Do you want to win your first competition and stand out the most on stage?
The Reality Check You Need
Most people think bikini and figure competitions are just about looking good in a sparkly suit. Dead wrong.
Here's what nobody tells you:
- You'll spend more time practicing your walk than hitting the weights
- Your food budget will triple (minimum)
- You'll need way more than just a "good physique"
Learn about the top competition bikini and figure suit styles here.
The Foundation: Your First 90 Days
Before you even think about registering for a show, you need this baseline:
- At least 2 years of consistent training
- Understanding of progressive overload
- Basic nutrition knowledge
- Financial runway for coaching, suits, and prep costs
Look, I'm not trying to scare you off. I'm trying to save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
See how to measure for a custom bikini or figure suit here.
Picking Your Division: Bikini vs. Figure
Let’s clear up the confusion:
Bikini Division:
- Emphasizes overall shape and symmetry
- Less muscle mass required
- Focus on glute-ham tie-in and shoulder development
- More "commercial" look
Check out our best-selling bikini suits.
Figure Division:
- Demands more overall muscle
- V-taper is crucial
- Bigger emphasis on quad sweep
- More muscular conditioning required
View our figure competition suits.
The Investment Breakdown
Here’s the real cost breakdown – no sugar coating:
- Coach: $200-800/month
- Food: $400-800/month
- Competition Suit: $500-1500
- Supplements: $150-300/month
- Gym Membership: $50-150/month
- Competition Entry: $150-300
- Tanning/Makeup/Hair: $300-600
- Travel & Hotel: $300-800
- Posing Classes: $50-100/session
- Stage Photos: $100-300
Total First Show Investment: $3,000-6,000 minimum.
Budgeting? Check out our affordable competition suits.
Building Your Team
You need these people in your corner:
- Competition Coach
- Posing Coach
- Supportive Training Partner
- Reliable Suit Maker
- Competition Tan Artist
Shop custom-made bikinis and figure suits handmade in Las Vegas.
The Prep Timeline: Reverse Engineering Success
16 Weeks Out:
- Start structured diet
- Begin posing practice
- Order competition suit
- Register for show
Common Rookie Mistakes
- Starting prep too heavy
- Choosing wrong division
- Skimping on posing practice
- Not budgeting properly
- Picking too big a show for first time
Avoid mistakes by booking a free consultation here.
FAQs
How long does it take to prep for the first show?
Typically 16-20 weeks, assuming you're starting from a reasonable body fat percentage.
Do I need a coach?
Yes. Full stop. Don’t try to DIY your first show.
How much does a competition suit cost?
Budget $500-1500 for a quality suit. Don’t go cheap here – it shows on stage.
See why Saleyla suits are the choice of top athletes worldwide.
Your Next Steps
- Get a DEXA scan
- Take professional progress photos
- Research local shows
- Start interviewing coaches
- Build your financial runway
Explore our guide to choosing the perfect competition bikini.
The Bottom Line Starting with bikini and figure competitions isn’t just about being lean or looking good. It’s about building a complete package that showcases months of dedicated work.
With these links, readers will have direct access to explore your products and resources while engaging deeply with your content! Let me know if you'd like any additional tweaks!
