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      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
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Home » Fitness » Pro Prep Diaries: The Competition Experience

Pro Prep Diaries: The Competition Experience

By: Liz  /  Published: June 8, 2016  /  Updated: October 30, 2016  /   Leave a comment

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Bodybuilding is a strange sport. I can imagine what it must look like to an outsider – half-naked, veiny, orange crazy-people parading around on stage in the name of vanity. And I mean, it kind of is that. But there’s more to it; there must be, for so many people to participate in it, right? So here’s an inside look at what the bodybuilding competition experience is like.

One to Two Days Out

Amateur (NPC – National Physique Committee) bodybuilding competitions take place all over the country, and now that I am a IFBB professional competitor, they’ll take place all over the world! This means you have to travel, and it’s best to arrive two days before the competition to give your body time to adjust to a potential different climate and recover from any bloating caused by your flight.

Generally there are rolling check-ins throughout the afternoon. At check-ins, your height is measured so that you can be placed in an appropriate height class. You also receive your competitor number button, which you wear on your left hip on stage so that the judges can easily identify you.

Backstage with competitor number

I have very attentive coaches, so I check in with them every 3-4 hours, either in person, or by sending photos if they aren’t present at that particular competition. They are able to see the subtle changes in my physique and tweak my water and carb intake accordingly. It’s amazing!

I also have to eat a balanced meal every 2-3 hours – something like chicken, vegetables, and rice or sweet potato. During competition season I eat 6 meals spaced evenly throughout the day.

Weighing food

Arguably the weirdest part of competing is the super dark spray tan that every competitor must get in order to show off their musculature under the bright stage lights. My personal preference is Liquid Sun Rayz. Here’s how tanning goes:

You enter a meeting room in the host hotel which is covered from floor to ceiling with sheets or tarps. One of the airbrushers (female only) calls you over to a nylon pop-up tent. You get completely nude and enter the tent, and the airbrusher sprays you with very deep tanner that gets darker over time.

Liquid Sun Rayz spray tan

Me in the tanning booth

When she’s done, you have to wait for the tan to dry before getting dressed again, so you walk, naked, to the center of the room where they have box fans set up. You, with all of your other naked brethren, stand like a gingerbread man, shivering in front of a fan. Modesty? Out the window!

Prejudging Day

Another coat of spray tan, then hair (if you have long hair – I don’t!) and makeup, and then it’s a waiting game for a few hours before you hit the stage. Backstage, you’ll see people munching on rice cakes with peanut butter and lying on the ground with their legs propped up. The rice cakes are to fill up your muscles, and resting with your legs up is to keep the blood out of your legs so that they look leaner and more defined.

The competition expeditors (the people who organize things backstage) start to line competitors up by division. There are many divisions within NPC/IFBB bodybuilding, and they differ between women and men. I personally compete in figure.

Then, the big moment arrives. Prejudging is when competitors get the most stage time, and it’s when the judges truly decide who will win. Competitors are called onto the stage one by one. In my division, figure, each of us walks to the center of the stage, does a front pose, right side pose, back pose, and left side pose, and then walks to the side of the stage.

https://eatmovemake.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Figure-presentation-round-1.m4v

This is your chance to make a big impression, so I walk slowly and with confidence, and think to myself, “Make it beautiful.”

Judges write down the numbers of the competitors they like the most, and begin callouts. This is when they call 5-6 competitors at a time to the front of the stage and compare them to one another. First callouts is the best – this means you’re in the top of your class. Generally speaking, the closer to the center of the stage, the more likely you are to have gotten first place.

First callouts

I got first callouts!

Finals Day

Often, finals are the following day. You have a pretty good idea of how you did, but can’t be sure until awards are given out at finals. Unfortunately, this means sticking to your strict diet for one more day, and another sticky coat of competition tan that morning.

At finals, all the competitors in a height class enter the stage. The judges then call out the top placers in reverse order to receive their trophies (fifth place, fourth place, third place, etc.).

Chanelle Smith IFBB Figure

After finals, everyone is so relieved. They’ve been dieting for months and are ready to let loose a little and eat a dang cookie, for goodness’ sake.

Pre-show burger

Depending on how a competitor places, they might be hopping right back onto a training plan and diet after a more relaxed weekend of treats, or they might be entering an offseason to make some improvements before they compete again at the next level. Read this post to see what my post-competition plans are.

