Canadian Bodybuilders Sponsorships

[MuscleRush]

We all know it’s so expensive to compete year after year as sometimes we end up paying and spending thousands of dollars on food, training, diets programs, supplements, etc… every single year to add that 5 – 10 lbs of muscle.

What makes it hard and more difficult, is that in the amateur world you still have to keep up with your monthly bills and expenses. So there is always the question do I have enough to compete.

Where are the sponsors today? What are they looking for? And what do Canadian bodybuilders need to have or do to get a sponsor to help them achieve their pro status?

Some sponsorship is only limited to supplements like Proteins, pre and post workout drinks, etc… I’m more talking about getting financial support to aid in covering our expenses in preparing for a show

I thought I would open a discussion about this to sort of understand the requiremenst for a bodybuilder to be considered for a sponsorship that can help both the sponsor and the bodybuilder.

Your thoughts, ideas, Suggestions on this subject are highly appreciated to help Canadian's bodybuilders get the help they need.

Thanks

MR
Build Muscle Or Die Trying..

[ubcpower]

I think it would also be a good idea to get a list of Canadian Supplement and Nutrition companies going so competitors know who to contact. Doesnt make sense for canadians to be barking up the tree of US companies when there are so many in our back yard.

[MuscleRush]

That's a great idea UB. I totally agree. It would also be great if we see more of the Canadian Supplement and Nutrition companies promot this and offer these types of sponsoreships

[#8]

^^ This thread already exists somewhere. The supplement company list I mean.

[ubcpower]

does it differentiate between CAn/US companies?

[natenator]

I find this to be pretty damn funny to be honest. I didn't have sponsorships when I was playing hockey and football. Of my friends who went on to play Junior A, University and even into the NHL most of them did not have any type of sponsorship deals either. Once they made it to a certain level or companies felt they had a marketable quality AND the ability to make it to the elite level then they might have had a sponsor but that's a very small minority of people.

My athletics from the time I was 5-17 cost me (well my mom or family who helped out with the bills) more than it did for a 4 year degree and certainly more than bodybuilding has cost me over the past 10-12 years.

If you want to compete then do it because you enjoy it. If you're good enough to be noticed then it means you've done what it takes but chances are likely you haven't NOR do you have what it takes to be a pro for said company to recoup their investment.

Pretty bodies and faces are a dime a dozen in this industry and only the best of the best OR those who are marketable (even if not at an elite level) receive financial sponsorship to compete.

FYI: If I owned a supplement company I likely won't put my marketing dollars in a bodybuilder. I would, instead, put my money in a fitness model, mma athlete, etc. A person for whom major masses of the population either identify or aspire to be. Bodybuilders are way down on that totem pole. I think more people aspire to be moticians than bodybuilders lol

[JonnyO]

There is no financial support for bodybuilders unless your maybe top 10 of the Pro's in the IFBB. Melvin Anthony, a well established pro had to put competing aside this year because he couldnt do it financially and lack of sponsorship, sad really because IMHO one should be established well anough on their own without a sponsorship to be able to afford to compete---->Branch Warren, Mark Dugdale, etc are good examples of this, working bodybuilders.

Get your life in line first and establish a career then focus on competing in bodybuilding instead of living a pipe dream like so many do.

[steve_d]

I find this to be pretty damn funny to be honest. I didn't have sponsorships when I was playing hockey and football. Of my friends who went on to play Junior A, University and even into the NHL most of them did not have any type of sponsorship deals either. Once they made it to a certain level or companies felt they had a marketable quality AND the ability to make it to the elite level then they might have had a sponsor but that's a very small minority of people.

My athletics from the time I was 5-17 cost me (well my mom or family who helped out with the bills) more than it did for a 4 year degree and certainly more than bodybuilding has cost me over the past 10-12 years.

If you want to compete then do it because you enjoy it. If you're good enough to be noticed then it means you've done what it takes but chances are likely you haven't NOR do you have what it takes to be a pro for said company to recoup their investment.

Pretty bodies and faces are a dime a dozen in this industry and only the best of the best OR those who are marketable (even if not at an elite level) receive financial sponsorship to compete.

