bikini competition workout plan
Olivia Hensley
Updated on June 18, 2026
Training can last six months to a year. Once you’ve decided to do a competition, you can amp up strength training to focus on muscle groups that need more work developing. “This time is called the building, or improvement season, and this can last as long as six months to years at a time,” says Irish.
How many days a week do bikini competitors workout?
Become a Cardio Queen
Most bikini competitors do cardio five to six days per week.
How many weeks does it take to prep for a bikini competition?
For first time figure & bikini competitors, it could take 12-24 weeks to prepare. It could take longer depending on how much muscle you need to gain and how much body fat you need to lose to be competitive. If you are going to bust your butt for all these weeks, you also want to take home some hardware, right?
What body fat percentage are bikini competitors?
Bikini competitors have more of an “X” or hourglass shape to their bodies (meaning they have smaller waists with more developed glutes, quads, and shoulders). They are separated into competition groups based on their height, and their body fat percentage usually ranges from 10-14%.
Do bikini competitors lift heavy?
Some people lift heavy and keep reps lowish (in the 8 to 10 numbers) most stick to high reps for some good ol conditioning. The way people split their days varies greatly. Some opting for back and biceps, legs and triceps, a whole day for core
What is peak week for bikini competitors?
Peak week is the week leading into a show, it is where you try to fine tune your figure to peak for stage. After competing for over 15 years, plus being a prep coach I have experienced many “peak weeks” along the way. If you have never gone through your first peak week, you might wonder what it is all about.
How do you lean out for a bikini competition?
Listed below are seven steps you can take to start leaning out and getting shredded for your next competition.
Drink More Water. Cook at Home Whenever You Can. Include Refeeds in Your Routine. Focus on Protein and Fiber. Create a Plan to Curb Your Hunger. Get Serious About Sleep and Stress Management.
How do I train like a figure competitor?
Keep up with the cardio, five days a week for 45 minutes. On leg day, perform five minutes of high-intensity intervals on a stationary bike between each exercise. Do 60 seconds at 80–90% max heart rate (about an 8–9 on a scale of 1–10), followed by 60 seconds of slower-paced active recovery.
How can I get bikini ready in 3 months?
How to Get a Beach Body in 3 Months
Cut your calorie intake. Add weight training to your routine. Switch to an upper-body, lower-body split in the second half of your three months. Increase your training intensity. Perform cardio three days per week.
Can you do a bikini competition without a coach?
Many newbies think they need a trainer or coach to prep for their first figure or bikini competition… But with the right training program, you can do it by yourself!
Can you make money as a bikini competitor?
The most common form of sponsorship is basically a trade where a company will give their products in exchange for the bikini competitor promoting them. Some top bikini competitors can be paid as part of a sponsorship deal but its very uncommon when you first start out.
How do bikini competitors cut weight?
In general, eating a diet that is 50% carbs, 30% protein, 20% fat is a big general guideline for many bodybuilders including you bikini gals for that matter. Of course this will vary but again, it’s a place to start. When cutting, you will need to know that: Protein yields 4 calories per gram.
How old are bikini competitors?
Three age groups currently exist, including the master’s bikini-physique division (age ≥ 35 y), junior’s level (age 16–23 y), and the remaining category for contestants between 23 and 34 years of age.
How do I pick my first bikini competition?
If you’re thinking of competing, there are four things that I recommend you consider in choosing your first show.
Coaching. Finding a good coach is THE most important part of competition prep. Location. There are fitness competitions happening around the country throughout the year. Style. Cost.
How many calories should a bikini competitor eat?
Most people fit into a 12-to-14 week period for contest preparation, as long as they are within 15-20 pounds of their desired weight goal. You should eat 6-7 small meals per day; spread them evenly throughout the day. If your goal is 1,800 calories per day, then you should eat about 300 calories per meal.
What do bikini competition judges look for?
SCORING. Judges will be scoring competitors using the following criteria: Balance and Shape. Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation.
What is the difference between bikini and figure competitors?
The bikini competitions are all about looking good in a bikini with not so visible muscles and a higher body fat compared to that of the figure division. Their bodies are very well toned. Figure competitions are for women who have a very athletic body alongside an appearance of someone muscular.