Can you make a good living as a Pro?

[michaelk]

The rulebook says that any athlete can apply, they must however be in good standing with the governing federation.

Personally I've always liked the concept of a qualification rule to take the potential for corruption out of the process and rewarding those that have achieved onstage.

Overall winners should be automatic awarding (assuming they want it, not all do) or multiple open class winners should only be allowed to apply.

In NZ Pro Qualifying shows have been too poorly supported to be a valid system, our population of competitors is too small.

[Cameron_R]

I'm astounded that there doesn't seem to be any objective criteria to qualify! Seriously ??

I can't think of any other individual sport where that's the case!

[nate225]

bigmd wrote:

[The only way you use to be able to get a pro card is to win the overall National Title or at times if you have won your class title multiple times.

Multiple of 1 when you gave it to Salah though :twisted: \:D/ :pfft: :wink:

LOL - and I thought you IFBB Pro's all had each others back?! :grin:

[aln]

Sensitive subject about how you recieved your card. Does it matter?? The rules have changed many times.

[michaelk]

I'm astounded that there doesn't seem to be any objective criteria to qualify! Seriously ??

I can't think of any other individual sport where that's the case!

Rugby, picking "special projects" out of club rugby to play for the AB's (or Al Baxter for Aus from Club rugby to the Wallabies without playing for NSW)....NZ Cricket where Daniel Vittore is captain/coach & Selector :oops: - bet he'll never drop himself.

Sport is rife with it, someone sees "potential" and they are in. To be fair, the guys that make the big calls usually get it right too. Doesn't make it right though.

[michaelk]

bigmd wrote:

[The only way you use to be able to get a pro card is to win the overall National Title or at times if you have won your class title multiple times.

Multiple of 1 when you gave it to Salah though :twisted: \:D/ :pfft: :wink:

LOL - and I thought you IFBB Pro's all had each others back?! :grin:

Before anyone gets too upset...this is a dig at Mike about his understanding of the word multiple not Salah's card, we are very very good friends who are constantly having humerous shots at each other, although to be fair BigMD's spelling usually makes it hard to understand the joke.

Don't read anything into this other than that.

Sensitive subject about how you recieved your card. Does it matter?? The rules have changed many times.

No thay haven't, there have never been any clearly defined rules other than the requirement of good standing. Thats the problem. Thank god for BJ coming back in 94 and getting it all started.

[Cameron_R]

I'm astounded that there doesn't seem to be any objective criteria to qualify! Seriously ??

I can't think of any other individual sport where that's the case!

Rugby, picking "special projects" out of club rugby to play for the AB's (or Al Baxter for Aus from Club rugby to the Wallabies without playing for NSW)....NZ Cricket where Daniel Vittore is captain/coach & Selector :oops: - bet he'll never drop himself.

Sport is rife with it, someone sees "potential" and they are in. To be fair, the guys that make the big calls usually get it right too. Doesn't make it right though.

I totally understand the concept for team sports. That's why I said individual sport.

I'm not saying that there aren't other examples out there (eg I have no idea how pro figure skaters are allowed on to that circuit). I'm just saying that it seems pretty crazy to me.

[michaelk]

I'm astounded that there doesn't seem to be any objective criteria to qualify! Seriously ??

I can't think of any other individual sport where that's the case!

Rugby, picking "special projects" out of club rugby to play for the AB's (or Al Baxter for Aus from Club rugby to the Wallabies without playing for NSW)....NZ Cricket where Daniel Vittore is captain/coach & Selector :oops: - bet he'll never drop himself.

Sport is rife with it, someone sees "potential" and they are in. To be fair, the guys that make the big calls usually get it right too. Doesn't make it right though.

I totally understand the concept for team sports. That's why I said individual sport.

I'm not saying that there aren't other examples out there (eg I have no idea how pro figure skaters are allowed on to that circuit). I'm just saying that it seems pretty crazy to me.

My misinterpretation, I thought you meant you couldn't think of an individual sport as in couldn't even think of one.

I think the Pro skaters are more exhibition skaters, like when Torvill and Dean gave up competition....ah the purity of the amateur idea.

I think Tommace may know more about mens figure skating than I though....BIG FAN is Tom.

[Gym rat]

I also thought that was very disqusing of arrogance and very rude against one of New Zealand's best bodybuilders by not having Jo's name on the NZIFBB website when I saw Jo's name not being on the list that made me :disgusted:

[Peachy]

No thats ok Nate about you missing my name out, but for a National federation to remove a current pro's name from a list just becos of personality clashes etc is ridiculous.

As for the rewards I have gained from earning my Pro Card, I am sponsored generously by BSc for my supplements and my Compression clothing which adds up to a nice sum per month, plus I have been well paid for international photo shoots.

Being a Pro has meant I work hard 12 months of the year to stay in shape and I work hard to encourage more athletes into the sport regardless of the federation and regardless of payment or not. I am definately not making a living out of being a Pro, but I am making a good living out of working in the industry which I love.

This is a disguising display of arrogance against one of the true champions of NZ bodybuilding. Jo's name was originally on the IFBB Pro List on the NZFBB/NZIFBB Web site and then obviously has been removed due to personal interference.