FYI: If I owned a supplement company I likely won't put my marketing dollars in a bodybuilder. I would, instead, put my money in a fitness model, mma athlete, etc. A person for whom major masses of the population either identify or aspire to be. Bodybuilders are way down on that totem pole. I think more people aspire to be moticians than bodybuilders lol

couldn't have said this any better, nor could I agree any more. It seems many bodybuilders feel they deserve to be sponsored, but the reality is, bodybuilding is no different than every other sport. When I was a kid, my parents invested tuns of money for me to lead an active lifestyle. For me, that was competitive swimming, cycling, and triathlons. Others might be hockey, soccer, or whatever. But those that go on to try to become "pro" in their sport usually have to do it on their own $. Yes, its expensive, but thats life.

I think those that even get a couple hundred dollars a month in protein powder should be considered lucky. Or the fact that some / most provincial organizations give a sum of money to compete at national level events, etc - that to me seem pretty decent.

[Prisoner#22]

I was recently offered some help from a company here in Canada. I have been busy since the offer came in, but I will say that it was a very low ball offer. I am probably not going to take it.
I agree you have to have a 'look' or something that gets people to care about you before you can have any leverage as an athlete for a sponsorship deal. Exposure is key, and there is none here in Canada. If you have a great look, and think you can make a huge success in Bodybuilding, (which really is just winning a card to begin with) then consider doing a lot of American shows, because that is where the money and sponserships are.

[JonnyO]

I was recently offered some help from a company here in Canada. I have been busy since the offer came in, but I will say that it was a very low ball offer. I am probably not going to take it.
I agree you have to have a 'look' or something that gets people to care about you before you can have any leverage as an athlete for a sponsorship deal. Exposure is key, and there is none here in Canada. If you have a great look, and think you can make a huge success in Bodybuilding, (which really is just winning a card to begin with) then consider doing a lot of American shows, because that is where the money and sponserships are.

WHat was the offer if I may ask?

I would take it bro, better than nothing dont you think?

[MuscleRush]

I find this to be pretty damn funny to be honest. I didn't have sponsorships when I was playing hockey and football. Of my friends who went on to play Junior A, University and even into the NHL most of them did not have any type of sponsorship deals either. Once they made it to a certain level or companies felt they had a marketable quality AND the ability to make it to the elite level then they might have had a sponsor but that's a very small minority of people.

My athletics from the time I was 5-17 cost me (well my mom or family who helped out with the bills) more than it did for a 4 year degree and certainly more than bodybuilding has cost me over the past 10-12 years.

If you want to compete then do it because you enjoy it. If you're good enough to be noticed then it means you've done what it takes but chances are likely you haven't NOR do you have what it takes to be a pro for said company to recoup their investment.

Pretty bodies and faces are a dime a dozen in this industry and only the best of the best OR those who are marketable (even if not at an elite level) receive financial sponsorship to compete.

FYI: If I owned a supplement company I likely won't put my marketing dollars in a bodybuilder. I would, instead, put my money in a fitness model, mma athlete, etc. A person for whom major masses of the population either identify or aspire to be. Bodybuilders are way down on that totem pole. I think more people aspire to be moticians than bodybuilders lol

I see what you are saying and I respect that but sorry you are also comparing apples to oranges by comparing hockey or football to bodybuilding. If you can't see the difference i can’t really help you there.
We all compete because we love it and because we have the heart for it. You train hard and diet to be the best and wither you get your pro card or not is irrelevant because you will always know that you have giving it your best. Also if you feel this is funny I find it funnier that a bodybuilder like you if you are one that is, says that we are at the bottom of the of pole for someone to invest in us I would say switch to MMA forums or become a fitness model instead of being a bodybuilder!! Sorry please dont take it personal i just find it strange that you being a bodybuilder or someone on the bodybuilding forums would say something like that.

[bigtavi8]

MuscleRush i like the idea of this thread and the idea of sponsership as i too compete and wish there was something to help. Ive gotten pretty lucky so far but nothing that makes me enough to quit any job. But MR id watch the way i word my responses to natenator unless ur looking for a fight. just saying.

[MuscleRush]

MuscleRush i like the idea of this thread and the idea of sponsership as i too compete and wish there was something to help. Ive gotten pretty lucky so far but nothing that makes me enough to quit any job. But MR id watch the way i word my responses to natenator unless ur looking for a fight. just saying.

