There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there...
and as Self-Trained IFBB Bikini Pro, I would like to ease the minds of those on the road towards obtaining their Pro Card by dispelling some of the most commonly held, but erroneous beliefs that have invaded the NPC/IFBB. Many of these falsehoods are not only detrimental to the legitimacy of the sport, but to the success of many competitors who give up in the face of what seems to be a never-ending uphill battle towards obtaining Pro status.
1. Social Media Popularity
At the time I earned my Pro Card I had less than 500 followers, and I hadn't posted in over a year!
“She’s Instagram famous—that’s why she won!” Oh, how many times have I heard confused and frustrated competitors say this line? Many of us have been there. The outcome wasn’t skewed in our favor, and now suddenly we try to rationalize our hurt feelings and bruised egos by telling ourselves a lie—the lie that social media popularity earns Pro Cards. I know many of us do not want to hear this, but it's the truth. The competitor who brings the best package will likely win. Not always, but likely.
Being Instagram famous may make you feel great (who doesn’t like being liked?), but it won’t lead to your Pro Card. So don’t spend too much time focused on racking up followers in attempts to improve your chances at going Pro. More followers may improve your chances of getting sponsored, but again, sponsorship doesn’t lead to Pro Cards either. So don’t worry your pretty little head or spend time being jealous or insecure over someone who has 100k followers. Instead, spend more of your time focused on things that do matter, like your physique, posing, diet adherence, and overall presentation.
So in short, we’ve all been there—the ‘popular girl’ is in our height class…we’re freaked out, and think we don’t have a shot in hell at the title. I’m here to give you some hope. You have a shot, and it’s just as good as hers.
Being Instagram famous may make you feel great (who doesn’t like being liked?), but it won’t lead to your Pro Card. So don’t spend too much time focused on racking up followers in attempts to improve your chances at going Pro. More followers may improve your chances of getting sponsored, but again, sponsorship doesn’t lead to Pro Cards either. So don’t worry your pretty little head or spend time being jealous or insecure over someone who has 100k followers. Instead, spend more of your time focused on things that do matter, like your physique, posing, diet adherence, and overall presentation.
So in short, we’ve all been there—the ‘popular girl’ is in our height class…we’re freaked out, and think we don’t have a shot in hell at the title. I’m here to give you some hope. You have a shot, and it’s just as good as hers.
2."Politics"
“It’s so difficult to get your Pro Card because of politics”. This has become such a cliché thing to say. What does it even mean? I’m assuming it means a conglomeration of things, such as team and coach recognition, sponsorship, social media popularity, and favoritism--all of these elements coming together to ensure specific competitors earn their Pro status. It’s commonly believed that girls from big name teams are 'given rank'. Unfortunately, if you didn’t win that day, it's probably not due to politics, but more likely because you didn't deserve it. I am just being honest. On the flip side, this should be reassuring to self-trained athletes or those not on a nationally recognized team. Everyone from this perspective has a fair shot at turning Pro--everyone is on equal playing ground. My advice?...Focus on bringing the total package so the ‘politics’ sway in your favor! Be undeniably great!
3. Biggest Glutes Win!
Biggest glutes don't always win the show! It’s important that you come conditioned. I know so may of us are afraid to lose our glutes, thus we sacrifice proper conditioning to maintain size. This is probably the biggest problem and mistake I see among bikini athletes. They have a difficult time balancing their upper and lower halves--whether out of fear or lack of knowhow. Most competitors can get nice and lean in the upper half, but struggle with lower body conditioning and toning. Even with conditioning on your side, it’s still no guarantee. Best bet is to focus on overall balance, tone, and symmetry.
4. Muscularity
"She should have won--she had the most developed body!...It's 'politics (again)!"
The most developed and muscular physique does not always win. Though she may have the most impressive physique of the day, and may have worked 'harder', it still does not change the fact that she may not win. Why is this? No, it's not unfair politics, but more likely a much more rational reason...she 'fell out of the bell curve'. In other words, she skewed the average look. If most of the competitors come in softer, then she will be considered an 'outlier' (on the end of the statistical bell curve, so to speak). However, on the other hand, if most of the women come in tighter, fuller, and more muscularly developed then she will fit in with the average competitor, and thus have a greater chance of securing her Pro Card. So it comes down to who shows up sometimes.
So let's talk about the exciting part to all this? Bikini is a division in which individuality is strongly embraced. You don't have to compare yourself to other competitors. It leaves room for you to develop your own strengths, and find your own body's balance. This is why you can get an athletic bikini beauty like Angelica Teixeira (2nd Place Bikini Olympia) next to Courtney King (1st Place Ms. Bikini Olympia) who has a softer, but just as beautiful look. Both women are banging hot, and assuming Angelica is 'better' or works harder because she has more muscle is preposterous. It's not about muscularity, as much as it is about symmetry, balance, and overall presentation. Find your balance!
