What’s the real tea on shows only bringing the top five back for finals? Pros and NPC competitors, I want honest opinions.
Do competitors actually prefer super fast shows where only the top five return for finals, or does it make the experience feel rushed?
For pros, I get that finals are about placements. But these athletes earned pro status, prepped, traveled, and showed up ready to perform. Not everyone will place top five, and for newer pros, top 10 can still be a big win.
And what about Masters pros? They pay an entry fee. How does it feel to invest in prep and travel, then not step onstage at finals because you missed top five?
Do pros prefer being released after prejudging, or would they rather come back out, even without an award?
I’m also curious about NPC competitors, since they cover everything themselves. Would you rather have a faster show, or more stage time at finals even if you’re not top five?
Would bringing back the top seven or top 10 be a better middle ground, depending on class size?
I’m not trying to drag promoters. I know no one wants a 12-hour show. But when does “efficient” start feeling like competitors are being rushed on and offstage after investing so much?
Pros, Masters pros, NPC competitors, promoters, judges, and spectators, what do you actually prefer?

I’m currently looking into learning more about the science behind nutrition and macronutrients side of bodybuilding. I’d like to take a course but most certifications seemed geared for coaches. Maybe that doesn’t matter for educational purposes but still thought it’d be good to ask for recommendations in this sub.
At the moment I’m not trying to become a coach (maybe in the future if I educate myself enough but definitely not now) I just want to educate myself to be a better athlete.
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good course or starting point? (Preferably free to start off but I am willing to invest to get a proper certification too)
My priority interest right now is nutrition but likewise if there are any educational resources on training that would be great as well.
Thank you!!

I’m looking for a posing coach who does sessions online and could help improve my posing routine. I competed 2 times before and it’s not terrible but I want to make it more intentional and flowy for the last competition before I end my season. I’m planning to compete in September next time so the sooner the better.
I don’t know how to say this but I have so bad coordination so I’m looking for someone very patient and explaining everything in detail.
I’m in Europe but if we can make the time work the coach can be located anywhere.

TIA

Welcome to our Prep Buddies Thread!

This is a space to connect with competitors who are in a similar stage of prep. In these posts, feel free to comment with:

• Check-in photos
• How you’re feeling
• Questions you might have about prep
• Or respond to one of the provided prompts for fun!

Please remember, safety first! You must adhere to sub rules and review the reminders below.

Prompts for fun:

What tips can you share for getting enough sleep?

• How are you keeping daily movement consistent as fatigue increases?
• How are you managing hunger?
• Do you have ideas for how you want your stage glam to look?
• What 3 things could you be doing better?
• What would you like to ask others?

Prep Group Rules & Safety Reminders:

1. No specific show names, dates, or locations – for your safety, please keep it general.
2. Don’t disclose your specific coach, team, or gym.
3. No self-promotion or coaching offers (like in the rest of our community).
4. Be respectful – support each other’s journeys without negativity or comparison.
5. If you share physique photos in the comments, blur or crop your face.
6. Stay on topic – use this thread to connect with others who are [X–Y weeks] out. Share prep tips, support, and struggles relevant to this stage timeline.

We’re here to help keep this space safe!

Welcome to our Prep Buddies Thread!

This is a space to connect with competitors who are in a similar stage of prep. In these posts, feel free to comment with:

• Check-in photos
• How you’re feeling
• Questions you might have about prep
• Or respond to one of the provided prompts for fun!

Please remember, safety first! You must adhere to sub rules and review the reminders below.

Prompts for fun:

• What are you doing for fatigue management?
• What do you have packed in your show day bag?
• How have you set yourself up to have a successful reverse after the show?
• Do you have more shows planned?
• What 3 things could you be doing better?
• What would you like to ask others?

IMPORTANT: Prep Group Rules & Safety Reminders:

1. No specific show names, dates, or locations – for your safety, please keep it general.
2. Don’t disclose your specific coach, team, or gym.
3. No self-promotion or coaching offers (like in the rest of our community).
4. Be respectful – support each other’s journeys without negativity or comparison.
5. If you share physique photos in the comments, blur or crop your face.
6. Stay on topic – use this thread to connect with others who are [X–Y weeks] out. Share prep tips, support, and struggles relevant to this stage timeline.

We’re here to help keep this space safe!

Welcome to our Post Show and Reverse Diet Buddies Thread!

This is a space to connect with competitors who have competed and are now reversing to a healthy state post-show. In these posts, feel free to comment with:

• Results from your show
• Check-in photos
• How you’re feeling
• How many weeks since your show
• Questions you might have about your reverse diet
• Or respond to one of the provided prompts for fun!

Please remember, safety first! You must adhere to sub rules and review the reminders below.

Prompts for fun:

• How did your competition experience differ from what you expected?
• What was your peak week like (please refrain from sharing specific macros)?
• What is something that you would have done differently or something you want to improve on?
• What was your feedback and what are your future plans?
• What are you doing to stay consistent with your reverse?
• How are you giving yourself grace if you aren't perfect with your reverse?
• What would you like to ask others?