I am no longer on the list as after pressure from the IFBB Pro League I had been told that running my show in Christchurch would lead to consequences that which nobody could fully explain so I decided to resign from the IFBB Pro League.

Did she win something to become a professional?? :-s

I know this chick

Please can someone explain to me how someone becomes a professional? Please? :grin:

The only way you use to be able to get a pro card is to win the overall National Title or at times if you have won your class title multiple times.

Since Nationals 2009 the NZFBB have given out a number of procards to winners of Non national events and to some athletes that have not won their class let alone national events. there have been some well deserved cards given also to Michelle Lauren and Kristy Thompson although i know that one of these athletes although in may or June was publicly awarded her card has still not actually personally received it as yet.

Sorry a bit off the thread topic but just answering a couple of the previous post questions

Interesting.... coz this chick is Bronwym Inglis daughter who is Moes Vice president or whatever.... she has only done one comp that I know and came 3rd. (I was in the comp also lol)

[Cameron_R]

Is this unique to NZ or are BB federations all over the world like this ?

[bigmd]

bigmd wrote:

[The only way you use to be able to get a pro card is to win the overall National Title or at times if you have won your class title multiple times.

Multiple of 1 when you gave it to Salah though :twisted: \:D/ :pfft: :wink:

LOL - and I thought you IFBB Pro's all had each others back?! :grin:

MK is always after my back, i have to keep reminding him im not like that but im still happy to be his mate as i have no prejudice against anyones sexual preference

[Optimass]

So MD, when you say you had to resign from the pro-league ... i.e you gave up your procard to be able to host the show?

[Mrbig]

so can the overall winner of the nz nationals get a ifbb pro card like they do in the states or is it a little bit more complicated??

[bigmd]

So MD, when you say you had to resign from the pro-league ... i.e you gave up your procard to be able to host the show?

Pretty Much.

the pro Card was very important to me, but i have done what many haven't had the chance to do which was compete in the USA, I would have liked to do this again possibly,but not at the cost of my personal beliefs which i wont go into, so it came down to stick with an organization that i didn't like or agree with the direction it was going and keep my Card, or do what i believed was right for the athletes, and the sport and do that at the cost of my Pro Card. When it comes down to it i was never going to be a threat on the Pro Stage and there are other options for me to get back up on stage have fun doing what i enjoy with out the $20000 it cost me to compete last time. DONT get me wrong i LOVED the experience, and would not do it any different.

[nate225]

So MD, when you say you had to resign from the pro-league ... i.e you gave up your procard to be able to host the show?

Pretty Much.

the pro Card was very important to me, but i have done what many haven't had the chance to do which was compete in the USA, I would have liked to do this again possibly,but not at the cost of my personal beliefs which i wont go into, so it came down to stick with an organization that i didn't like or agree with the direction it was going and keep my Card, or do what i believed was right for the athletes, and the sport and do that at the cost of my Pro Card. When it comes down to it i was never going to be a threat on the Pro Stage and there are other options for me to get back up on stage have fun doing what i enjoy with out the $20000 it cost me to compete last time. DONT get me wrong i LOVED the experience, and would not do it any different.

Politics & Bodybuilding....... the two things that should never go hand in hand seem to be more closely linked than ever! :nod:

Does anyone miss (or even remember?) the days when a Powerlifter was just a Bodybuilder in the offseason? And on occasion would rock up to a Strongman comp?

And you competed in shows based on the fact that you could get to the show, or because your mates were going? Not because of some political ideology.

Wasn't that long ago.....

[Cameron_R]

Damn, sounds like I opened a can of worms with this thread :shock:

This is way more interesting than I thought it would be. Without knowing a single bit of the history, you guys are making it sound as dramatic as a Days of our Lives season ending cliff hanger.

and I thought I'd enjoy this forum for the tips and advice only

[bigmd]

So MD, when you say you had to resign from the pro-league ... i.e you gave up your procard to be able to host the show?

Pretty Much.

the pro Card was very important to me, but i have done what many haven't had the chance to do which was compete in the USA, I would have liked to do this again possibly,but not at the cost of my personal beliefs which i wont go into, so it came down to stick with an organization that i didn't like or agree with the direction it was going and keep my Card, or do what i believed was right for the athletes, and the sport and do that at the cost of my Pro Card. When it comes down to it i was never going to be a threat on the Pro Stage and there are other options for me to get back up on stage have fun doing what i enjoy with out the $20000 it cost me to compete last time. DONT get me wrong i LOVED the experience, and would not do it any different.

Politics & Bodybuilding....... the two things that should never go hand in hand seem to be more closely linked than ever! :nod:

Does anyone miss (or even remember?) the days when a Powerlifter was just a Bodybuilder in the offseason? And on occasion would rock up to a Strongman comp?

And you competed in shows based on the fact that you could get to the show, or because your mates were going? Not because of some political ideology.

Wasn't that long ago.....

"Not because of some political ideology." whats that mean exactly???

