Top 10 Essential Items for Your Bodybuilding Show Day Bag

I have been looking into this myself and honestly the options are overwhelming. Has anyone had hands-on experience with the newer models? Would love to hear what actually works in practice.

Totally agree with LondonLad. I had the same experience. One thing I would add though is make sure you do your research on compatibility first — I ran into a few issues there.

Great question! I switched over about three months ago and have not looked back. The performance difference is night and day compared to what I was using before.

I am packing my bag for my show in Los Angeles this weekend and I want to make sure I am not forgetting anything. I have my posing trunks and my tanning kit but I am wondering what else I should bring for the backstage area. I have heard it can be a long day of waiting around.

My list currently includes a portable fan rice cakes with honey for the pump and some loose dark clothing. I am also bringing some resistance bands for my backstage pump and a spare bottle of posing oil. Is there anything else that you consider a must have item?

I am thinking about bringing a yoga mat so I have somewhere comfortable to lay down between the prejudging and the finals. If you have any pro tips for show day essentials please share them here. I do not want to be the guy asking everyone else for spare safety pins or a mirror.

Good luck in LA, CaliCutter! Number one on my list is always a loose, oversized black tracksuit. You don't want anything rubbing against your tan or leaving strap marks before you hit the stage. I usually get mine a couple of sizes too big just to be safe.

Essential item #2: Resistance bands. Backstage pump-up areas can get incredibly crowded, and sometimes the dumbbells provided are all being used. Having your own set of bands ensures you can get your shoulders and lats fired up regardless of the queue.

Don't forget the rice cakes and honey! You need those fast-acting carbs to fill out right before you go on. I also pack a small container of sea salt to help with the vascularity. Texas heat makes you sweat, so I keep the salt handy.

Item #4 has to be a portable fan. Backstage in those UK venues can get right stuffy and hot with all the bodies and tanning lights. Keeping your body temperature down prevents you from sweating off your expensive top coat before the judges even see you.

Totally agree with the fan! I'd add a silk or satin dressing gown too. It's the best thing to wear between pre-judging and the night show to keep the tan looking fresh without feeling restricted.

What about a mirror? Do venues usually have enough or should I bring a small one for my bag?

Bring your own, Mike. It's a proper nightmare trying to find mirror space when 50 other blokes are trying to check their serratus. A small hand-held one is fine for checking your face and hair.

I always pack a spare set of posing trunks. I had a horror story at a show in Toronto where a seam ripped during the pump-up. Now I never travel without a backup in a different colour just in case.

Ouch, TorontoTech! That’s nightmare fuel. Adding backup trunks to my list immediately.

Item #7: Disposable flip-flops or 'sliders'. You do not want to be barefoot backstage, and you definitely don't want to be wrestling with trainers and socks that might mess up the tan on your feet.

Don't forget a towel you don't care about! You'll need something to sit on so you don't get tan on the venue's chairs (they will charge you for it!) and to wipe off excess glaze before you go out.

Does anyone bring headphones? I feel like I'd want to tune everyone out.

Noise-cancelling ones are a godsend. Backstage is chaos—constant shouting, music, and nerves. Being able to go into your own little bubble for 20 minutes before you're called up is vital for the 'mind-muscle connection'.

Item #9: Wet wipes and a small bottle of tan touch-up. Accidents happen—you might spill a drop of water or smudge a bit while posing. Having the ability to fix it yourself is much faster than waiting for the official tanning team.

I'd also suggest some clear bin bags. Use them to cover your car seat on the drive there so you don't ruin the upholstery with the stage tan. Simple but effective.

And for #10, I’d say a portable power bank. Between filming your routine, taking progress pics for your coach, and music, your phone will be dead by the finals if you aren't careful.