NOTE: Bikini athletes watch your muscular development. Judges want a clear separation from figure and bikini.
So let's talk about the exciting part to all this? Bikini is a division in which individuality is strongly embraced. You don't have to compare yourself to other competitors. It leaves room for you to develop your own strengths, and find your own body's balance. This is why you can get an athletic bikini beauty like Angelica Teixeira (2nd Place Bikini Olympia) next to Courtney King (1st Place Ms. Bikini Olympia) who has a softer, but just as beautiful look. Both women are banging hot, and assuming Angelica is 'better' or works harder because she has more muscle is preposterous. It's not about muscularity, as much as it is about symmetry, balance, and overall presentation. Find your balance!
NOTE: Bikini athletes watch your muscular development. Judges want a clear separation from figure and bikini.
5. Suit
Suit selection is very important, but it’s not important to have a new suit for every competition. Changing your suit doesn’t make you look better to the judges, unless it’s necessary. If your suit looks fabulous, there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken. The most important thing is that your suit fits well, and it’s a color that flatters your hair, complexion, and personality. Otherwise, save your money until you really need one.
These are my two suits. 10 NPC Competitions - Competition History
 |  |
State/Regional Suit (National Qualifiers) National Suit (Pro Qualifiers)
Original Cost: $180 Upgraded Overtime Original Cost: $650
Original Cost: $180 Upgraded Overtime Original Cost: $650
6. Spending More Money on 'the Best'
Stretching to get the absolute best leaves a lot of competitors disappointed when they realize spending the extra cash got them no closer to obtaining their Pro Card.
If your budget is getting in the way of your competition goals, then here are some easy ways to save some serious cash! If I can save money—I will. I have found several ways to greatly reduce the cost of competing. Let’s face it, competing can be very expensive. You don’t have to have the best, to look your best. Most of us just need a little confidence, practice, and an open-mind.
- Do your own manicure and pedicure
- Learn to do your own hair and makeup. I suggest becoming proficient in at least one of these areas. It will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in the long run. It may seem nerve racking at first, but it is very empowering to have that kind of control on competition days. Practice your stage hair and makeup until it becomes almost like second nature. Once you found a look that works—stick with it.
- Stay in proximity of the host hotel, but not at the host hotel. Most of the host hotels are expensive. Plus, sometimes it’s nice to be away from all the action. Save hundreds of dollars just by staying a few blocks away.
- Get a great suit, but not 'the best' money can buy. The best doesn't always have the highest price tag.
- Change your suit connectors rather than your suit for a ‘new look’.
7. Large Breasts/Implants
34 B here!
You do not need large breasts or implants to gain the attention of the judges or to win your Pro Card. I know so many of you are disagreeing with me right now. Do I believe that surgical enhancement can add balance and shape to an already great physique??? Absolutely, but I don’t think this should be a great concern for every competitor. If it improves your confidence, then I support you. Otherwise, there are great pads out there that can add nice size and lift. A solid physique and amazing confidence will earn you your Pro Card before a nice ‘rack’. Just saying…
Breast size did not determine our placement...
8. Perfection
I’m perfectly imperfect, and so are you—let’s celebrate! It’s difficult not to get a ‘warped brain’ or disillusioned by all the beautiful images of women looking perfectly sculpted, primped, and contoured. Nevertheless, let me reassure you that none of us are perfect. It’s that simple. We’re not perfect people. The sooner one learns this fact, the happier they are in this sport. When we begin to compare ourselves, that’s when the real mental demons come out to play. If you need a break or hiatus from social media during prep—take it! It will not lower your chances of obtaining your Pro Card. Your mental health and self-image is far more important.
You do not have to be a beauty queen or super model to compete and do well. Your physique, posing, suit, tan, hair, body's balance, and makeup will make all the difference in the world. Besides, beauty comes in all shapes and colors in this sport. Embrace your strengths, natural gifts, and your own individual beauty and watch yourself shine! The most important thing is that you have the passion and dedication to be great in this sport. Perfect passion will earn you your Pro Card before perfect looks.
You do not have to be a beauty queen or super model to compete and do well. Your physique, posing, suit, tan, hair, body's balance, and makeup will make all the difference in the world. Besides, beauty comes in all shapes and colors in this sport. Embrace your strengths, natural gifts, and your own individual beauty and watch yourself shine! The most important thing is that you have the passion and dedication to be great in this sport. Perfect passion will earn you your Pro Card before perfect looks.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts
Comment, Like, and Share. Whether you agree, disagree, or found it helpful or the biggest waste of time--let me know. I would love to hear from you! :)
