Nearly 10 Weeks Out: The Reality of Contest Prep
The 2025 NPC Puerto Rico Championship is getting closer as the days and weeks pass, and I’ll be honest, the grind is real. This isn’t your typical Instagram “grind” reel. No empty slogans. No fake hype. Just an open and transparent look at what contest prep truly feels like.
The Side of Prep No One Talks About
I’ve been in prep for over two months now. The results are showing, but the truth? Staying focused gets harder each day. Many expect coaches and athletes to act like prep is “easy,” fueled only by willpower and motivational quotes like “me vs. me” or “no one is coming to save you.” However, that's not the reality.
As a self-coached bodybuilder, the deeper I get into prep, the harder it becomes. I’m tired. I’m hungry. Training feels heavier, and energy runs low. The show might seem right around the corner, but to me, some days it feels far away, and yet, that’s the reality of prep.
Most athletes won’t say this out loud because they don’t want to break their image. They want to look invincible. I’d rather give you the truth: prep is a grind mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s why many bodybuilders wait until they’re truly ready. Not just physically, but in every area of life.
Behind the Scenes of Contest Prep
So what does it actually feel like?
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You count down the hours until your next meal.
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Cardio becomes a mental battle.
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Zero-calorie sauces and drinks turn into lifesavers.
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Training sessions feel like a warzone. Not because of the weight, but because of the mental effort it takes to push.
The toughest part? Self-doubt. Around this stage, you start questioning everything: Was starting this prep the right choice? Do I really have what it takes? Even pros like Samson Dauda have talked about the toll prep takes, and trust me, he’s right.
This isn’t for the faint of heart. Many say they want to compete, but few truly understand the process behind the stage-ready physique.
The Mental & Spiritual Battle
This is where I want to dive deeper because prep isn’t just a physical grind, it’s a mental and spiritual one, too.
When the hunger gets unbearable… when cardio feels endless… when you’re questioning your reflection in the mirror, it’s not just your body that’s tested, it’s your mind and your faith.
I’ve had people tell me, “Just push harder, stop complaining, it’s all in your head.” But the truth is, biology doesn’t lie. Being in a caloric deficit with daily cardio and thousands of steps, for several weeks/months, will take its toll, no matter how “tough” you think you are.
That’s why I lean into something greater than mindset alone. I remind myself daily that my worth isn’t based on the weight I lift or the way I look on stage, but on my ability to honor God with my effort, discipline, and perseverance.
Every rep, every meal, every step becomes more than just part of prep; it’s an act of faith. A chance to strengthen not just my body, but my character. That’s why I see prep as more than a sport. It’s a test of discipline, yes, but also a reminder of where my strength truly comes from.
The Adjustments I’ve Made
Right now, I’m just under 11 weeks out, and here’s where I’m at:
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Calories: Still the same (around a 20% deficit). I avoid lowering food unless absolutely necessary. Less food means harder adherence, at least for me, and if I can keep progressing by adjusting other variables, I will.
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Cardio & NEAT: Now up to 1 hour of cardio, 5x per week, plus 10k–12k daily steps (slightly lower on rest days).
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Training: Still 5 days per week, but I’ve adjusted reps and recovery to manage fatigue and stay within my recovery capacity.
These tweaks keep me progressing without burning out. Professional & pro tip, prep isn’t about showing off how much you can suffer, it’s about managing stress, data, and recovery to bring your absolute best to the stage.
Final Reflections
Less than 11 weeks out, and the battle is real, but so is the growth. This isn’t about looking invincible. It’s about being real, refining the process, and proving that the journey to the stage is more than just a highlight reel.
The only way forward is one day, one session, one rep at a time.