LOOOL this is not a fight arena it’s a discussion forum and people entitled to their opinion. Plus i m sure he is cool with it. :)

[natenator]

I see what you are saying and I respect that but sorry you are also comparing apples to oranges by comparing hockey or football to bodybuilding. If you can't see the difference i can’t really help you there.
We all compete because we love it and because we have the heart for it. You train hard and diet to be the best and wither you get your pro card or not is irrelevant because you will always know that you have giving it your best. Also if you feel this is funny I find it funnier that a bodybuilder like you if you are one that is, says that we are at the bottom of the of pole for someone to invest in us I would say switch to MMA forums or become a fitness model instead of being a bodybuilder!! Sorry please dont take it personal i just find it strange that you being a bodybuilder or someone on the bodybuilding forums would say something like that.
You clearly missed the point.

Bodybuilders are at the bottom of the list. Dude, ****ing hot dog contestants get more play than bodybuilders. That has solely to do with the public perception of the sport of bodybuilding. The general public does not enjoy it.

If you are looking for sponsorship then perhaps you should become better at your sport just like other athletes are in their sports who receive sponsorships or who make a living from their sport because they are the elite of the elite.

I have no problem competing and not being sponsored. Why? Because I can afford it. I'm not living in a pipe dream about making a living from bodybuilding so I choose to focus on those things which do pay the bills (my job) and those things which have allowed me to have a good job (an education or in the case of some others - a marketable skill/trade).

[Prisoner#22]

WHat was the offer if I may ask?

I would take it bro, better than nothing dont you think?

You can pm me if you like... but I won't share that info openly on the boards.

I have a sponsorship for supplements through Myers Drugs already, and I will say that they have been very good to me.

I do know of bodybuilders who are sponsered however with deals that include paying for travel to two shows a year... muscletech sponsers a lot of athletes this way, however I'm not a candidate as I would NEVER compromise myself by gaining a lot of fat weight in the offseason so I could take the before and after pics that they require. That's just not who I am... I stay lean year round, and I can only represent companies that mirror that approach.

[Prisoner#22]

You clearly missed the point.

Bodybuilders are at the bottom of the list. Dude, ****ing hot dog contestants get more play than bodybuilders. That has solely to do with the public perception of the sport of bodybuilding. The general public does not enjoy it.

If you are looking for sponsorship then perhaps you should become better at your sport just like other athletes are in their sports who receive sponsorships or who make a living from their sport because they are the elite of the elite.

I have no problem competing and not being sponsored. Why? Because I can afford it. I'm not living in a pipe dream about making a living from bodybuilding so I choose to focus on those things which do pay the bills (my job) and those things which have allowed me to have a good job (an education or in the case of some others - a marketable skill/trade).

MMA athletes are worse then bodybuilders in a sense they are a dime a dozen. It seems everybody wants to be an MMA star now. They are forever knocking each other out... unlike wrestling you can't 'push' an athlete and no matter how good he is for a few matches, he could take one on the chin and never be the same again.

[MuscleRush]

You clearly missed the point.

Bodybuilders are at the bottom of the list. Dude, ****ing hot dog contestants get more play than bodybuilders. That has solely to do with the public perception of the sport of bodybuilding. The general public does not enjoy it.

If you are looking for sponsorship then perhaps you should become better at your sport just like other athletes are in their sports who receive sponsorships or who make a living from their sport because they are the elite of the elite.

I have no problem competing and not being sponsored. Why? Because I can afford it. I'm not living in a pipe dream about making a living from bodybuilding so I choose to focus on those things which do pay the bills (my job) and those things which have allowed me to have a good job (an education or in the case of some others - a marketable skill/trade).

Thanks Natenator. Like I said everybody are entitled to their opinions. I have been sponsored for the last 4 years by the way and believe me i am not making or trying to make a living out of it especially at the amateur level. I have been always a fan of the sport and its life style.
Just because i post a topic about sponsorships doesn’t mean i can’t afford it or can't live or compete without one, it’s nice to have a little support for those that can't get everything they need to prepare for a show plus it’s a good motivation knowing that there are people/groups that supports you in what you’re doing.
Anyhow appreciate your feedback on the topic.

