location) because the shows tend to be within a short driving distance. It's cheap if you want it to be. I did my first show in University on a nothing budget. Second show I did I bought a whole bunch of tickets in advance when they cost less and sold them for a profit at the show.


membership = 80$
entry fee = 80$

total > 150

maybe it was cheaper back then.

Also, I suppose if you live near toronto you might get by with 1 or none nights at the hotel. and less in gas / travel.

[O-Train]

membership = 80$
entry fee = 80$

total > 150

maybe it was cheaper back then.

Also, I suppose if you live near toronto you might get by with 1 or none nights at the hotel. and less in gas / travel.

I don't remember it being so much, seems like a lot for one show. Especially considering what they charge everyone to watch.

To the OP. It really depends on exactly what you need/are looking for. Like for posing I just borrowed a posing video from someone. I think it was called "Perfect Posing" or something similar. If you really look for what you want to learn you'll probably be able to find out a whole lot on your own. Without spending a ton of money. It won't take the place of an experienced trainer/prep coach but it won't cost nearly as much either.

Shop around with the guys here who do contest prep. Not sure if anyone mentioned Praetorian but he would be a good choice. It sounds like that would be the best bang for your buck.

[Relentless]

excellent advice, I'll take the time to PM him tomorrow

I heard about that video, I'll look into it

[Ritch]

I`ve got some old weider wall charts I can send you. Let me know if you`re interested! The guy is kinda jacked, and is wearing a leopard trunk with a shoulder trap that goes over just one shoulder like the strong guys in the circus wear.

[Relentless]

rolf, that would bring us back to some old eugene sandow's picture !

[Dryvrgrl]

If you like the guy who you want to be your coach, make him an offer... if 3 grand is your "budget" tell him thats what you've got to spend, and ask him if he will train you for that... you might want to only see him once a week or once every 2 weeks for the personal training at the beginning, which will keep the cost down a bit, and around 16 weeks out kick it up a bit. (i mean if he gives you programming, you can train on your own if you have been for 10 yrs already... right?) stick to your own gym for the first few months then kick it up and train at his gym at the end.
Id be concerned about anyone trying to keep you at 7% bf while bulking though... but then again, I guess it might not be inpossible.

[btufts]

If you like the guy who you want to be your coach, make him an offer... if 3 grand is your "budget" tell him thats what you've got to spend, and ask him if he will train you for that... you might want to only see him once a week or once every 2 weeks for the personal training at the beginning, which will keep the cost down a bit, and around 16 weeks out kick it up a bit. (i mean if he gives you programming, you can train on your own if you have been for 10 yrs already... right?) stick to your own gym for the first few months then kick it up and train at his gym at the end.
Id be concerned about anyone trying to keep you at 7% bf while bulking though... but then again, I guess it might not be inpossible.


I highly doubt he could maintain 7% through a bulk stage. that pretty much goes against everything your body wants to do, even with sick genetics

[steve_d]

^tell that to steve parker!

maintaining 7% is basically a hard task for anyone though. The problem is his definition of 7% is likely 14%...people really have a hard time understanding what 7% actually looks like.

[natenator]

^tell that to steve parker!

maintaining 7% is basically a hard task for anyone though. The problem is his definition of 7% is likely 14%...people really have a hard time understanding what 7% actually looks like.
AGREED!!!!

I have a buddy prepping for Sudbury or SSM (can't remember) and he keeps telling me he is no more than 7% tops currently 8 weeks out. He shows me a pic and yes he has abs he is more like 10%-12%.

He really has no clue and is one of these guys who you can't tell anything because he thinks he knows it all.

Also thinks he was holding water last year at his show (that he won his class). He was holding wate3r but prob was holding 5lbs of fat. I guess people refuse to believe reality even when more experienced people in terms of competing tell him otherwise.

[btufts]

^tell that to steve parker!

maintaining 7% is basically a hard task for anyone though. The problem is his definition of 7% is likely 14%...people really have a hard time understanding what 7% actually looks like.

hahah steve is on a whole another level of lean... he looks like he's 2 weeks out from a show all year around. but the whole bf perception thing is way out of wack. i've had skinny kids come up to me saying they're 4% bf because they have abs as they're so skinny. same to the tubbies that say they're 8% to make themselves feel good. jeeez even contest time i was probably 7-8% on stage after dehydrating.

[steve_d]

I don't know where people come up with some of the numbers sometimes...For example, a few years ago, I was 1 week out of a show. Almost the leanest I had ever been. I dunno, I'd say 6% or so. Some kid comes up to me and says "wow, you are so ripped, what % bf are you?" ...I told him I would guess around 6%. His response was: oh yeah, that's pretty good. I am 4%.

I am looking at this dude, with not even a hint of abs showing, looking at him, then looking at me..."did you not hear what I said - I am 6%, you are not 4%". And if you truly think you are 4%, then why don't you at least say something like "oh man, you're not 6%, you must be -10%".

Anyway, it doesn't bother me. People can think whatever percent they want. I don't really care what percent I am as long as I have striations within my striations, I am good to go.

[steve_d]

AGREED!!!!

I have a buddy prepping for Sudbury or SSM (can't remember) and he keeps telling me he is no more than 7% tops currently 8 weeks out. He shows me a pic and yes he has abs he is more like 10%-12%.



I hope its sudbury...maybe he'll be in my class!

Speaking of people who have no clue...There are a few people at my gym competing in missisauga. They don't look like they workout, nor are they lean enough to even be 12 weeks out. And they think they are on schedule. Why is it that some people have no clue what it takes to be on stage...

Where is that link to the "clueless competitor"...lol

[Relentless]

ehehe....you are both right and I'm personnally way past the "internet number" trend.... so as a quick update, the 7.3% was the damned bodysphere machine.... my coach used calipers with the 8fold technique.... 9.7% came back, which in mind make a lot more sense. I'm bulking now, trying to stay in the 10-12% range....I've got a diet to follow for 4 weeks (3 remaining) and we'll measure again at the end. All in all I'm more confortable with this technique....

[Andre Gregoire]

You can always give us a shout...

www.elitephysique.ca

SS

Great prices Dan, if you can promise to dial me in like you always are :yeah

This is "DREXX" by the way from back in the old days.