I more or less look like I do in the OP photo - at least if I have a pump.
As for not training to win, or not training to look good - I may be the only man who enters my division and weight class, so I am basically guaranteed a win and a qualification for provincials. I have no intention to compete provincially though. So more or less anything is a win at this contest - at least in the sense that I will get a trophy no matter what.
I just want to enter the contest because I am in shape and because I want this local physique contest to build momentum. I am - or can be - in shape enough to enter a local contest. I think people need to stop comparing themselves to pros and start somewhere. I will not look out of place at this contest if I can bring up a conditioning a little from what you see in the photo in the OP. I wish people stopped talking themselves out of competing because they don't look like pros or top amateurs.
As for not looking good - that is a matter of opinion, and once again, that involves the high bar set by more competitive bodybuilders. I train at a large fitness facility in my city, and when I go swimming, I am generally the most fit person in the pool or on the pool deck - by far. I do look good, compared to members of the general public at least. There will be more people from the general public watching than there will be purists from the fitness world.
It's a local contest that needs entrants, so why not?
To me, it is only a seven week prep, so it is not that daunting. But it will give me a reason to buckle down and actually get my act together for that period of time. I also want to approach this contest as the AAU Mr. America would have been approached by competitors - it is about the overall package to me. I'm going to try to get my hair in order, ensure that I have no blemishes on my skin, go through with a course of white strips for my teeth, get a proper tan, and just look my best.
THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT SERIOUS COMPETITORS DO.
My goal is to just look my best. That means being in shape, but looking fit and healthy. Is that so bad?