Competitors often compete first in local NPC shows to get a feel for it, moving onto a national qualifier when they are ready. If they place well at a national qualifier, they can compete for an IFBB pro card at one of a handful of national shows! Winning a pro card is highly coveted and very prestigious. I won mine in July 2015 at my third figure show!

If you’re interested in more about my fitness journey, follow me on Instagram: @chanmeleon! I regularly post progress photos, random thoughts, and fitness inspiration. See you there!


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Related topics
Fitness#proprepdiaries bodybuilding competition

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kristin says

    July 1, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    Your dedication is so inspiring. Love following your prep and competition journeys!

    Reply
  2. Latoicha says

    June 20, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Thank you for giving us the behind the scene look at the world of professional body building. I really enjoyed learning about the preparation needed for competition.

    Reply
  3. Bernadette Callahan says

    June 16, 2016 at 12:43 am

    It is always interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes. So many people just take what they see and dont see all that goes in things, including bodybuilding. That must take tons of dedication!

    Reply
  4. Helen at Casa Costello says

    June 13, 2016 at 6:11 am

    Wow what commitment this level of competition must take. The thought of the completely naked standing in a room sends shivers down my spine though! You look wonderful – Best of luck to you in forthcoming comps and enjoy that cookie at the end!

    Reply
  5. TheGracefulMist says

    June 13, 2016 at 5:39 am

    It was informative to know the processes bodybuilders go through before, during and after a competition. Thank you for sharing.

    – Kathryn from http://www.TheGracefulMist.com

    Reply
  6. Louisa says

    June 13, 2016 at 2:25 am

    I can only imagine the commitment and dedication it must take to follow such a strict diet and regimen. Kudos to you and congratulations!

    Reply
  7. CourtneyLynne says

    June 12, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    I have always thought the tanning part of these competitions was kinda goofy lol…. Reminds me of Jesesy shore lol 😉 anyway lol….You definitely look great girl! All your hard work definitely paid off!

    Reply
  8. Tracey says

    June 12, 2016 at 10:29 am

    I have been following your journey so it is great to see how the competition panned out. You looked beautiful, strong and confident – a winner in my books! Congrats on all your hard work, dedication and discipline.

    Reply
  9. Barrie says

    June 12, 2016 at 12:17 am

    Very interesting, Chanelle! How long have you wanted to compete? How long did it take to get your body in such tip-top shape? I’m so impressed!

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 13, 2016 at 10:13 am

      I started weightlifting and since I am motivated by goals, I decided to sign up for a competition to keep myself accountable. That was about 3 years ago and I’m still loving it!

      Reply
  10. Amanda says

    June 11, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    Amazing! I really enjoyed reading your post! The discipline and endurance required for preparing for this sport is huge! Way to go!

    Reply
  11. carol clark says

    June 11, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    holy moly like i saw your first pick then like i was like she looks like she is confindant strong beautiful and then i move on im like no way whattatttt then i see you like wow you have the body i dream of and im white well that shouldnt have been said but o my heavens you are so strong and keep up the good work girl you got it keep working hard for your goal

    Reply
  12. Elena says

    June 11, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    You look great! So strong and beautiful. I admire your dedication

    Reply
  13. Northern Crumble says

    June 11, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Wow! Not something you see everyday the other side to body building. I can’t begin to imagine how much motivation you must need to follow this on a daily basis

    Reply
  14. Celeste SunDragonLady Choi says

    June 11, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    Absolutely stunning. You are correct to say that, bodybuilding looks odd to an outsider. But, I can totally appreciate and respect all of the hard work and dedication it takes to be able to compete. So for that I want to say #Congratulations and I pray that you just have fun with it. Which it looks like you are doing. Great post. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  15. Lisa Rios says

    June 11, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    My goodness, you look gorgeous & I love how determined & strong you are. Your hard work & discipline along with positive mindset has really done so much favor & you deserve more success.

    Reply
  16. Margaret Smith says

    June 11, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Wow. I really admire all the will power and determination. Never knew how much was involved in bodybuilding competitions.

    Reply
  17. Zoë IKIWN says

    June 11, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    Wow, I had no idea just how much goes into the preparation before the big day! Such dedication! Love the post-finals picture with the burger 😀

    Reply
  18. Stephanie says

    June 11, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know anything about the professional body building world before I read your post. It’s fascinating and a ton of hard work! Congrats on your success.

