The Cost of Competing

The True Cost of Competing When considering competing in a NPC show, cost is definitely something to consider. I always had heard that competitions were expensive, but never would have imagined how much I would spend on my first show. Here is a list of my costs and some tips on how to minimalize yours.

  • Bikini- $350.00 Show bikinis that fulfill NPC requirements can range from $100- around $850. I bought my suit through an Instagram account “Kristalbikinis”. I LOVED it, but opted for buying it plainer than I would have liked and buying Swarovski from AC Moore and gluing extra bling on myself to save money. Another high quality seller of competition bikinis is Ravishsands.com. You can get a better idea of their bikini selection than their Instagram. Many pro competitors use Ravish Sands.
  • Shoes- $65.00 Clear plastic hooker heels. I ordered mine from fitnessprodirect.com. Prices on their site range from about $45.00-$65.00. A friend of mine got very cheap shoes from an adult store. This is a less expensive alternative.
  • Jewelry- $35.00 Jewelry is about preference. Clean looking clear rhinestones and crystals. Usually very inexpensive. I bought 2 rings, two bracelets, and earrings. Never wear necklaces. I got my jewelry from a random store at the mall, however you can order on fitnessprodirect.com or ebay.com, etc.
  • Tan- $100.00. A Pro-tan spray tan is unlike any other spray tan and usually the price reflects it. I got my spray tan from Beach Bum Tanning. I would say this price was high.
  • Other beauty treatments- $300 give or take Nails (French or pale nude/pink/white colors), Hair (blown out the night before), Makeup (early the morning of- I had a MAC makeup artist freelance to my house, however you can save money by doing hair & makeup yourself.) Waxing (I only waxed my eyebrows and shaved everything else)
  • Show Costs– My show required a $100 entry fee
  • NPC Card– Each year you must renew your NPC card membership which is dependent on whether you compete in multiple categories (For example Bikini open & Bikini Novice). I spent $130.
  • Day of Show necessities Bikini Bite, Pro-tan touch up $20
  • Coaching- I was fortunate enough to know someone who could help me as a favor, however coaching is usually the most expensive part of competing, A very good coach that will text you daily and adjust your diet plan will usually cost you $1000-1600 for 15 weeks. Some cheaper coaches can be found online however often lack quality. Self coaching is possible if you read enough, however not recommended for first show.
  • FOOD – I also had the benefit of a fisherman father who was catching all of my fish for me. Food will be very expensive. Consider 5/6 meals a day of protein, veggies, and carbs. I recommend investing in a food service such as Catered Fit which packages and delivers meals to your doorstep. This can cost approx. $300 a week. However, shopping yourself you will probably be spending more than half that and doing a thousand times more work.

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Why Compete in a Bikini Competition?

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Why Compete in A Bikini Competition?

  • Having an end goal may make you more committed

I have always been jealous of those people who can achieve their ideal body without having an end goal. I have always been most dedicated when a vacation or party is coming. However, the difference between a competition and a party is usually I just try to get skinny for a party whereas a competition forces me to focus on the muscle groups I want to improve and is the most pressure to achieve my “perfect” body.

  • Networking

If you are interested in a career in fitness or fitness modeling, NPC competitions are great places to meet people who could potentially point you in the direction of your career. Competing in a show also gives you great credentials as a trainer and you could market yourself as a competition trainer and help train others with the experience you’ve gotten from competing.

  • Seeing your body in a way you never have before

Have you ever wondered what the absolute best your body could ever look would look like? What potential does your body have under the most disciplined circumstances? Those pictures of perfect bodies that you have been jealous over… could you obtain that? While stage physique may be near impossible to maintain, wouldn’t it be nice to see and have pictures of?

  • Having a purpose

My favorite part of competing is the sense of purpose you have. You are a part of something, you are working towards a goal. Every day the thing you are held accountable for your actions.

  • The Satisfaction of Achievement

When you finally accomplish this goal you will feel like anything you set your mind to is possible. You will be on a high of self-confidence and it will open the door to the idea of planning, goal-setting, and future achieving in all aspects of life.

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