Feel At Home, Backstage!

There’s a great deal that needs to be done to get on stage in physique-based sports. You’ve got the prep, which includes what you’re eating, how you’re training, and what you’re taking. Then you have to find suits or trunks. Then you have to plan how you’re going to get to the contest, your lodging, and so on and so forth. Assuming all of that goes without a hitch (most times that’s easier said than done), you’re at the show on time, and now…, now you wait. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in one of the first divisions to be called to the stage. That might happen or twice, but chances are, you’ll be doing a lot of time-killing backstage. We could be talking about anywhere from 30-90 minutes. That might seem like a lot of time, but there’s things you can do to make it bearable. That said, there’s some do’s and don’ts that I can offer your way. And this wisdom applies to all divisions, everywhere.

1. Don’t go exploring beyond backstage. If you’re number gets called and the expeditors can’t find you, you’ve just thrown an entire prep in the trash. THE SHOW WILL GO ON (without you).
2. Don’t stay a little longer at your hotel and/or don’t go back to your room if the contest is at the host hotel. If you oversleep, lose track of time, or get stuck in the elevator.. THE SHOW WILL GO ON (without you).
3. Don’t “pump up” the whole time backstage. It’s called PUMPING UP for a reason. You pump up prior to hitting the stage. If you’re pumping up to kill time, coupled with the fact that you’re in a caloric deficit, you may sabotage yourself.
4. Bring some Air Pods.
5. Bring a folding chair, maybe a pillow, and/or something to sit or lay on. Comfort is key, but be mindful of your tan and make sure you’re not doing anything that’s going to require anything more than the typical touch-ups.
6. Talk to people – not about how you look or what you think you may have forgot to do, but maybe general topics.
7. Posing with new friends can be fun, but you’re on different levels, it could also cause your cortisol levels to go through the roof.
8. Take some pictures – make some memories!!
9. The name of the game is killing time but you can have fun, interact, and/or just keep to yourself.

The bottom line is, make backstage feel like home.