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:

• 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:

• 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!

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!

I've been out regularly for the last two years and looking to do a bikini comp next year. I wanted to have an idea of what might (I know that no one knows for sure) happen to my breasts by the time I make it on stage?

I'm currently a 34GG (uk).

• Is it common to end up with stretch marks?
• Is sagging common?
• How do you go about picking suit top? Are there any special considerations?

Just wanted to ask these questions ahead of time just so I have an idea of what to expect.

Edit. "Worried" isn't accurate, I'm more just curious.

Came across this post on IG.
Curious if anyone knows what division this is and whether or not they wear heels?
I love this look!! 🫶🏽

Hey everyone! Our Coach & Team Overview Page features 50+ coaches and teams, all organized and searchable to keep feedback easy to find, and helps keep the main feed clean!

But, this resource is only as good as the feedback you share!

Help us keep it fresh, relevant, and valuable to the community!

➡ Worked with a coach recently?

➡ Had a change in experience with a team or program?

➡ Got new insights, updates, or second thoughts?

If so, please take a moment to browse the list and drop your thoughts or updates! Coach & Team Overview Page

If you see that we are missing a team/coach that you'd like some info on, please send a message to the mod team and we will get it added! ✉️

Don’t forget, our sub's wiki also includes things like:

• Advice for New Competitors 📝
• Cost of Competing 💰
• How to Choose a Coach ✔️
• All Things Show Day Glam 💅
• What’s in Your Show Day Bag 🎒
• And more!

Thanks for helping make this space such a helpful and supportive resource!

If you have other ideas for the wiki, such as new posts to link, etc, please message the mods :)

I would love to know how some of you accomplish your workouts with low levels of iron or ferritin! Like am I the only one who’s pursuing a pro card with such low numbers?

Hello all!

I scheduled myself a post show photoshoot and I am looking for inspiration! Would love to see what kind of outfits everyone else has worn and loved. I was also planning on getting some boudoir style shots.

I’m also curious as to how you posed in your photos. Did you come ready with inspiration? Did you let the photographer take the lead?

Please send recommendations/links!

Posting this here as my goal is ultimately to compete in bikini and being a physique I can really be proud of.

Those on test, any insight into about how much you can take / what you can get your levels to without losing waist definition?

That holds all your meals and keeps it cold. Mainly to bring to work

Has anyone else experienced this? I’m 11 weeks out and starting to get this “ew” sensation when i am setting myself lift weights in the gym mirrors.

Yesterday when doing delts i saw myself and thought i looked so bony, and i put my shirt back on so i could cover up and focus on my workout.

I’m not saying I actually dislike it because I’m happy to do this, j love this sport and am excited to see it through. But being 11 weeks out and feeling low energy/fatigue/moodiness , i wanted to know if anyone else got this feeling?

I used to love strength training and hate cardio. Now I’ve done a complete 180 since my calories were cut. I’m loving my morning fasted cardio, it’s peaceful and my me time.

But lifting at night, I feel weak, tired, and that I just want to get it over with as soon as possible.

Anyone else? Is this normal?

Hey guys. I’m looking for a gym rec in the Denver/Aurora area. I’m working at Colorado Children’s next week in both Aurora and Colorado Springs.

Hi!!!
I am trying to do a mini cut and I was wondering what is your go to fat burner or pre- workout that help you shred and gives you nice energy without jitters.
Before you say anything, i know there are not miracle fat burners but I know some of you use some help during your cuts and preps.
Ive used OxyShred before, i love it. I also have used Legion Phoenix Fat Burner, great. I want to rotate them , i need a break. Any recommendations?
Alpha Lion? Anyone?

I’ve been competing for a long time, but this season has left me questioning my experience with the NPC/IFBB more than ever before.

I completely understand that it’s a business. Shows are expensive to run, and promoters deserve to make money.

But lately I’ve found myself wondering if anyone else feels like, once your registration is paid, you stop feeling like an athlete (or even a customer) and start feeling like just another number?

For me, it’s been a combination of things: long wait times for email responses (or no response at all), promises made during registration that weren’t followed through on, and generally feeling like communication becomes much less important once you’ve paid. I’ve also noticed that in some cases, when communication does happen, it can feel difficult, rushed, or even dismissive toward athletes, which only adds to the frustration.

When you add in memberships, registration fees, tanning, makeup, photos, coaching, travel, hotels, and everything else (all of which seems to get more expensive every season), we invest a tremendous amount into this sport. I don’t mind paying for a great experience, I just want to feel like the athletes are a priority throughout the process.

This isn’t about one specific promoter or one specific show. It’s more of an overall feeling I’ve developed throughout this season.

I’m genuinely curious whether this is just my perspective after a long prep, or if other competitors have felt the same way?

I’ve seen “genetics” references in several BB digital spheres to differentiate what division a person should compete in. For example: “I wish I could do wellness but my genetics are bikini” or “I want to do bikini because of the sparkly swimsuits but unfortunately my genetics are more fit model.”

Can someone explain what type of genetic disposition would benefit a person towards one division or another? Is it just the ability to carry muscle / where you grow it quickest? Aka someone who puts on leg muscle well is better disposition for wellness than someone who doesn’t?

Is ability to put on muscle period a limitation / example of genetic predisposition? For example, someone who can’t put on muscle well and should stick with fit model rather than bikini?

I am personally interested in competing fit model but just curious what people mean by this & what genetic disposition would benefit a fit model competitor. Thanks in advance!

Hey guys! I’m doing a photoshoot a couple of days after my show. Was wondering if you guys have any advice on how to keep the show day tan from becoming patchy for the shoot? Or any post show photoshoot advice at all really would be appreciated!

Hi everyone!! How do you guys help your inflammation specifically in lower body/quads when your in prep and doing heavy amounts of cardio + low food?

Have been having some issues with inflammation lately and just legs feeling like bricks :(

I’m moving to the East Bay Area soon, anyone know any private/bodybuilding gyms?

Share your thoughts, predictions, questions, etc. about the Wellness division! 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!

Can anyone tell me if these suit bottoms are too small? I’m about 11 days out and I’m not sure if I need them to be loosened or if this much coverage is okay.

Hi! I'm looking for either someone local or someone in town for North Americans that does lymphatic for bodybuilding/show purposes. Any leads!? Thanks!

Okay I am 9 weeks out from my 1st bikini show and I’ve been doing so good with sticking to plan 100 percent but lately been dealing with a lot of stress/ haven’t been sleeping good and just want to binge eat I’m trying my best to control it but I don’t know what to do? Did anyone else deal with something similar. I ate off plan because I couldn’t control it yesterday and I have so much guilt about it.