[nate225]

Just to clarify my comment above......shit I'm sounding like Kingsnorth here.....the "political ideology" was not referencing any particular individual or federation. Simply put, the decision to compete for many BBers is now influenced by how they (or others more established in BBing that influence them) perceive an organisation is being run (and what the organisers beliefs/motives are).

I enjoyed doing NZFBB South Islands because my mates lived in Christchurch, and NABBA Wellingtons because it was down the road. I did the Body of the Bay comp (independant) because I'd win enough money to cover costs for the NZFBB Nationals, which I went to cos my mates were going & Ronnie was guest posing!

Life was oh so simple then! :grin:

[Optimass]

Simply put, the decision to compete for many BBers is now influenced by how they (or others more established in BBing that influence them) perceive an organisation is being run (and what the organisers beliefs/motives are).

I think this is great. In many ways it's kind of like the athlete(s) finally have control of their feds. This is being demonstrated in the numbers attending the shows (and has always been). In the long term it will inevitably keep the execs honest - if you don't listen to the people that vote you in your numbers go down ... if you do they go up. Not as much politics in some respects, as good business, leadership and customer service.

Pretty Much.

the pro Card was very important to me, but i have done what many haven't had the chance to do which was compete in the USA, I would have liked to do this again possibly,but not at the cost of my personal beliefs which i wont go into, so it came down to stick with an organization that i didn't like or agree with the direction it was going and keep my Card, or do what i believed was right for the athletes, and the sport and do that at the cost of my Pro Card. When it comes down to it i was never going to be a threat on the Pro Stage and there are other options for me to get back up on stage have fun doing what i enjoy with out the $20000 it cost me to compete last time. DONT get me wrong i LOVED the experience, and would not do it any different.

I'm sure Australia will accomodate one of our best in lieu of your situation. (They are always trying to steal our stuff ..... Phar lap, Pavlovas, the All Whites ... )

[jimjim83]

So MD, when you say you had to resign from the pro-league ... i.e you gave up your procard to be able to host the show?

Pretty Much.

the pro Card was very important to me, but i have done what many haven't had the chance to do which was compete in the USA, I would have liked to do this again possibly,but not at the cost of my personal beliefs which i wont go into, so it came down to stick with an organization that i didn't like or agree with the direction it was going and keep my Card, or do what i believed was right for the athletes, and the sport and do that at the cost of my Pro Card. When it comes down to it i was never going to be a threat on the Pro Stage and there are other options for me to get back up on stage have fun doing what i enjoy with out the $20000 it cost me to compete last time. DONT get me wrong i LOVED the experience, and would not do it any different.

Politics & Bodybuilding....... the two things that should never go hand in hand seem to be more closely linked than ever! :nod:

Does anyone miss (or even remember?) the days when a Powerlifter was just a Bodybuilder in the offseason? And on occasion would rock up to a Strongman comp?

And you competed in shows based on the fact that you could get to the show, or because your mates were going? Not because of some political ideology.

Wasn't that long ago.....

20k thats a lot of tuna......

[bigmd]

$2000 for dave plumbs services

$6000 Airfares (nz to LA, LA to Tampa, Tampa to Dallas, Dallas to LA, LA to San Jose, San Jose to LA, LA to NZ)

$4500 Accommodation

$2500 Food

$400 IFBB Fees

$500 transfers Taxi's ext

$400 Session with Hany Rambod.

$3000 Incidentals while in USA ($1500 spending money)

apart from the flights everything else was paid when i was in the USA and at the time our $$ was at $.52 to the dollar

so my US$13 per kg chicken purchases was actually costing me NZ$25

$225 per night hotels were costing me $400nz per night

So the above was just what i spent for the trip to the States, then there was 20 weeks of Dieting done before the trip.

[nate225]

$2000 for dave plumbs services

$6000 Airfares (nz to LA, LA to Tampa, Tampa to Dallas, Dallas to LA, LA to San Jose, San Jose to LA, LA to NZ)

$4500 Accommodation

$2500 Food

$400 IFBB Fees

$500 transfers Taxi's ext

$400 Session with Hany Rambod.

$3000 Incidentals while in USA ($1500 spending money)

apart from the flights everything else was paid when i was in the USA and at the time our $$ was at $.52 to the dollar

so my US$13 per kg chicken purchases was actually costing me NZ$25

$225 per night hotels were costing me $400nz per night

So the above was just what i spent for the trip to the States, then there was 20 weeks of Dieting done before the trip.

I think Mike just answered the original question.......

$20K to get to the shows, plus prep money (food, supps etc) in the 6 months previous (I'm picking thats at least another $10) to go and do shows with total prize money of ?????

Unless you are consistently placing in shows the money from being a Pro is not even covering your costs! :nod:

Mike K covered the point that the benefits are certainly not direct income, and for most Pro's would be almost entirely from spinoffs.

[nzmusclemonster]

Holy Moly.... Was that an all day session with Hany Rimjob. Surely he wouldn't charge that for an hour......

[PeterDolan]

Holy Moly.... Was that an all day session with Hany Rimjob. Surely he wouldn't charge that for an hour......

There's a PT in Aus that charges $440 a hour and he's just your standard swissball hippie PT so really Hany is quite reasonable (I wouldn't pay it though haha)