Competition questions

[scumbag]

First of all, I would like to thank you for the great advice and instruction you post on the forum. I personally find it very valuable and informative.

My question are regards to competing. I am a intermediate level bodybuilder(7+ years) who has never competed and would like to get my feet wet next year.

Whats your opinion , as a competitive bodybuilder and trainer, on how a bodybuilder should look onstage? What do judges look for? I am interested mainly on what muscle groups you deem important, and how a shorter bodybuilder like myself (5'5) can be a contender onstage?

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

[Praetorian]

Hi SB my pleasure...im glad you feel it is informative and helpful. As for competing height is really irrelevant...what is important is that you strive for perfection albeit unattainable in the areas that matter...size, shape, symmetry, and definition or conditioning. First you need to look at what weight class you will most likely be in and see if that matches your height. What is your current weight? How much would you need to lose to walk on stage? What weight class does that put you in? As an example there are many guys around 5'9-5'10 that are 230 off season but once they diet down and lose the fat and water they are competing around 190-195 which puts them in the LHW class or even less...under 176lbs which puts them in middle weight....this put sthem at a huge disadvantage because of their height a guy 5-7 or so and the same weight makes them appear small. 5"9 is a natural heavyweight which means they should be 205-215 on stage....at my height 5'11 I am a natural super heavy....competing at 230-240lbs.
All muscles are important and that adds up to a symmetrical physique...being the biggest guy doesnt matter if you arent in shape, have great symmetry and are sliced with no weak points.

I would suggest picking a contest...level 1 regional and training hard fo it and see where you stand....once you know how much you need to lose to get ripped (most guys under estimate by 20lbs or so) you canthen make a plan for the next contest and look at weak areas etc. You have to get your feet wet first mate!
P

[scumbag]

thanks for the response. My current weight is 167lbs. I would think I would sit in the Lightweight category since I am currently dieting for the summer. I started at 185lbs about 3 months ago and so far I am shedding fat slow yet steady. But like you said, I need to compete first and see how things go.