Top Tips to Hit the National Stage

Whether this is your first national show or fifth, here are my top tips to hit the national stage.  After competing for years, these are the things I see most often being forgotten or some competitor throwing a fit over.

photo BY JM Manion for NPC News Online

Budget

Competing is not cheap.  Let me say that again- COMPETING IS NOT CHEAP! 

Entry fees, hotel, flight, spray tan, suit, make-up, food, supplements . . . the list goes on. By the time you get your 15 seconds of glory, you will have likely spent thousands to get there.  I would not suggest cutting corners in this sport, but here are some tips to help save some money.

• ·       Stay at the host hotel:

When a promoter releases the host hotel, they usually have a competitor rate.  Saving on average $30 per night.  Most of these rooms have a 24-hour before arrival cancellation policy and a credit card will hold the room (but not be charged until your arrival).  These rooms also go quick, so even if you are on the fence; book it and cancel later.

I also suggest going in with another competitor.  Whether you ask a team mate or happen to see a competitor on social media; it never hurts to ask.

• ·        Suit:

If you are unsure whether you are going to be dedicated to this sport - start simple!  You can always add fancier connectors and stones later on.  Also, do some research on brands.  There are a lot of great designers out there ranging from $125 all the way up to the thousands.  A thousand dollar suit is not going to bump up your placing.  You may also not be aware, but you can wear an off the rack suit.  

The key is making sure the suit is the right color for your features and that it accentuates what you are bringing to the stage.

• ·      Food:

I love that there are more and more meal prep companies popping up all over the country.  Most of these companies will ship to your hotel.  While this may increase how much is spent on a show, it also takes the stress off of cooking and saves you more time to practice posing or be in the gym.  The thing to ask yourself is, “What is your time worth?”

If you are set in prepping your own meals, I suggest buying in bulk from places like Costco, Sam’s, or a restaurant depot.  These places are carrying more lean and organic items for amazing prices.

Show Time

A wise man once told me, “It’s either your show or it’s not.” 

People often get confused about some of the divisions and some divisions have a fine line between them.  Judging happens when they see what the show as a whole has brought to the stage.  The thing to remember is you have no control of who shows up or how they show up.  Stay focused on your own goal(s)!

Use being told “no” as a stepping stone to challenge yourself and your body.

Have Fun

I get that we are all there for that number one spot.  I understand that we are all tired, some of us hungry, some of us thirsty; but being rude and disrespectful to other competitors is just silly.  This is a chance to connect and embrace the journey and make a few friends along the way.

Also, having fun with the experience can help keep nerves at bay and promote a positive atmosphere for those around you.  Everyone present has earned their right to be there just as much as you. 

Be On Time

Most shows have a three strikes you’re out rule, but have also had a show where there are no strikes when calling your number to line up.  When it is your time to line up, do just that - line up!  If for some reason you HAVE TO leave the line, tell the backstage escort.

I always line up with a small tissue, compact mirror, and my lip gloss.  There is plenty of time for those little details and places to stash your tools.

Whether you are moving forward in this sport or still testing the waters, it is important to remember when hitting the national stage to have a budget set in place, be focused on your goals, have fun, and be on time.  Remember at the end of the day all that time and money is invested in you, not some $10 trophy.

Good luck to all those competing in the 2017 season.   It is going to be an amazing year no matter where life takes you!