Can you plz HELP me find a class/division to target?

[ub40freak]

Hiya! As you can probably work out, i'm a newbie who currently knows next to nothing about Bodybuilding...Anyways, I also have no idea on how competitors are grouped, eg Age groups, Weight Classes.

So...I will give you my weight and body fat estimates and if you can give me advice on what division i should aim for i would be very greatful.

I should also point out that I am aiming to compete in my first comp in around October 2008.

I understand Body Compsition scales have limitations, but I used two totally different models that gave me similar results:

Overall Weight = 82.7

Lean Body Weight = 67.7

Body fat percentage = 18%

So if competitors are grouped by weight, I guess I would aim for the under 80kg grade if they have one. But i suppose that would require me losing something like 10kg fat and gaining 5-6kg muscle?? Your thoughts please?!

[You Know Who]

Height?

On those stats I'd aim for the 60-70kg division.

[Luigi]

Height?

On those stats I'd aim for the 60-70kg division.

there goes that bloody sheep again :doh:

[Paul]

Yeah NZMM is right under 70kg novice pretty hard to gain muscle while dieting best to try and mantain what you got :nod:

[MasterTel]

I'm assuming you are considering competing in an NZFBB event (physique classes by weight) rather than NABBA (height divisions)?

If NZFBB, your options will be Novice 70kg-80kg (based on your stats you would struggle to get under 70kg unless you lost at least 2-3kg of lean muscle mass), Masters (if turning 40 or older this year) or Classic (one class only i.e no Novice, Open or Masters split).

The qualification for the Classic Men class is based on height/weight ratio as follows:

Under 170cm: max weight (kg) = height (cm) - 98

170-178cm: max weight (kg) = height (cm) - 96

Over 178cm: max weight (kg) = height (cm) - 94

We (NZFBB) introduced this class last year - it will remain as one combined class unless numbers at an event justify having separate classes based on the height divisions listed.

NABBA have a similar class type (Athletic) which has one qualifying ratio max weight (kg) = height (cm) - 98. NABBA has Novice, Open and Masters Athletic classes.

[ub40freak]

Oh i'm 23 years old and 175cm tall (or short!), so that's like 5'8 or something

[Paul]

Call me stupid but a twelve kilo loss would be no big deal to get ripped for a show .If your 82 now I would not be competing in the under 80 .You will lose a kilo or two dehydrating.

[MasterTel]

No, that's not stupid at all Paul - I guess a lot depends on whether someone loses too much quality by stipping an extra couple of kilos to fit into a lower weight class. I've seen some guys do this when they would have been better to keep a bit more size and look fuller and less emaciated - even though it meant competing against heavier competitors. Quality will usually beat quantity more often than not.

At 175cm, ub40freak, you can fit into Classic by getting below 79kg which will be no problem for you. And at 23 you are 17 years too young for Masters, so that's clearly not an option for you yet!

[ub40freak]

Thanks guys, after careful consideration i think it will be wise to hold off competing for another 12-15months. I mean no point in embarassing myself now is there. But i still plan to go to an event just to see what goes on.

I mite try and shed approx 8-9 kg (17.5 - 20lbs) of fat over 20 weeks. By aiming for a calorie deficit of -500 cal per day for a total of -3500cal, or 1 pound, a week.

So i would obviously steering clear of heavy weight, to hopefully minimise muscle loss, then after I do all this i'll attempt to start building muscle...

Is this a wise idea? or am i likely to end up putting fat back on when i try to bulk up?

[IronGame]

Thanks guys, after careful consideration i think it will be wise to hold off competing for another 12-15months. I mean no point in embarassing myself now is there. But i still plan to go to an event just to see what goes on.

I mite try and shed approx 8-9 kg (17.5 - 20lbs) of fat over 20 weeks. By aiming for a calorie deficit of -500 cal per day for a total of -3500cal, or 1 pound, a week.

So i would obviously steering clear of heavy weight, to hopefully minimise muscle loss, then after I do all this i'll attempt to start building muscle...

Is this a wise idea? or am i likely to end up putting fat back on when i try to bulk up?

I think it is a wise idea holding off a little, to many people compete when there not really ready, myself included. My 1st show as a Jr I weighed in at 68kg( actually I remember standing next to mastertel in the overalls lol) tomoro (4 years later) i'll be competing at around 100kg.

But DO NOT stay away from the heavy stuff while dieting that is how you will lose muscle, "If you don't use it you'l lose it" Lift heavy and smart and eat clean and you'l be fine. Aim for 10% bf or so and then concerntrate on adding alot of lean mass.

Good luck

[ub40freak]

Thanks IronGame for that bit of advice!!

[teamfatboy]

Thanks guys, after careful consideration i think it will be wise to hold off competing for another 12-15months. I mean no point in embarassing myself now is there. But i still plan to go to an event just to see what goes on.

Sounds like you're in the same boat as me - I know I've got a ways to go so I'm aiming at a show this time next year...and after I did some sums, I realised that even Athletic isn't out of reach...as I chisel away at the lard, I may shed lean muscle mass too..but it doesn't mean I'll look worse. It may even help if I shed LMM from chunky quads in favor of a more proportioned look....

Start by laying good foundations now with a solid diet plan, learn how your body responds, and you'll be fine!

[ngapuhi strong]

quick question for mastertel

does changing ones weight class effect there novice open status

[MasterTel]

Changing weight classes has no bearing or influence on your novice/open status.

Speaking of weight classes, it was fascinating to hear last weekend that the NZ Pro show winner (Dexter Jackson) is regarded as one of the few people to win significant titles at every weight class - he won his first show as a bantamweight i.e. Under 65kg!! :shock:

It would be interesting to see what he looked like then - approx 40kg lighter than he competes at now!