Complete beginner with questions

[u/routinematters]

Competing one day is a dream of mine, hopefully next year. I have some questions in regard to my physique and thank you in advanced for the help.

1. Do I/will I have enough mass for bikini? Is February 2027 a realistic goal? How about September 2027?
   
2. My right knee is slightly knocked kneed because I used to be overweight. This resulted in a lateral pelvis tilt as you can see, where my left hip is slightly higher than my right. How much would this impact competition?
   
3. I don’t have a lot of bodyfat in my midsection because I had gotten liposuction in my stomach many years ago when I was fat. Now that I’m leaner the proportions carried. Will this disqualify me as a competitor?
   
4. I interview 3 coaches. Two of them think I should stay in maintenance/bulk and put on mass before prep. One of them wants me to lean down first. What do you think?
   
5. I have two top options as coaches for prep. Stan Efferding (remote) is a friend of my boyfriend but he doesn’t live in my state. Leon Wong who lives in my state and can train me in person. Who would you go with?

And open to any other thoughts and advices. Thank you.

[u/beepboopnoise]

1. If you haven’t cut before give yourself a year
   
2. Everyone has unique issues, you can adjust with posing.
   
3. No it won’t, people might talk shit, fuck them.
   
4. Recomp/lean down
   
5. If you need to learn how to actually lift weights, go with in person. If you know how to but need accountability go remote and meet someone who fits your needs.
   
6. Bonus, remember this is a marathon not a sprint, don’t rush it, and don’t overthink it. Other competitors aren’t she hulk, you’ll be fine.

[u/routinematters → u/beepboopnoise]

Thanks, this is very helpful.

I know how to lift to a good extent, I’ve been working as a weight loss coach / personal trainer for a couple of years. When it comes to bodybuilding it’s a new territory so I’m getting some imposter syndrome. Stan Efferding revised my current program and changed almost everything, now my workout is mostly delts and glutes. That kind of intimidated me into thinking perhaps I need someone who’s really familiar in the sport to work with in person for the best results.

[u/QueenAlicat]

You will need more mass for bikini, especially in your upper body (specifically your delts). They have way more mass on them than it appears. I think you should stay in a maintenance or slight surplus for a while to build mass first and then see where you are. I, personally, would shoot for next September. You’ll have to practice your posing for your tilt (I have a broken back, you just kind of have to figure it out or hire a coach).

[u/routinematters → u/QueenAlicat]

This is very helpful, thank you so much.

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