    Reply
  19. Marcie W. says

    June 11, 2016 at 11:07 am

    You definitely looked amazing and totally rocked the show. I think the spray tan would drive me nuts, but hooray for the post competition gorge!

    Reply
  20. Marti Tabora says

    June 11, 2016 at 7:37 am

    You are really disciplined and committed and I think that’s great. I think it’s really interesting how much prep and work goes into it, I really had no idea, but I can see how all that hard work and discipline pays off. Hats off to you!

    Reply
  21. Jennifer Davis says

    June 11, 2016 at 6:50 am

    I admire how much hard work & determination it takes to do what you do, you should be amazingly proud of yourself

    Reply
  22. Jessica says

    June 11, 2016 at 5:39 am

    wow! I really admire your discipline and the rest of the participants. I started following you to get tips, especially in food.

    Reply
  23. Cheryl says

    June 11, 2016 at 3:08 am

    My brother and female cousin were both body builders. I always thought it was a bit much.

    Reply
  24. MaryAnn says

    June 11, 2016 at 12:58 am

    Wow that is very interesting information. I actually though that body builders were just tan. I had no idea that they were getting a spray tan for that reason.

    Reply
  25. Winona Rogers says

    June 10, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    Very interesting to read about the behind the scenes activities. You have an incredible body.

    Reply
  26. Mami2jcn says

    June 10, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    What an amazing sport! I’m in awe of the commitment it takes.

    Reply
  27. Cacinda Maloney says

    June 10, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    Wow! That seems like a ton of work and mind control to get to that point! So amazing that you are able to do this! Some days I wish I could! you got it going on girl!

    Reply
  28. Claudia Krusch says

    June 10, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Love following your journey! You look amazing! So happy for you!!!

    Reply
  29. Harriet from Toby & Roo says

    June 10, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    It’s wonderful that you have something you feel so passionate about! Go you! I wish you the best of luck the next time you are in training – it’s fascinating to learn what athletes put their body through!

    Reply
  30. Zoe L says

    June 10, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    Such an interesting read, dont think you realised what goes in before hand.

    Reply
  31. Nayna Kanabar says

    June 10, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    It is interesting to read what you have too go through before the competition. Your physique is super.

    Reply
  32. Kelly Hutchinson says

    June 10, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I love following your competition journey! You are so graceful and beautiful on that stage! Keep up the fantastic work!

    Reply
  33. Rosey says

    June 10, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    You looked great on the stage. It’s fun to get an inside peek at what goes on behind the scenes.

    Reply
  34. Ashley Whipple says

    June 10, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    My friend just did her first competition. Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes info. I have always wondered about the dark spray tans.

    Reply
  35. Seattle Travel Blogger says

    June 10, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    You have a great “V-taper” in your frame!
    That was quite a walk you did in that film!

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 13, 2016 at 10:14 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  36. Ron Leyba says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Wow. You really did well with your preparation. Amazing indeed!

    Reply
  37. Tara says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    It’s always really insightful to see the behind the scenes!

    Reply
  38. Kristen from The Road to Domestication says

    June 10, 2016 at 10:50 am

    So interesting! I had no idea there was so much involved! Props to you!

    Reply
  39. Roxy says

    June 10, 2016 at 9:32 am

    You look amazing! I can’t even imagine the discipline it takes to get your body in that kind of shape. You go girl!

    Reply
  40. Ashley says

    June 10, 2016 at 9:05 am

    I’ve never really thought about the behind the scenes look at bodybuilding competitions. It’s really cool to see what goes into them! It’s a lot of hard work.

    Reply
  41. Subhadrika Sen says

    June 10, 2016 at 7:00 am

    Though onscreen a lot of glitz and glamour is shown but the real hard work happens behind it. On screen the hard work only culminates into the final product which is either loved and appreciated or constructively criticised. It was good to know behind the scene stories.

    Reply
  42. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    June 10, 2016 at 4:31 am

    It’s always good to see the behind the scenes, as I don’t think people really realise what it is like.

    Reply
  43. Nicole Haas Etolen says

    June 10, 2016 at 4:03 am

    Wow, you are a one though woman! I like how you manage your balanced diet schedule.

    Reply
  44. Leighanne M says

    June 10, 2016 at 3:56 am

    I’ve been on a weight loss jounery since 2010. Going from 33 stones to currently 19 stones. I have so much resepect for you as I can only imagine how much hard work it has taken to get into the shape you’re in. Most importantly you can see you really enjoy it x

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 13, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Amazing! Keep up the good work! 🙂

      Reply
  45. Fashion and Style Police says

    June 10, 2016 at 3:43 am

    Oh wow it must have been hard working achieving that body. Respect.

