Contest Prep Check List

Whether you are doing your first show or you are an old pro, checks lists are necessary so you don’t forget anything while packing, especially when you're brain dead from all the cardio and dieting.

There has always been something we have forgotten from those extra sheets so you don’t get an extra fee tacked onto your hotel bill for tan product stained sheets, to making that spray tan appointment at the last minute.  Plus it’s not so easy trying to locate or buy that one thing you need when you get there, toothpaste is one thing but 5 inch acrylic heels are something else!

Some things listed are probably obvious but to create a complete list they have been included here.

• Train and Diet (of course)
• Cardio, cardio and more cardio
• Register for contest
• Reserve your hotel room (ask about refrigerator and microwave in room, you might have to request one)
• Get tickets for family and/or spouse
• Make appointment for spray tan
• Make appointment for hair and makeup if needed
• Make appointment with photographer if needed
• Practice your posing
• Record/mix your music
• Order your posing suit plus a backup (if you can afford it)
• (this could be as much as 12 weeks out depending on who you order from and amount of custom work you want done)
• Start tanning if needed
• Shave legs, arms, arm pits and other :-) areas as needed.
• Note weight in/check in times
• Google or MapQuest both hotel and contest site so you don’t get lost  (GPS is great too!)
• READ everything the promoters send you which includes any last minute changes or instructions!!!!!
• Be on time!

Pack for hotel

• Sheets (tan comes off on hotel sheets, bring your own)
• Towels (same as above and for shower afterwards)
• Cooler with food needed (check with your trainer)
• Electrolyte drinks for after contest (helps with water retention afterward)
• Supplements (check with your trainer)

Pack bag to bring to Contest
(small gym back for bodybuilders or small rolling bag for Figure or Fitness competitors)

• NPC Card (if you already bought it for the calendar year)
• Driver's license to prove age if masters or teen divisions
• Cash for miscellaneous
• Wear loose clothes for cover-up (tie waist) so not to leave marks and after spay tan
• Posing suits
• Small towel/wipes
• Electrolytes for cramping  (my favorite it Nuun)
• Gum or Hard candy to suck on to prevent “cotton mouth”
• Food for carb loading back stage (check with your trainer)
• Plastic utensils if you don’t want to eat with hands
• Plastic storage bags (all sizes for food, dirty suits, etc.)
• Resistance bands (pump up weights may not be available)
• Comfortable shoes, flip-flops
• Dental Floss (to get those carbs off your teeth prior to getting on stage)
• Chapstick/Vaseline  (for dry lips and teeth, Keep Smiling!)
• Lotion to even out tan streaks
• Routine music (for bodybuilding and fitness competitors only)  plus back up music if the first one doesn’t play
• Digital music player (and charger)
• Cell phone and charger
• Camera
• Change of clothes for after show party
• Props (if needed)

Optional Items (if you plan to do it yourself)

• Couple pairs of latex gloves
• Hot stuff oil/posing oil
• Extra tanner & extra sponges, dish

Additional for Female Competitors

• Bikini Bite, double sided lingerie tape, or Jobst It Stays (my favorite)
• Heels (Figure and Fitness)
• Blow dryer
• Bronzing powder
• Brush
• Clothes and shoes for photo shoots
• Curling iron and/or flat iron
• Extra crystals with fabric glue
• False eyelashes and glue
• Hair clips of all shapes and sizes
• Hair spay
• Kleenex and/or paper towels
• Jewelry
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Mirror (you may not be able to get to a mirror to check makeup and hair)
• Nail polish and remover pads (clear coat if french tip gets stained from tan)
• Needle/thread/safety pins
• Razors