As an NGA Pro Natural Bodybuilder and USATF Masters Sprinter, Eric “Fitman” Brown, the owner of Fitman Performance & Physique Center in Roslyn, knows well how much time it takes to get in the type of shape needed to win a natural bodybuilding competition, writes Ryan Genova for the Glenside Local.

“The first thing that prospective natural bodybuilders and figure competitors must realize is that you must have already built your base physique,” said Brown. “You cannot begin a successful contest prep campaign without having a real foundation to work with.”

For those who already compete regularly, it takes between 16 and 24 weeks of contest prep to get ready enough for the stage.

“When I won Mr. Natural Philadelphia in 2022, I spent 26 weeks prepping for that competition,” said Brown. “I 100% believe that if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

The preparation time depends on the person’s current shape and what division they plan to compete in.

“Contest prep could take you 6 weeks, or it could take you 32 weeks,” he said.

Read more about getting in contest shape in the Glenside Local.

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