    Reply
  46. Carrie says

    June 10, 2016 at 2:36 am

    Wow! I knew a lot of work went into it but it is more work than I thought! I definitely couldn’t do it! I like cookies way too much… 🙂

    Reply
  47. Wildish Jess says

    June 10, 2016 at 2:09 am

    I hate the fake tan look but I know its so common. But either way, damn! You look great! lol

    Reply
  48. Elizabeth says

    June 10, 2016 at 1:53 am

    Big respect for what you do! I do a lot of fitness training (but I like my wine and cookies too so it doesn’t show as much as I’d like!) and I am really enjoying a kettle bell class I attend under Scotland’s only female certified kettle bell coach. You have a new follower on IG! 🙂

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 13, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Ahhh I love wine and cookies too! I have to keep the Oreos out of the house. 🙂 Yay, thanks for following along on IG!

      Reply
  49. Karla says

    June 10, 2016 at 1:27 am

    Your description at the beginning made me laugh! I imagine the competition is quite intense. I admire your discipline.

    Reply
  50. Tatanisha W says

    June 10, 2016 at 1:22 am

    Wow, what a cool and interesting journey. Thanks for sharing some of the behind-the-scenes with us!

    Reply
  51. Chantal says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:46 am

    I can’t imagine all the hard work you put in for these competitions. You look great up there on the stage – keep it up!

    Reply
  52. Bella says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:19 am

    The day of a competition must be so exciting! Thanks for sharing what goes on behind the scene – very interesting!

    Reply
  53. Amanda @ Adorkablii says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:07 am

    I never really did understand it but this helps some. I think you all are very beautiful and you all should be very proud of yourselves! You all deserve to win my opinion.

    Reply
  54. GiGi Eats says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:05 am

    I am in complete shock and AWE of how amazing you look! GAHHH!!!!! Make me get as ripped as you!

    Reply
  55. mary says

    June 9, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Thanks for giving us an inside look into what goes on at one of these competitions. I had no idea. Good luck!!

    Reply
  56. Nicole Escat says

    June 9, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    I haven’t watched a bodybuilding competition, I am surprised to see the behind the scenes, you guys are so dedicated!

    Reply
  57. Dia All The Things I Do says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    All about the burger lol I have a friend who got into body building after college it’s actually how she met her husband. They both love it.

    Reply
  58. Lois Alter Mark says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    It’s so fascinating to get a chance to go behind the scenes like this. Wishing you lots of luck in all your competitions!

    Reply
  59. ricci says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    You looked amazing!!! I have always wondered what went on “behind the scenes” at those shows and now I know!! Thanks for the great post!!

    Reply
  60. Anna says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Girl, stop this right now! You look absolutely amazing! Can you please come over so we can work out together! I desperately need help! XO

    Reply
  61. Val says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    Thanks for sharing this, looks like all your hard work has paid off. You really do seem happy with the competition for this, looking great!

    Reply
  62. Brandy says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    This looks like a great experience to have. I can’t imagine all that goes on behind the scenes to do this. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  63. rika says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    I truly enjoy reading your fitness journey! I love that you’re pretty flexible with what you eat.

    Reply
  64. Jenn says

    June 9, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Wow, this is amazing. Very impressive in so many ways. I really admire your commitment.

    Reply
  65. Elizabeth O. says

    June 9, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    It’s definitely a challenging lifestyle and I admire women who compete in bodybuilding competitions, it’s tough work especially since we get to see it from your perspective. It’s would definitely be nice to relax afterwards, the pressure is not always great.

    Reply
  66. Amy Desrosiers says

    June 9, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    I always wondered why all competers had that cocoa looking tan..almost too fake. Thanks for clearing that up!

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 13, 2016 at 10:16 am

      Haha. It’s definitely not by choice!

      Reply
  67. Jeni Hawkins says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    I can’t imagine the stuff you go through to get competition ready! It’s really awesome what you’ve done with your body! Much respect!

    Reply
  68. Lisa Joy Thompson says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Thanks for sharing all the behind the scenes details! The amount of work you put into bodybuilding is astounding and you look amazing! You’re such an inspiration! 🙂

    Reply
  69. Jenn says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    Wow this is amazing, I never knew how much went into it! The dedication is remarkable so I commend you for that!

