The ins and outs of competitive bodybuilding and fitness
After competing in three natural bodybuilding contests I have learned a thing or two (maybe even three on a good day). I’m writing now to tell you about the good and bad about training your hardest and getting on stage showing what all your hard work has lead to.

First the good news. There is no better feeling than getting on stage and knowing that you have done your very best to eat right, train hard and look your best. This is a feeling of accomplishment that I feel is nearly unparalleled. You even have the pictures and video to prove it (in most cases). The other good news is that almost nothing is as inspiring as a bodybuilding or fitness contest. I can honestly say that I have trained my hardest and pushed myself to the max with this goal in mind. If you want a harder body than ever and a glow of confidence that will be apparent in everything you do, competition may be for you.

Now for the bad. If your aspirations are to win you can easily be setting yourself up for failure. Bodybuilding and fitness are subjective sports and anyone can show up to any given show. If you are competing, make it a competition against yourself and you’re guaranteed to come out the winner.

Preparing for a show is all encompassing and can easily dominate your life. You may find yourself making more sacrifices than you bargained for. I personally have seen competitive shows ruin people’s social lives and professional lives. At the end of the day, you need to decide if these are trade-offs that you’re willing to make.

Bodybuilding and fitness are also extremely selfish sports. They teach you to put your own needs before anyone else’s. These sports can change someone’s nature more than most athletic endeavors.

Finally, despite the negative aspects of competitions, I have managed to have some very positive experiences and experience great results. If you're going to compete, keep a positive attitude, do your best and make sure to feel like a winner no matter what.