[natenator]

MMA athletes are worse then bodybuilders in a sense they are a dime a dozen. It seems everybody wants to be an MMA star now. They are forever knocking each other out... unlike wrestling you can't 'push' an athlete and no matter how good he is for a few matches, he could take one on the chin and never be the same again.
the point I was making with MMA athletes is that people in the mainstream can identify with them. Look at how many clubs are opening up these days compared to 10 years ago? Bodybuilding has virtually no growth and definitely no main stream appeal. If I am a company and I'm putting marketing dollars into a guy to help sell my brand then I am doing it with an athlete and sport that resonates with the public.

MMA gets coverage in the news
Football gets coverage in the news
Hockey gets coverage in the news
Hotdog eating gets coverage in the news

Bodybuilding gets NO coverage in the news.

[natenator]

Thanks Natenator. Like I said everybody are entitled to their opinions. I have been sponsored for the last 4 years by the way and believe me i am not making or trying to make a living out of it especially at the amateur level. I have been always a fan of the sport and its life style.
Just because i post a topic about sponsorships doesn’t mean i can’t afford it or can't live or compete without one, it’s nice to have a little support for those that can't get everything they need to prepare for a show plus it’s a good motivation knowing that there are people/groups that supports you in what you’re doing.
Anyhow appreciate your feedback on the topic.
I'm not disagreeing that it would be nice but you have to look at the reality of it and bodybuilding is far down the list of sports which will garner athlete sponsorships.

Picture of Jay Cutler or Brad Pitt in a magazine for a supplement ad. Who do you think wins? Brad Pitt does. Why? Because about 1 billion people can look at him and say "wow, I want to look like that... I gotta take what he takes". I don't know a whole lot of people other than bodybuilders, competitiors or spouses of competitors who look at Jay and say they want to look like him.

I just find it funny that some people think bodybuilders are deserving of sponsorships because they work so hard, costs so much for supplements, food, etc. I agree they do but I can tell you for certain I worked WAY harder in my athletic career when I was younger. I put in more time in practice then I every had to in the gym for bodybuilding. I put in equal to or the same amount of time in the gym than I do for bodybuilding, etc, etc, etc. Its costs a lot more and requires more work in a lot of other sports if you are on a path to try and get to the next/elite level in your sport.

I don't see parents of these kids asking for financial support so their kids can play. What I do and did see is a LOT of parents working overtime in the factory to foot the bill of their play.

For the record when I was playing hockey here's a simple run down (that I can remember) of what typical yearly costs were:

New equipment: $300
New skates: $350
Hockey sticks: $200 (or more depending on how many got broken)
Skate sharpening: $250 (or more - prob closer to $400)
Registration fees: $150
Travel Team (AAA) fees: $500
Power skating/skills clinics: $400

Now these are more or less from the time I was 13-17 as when I was younger I could get away without spending as much as I recall.

I didn't even bother adding in what my football cost me as a lot of that WAS funded through the school since we didn't have league programs in the city but still probably shelled out a couple grand a year there between paying for my jersey, supplemental padding which wasn't provided, medical things and a football camp every summer I went to.

[Prisoner#22]

the point I was making with MMA athletes is that people in the mainstream can identify with them. Look at how many clubs are opening up these days compared to 10 years ago? Bodybuilding has virtually no growth and definitely no main stream appeal. If I am a company and I'm putting marketing dollars into a guy to help sell my brand then I am doing it with an athlete and sport that resonates with the public.

MMA gets coverage in the news
Football gets coverage in the news
Hockey gets coverage in the news
Hotdog eating gets coverage in the news

Bodybuilding gets NO coverage in the news.

I see what your are saying, however lets narrow the focus... The bodybuilding supplement industry. Yes bodybuilding is not a large sport, however just think of how may gyms there are across the country and the world. A lot of people do train, and do look up to the top bodybuildiers. In Canada the market isn't big due to the fact there are just 37 million people here, but in the USA the market is much bigger, about 10 fold.

I think that is what the OP is getting at.