    Reply
  70. Jolina says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    WOW. That is insane! I mean, it might mean nothing coming from a weakling like me (seriously, I do weights – 5 pounds each hand and expecting definition on my arms – sounds so silly now haha) but I’m super impressed. (I didn’t know about the spray tan – inside info!)

    Reply
  71. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    I’m always amazed at how much dedication and discipline it takes to compete professionally in body building competitions. It’s amazing how much effort it takes!

    Reply
  72. Sarah Bailey says

    June 9, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    And a well deserved cookie that would be as well! It is so cool you have people looking after you so closely though as well 🙂

    Reply
  73. Lisa says

    June 9, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    This is a truly eye opening article. I had no idea of what was involved in body building comps!

    Reply
  74. Dawn McAlexander says

    June 9, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    What an amazing body you have. Your training schedule seems so rigorous. I don’t know how you do it, honestly. It seems like it would really wear you down after a while. You must be really dedicated to bodybuilding.

    Reply
  75. Cindy Ingalls says

    June 9, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    First of all, you look amazing. You exude such confidence. It’s very impressive. I don’t think I could deal with the fake dark tan, but I do get why the do it.

    Reply
  76. Chrishelle says

    June 9, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    You are very committed to your sport. I do not think I could take the diet restrictions. Congrats on your success.

    Reply
  77. Neely (@Neelykins) says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    I had no idea it was so involved. Thats awesome inspiration.

    Reply
  78. Gingermommy says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    Amazing and so inspirational. I am looking to lose weight and am following you on twitter now. Hoping to find some tips and motivation

    Reply
  79. Pam says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Wow, I never knew how much went into bodybuilding competitions. I knew you had to be dedicated, but I’m really impressed with everything that goes on behind the scenes. Thanks for letting us know what it’s like!

    Reply
  80. Crystal says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    The spray tan part sounds dreadful! I can’t imagine myself standing around naked & getting sprayed by strangers. It’s probably all worth it in the end!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      June 9, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      That seems like it would definitely take some getting used to, doesn’t it? I bet the first time would be nerve-wracking.

      Reply
  81. Shavonne says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Hi Chenelle! I am currently prepping for my first national show (Jr. Nationals) and your current blog helped so much! I’ve been following your success for a while now on IG and reading your content and watching your videos during cardio definitely helps to pass the time on the stairmill 🙂 and is very educational. Congratulations on your pro debut and I look forward to your next blog!

    Shavonne
    @herculeanchick

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 9, 2016 at 6:20 pm

      Yayy I am so happy to hear that! Thanks for following along with me and BEST OF LUCK at Jr. Nats! I did that show last year and had a blast. 🙂 Let me know if you ever have any questions.

      Reply
  82. candy says

    June 9, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    Wow I learned stuff about body building I never knew like the spray tan.

    Reply
  83. Valerie says

    June 9, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    You look great. Very dedicated.

    Reply
  84. Michele says

    June 9, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    Not sure I like it that those “tans” have to be applied constantly–I guess it is necessary. You certainly do have to put a lot into this body building-I salute you-I could never do it.

    Reply
  85. Saidah Washington says

    June 9, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Do the darker skinned competitors get sprayed too? I would think muscle definition is more pronounced therefore the spray not necessary.

    Reply
  86. Rhian Westbury says

    June 9, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    You really have to be really committed to be a bodybuilder, I can’t believe how dark the tans have to be x

    Reply
  87. Sarah says

    June 9, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    I can’t imagine standing naked with everyone. That part wouldn’t do well with me. I love how much this seems to make you happy, I can see the happiness in your eyes in all the photos!

    Reply
  88. Kristi says

    June 9, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    You really gave some good info about questions most of have. The 6 spaced out meals must be hard to do on top of everything else.

    Reply
  89. Ana De- Jesus says

    June 9, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    It amazes me how committed bodybuilders are and dedicated to their craft, are the competitions once a year? Lets hope you can relax now and enjoy time with your man.

    Reply
  90. Katrina | TOTSFamily.com says

    June 9, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    I love this peek behind the curtain. I am plus size but I have always wondering if I had the will power to compete like this.

    Reply
  91. Catherine S says

    June 9, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    I never realized how much time and commitment it took to do this. Now I know why my friend that does bodybuilding competitions comes into work orange.

