Tanning is an important part of bodybuilding. The reason why bodybuilding athletes are very dark is to accentuate the muscle under the bright stage lights. A competitor who is lighter skin toned, but very cut and muscular, will not look as shredded as a competitor who is dark.
A competitor should be smooth, and look like a very, very dark version of themselves. Judges will take note of your skin presentation and if you're too light it will go against your score. That includes if you are blotchy or striped.
Bottle and jar tanners to choose from
Tanners come in liquid spray forms and creams. These sprays and creams are not what you will find at a local drug store. Bodybuilding competition color and over the counter sunless tanning lotions are very different. Items like Neutrogena or Jergen's sunless tanner is a far cry from the products you need for the bodybuilding stage. Items such as Jan Tana, Dream Tan and Pro Tan are meant specifically for bodybuilding.
Order your tanning product early
Order your tanner early so you can do a skin test. If you turn orange or have an allergic reaction you'll have time to order another product. Buy extra tanner, also. Take it to the bodybuilding show even if you're not allowed to use it in the building.
Sunless spray tan services
Spray tan services are also popular and bodybuilding shows normally have a tanning service at the venue. For example, specific shows such as the Arnold Classic will not allow you to compete if your tanner is damp so many competitors use the spray tan services there.
The promoter of the bodybuilding show will let you know if there is a spray tan service available. It is your responsibility to set up the appointment and arrive in time to get spray tanned.
Who is applying your tanner?
As soon as you decide which tanner to use it's time to decide who will apply it. If you're using a service you're covered, but if you're doing it at home you need someone who is reliable.
This is not a job for the squeamish or modest. You will be nude, and your tanning helper will see every inch of your body. You'll need to be comfortable with this person, and make sure they are comfortable with the job they are about to perform.
Exfoliate and shave everything
Whether you're a bodybuilder or a fitness athlete you need to shave and exfoliate your skin before the tanner's applied. Rough, patchy skin is visible under the lights, and your tan will look uneven and blotchy.
Tanning time frame
Your skin may absorb the tanner faster than someone else's and vice versa, or it might take more tanner to be as dark as other bodybuilding athletes. In this case, some athletes prefer to tan over a couple of days, while others do it in one evening.
Set aside enough time get your tanner applied properly. If you are in a rush there are more chances of having blotchy, uneven tanner. Apply tanner a little earlier in the day if you plan to apply it in a single sitting. This will give you time to wash it off and start over if you do not like the look, or if you are orange.
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Lisa White is a Certified Personal Trainer with an emphasis in pre/post natal weight training, as well as a figure competitor and fitness consultant. She was previously a health club and sports nutrition store owner.
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