As far as advertising goes, It makes no sense to have say a hockey player advertising your bodybuilding supplement product, because a lot of hockey fans are casual couch loafers and beer drinkers, who have no interest in working out.
That just leaves the players themselves, and really... that means the hockey moms have to not only afford the hockey skates and equipment, but the Myoplex shake as well? I don't think that is going to happen, so I think your argument and thinking is fundementally flawed.

Marketing >>> keep the cost as low as possible and target your intended market.

Getting a high profile elite athlete.. such as a pro hockey player etc.... is going to cost you a lot of money... if you are focusing on say selling protein, you want a representative who is well known to your target population or appealing and marketable, but not too expensive right?

The object is to sell and make money, not lose your money in advertising.

So backing someone who competes in the sport of bodybuilding isn't going to set you back a lot of money, yet, their image, and reputation may be great enough to motivate the casual lifter/ gym goer to read your add in the muscle mag e.t.c. and quite possibly enquire at the local supplement store about your product the next time they go to buy supplements.

[slick rick]

To Nates point.. every armchair warrior in North America knows the name Xyience.. because they have Iceman, Forrest Griffin, Randy Couture, who are all now household names as the face of their product. They went to the worlds fastest growing sport.

When joe blow walks into GNC he's looking for Xyience and walking right past Gaspari or something similar that markets with a Bodybuilder..

Unfortunately Xyience couldn't walk the talk... but you get the drift.

[Prisoner#22]

To Nates point.. every armchair warrior in North America knows the name Xyience.. because they have Iceman, Forrest Griffin, Randy Couture, who are all now household names as the face of their product. They went to the worlds fastest growing sport.

When joe blow walks into GNC he's looking for Xyience and walking right past Gaspari or something similar that markets with a Bodybuilder..

Unfortunately Xyience couldn't walk the talk... but you get the drift.

hate to disagree with you bro, but I don't even know what xyience is besides the fact they make a drink like full throttle, Monster, et al .. just another brand of redbull crap lol dime a dozen. And really how many mainstream peolpe really know who 'Forrest Griffen' is if you asked somebody on the street. lol Not many

Hell i don't even know who the 'iceman' is lol.

[Praetorian]

Bodybuilding has been a passion of mine since I saw Arnold in Weider magazine when I was 17. Since then it has consumed a large part of my life and has taught me many positive things that I have applied to all aspects of my life from relationships, to education, to business, to career etc. Bodybuilding has been and always will be a part of my life, its something I love and something helps get me through the day.
HOWEVER...and that is a huge however...bodybuilding as a sport is NOT mainstream and will not become mainstream any time soon. When Ben Weider was unable to get it into the Olympics the idea of mainstream bodybuilding died. There are big dollars in Bodybuilding however it is in the supplement industry and these companies need to see a decent ROI if they are going to offer an athlete a financial sponsorship...I'm not talking Muscletech supplements etc...I'm talking a contract with financial support. These contracts if they are of significant value are limited and given to athletes who are see to show promise, have a specific look(unique) or are performing consistently at the elite level. Very few (there are some) amateur athletes receive these contracts. You have to standout from the rest of the thousands of BB out here searching for sponsorship. You also have to be diligent in your pursuit..that means contacting each and every company with a professional portfolio, pics, bio, contest history etc...basically pursuing it relentlessly.
BB is a cult sport at best, it does not nor cannot compete with mainstream sports thus lacks the financial outlay to the athletes...MMA, Boxing, Baseball, Basketball, Football etc...all pull in much more revenue and can contract athletes with much bigger salaries. BB is not televised, is not on PPV, is not covered by news papers, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc You wont see the winner of the MR Olympia on the cover of Sports Illustrated...unfortunately it doesn't sell...and that's the bottom line.
Very few Pro BB's make a decent living off of BB...very few...and these are usually the smart ones who have all business attitudes. BB is a business and it is cutthroat so you have to know what the score is and market yourself professionally and relentlessly in order to do well. Count some of the top Olympia contenders from 10-15 years ago and see what they are doing today, you would be surprised.
I am an athlete and a competitive BB...I live the sport basically but I also live a balanced life with family, a career, a fiance, friends (not BB's) etc....this allows me to excel in my sport...because I have a team...a support structure...and I didnt give up an education or career to be a BB...which so many young guys think they need to do in order to win at BB...sorry it just isnt so...and Ronnie Coleman would be the first to tell you that. Yes the supplement industry is a billion dollar business but a very teeny tiny percentage ever gets into the BB pockets...ask yourself why that is?
BB is one of the toughest sports out there...financially it is at the bottom of the totem pole...so you need to love doing it and it must be your passion...otherwise pick another sport.
P

[MuSuLPhReAk]

Very good thread guys. For those of you that are interested in promoting yourself to get known more to try to get sponsored by a company, please take a look at this thread

http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/forums/showthread.php?p=397931#post397931

If you're interested let me know and we'll get it done.