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 9, 2016 at 6:21 pm

      Haha. Yup, that would be why!

      Reply
  92. Stacie @ Divine Lifesytle says

    June 9, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    This is such an interesting read. I knew a lot went into getting ready for those competitions, but I never realized the spray tan thing.

    Reply
  93. Jeanette says

    June 9, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    I would be totally self-conscience if I had to stand in a room totally nude! I don’t think I could do that! WOW what a lot of stuff that you need to go through for this! WAY TO STUCK with it!

    Reply
  94. Tamara says

    June 9, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    This behind the scenes is awesome. Thanks for that! I am getting hungry just thinking about the food and I also have to eat every 2-3 hours. Your skin is lovely by the way. I don’t have a lot of muscles but I’d want to show them off with a tan!

    Reply
  95. Paula Schuck says

    June 9, 2016 at 11:51 am

    You look absolutely fantastic! I can’t imagine ever being that fit. I am so impressed with what you’re doing.

    Reply
  96. Amanda Love says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Wow, I had no idea so much went into it and didn’t know why you all got spray tanned either. I just looked at the video and you did a great job. Your muscles were really defined when you did that first pose too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      June 9, 2016 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you! That’s my “wow ’em” pose. 🙂

      Reply
  97. Jeanine says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Love this, love the behind the scenes peeks. I find it all so interesting. I could never do what you do but I do think its amazing and your dedication is simply awesome!

    Reply
  98. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:53 am

    That was some rigorous pre-competition prep! I would have never survived anything like that! I admire your determination to reach you goals and… you look awesome!

    Reply
  99. Karen says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:51 am

    I knew there was a lot of work involved, but this is intense! Thanks for the insider’s look at professional body building.

    Reply
  100. Shirley Wood says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:34 am

    Wow, that was a cool look behind the scenes. There is a lot of work, dedication and commitment involved!

    Reply
  101. Heather lawrence says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:21 am

    Wow girl… you look amazing! Absolutely amazing and all your hard work has definitely paid off that’s for sure.
    I love the behind the scenes look at the competitions…it’s a world I wouldn’t find myself in but it is fascinating.

    Reply
  102. Tiina A says

    June 9, 2016 at 8:36 am

    It’s not a piece of cake to be a fitness goddess! There re so many tiny things that you have to consider and make you look ready for a competiotion. Preparing to take apart to a bikini fitness contest and being a pro has become quite popolar in Finland.

    Reply
  103. MJ. L says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Wow! I had no idea about the tanning! You look amazing, I know nothing about bodybuilding but it is all so interesting indeed!

    Reply
  104. Dreammerin says

    June 9, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Wow! You look just amazing! It’s very interesting to just see your photos and reading this post!!! I’m very impressed! Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
  105. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    June 9, 2016 at 6:49 am

    I love the behind the scenes look. I had no idea you guys had to get spray tans to show off those muscles.

    Reply
  106. Deborah McConnell says

    June 9, 2016 at 5:50 am

    If only they could spray your lower ab muscles on me!! You look amazing, I have always been interested in bodybuilding, and it’s so much fun reading your articles.

    Reply
  107. Tiffany says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:51 am

    The spray tan business sounds horrifying. Of course if I had a figure like those on stage maybe it would not bother me so much?? I always imagined the competitors came to the competition that way. Very interesting!

    Reply
  108. janis says

    June 9, 2016 at 12:39 am

    Wow, that was certainly an interesting ride! This certainly seems pretty intense. Call me impressed!

    Reply
  109. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    June 8, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    I knew/know nothing about bodybuilding. I never would have guessed so much went on behind the scenes, and didn’t know the tanning was mandatory.

    Reply
    • Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

      June 9, 2016 at 6:59 am

      I had no idea there was so much that went on behind the scenes, either.

      Reply
  110. Ashley Sparks Mullins says

    June 8, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    You look amazing! I know a few people who compete and it takes so much time and dedication! And yes, the tanning is strange!

    WAY TO GO!

    Reply
  111. Dawn Lopez says

    June 8, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    That was fun to read about. It’s amazing how disciplined you are with your eating and workout! Competition sounds like a crazy, crazy event. I think you looked amazing in your video.

    Reply
  112. Jenna Wood says

    June 8, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    Well, I am far from an expert, but I’ve always thought you have a wonderful balance of grace and strength in your bodybuilding- and Iv’e ALWAYS wondered about the tans! What an odd experience!

    Reply

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