Show Day Tips!

So its show day… Countless days, weeks, months preparing for this one day. Make sure you are ready and eliminate any last minute panic by being prepared in advance! These are my rituals for how I prepare for show days! Please feel free to share your tips this way as well!

8-12 WEEKS OUT: at this point things are booked such as hotel, flight, and registration for the show. I also consider booking photoshoots at this time.

Suits should be picked out, ordered or at least in the making if you are arranging to have it made. Last minute suit mishaps can lead to panic and stress!

Tanning services are booked, and I like to get a base tan from the tanning salon before getting a spray tan! Tanning feels good year round, is a good source of vitamin D, and highlights muscle definition.

8-4 WEEKS: Frequent posing practice starts. That means developing a “routine” or choosing a series of poses that best showcase your strong points of your physique.

Hair or make up for show day is booked. Accessories such as earrings etc are purchased to match the suit or theme wear Is put together. (Gradually purchasing items leading up to the show makes the costs easier to balance)

4-1 WEEKS: Posing every day. I like to ask my friends to watch my posing routine. The more feedback I can receive, the better. It is always possible to learn from someone else, and an outside person may see things that I may overlook. Also, posing in front of friends will make it easier to pose in front of strangers!

Skin is exfoliated and moisturized daily to prep skin for spray tan. (Or self tan application, whichever you prefer). It is a good idea to test the skin with tanning solution prior to show, as the pH of your skin can alter the tan and potentially turn the tan green or grey. Jan Tana has a pH correcting solution you can use if this happens to you.

Food is purchased and prepped for peak week. Anything that needs to be picked up, or packed, is done prior to Sunday before show. The show week is dedicated to doing nothing but relaxing, dieting and posing. That means eliminating things that may cause stress. Stress can cause increased cortisol levels, which leads to water retention and muscle breakdown!

PEAK WEEK: Diet is strict, so paying close attention to diet is necessary. The rest of the week is spent relaxing. Watching movies, reading books, walks outside etc. Finishing touches to packing for the show are made.

I try to take off work this entire week if possible!

FRIDAY:  Check in hotel and have last shower before tanning! No moisturizer all week, just exfoliation. This will help the tan stick evenly to the skin.

Competitors meeting. Demonstrate a winning, confident and approachable attitude! Anxiety and stress is contagious! Try not to compare yourself to others. Other peoples appearances are out of your control!

Run through posing before bed, and visualize gracing the stage confidently! And how the trophy will feel in your hands, and how the lights will feel on your face. Get your head in the game!

SHOW DAY:

Wake up early! Go for 10 minutes light walk to warm up and get the blood flowing.

Use suitcase with wheels, or carry bag (carrying bag over shoulder will ruin tan).  Bring an umbrella if it rains! Water is NOT friends with spray tan.

Wear housecoat and slippers to stay warm backstage. Being cold will lose vascularity.

Pump up 10-15 minutes prior to stage time. Try not to pump up too soon. Pump only lasts ~15 minutes so pumping up too soon will be useless, and waste your energy.

NO gum (can make you bloated) if necessary, one mint or 2 is ok. NO deodorant. If necessary, use small amount CLEAR deodorant.

Pedialyte is a good drink to sip on back stage. Pediatlyte is highly concentrated with electrolytes. Sip on this if you are feeling depleted or need a boost.

Keep calm attitude, smile, be positive. Visualize that trophy in your hands, and the lights on your face. Tan/glaze up, fix your hair and suit (use 505 fabric spray adhesive works best), then LEAVE THE MIRROR. Obsessing about every strand of hair etc will just stress you out. You made it here! Enjoy the ride! People notice great attitudes, (Competitors, judges, magazine reps and photographers). Take pictures, use the backstage photographers, make friends and have fun!

Its good to watch other competitors before you go on stage, however, this may mess with your head. I choose to look away while waiting in line to go on stage. This way, my performance is not affected by others.

DIET: Every 1-2 hours: Eating frequent small amounts will prevent a bloated belly, and promotes a tiny waist.  Consult with a coach you trust to direct a dial in diet for your individual needs.

After the show, CHEAT!!! Good idea to have tums or gas-x nearby!

WHAT TO PACK:

Dark sheets and dark towels (For hotel)

Registration information, photoshoot booking information, hotel confirmation.

Contact/business cards or promotional material for yourself.

Sewing kit

Pedialyte

Umbrella

Resistance band (weights will be provided but may be in use when needed)

Mirror (optional). Some people bring full size mirrors. There will be some there, but there will also be many girls.

Fabric adhesive/bikini bite.

Slippers or flip flops or ankle socks (cold feet=cold body)

House coat or robe. Or baggy clothes

Glaze or dream tan

Jan tana/pro tan for touch ups

Make up (especially powder to kill the shiny forehead and extra lipstick as bright lights will make it disappear)

Suits and costumes and props. And shoes. If you have more than one pair, bring them just in case. Also extra jewellery.

Show registration information and competitor number (always pinned on LEFT side).

Fake nails, in case one falls off.

EXTRA food than planned. Posing and nerves may make you extra hungry.

Baby wipes for hands/tanner.

Music or magazines to relax to.