I had to do some research for my own education due to a short discussion on an individual’s thread. The big guy (BigMurph) asked me to do a write up on my findings. Below is a brief synopsis of what It takes to get a coveted IFBB Pro Card. This is a generalized look as the IFBB has many rules and divisions and a complete breakdown would be a very long thesis.
I’m going to stick with the United States and the NPC(National Physique Committee) which is an affiliate of the IFBB; generally considered to be the minor leagues.
From what I gather, the general recommendations are to start with any local shows so that you can get your feet wet with the whole procedure of dieting, posing, tanning, prepping, oiling etc. The more you compete, the more comfortable you will get and you’ll make more contacts. The “contacts/networking” thing was alluded to in several articles.
From the information I’ve read, an individual has to place in the top three or five (depending on the contest) in one of the National Qualifier contests. This will then get you an invitation to the North American Championship, USA Championship and National Championships as well as several other contests.
From there, the pro cards are awarded to the top winner(s). The depth to which they award (pro cards) down into the top placings depends on the contest, division and class.
The individual, as a pro, will compete in contests against other professionals to earn a win and/or points to make it to the big one…The Olympia. This is a grueling task also. These folks will basically spend their whole life training and traveling to accumulate wins and/or points.
Some of the general things I’ve found searching around are :
A. Most men/women don’t make it to the pros for several reasons.
C. The pro bodybuilders that die young and unexpectedly have perished from recreational drugs not AAS.
D. There are many divisions, sub divisions and classes in the IFBB.
E. There are a lot of pros and aspiring pros that get their selves in trouble with diuretics and insulin.
D. The IFBB rules are very lengthy and can be found online. There you can find the plethora of divisions, sub divisions and classes.
The following are my thoughts and opinions.
I understand the mindset of sacrificing everything for an IFFB Pro Card. I just don’t think that most folks have any idea what it actually takes. It’s not just throw a bunch of chemicals in your body and lift weights…eat what you think is enough calories. It takes years of dialing in your diet and finding the correct SAFE enhancement for yourself. It’ll take extreme discipline to not go out and party and to get sufficient rest and not miss training sessions. Most sacrifice everything we take for granted. It’s a personal goal because most will just barely make a living. The average Pro winnings/salary nowhere near covers the expenses it takes to get them on stage. A sponsorship, speaking engagements, gym ownership or a supplement line is the saving grace for most.
I’m going to stick with the United States and the NPC(National Physique Committee) which is an affiliate of the IFBB; generally considered to be the minor leagues.
From what I gather, the general recommendations are to start with any local shows so that you can get your feet wet with the whole procedure of dieting, posing, tanning, prepping, oiling etc. The more you compete, the more comfortable you will get and you’ll make more contacts. The “contacts/networking” thing was alluded to in several articles.
From the information I’ve read, an individual has to place in the top three or five (depending on the contest) in one of the National Qualifier contests. This will then get you an invitation to the North American Championship, USA Championship and National Championships as well as several other contests.
From there, the pro cards are awarded to the top winner(s). The depth to which they award (pro cards) down into the top placings depends on the contest, division and class.
The individual, as a pro, will compete in contests against other professionals to earn a win and/or points to make it to the big one…The Olympia. This is a grueling task also. These folks will basically spend their whole life training and traveling to accumulate wins and/or points.
Some of the general things I’ve found searching around are :
A. Most men/women don’t make it to the pros for several reasons.
- They just don’t have the genetics.
- They don’t have the finances…travel, medical, food, enhancement, trainers…etc.
- They end up losing one too many times and quit.
- Health issues.
- Not willing to totally commit.
C. The pro bodybuilders that die young and unexpectedly have perished from recreational drugs not AAS.
D. There are many divisions, sub divisions and classes in the IFBB.
E. There are a lot of pros and aspiring pros that get their selves in trouble with diuretics and insulin.
D. The IFBB rules are very lengthy and can be found online. There you can find the plethora of divisions, sub divisions and classes.
The following are my thoughts and opinions.
I understand the mindset of sacrificing everything for an IFFB Pro Card. I just don’t think that most folks have any idea what it actually takes. It’s not just throw a bunch of chemicals in your body and lift weights…eat what you think is enough calories. It takes years of dialing in your diet and finding the correct SAFE enhancement for yourself. It’ll take extreme discipline to not go out and party and to get sufficient rest and not miss training sessions. Most sacrifice everything we take for granted. It’s a personal goal because most will just barely make a living. The average Pro winnings/salary nowhere near covers the expenses it takes to get them on stage. A sponsorship, speaking engagements, gym ownership or a supplement line is the saving grace for most.
