How to Become a Pro Bodybuilder

To be a professional bodybuilder requires a great deal of commitment.

Bodybuilding is a sport that encourages its participants -- both men and women -- to obtain the ideal, muscular physique. Although most bodybuilders pursue the sport as a hobby or on the amateur level, some seek to reach the top of the field and support themselves as professional bodybuilders, although only a few actually succeed. Those hoping to claim the title of professional bodybuilder, however, should be determined and fully committed before setting out in pursuit of their goals.

Things You'll Need

• Gym membership
• Nutrition plan
• Money (for travel and entrance fees)

Instructions

1. Research the lives of professional bodybuilders to find out how they reached their levels of success. Bodybuilding is a serious commitment in terms of diet and exercise, and very few people succeed at the professional level. Even if you are blessed with superior genetics, you may still find it difficult to support yourself entirely from bodybuilding. Make sure you're comfortable with the sacrifices you'll have to make to reach your goal.

2. Consult with a nutritionist to develop an optimal diet to support your muscle growth. Share with her your ultimate goal of becoming a professional bodybuilder, so she can take into consideration the frequency and intensity of your workouts when she develops your eating plan.

3. Hit the gym. Consider hiring or consulting with a trainer who has worked with bodybuilders in the past and is familiar with their special needs. Even if you're already in good shape, the road to developing the "perfect" bodybuilder physique will be long and difficult, and although you will spend hours in the gym daily, it will still take time for you to reach the shape you desire.

4. Attend both professional and amateur bodybuilding shows throughout your training. Take notes on their stances, performances and scores, so you can get a better idea of what most judges are looking for in a winning contestant.

5. Register and compete in as many amateur bodybuilding events as possible as you continue to develop your body to professional standards. Not only will the amateur competitions help you to get comfortable on the stage, but you'll also begin to develop more connections in the bodybuilding world.

6. Register and compete in your first professional bodybuilding competition. You should only take this step after you have several amateur wins under your belt and are confident that your body and performance measure up to the other professional competitors.

7. Continue to compete in professional events, and then seek out sponsors and endorsement deals as you become more established in the professional circuit.

Tips & Warnings

• Most bodybuilders also hold down a full-time job as they pursue their fitness goals. Try to find a position that allows enough flexibility for you to easily take off a day or two to attend bodybuilding competitions.

• Consider enrolling in technical school, college or an online degree program while you pursue bodybuilding. Very few people succeed at the professional level, so it's always a good idea to have an education in case your original plans don't work out. A degree in a related area -- such as nutrition -- would not only aid your bodybuilding development but would also set you up for a long-term career in the fitness industry.

References

• Bodybuilding: So You Want to Be a Professional Bodybuilder?
• Learn Bodybuilding: How to Become a Professional Bodybuilder