Bodybuilding - Heading Into The Weigh-Ins For The First Time.

Well its late June of 2005, this marks the end of the spring bodybuilding season in Alberta. This was a unique year for me as I had the pleasure of promoting our regional Northern Championships for the 3rd time as well as the pleasure of returning to the stage after a 4 year layoff a week later at our provincial championships.

In Alberta we have really large shows, and if you've ever competed you know the chaos this means at the weigh-ins, a long, very tiring (nervous for some) wait to have that moment to step on the scale and breathe a sigh of relief.

Comments from others, and having seen this first hand just but 2 days ago I decided to put together a few tips for any inexperienced competitor heading into the weigh-ins. If we can get people the info they need to be properly prepared for the weigh-ins it will improve your experience and really help to speed along the process at any event.

• Submit your entry form early - The paper work of dozens of athletes filling out entry forms at the weigh-ins really slows things down. Submit your entry early, if you are worried you may not make the event at least send the entry without payment so that you may lessen the burden of paperwork at the weigh-ins. In our association late entries began taking so much time a strict and hefty late fee was implemented if your entry was not submitted before the 2 week prior to event deadline.
  
• Entry form details - If you have an unusual name it is often a good idea to write a phonetic spelling of your name beside it, this will ensure the emcee introduces you properly at your moment to shine. Make sure to write your thank-you's and/or comments clearly, type them directly on the entry form where possible so they may be clearly read by the emcee. Avoid attaching pages to your entry form if possible as they may become separated and lost.
  
• Bring a pen - You may want to add comments to an entry form submitted earlier or fill out a form for a photographer.
  
• Posing suits - You should have your posing suits ready and fitted a couple of days prior to the weigh-ins. You will be weighed in your posing suit, make sure to wear your posing suit to the weigh-ins. If you have more than one suit, bring them all with you as the head judge will wish to see them to approve them for that event. Rules may vary by association but generally: suits should be one solid color, non-metallic, non or semi-shiny materials. (ie. wetlook)
  
• Music - Sound technicians are generally at the weigh-ins, have your music selected, edited to the proper length and recorded on high quality media. Bring it to the weigh-ins. Mark your name clearly on your music. It's often a good idea to further indicate the track number if there is more than one, or side if it is an audio cassette (but who uses those anymore?), and to indicate whether you would like the music to start on or off stage. I strongly recommend having an extra copy of your music as well in case one becomes damaged or lost.
  
• Bring food and water with you - If it's a big show it can be a long wait, don't put your condition in jeopardy by not having what you need readily available. Bring at least a couple hours of supplies with you.
  
• Bring cheques or cash - Photographers and videographers are generally at the weigh-ins to collect your details so they may photograph and record your performance at the event the coming day, you will want as many photos as you can get as for every dozen images you may get one you will be really pleased with. More often than not the photos and footage shot by friends and family are blurred from the excitement of them cheering for you, or missing limbs doesn't really show a great physique. You've worked hard let the professionals take care of you, it will be well worth it.
  
• Try to view the other athletes in your class - You may want to look at their color or ask them what dye they are using, sometimes having a color that is too different from the people you are competing against directly may be a detriment to you. If there is a vendor at the weigh-ins be sure to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for the next days event. (ie. posing oil, bikini bite, enough tanning dye, gloves, hair removal products, etc.)

Best of luck,

Cabel McElderry
Bodybuilding Promoter and Competitor