How to go from amateur to pro

[Andrewthatguy]

What is the most realistic path to go from an amateur with diet, training, etc dialed in to competing in shows, and preferably getting a pro card. On top of that, what would this timeline look like? Any insight, tips, or experience would be awesome, it would be even better to get from people that have won shows or obtained their pro card.

 

[The Answ3r]

Realistically? No one can give you a clean blueprint for that.

Getting a pro card isn’t just “diet dialed in + train hard + stay consistent.” That’s the entry ticket. The real separator is genetics. Structure, muscle bellies, insertions, response to gear, how you hold condition, how you look under stage lights. Hard work matters, discipline matters, but without the right genetics you’ll just be the most disciplined guy in the second callout.

The only practical advice I can give you is this: find a legit coach who has actually prepped competitors and ideally taken someone to a pro card. Do a real consultation. Let them look at your structure, your current physique, your response to dieting and PEDs. A good coach will tell you honestly whether you have pro-level potential or whether you’d be better off staying a high-level amateur and keeping your health.

Because chasing a pro card isn’t just about stepping on stage. It’s years of extreme dieting, pushing drugs, stressing your body, spending a lot of money, and organizing your whole life around prep. If you’re genetically built for it, it can be worth it. If not, you might just end up smaller, poorer, and with worse bloodwork.

Brutal truth: most people who want a pro card will never get one. The smart move is figuring out early which side of that line you’re on.

 

[Andrewthatguy]

Realistically? No one can give you a clean blueprint for that.

Getting a pro card isn’t just “diet dialed in + train hard + stay consistent.” That’s the entry ticket. The real separator is genetics. Structure, muscle bellies, insertions, response to gear, how you hold condition, how you look under stage lights. Hard work matters, discipline matters, but without the right genetics you’ll just be the most disciplined guy in the second callout.

The only practical advice I can give you is this: find a legit coach who has actually prepped competitors and ideally taken someone to a pro card. Do a real consultation. Let them look at your structure, your current physique, your response to dieting and PEDs. A good coach will tell you honestly whether you have pro-level potential or whether you’d be better off staying a high-level amateur and keeping your health.

Because chasing a pro card isn’t just about stepping on stage. It’s years of extreme dieting, pushing drugs, stressing your body, spending a lot of money, and organizing your whole life around prep. If you’re genetically built for it, it can be worth it. If not, you might just end up smaller, poorer, and with worse bloodwork.

Brutal truth: most people who want a pro card will never get one. The smart move is figuring out early which side of that line you’re on.

Thank you that was really good feedback. I had a feeling in my gut that would be the answer. I contacted a coach on instagram but he never replied to me, I mean I can’t blame the guy. I’ll do some more digging for more coaches to get more insight.

Yeah going pro does seem brutal from what I’ve seen but man it would be a hell of an accomplishment. I mean shit if that ends up not being my reality and I end up having to chase high level amateur i could accept that. Do high level amateurs get like sponsorships and stuff? Cause I mean like in reality, taking all this risk and putting all this work, it would be nice to have pay off like financially too.

Either way I’m planning to do some shows. It’s definitely not going to be very soon, but it’s in my plans, I’m going to learn more about the stage prep diets and stuff like that. I can do deficit and surplus and track calories and macros, but it seems like the guys getting ready for prep have much more specific diets than just counting calories and tracking macros.

 

[The Answ3r]

If you’re thinking about bodybuilding as something financially rewarding, forget it. This is not a business plan. This is an obsession.

The only people who make real money in bodybuilding are genetic freaks at the very top, and even then it’s usually not from prize money. It’s from social media, coaching, YouTube, brand deals, or building a personal brand. The stage itself rarely pays the bills.

High level amateurs? Sometimes they get small sponsorships. Usually it’s free gear, discounted supps, maybe a few hundred bucks here and there. It’s not life-changing money. Most of them still work normal jobs.

The harsh reality is this: bodybuilding rewards freak genetics. Hard work and discipline are mandatory, but they are not enough on their own. If your structure, muscle bellies, insertions, response to drugs, and ability to stay lean aren’t elite, you’ll hit a ceiling no matter how dialed in you are.

So if you want to compete because you love it, because you’re borderline obsessed with pushing your physique and testing yourself on stage, go for it. That’s the right reason.

If you’re thinking, “I’m going to risk my health and grind for years but at least it’ll pay off financially,” that’s the wrong mindset. The payoff for most guys is a trophy, some photos, and personal satisfaction. Not a salary.

As for prep, you’re right. Stage prep isn’t just deficit vs surplus. It becomes precision. Sodium, water manipulation, carb timing, digestion, stress management, posing practice, peak week strategy.

We do have experienced coaches on the forum. For example, @Mac11wildcat. I don’t know if he’s taking new clients, but you can always reach out and ask. Worst case he says no. Best case you get real guidance from someone who actually knows the game.

Compete because you’re a fanatic. Not because you’re looking for ROI. That’s the truth.