Cost of Doing a Show

Bigger Stronger Leaner
1

Since this is now more of a competitors forum I figure this might be of interest to people who are going to eventually take the plunge, and its something I almost never see discussed.

Many people do not realize the cost of doing a body building show. I’m not talking about the physical, emotional, psychological toll it will take on you… I’m talking cold, hard cash.

I would say for a first timer you should anticipate spending about $500 on the show.

Anyone else who has competed can feel free to chime in, but here is a basic breakdown of what it will take to compete:

1 - Registration for the Organization. NABBA, NPC, IFBB, etc… The cost of my show was $100 even. This allows you to do as many shows as you want for 12 months

2 - Registration for the show: $100 PER CLASS. Meaning if you want to do the Novice and the open thats $200. Want to add on a Physique? Another $100.

3 - Spray Tan: If I remember right mine was $130 dollars. The self applicator ones are significantly cheaper, but you need a friend/partner to really do it right.

4 - Trunks: Lets just say $50 as many people buy 2 pairs

5 - Photos/Video: If you want the professional video/photos of the event, its around $50 or so

That doesn’t even take into account the real expensive stuff like a Diet Coach or a Trainer which can run up into the $1,000 range EASILY.

Anyone else have anything I may have forgotten or missed?

2

[quote]Lonnie123 wrote:
Since this is now more of a competitors forum I figure this might be of interest to people who are going to eventually take the plunge, and its something I almost never see discussed.

Many people do not realize the cost of doing a body building show. I’m not talking about the physical, emotional, psychological toll it will take on you… I’m talking cold, hard cash.

I would say for a first timer you should anticipate spending about $500 on the show.

Anyone else who has competed can feel free to chime in, but here is a basic breakdown of what it will take to compete:

1 - Registration for the Organization. NABBA, NPC, IFBB, etc… The cost of my show was $100 even. This allows you to do as many shows as you want for 12 months

2 - Registration for the show: $100 PER CLASS. Meaning if you want to do the Novice and the open thats $200. Want to add on a Physique? Another $100.

3 - Spray Tan: If I remember right mine was $130 dollars. The self applicator ones are significantly cheaper, but you need a friend/partner to really do it right.

4 - Trunks: Lets just say $50 as many people buy 2 pairs

5 - Photos/Video: If you want the professional video/photos of the event, its around $50 or so

That doesn’t even take into account the real expensive stuff like a Diet Coach or a Trainer which can run up into the $1,000 range EASILY.

Anyone else have anything I may have forgotten or missed?[/quote]

Hotel room can be very expensive if you have to travel at all, i also got nabbed for 50 dollars because i left a bit of jan tana on walls (woke up in the middle of night to piss-- guess i touched the walls)

i was thinking of making a thread of how to save money during prep–this thread should do fine though

  1. do you your own diet and training— yes coaches are great, but if you are limited by money this where you will save big.
  2. Skip the tanning beds- be a pale mutha fucka until 24 hrs before the show
  3. see if you have a friend who’s place you can stay instead of getting a hotel room

anyone else have any suggestions?

3

I think you two have it covered, except for tickets.

My wife and two kids attended at $25 each, so another $75!

4

Don’t forget the weeks of clean and expensive proteins…chicken breast, fish, and lean beef are not cheap. Also, through in any additional supplements (fat burners etc) which normally may not be in your arsenal.

5

Moisturizer creams, skin care products.

A good set of clippers is also a must for the more hairy critters out there.

Some people also like their deep tissue massages :slight_smile:

6

Little additionals I picked up along the way:

-flip flops for backstage (not thrilled with walking around barefoot)
-Light DBs or bands to pump up (I never trust that I’ll be able to get what I need)
-Gym bag and or Cooler (I have designated ones for contests, they have fake bronzer all over 'em)
-Towels for various instances
-Baby Wipes (huge help in removing SOME of the dreamtan like products)
-Sweats that you don’t mind getting permanently discolored

S

7

good call on the diet coach… IMO it’s a necessity if you’re serious

it’s a good reason to not get out of shape in the offseason because the fatter you are, the longer you’ll need one, the more it will cost

i didnt see the following mentioned: (this is for assisted bodybuilding obvi, so if you don’t like it… go fuck yo couch)

test E/gh

tren A/winstrol/masteron P (last 8 weeks)

halotestin (last 3 weeks)

clen/t3/dnp/dyazide

sea salt

a treadmill (makes cardio SO much more convenient)

8

Diet soda, fucking drinking it by the gallon to fight cravings.

9

I am 5 weeks out from my third show in 7 months. All of you are exactly right. So glad to see this forum and comments since it makes me feel less alone. Not many bodybuilders out there and not many compete so few understand.

I’m in the throes of my diet. While everyone is eating their Easter grub I’m eating my contest food. I do enjoy it but process is tough and it’s nice to see others who share a similar passion

10

And yes, it’s not cheap but better than spending money on much less healthy items

11

[quote]RATTLEHEAD wrote:
Diet soda, fucking drinking it by the gallon to fight cravings.[/quote]

Ha… And Sugar Free Gum. Packs upon packs were consumed.

12

[quote]Lonnie123 wrote:

[quote]RATTLEHEAD wrote:
Diet soda, fucking drinking it by the gallon to fight cravings.[/quote]

Ha… And Sugar Free Gum. Packs upon packs were consumed.[/quote]

Of course, also gonna track down some sugar free ice lollies

13

I also remember eating BAGS upon BAGS of broccoli when I was competing… Shit got expensive REAL fast. I was way more excited than anyone has a right to be when it went on sale for $1 a bag one week.

14

Sams Club, Lonnie, Sams Club.

HUGE bags of broccoli, real cheap.