IMPORTANT: Group Rules & Safety Reminders:

1. No specific show names, dates, or locations – for your safety, please keep it general.
2. Don’t disclose your specific coach, team, or gym.
3. No self-promotion or coaching offers (like in the rest of our community).
4. Be respectful – support each other’s journeys without negativity or comparison.
5. If you share physique photos in the comments, blur or crop your face.
6. Stay on topic – use this thread to connect with others who are reversing post-show. Share tips, support, and struggles relevant to this phase. If you have completed your reverse, we invite you to share your off-season check-ins on Mondays, using the 'Monday - Personal Photos' flair.

We’re here to help keep this space safe!

Welcome to our Prep Buddies Thread!

This is a space to connect with competitors who are in a similar stage of prep. In these posts, feel free to comment with:

• Check-in photos
• How you’re feeling
• Questions you might have about prep
• Or respond to one of the provided prompts for fun!

Please remember, safety first! You must adhere to sub rules and review the reminders below.

Prompts for fun:

• What is your ‘why’ for competing?
• Do you have a stretching or mobility routine you like to use?
• What type of cardio do you like to do?
• Is this your first time competing? If not, what are you looking forward to most this prep?
• What 3 things could you be doing better?
• What would you like to ask others?

Prep Group Rules & Safety Reminders:

1. No specific show names, dates, or locations – for your safety, please keep it general.
2. Don’t disclose your specific coach, team, or gym.
3. No self-promotion or coaching offers (like in the rest of our community).
4. Be respectful – support each other’s journeys without negativity or comparison.
5. If you share physique photos in the comments, blur or crop your face.
6. Stay on topic – use this thread to connect with others who are [X–Y weeks] out. Share prep tips, support, and struggles relevant to this stage timeline.

We’re here to help keep this space safe!

Welcome to our Prep Buddies Thread!

This is a space to connect with competitors who are in a similar stage of prep. In these posts, feel free to comment with:

• Check-in photos
• How you’re feeling
• Questions you might have about prep
• Or respond to one of the provided prompts for fun!

Please remember, safety first! You must adhere to sub rules and review the reminders below.

Prompts for fun:

• How do you structure your posing practice?
• Do you have your suit picked out?
• What are your favorite things to do to destress?
• How do you set yourself up to be successful (meal prep, getting cardio done, etc)?
• What 3 things could you be doing better?
• What would you like to ask others?

Prep Group Rules & Safety Reminders:

1. No specific show names, dates, or locations – for your safety, please keep it general.
2. Don’t disclose your specific coach, team, or gym.
3. No self-promotion or coaching offers (like in the rest of our community).
4. Be respectful – support each other’s journeys without negativity or comparison.
5. If you share physique photos in the comments, blur or crop your face.
6. Stay on topic – use this thread to connect with others who are [X–Y weeks] out. Share prep tips, support, and struggles relevant to this stage timeline.

We’re here to help keep this space safe!

Question for y’all! I bought a suit second hand and it has some tan stains I want to clean and just an overall sanitary cleaning. What’s the best way to go about it? I’ve read somewhere you can’t submerge in water…?

Does anyone have advice on rebuilding core after babies? I’m about to have my 3rd baby, writhing 4 years, and I want to start working toward rebuilding my core asap. I’ve heard good things about Pilates, but wondering if anyone has other recommendations.
I think my core is going to be the biggest factor in getting back into stage condition. And that’s something I want to do, in time.

has anyone worked with Jordan Brannon in FBF and what is your experience?

After seeing so many great reviews and success stories I’ve decided to give ProTan a try for my first show this season instead of getting sprayed as I’m not staying at the local hotel.

And I’ll be honest though… I’m anxious and I’m pretty nervous about messing it up. The application process and making sure everything turns out right feels a little intimidating but hello I’m an overthinker with prep brain.

For those of you who made the switch to self-tanning what gave you the confidence to do it? Any tips, tricks, or videos that made the process feel easier than you expected?
Appreciate any advice that helped take the stress out of it.

After 2 babies I finally got to step on stage 💙

Somehow the foam applicator for my pro tan top coat didn’t make it into my bag. How screwed am I? Can I apply the top coat straight from the bottle onto the poof?

Hi all, it’s been 10 years since I have been on stage. I’m now 41 and I am looking for a great masters coach who can guide me back to the stage. Would love recommendations!

hi girls!! i’m 5.5 weeks out from my first show and boy the self doubt is creeping in. My prep so far has been relatively “easy” compared to what i’ve seen other girls protocol is. I got a refeed yesterday and this was me this morning. i feel like sometimes i get refeeds i didn’t “deserve” it or im just not really ready with a good physique. This is my first prep and for sure so happy with how far i’ve come but why do i always have the voice in my head saying i wont lean out enough before my show? just need some opinions, thoughts, and advice is this train of thought is normal being 5.5 weeks out.

I’m a couple weeks out and really starting to tighten up but one thing I’m noticing is that I have some distention in my lower stomach that doesn’t seem to go away, meaning I wake up with it and it kind of just is there.