[Dryvrgrl]

cool interview idea MP!!

ok.. so sponsorship... I get some! It's all mostly micro sponsorship lol.. I get get a little, I give a little... deals percentage off... that kind of thing.. but it helps!
Deal from my gym as far as training and programming goes.
deal from supplemment company as far as a percentage off supps goes.
Deal on hair, makeup and tanning
Deal on suits for promoting my suit maker etc...

Nobody is paying me to compete or anything... but I AM actively seeing sponsorship and have made initial contact with blogging about switching from Fitness to Bodybuilding and keeping track the journey.. with a focus on the differences in training and opportunities between fitness competition and being a female BB... (mind ya, hardly anyone reads my bloggy thinggy on here.. so SHHH don't tell.. lol) there might be a little cash involved as far as travel expences and such... but mostly it's small time. Except I did have a Doctor sponsor me! she gave me 200 bucks towards my trip! that was helpful... she says i inspire her!:D

Leigh was getting supps from Kaizen, clothes from Naigard, a few other weird micro sponsor thinggies.

[MuscleRush]

I am an athlete and a competitive BB...I live the sport basically but I also live a balanced life with family, a career, a fiance, friends (not BB's) etc....this allows me to excel in my sport...because I have a team...a support structure...and I didnt give up an education or career to be a BB...which so many young guys think they need to do in order to win at BB...

BB is one of the toughest sports out there...financially it is at the bottom of the totem pole...so you need to love doing it and it must be your passion...otherwise pick another sport.
P

Praetorian I think you nailed it in my opinion. Thank You.

Have a balanced life and established career first. Promote yourself with a business mind set and work hard in being the best in the sport you love the most.

[C.Cruise]

You can pm me if you like... but I won't share that info openly on the boards.

I have a sponsorship for supplements through Myers Drugs already, and I will say that they have been very good to me.

I do know of bodybuilders who are sponsered however with deals that include paying for travel to two shows a year... muscletech sponsers a lot of athletes this way, however I'm not a candidate as I would NEVER compromise myself by gaining a lot of fat weight in the offseason so I could take the before and after pics that they require. That's just not who I am... I stay lean year round, and I can only represent companies that mirror that approach.

WOW! so all Muscletech Athletes get fat off season. Zin Croon, Joe Romine, Hassan Jama are just to a few who come to mind who stay in very good shape year round. So you can throw that theory out the window. Maybe they just didnt want you. LOL.

[Prisoner#22]

WOW! so all Muscletech Athletes get fat off season. Zin Croon, Joe Romine, Hassan Jama are just to a few who come to mind who stay in very good shape year round. So you can throw that theory out the window. Maybe they just didnt want you. LOL.

You again? go **** yourself.

[C.Cruise]

You again? go **** yourself.

Guess you dont like being called on your BS!!!

[Mr.Meat]

I'm not in BB but compete in Strongman, and maintain a comparetively lean physique as compared to other competitors. I have a somewhat lucretive career plus work weekends in order to support myself in the sport that I love. I never really approched anyone for sponsorship since even 10lbs of protien per month would not make a significant difference in my monthly spending (think costco kaizen whey isolate 10lbs = ~$90 whoopdee-doo).

I wondering what one could excpect as far as "sponsorship" when approching a supplement company or possibly a retail outlet of supplements? I'm not talking about finnacial sponsorship but rather some freebie supplemants or even a discount on their products...

[Dryvrgrl]

supp companies give different deals to different ppl.
some give full sponsorship!
some give partial.
I get partial
My freind gets partial but a better percentage than I do! lol but she has to do publicity stuff for her company... I just have to win contests! ;)