Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure Competition Items

The week prior to a bodybuilding, fitness or figure show should be spent packing and organizing just as you would for a vacation or weekend trip. The list of items are long and forgetting one or two things may be enough to put you over the edge; especially after weeks of dieting, carb depleting and cutting water. On the day of the event things will be hectic and even if check-ins are running as scheduled it's imperative to be prepared. Items such as posing suits and high heel shoes are obvious for a bodybuilding competition but there are some items that will make the day run a bit more smoothly.

Rolling Suitcase

After carb depleting and cutting water the last thing you'll want to do is carry a forty pound gym bag on your shoulder. Besides the awkwardness of a gym bag; it can also crease the tanner.

Tanner

Different organizations will have specific rules about using tanner at the venue and in some cases it can lead to a disqualification. Regardless, take tanner with you. Step outside the building if it's necessary to reapply. Mishaps such as spilled drinks, sweat and urinating on yourself are common occurrences.

Sheen

There may be a "Pam" table and covered floor area for you at your show but not all shows will provide this. To be on the safe side pack a sheen such as Pam(cooking spray) or oil. There are also Pro Tan and Jan Tana muscle sheen's available to purchase online or in specialty stores.

Bands

Though there will be a "pump room" set up with weights there's no telling how many competitors you'll be sharing the weights with. If the bodybuilding show is large or there are few weights to accommodate the competitors then use a set of bands. The bands are light, portable and create the same effect as free weights. Perhaps you forgot your bands? That's okay also. Use an old t-shirt or a towel you have on hand to get the job done.

Towel

Throw a towel in the suit case to be on the safe side since some venues have gone paperless and finding a paper towel is impossible. Simple things like excess water from washing your hands can drip on your tanner leaving it streaky which will not look well on stage.

Bikini Bite

Bikini bite is an adhesive suit fastener that washes off easily. This item will be used to glue down the bottom of your posing suit so it doesn't "ride" when on stage. Picking at a suit on stage is not only unattractive but will definitely cause a lower score. Use the glue on the bust of the posing suit subce the twists and turns may cause the top to ruffle or gape.

Hair Spray

For the most part female athletes have their hair done at the venue or it's done early that morning before leaving home. The average day for a bodybuilding show is 16 hours long so it's important for your hair to stay in place so bring hair spray.

Cooler with Food

Bring a small cooler with snacks even if you don't plan to eat. Choose items that are light and be careful of certain foods since you'll be extrememly lean and won't want something that will bloat you or upset your stomach.

Latex Gloves

By the time you reach the venue you should already have several coats of tanner on but it's important to bring a set of powder-free latex gloves anyhow. It will protect the palms of your hands from additional touch-ups or helping another athlete get ready for the stage.