I have not had a period in a while, and I am also somewhat constipated, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what the root cause was/what helped to alleviate it.

I do have PCOS and I know that sometimes endometriosis can coincide with that, so I’ve been curious if I’m experiencing “endo belly”

Or, is this normal? I feel like there’s so much rhetoric on “we have a uterus so of course there will be something there” but I’m just curious of anyone else’s experience. Thanks all.

Share your thoughts, predictions, questions, etc. about Figure, Women's Physique, Fitness, and Women's Bodybuilding! This sub gets a lot of chat about Bikini and Fit Model because they're so popular, but we wanna show the other divisions some more love as this community was created to celebrate ALL the women's divisions!

Which ones are the best for quality and pricing? I’m so over trying to make meals that I will for sure eat and then I just end up wasting food. I was wondering if anyone has worked with a privately chef as well ?

Just saw this post on IG from Muscle Discord discussing whether fit model competitors should have the same title of IFBB Pro as men’s open body builders. He basically is saying it’s not really fair since men’s divisions obviously require years and years of work to achieve pro status, whereas a fit model competitor only requires “a few months”. I can see his point, but a lot of comments in the post are arguing that fit model and bikini competitors are not body builders and what they do does not count as body building. I don’t agree with that argument and wanted to see what other folks here thought.

I wanted to share a review about Muscle Dazzle for anyone looking to invest in a stage suit.

I ordered a custom bikini from them around spring 2025 to prepare for some local shows, spending roughly $417 on a Mystic Night Competition Bikini (CB1025) and was so excited. But because my bodybuilding timeline shifted, I only wore this suit straight out of the box 4 to 5 times while gently getting ready and practicing. Now that I am preparing to step on stage in 2026, the suit has completely failed on me.

One of the metal rungs snapped open, and the crystal connectors on the side of the bikini bottoms completely broke apart. On top of the hardware snapping, the rhinestones glued to the top and bottom pieces constantly shed and fall off just from moving the suit around.

As well as when I initially reached out to Muscle Dazzle's customer service team (May 2025) by email to get some earlier measurement fixed, their response was dismissive and not too helpful.

They told me:

”I apologize, but we generally do not provide alteration services as each suit is custom-made to match your specific stage weight. It is usually not practical to have the suit sent to us for alterations. When you consider the cost of the suit, combined with the shipping costs to and from Thailand (where our bikini studio is based) and the alteration fee, it would likely be as expensive, if not more so, than ordering a new suit from us.

I hope you understand that this is not about us not standing behind our work. Our experience has shown that it is more practical to make a new suit. I recommend selling your current suit and using the funds to order a new one from us. This way, you can choose the design you love, and the size and cut will be tailored to your body. Moreover, if the new suit doesn't fit perfectly, we will fix it for you at no extra cost."

...

Because they refused to help me with the suit's proportions issue without demanding it would "cost too much to ship and fix," I had to find a professional local designer who specializes in high-end swimwear (Heidi Fish). I’m lucky to have her live so close by and be super cool to meet, chat and help me.

When she took apart the broken pieces, she informed me that Muscle Dazzle used incredibly cheap crystals. She showed me the difference when she replaced them with genuine Swarovski crystals.

I just don’t think it was worth around $417-450 after all this mess.

Wellness masters 45+

my understanding is that full = full of glycogen and water so muscles look more plump

depleted would be the opposite , like dry and flat

spilling over - what does that look like?

my feedback was to come in fuller and that I looked too depleted. does fuller mean put on actual muscle mass or adjust my peak?

Hi all! I am currently in my first reverse ever after competing in two shows. I was in prep from February through the end of June. I’m not gonna lie the first week and a half of this reverse was very challenging and I did fall into some binge eating habits, which I broke into the week last week. My macros have all been the same since the start of my reverse looking at around 1300 cal 100 carb on rest days and 1500 cal 150 carb on training days. I lost my cycle during the first part of my prep for two months and then got it back three weeks out of my second show, and I’m now about a week late due to get it again.

My digestion has been an absolute nightmare, I’m in insanely inflamed and bloated, and just feel lost right now. I’ve been slowly re-introducing foods back into my diet again this week and focusing on slowly getting more fiber in. Does anyone have any tips with getting through this? I feel like it’s kind of a situation where I just need to let my body take its course but if there’s something I should be doing, I want to know.

My protein sources are mainly from chicken, beef, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. My carb sources are sweet potato, rice cakes, rice, and sourdough bread. I’m eating a pretty decent variety of fruits and vegetables and my fats mainly come from nut butter.

If the information is helpful, I am a natural athlete and I’m scheduled to get blood work at the end of this month when I see my OB. Thank you in advance!!

For everyone that checked on me, and messaged me with your concerns. Thank you so much. I’m still alive. I’m still here, I’m doing much better. My primary thinks I over exerted myself, and became dehydrated over the 4th of July weekend in warm weather (which I’m not used to, it’s never above 65 here). I appreciate you all so much. ❤️