The Road to Show: Let's Go Shopping

January 22, 2020

1:00 PM

It’s funny. Those who follow the bodybuilding world know the obvious struggle with the diet and fitness aspect of it, but what isn’t so obvious is the financial side of things...and lemme tell you; competing ain’t cheap.

1. The Obvious

Food ($50-$100 a week)

The first obvious thing to buy is food. But there’s actually a small misconception around this. Regardless if you are competing or not, you’re going to need to buy groceries so this really isn’t considered an “extra” expense. And as a competitor, you’re not only eating less and less food, but you’re also eating the same things pretty much every day. So if you’re savvy about how you buy groceries (i.e. in bulk), your grocery bill could be lower than normal.

Supplements ($100-$500 a month)

Supplements are the next thing that would be considered a priority for a competitor. When I say supplements, I personally am focusing on protein powder, BCAAs, pre-workout, creatine, greens, vitamins, and any appetite suppressants/fat burners you may be on. Again, NONE of these are required, but they are almost always used in some way during a prep.

Coach ($100-$500 a month)

This depends on the coach, of course, but this is also a major expense to consider if beginning a prep.

Gym Membership ($10-$50 a month)

Derp.

Show Registration ($100-$500+)

The price of registration depends on what kind of show you’re entering, how many categories you’re planning on competing in, and which industry you are in (i.e. an NPC card is required and costs $135 for the year. One category in a show costs around $100-$300).

"One category in a show costs around $100-$300."

Transportation/Lodging (0-$800?)

If you have to travel for your show, then there is the cost of that plus the cost of wherever you’re going to stay. I’m lucky to be located in Pittsburgh where there are plenty of shows to choose from so no expense for me here!

2. Less Obvious

Competition Suit ($100-$400)

For a bikini competitor, this can be one of the most expensive purchases you make. I personally rented last show and am doing so again for my shows this year. If I choose to continue competing, I may consider purchasing my own suit, but honestly, I don’t see much of a point. The one advantage is having it fit exactly how you’d like it, but there is a large chance you will need to get it tailored anyways as your physique changes. I also like to see myself in different colors and am excited to be able to switch it up by renting.

"I may consider purchasing my own suit, but honestly, I don’t see much of a point."

The risk of renting, however, is that the suit may not fit you properly; it may be too big up top, may not sit high enough on your hips, and it may not be in the best shape. I highly recommend finding someone who is reliable with plenty of reviews and a heavy following.

Heels ($50-$200)

For women, heels are not the most important thing to get, however, they still are necessary on stage! I bought mine on Amazon, but there are specific companies that sell gorgeous, yet pricey shoes.

Spray Tan ($100-$300)

How your tan looks on show day can drastically determine your placing. If you’re too orange, blotchy, or not dark enough, you will not look good on stage no matter how shredded you are.

3. More Specific

Waxing/Shaving ($20-$80)

Might be a little TMI, but I personally prefer the results of waxing over shaving for certain areas, but your entire body does need to be shaved. And if you’ve ever bought razors, you know that they are incredibly expensive, and I DON’T recommend skimping on the quality of the razor you use (remember, a spray tan is used to enhance curves including ingrown hairs!).

Hair/Makeup/Nails ($20-$500)

Of course, this is more specific towards females, but these are still expenses that are necessary for the show. The pricing range is so large because it really depends on what needs to be done to be ready on show day. Some women get extensions, color their hair, hire a hair/makeup professional and get mani/pedis.

Personally, I will be doing my own hair and makeup (only because I attended makeup school in NYC) and will probably do stick-on nails and mayyyyybe invest in a pedicure (we’ll see how poor I am in 10 weeks).

Jewelry ($20-$60)

The price of jewelry depends on where it's purchased and how much is purchased. I ended up getting mine at JC Penny and would like to wear more rings this year. Judges love a little bling!

4. Odds and Ends

Below is a list of things that are recommended, but not overly necessary.

Silk Robe ($20)

A black, silk robe is recommended to have to put on after getting tan and to wear in-between prejudging and finals. This is the best thing to throw over your suit and prevent the smudging of your tan. It can be really cold where the show is held, too!

Pee Funnel ($20)

Men, this is the ONE time us females can be envious of you LOL.

Because of the nature of things, women need to be VERY careful when they use the restrooms as to not show any...droplets...on their tan. A pee funnel (purchased on Amazon) is extremely handy in making sure things stay dry down there.

A plastic cup with a hole poked in the bottom can also work, but come on, who doesn’t want to own a pee funnel, am I right??

-Scrunchie (to tie hair back without ruining the style)

-Show day snacks (i.e diuretics, pedialyte, wine, rice cakes, jelly, etc.)

-Flip Flops/Sliders

-Dark Sheets (to prevent the spray tan from ruining good sheets)

-Baby Powder (to use instead of deodorant which can turn armpits green with the tan)

=($5-$50)

Drumroll Please

And the potential grand total is...wayyyyyy too much. And I probably forgot something, too.

Regardless, you get the point- competing is not cheap!

So raise your piggy banks, everyone...and pray they’re full.