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The OnStage Look
A dark tan enhances your physique, making it easier for the judges to assess your muscularity. There are a few tricks to achieving an even tan.
You can start with a tanning bed, but the advantage of the new dyes is that this harmful step is no longer necessary. The new stains that are available specifically for body building competition do not need to be applied to already tanned skin.
If using a tanning bed, don't forget your "hidden" parts. Tan in different positions (arms overhead, on back and on front, legs apart to get inner thighs) for an all-over tan.
Keeping shaved will result in a better tan. This also prevents skin rash later when the dye is applied. Dye on sensitive, newly shaved skin often causes a burning rash.
If you are hairy, use a trimmer or an electric razor to take off heaviest hair and do close work with a regular razor. Shaving creams for women are less drying that men's creams. If using Neet, do a patch test first!
Start using body moisturizers well before the contest date. Tanning products do not look good on dry, flaky skin.
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TEST YOUR TANNING PRODUCT WELL IN ADVANCE FROM CONTEST TIME TO SEE HOW YOUR SKIN REACTS TO IT!
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Applying the Dye:
Wednesday:
Try not to shave now. Do final touch up with a razor as required.
Exfoliate skin. Product will go on skin more smoothly if surface of dead cells is removed. The tanning lotions will blotch or leave uneven streaks if skin is dry. Slather on olive oil and let it soak in for a few minutes. Then soak in a bath and lightly scrub with a loofa. When dry, moisturize well. (Repeating this procedure after the contest will help remove most of the dye.) There are also bodybuilding products available which are designed to exfoliate skin.
Thursday:
Plan on applying 3 coats of dye at intervals throughout the day. Do note that with many of the new dyes, it's not necessary to start applications until Thursday evening.
Wear surgical gloves and apply dye evenly. Don't worry if the first coat streaks, subsequent coats will even it out. Knees and elbows get very dark, so go lightly there.
Let first coat sit for two hours, then rinse to remove excess. It takes a while for the dye to dry, so don't get dressed too quickly. Moisturize later in the day and tan will look richer and smoother under the lights.
Most people don't use any dye on their faces. If you do dye your face, go very lightly and don't apply to that area until Friday night. It is often better to use a bronzer for your face. There are good
products for the face, Estee Lauder, Neutrogena and Muscle Up all have excellent "for the face" dyes.
Remember that a darker tan is achieved from many application, not thicker coats.
Friday:
Repeat 2 or 3 applications of Friday.
Saturday:
It is best to not shower on Saturday or too much dye will run off.
Touch up tan if necessary.
Do not apply a coat of dye before the pre-judging or it will run when you get under the hot lights!
If you feel you could still be darker or if your dye ran during the morning show, apply another coat early enough in the afternoon for it to be thoroughly dry before the Finals.
For the pre-judging, no oil is allowed. Do moisturize skin to give a smooth look. Bain de Soleil #4 (comes in a tube) is good if applied lightly. There are also "posing oils" available at supplement stores and gyms, for the evening shows.
Recently some competiors have been using Pam cooking spray during the evening show:
PAM MAY NOT BE USED IN THE COHN!
Posing oil may be used for the evening show. Use sparingly, however. Using too much oil will cause the lights to glance off of the oil instead of enhancing your muscles.
Special Tips
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| 1. | Buy several pairs of surgical gloves to keep hands free of dye. |
| 2. | Use an old sheet to stand on when applying dye. This prevents drips from ruining carpets. |
| 3. | Apply dye evenly with a sponge paint brush. If using a spray dye, some areas will still need to be touched up with a sponge. |
| 4. | Many competitors keep an old set of sheets to use whenever staying at hotels at contest time. |
| 5. | Recommended products: Jan Tana, Muscle Up, Andreas Cahling. For Faces: Muscle Up, Estee Lauder, Neutrogena and Vaseling Sunless Tanning. |
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Contest Rules & Regulations
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Last Updated: Mar 06, 2009 |
Design by D.K McKeigan
© 2002-2010 NSABBA. All Rights Reserved |
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