posted by Admin on Feb 29
By Dane Fletcher
Bodybuilding shows are some of the most subjectively-judged events in the entire competition world. You have guys like Ronnie Coleman (very big and very awkward) defeat men like Rusty Jeffers (as graceful as they come!) in the posing round. You have men like Dorian (yes, with one bicep) Yates toppling the visually flawless Shawn Ray in the Symmetry round. In bodybuilding, the judges often decide at first glance who the winner will be, and they write out their scorecards accordingly. It’s not fair, but it’s life, and it will likely both help and hinder you one day.
Here are some tips for best navigating the politics that is bodybuilding judging.
Accept your placing with dignity win, lose or draw
Whether you come in first, last, or somewhere in between, your behavior should always be the same. Smile humbly, shake hands with everyone around you, pose for a picture, and leave the stage with dignity. Carry yourself as a professional, and new opportunities you could never consider may arise. Modeling, endorsements, etc often fall into the hands of the 4th place finisher who acted like the champion.
Be Careful On The Forums
In the recent years, bodybuilding forums have become a great place not only to learn and share information, but for self-promotion as well. This can be a double-edged sword. The judges and fans read these boards too. While you can make sure you’re not overlooked at pre-judging, you can also get yourself into serious trouble. This brings us to:
Never Discuss Drug Use
They’re not going to give you any trophies for your honesty. But the judges may knock you down a few places if you’re foolish enough to admit using steroids, or worse, share cycle advice, on the forums. Use your real account for posting self-promotional information, and a gimmick, or fake, account for your little forum battles and for discussing the use of steroids. Other competitors or those involved with the industry will alert the promoter and/or judges of your actions, and it could cost you placings.
You’re Just Not What We’re Looking For
Your image may be used on next year’s show materials. Heck, your picture might end up in the local newspaper the next day. And, the look and image you portray will also affect the sponsorship abilities of the show promoter. If you choose to wear a nontraditional hairstyle, sport some wicked tattoos, or act unfriendly onstage or in posing, there s a good chance you won’t be the man in the winner’s cycle being photographed at the end of the show. Remember that bodybuilding shows are a business, and no matter how great your muscles look, if you are bad for business, you may not win shows.
Ask The Judges What They’re Looking For
Show them you value their opinion. If they tell you to bring up your back, and you do, they will appreciate that you value your advice, and you may place higher as a result. This sport is a subjective one, and as long as you learn to play the game, you will place well.
Dane Fletcher is the world-wide authority on bodybuilding and steroids. He has coached countless athletes all over the world. To read more of his work, please visit either http://www.BodybuildingToday.com or http://www.SteroidsToday.com












