Bodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook is a guide through every step of the process to select a competition, prepare for the contest, and make the transition to the off-season. With no other book like it on the market, Bodybuilding offers scientifically supported and experience based guidelines to help prepare for a show.

Bodybuilding takes the guesswork out of preparing for a contest and answers common questions such as these:

• How do I choose the competition and division that are right for me?
• What mandatory poses do I need to learn for my competition?
• What is the best workout to do during contest prep?
• What should I do if I start to spill over during peak week?
• How long is too long to maintain stage-lean levels of body fat?

The chapters begin with a background of the sport, followed by a discussion of the competitive division options for both men and women. The next chapters detail the process of obtaining a stage-ready physique with an evidence-based approach that combines scientific literature with practical experience. These chapters discuss important topics such as nutrition, training, and preparation timing.

The next chapters address posing, peak week, tanning, and a number of other topics that provide the finishing touches for final preparations. More than 60 colour photos show body types for each division and each mandatory pose, offering a visual guide to the proper positions for each pose. Then, there is also information on how to handle the transition to the off-season.

Bodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook is available for $54.99 AUD from Human Kinetics or go and check out the Human Kinetics stand NO3 at the Fitness Show Sydney, 12-14 April 2019 at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

About the Authors

Peter J. Fitschen is the owner of FITbody and Physique, where he works full time as a contest prep coach. His combination of education and experience are unique in the sport of bodybuilding. He has a PhD in nutritional sciences, a master’s degree in biology with a physiology concentration, and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. He has been competing in natural bodybuilding since 2004, and won his natural pro card in 2012.

Cliff Wilson is a professional natural bodybuilder and one of the top physique coaches in the industry, having established himself through his work with competitive bodybuilders and powerlifters. Using a combination of scientifically proven methods and experience-driven techniques, Wilson’s clients have amassed over 100 pro cards, more than 60 professional titles, and 9 world championships.