WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PREP SPEND?

From BMWs to a brand new Xbox, we examine the psychological aspect of prep spending when approaching competition condition

YES fellow bodybuilders – prep spending is real.

If you have ever reached a certain level of seriously low body fat during prep that you feel an urge to start spending, then fear not. You are not alone.

This week, frontdouble columnist Josh Goold revealed that he had shed more than 43lbs. In fact, he had shed a further few pounds sterling – by buying a new Xbox.

Goold, also an online coach, told frontdouble that one of his clients bought a new BMW M2 during prep.

In fact, the editor of this website can confirm that each of his four cockapoos was bought during a contest prep.

It seems that, when competitors reach very low levels of body fat, they may experience psychological changes that influence spending habits:

• Food cravings and obsession: The extreme dieting phase can make competitors obsess over food, cheat meals, treats for after the competition, or even excessive purchases of cooking tools to help prepare “perfect” meals.
• Compensatory spending: The discomfort and deprivation of being lean can lead to compensatory spending. Buying new clothes, or gadgets may serve as a way to cope with the mental strain of dieting and training. This phenomenon is somewhat analogous to "retail therapy".
• Anticipatory reward: Knowing that the competition will end soon, competitors might justify spending on rewards like vacations, luxury items, or non-essential goods as a way to motivate themselves through the final tough weeks of prep.

Bodybuilding prep can be so extreme for some of us that it sparks psychological spending triggers. The extreme focus on physique and the pressures of competition can make competitors more susceptible to making impulsive purchases, especially as they get leaner and the mental and physical demands of prep intensify.

So please tell us in the comments below – what is your biggest prep spend...?

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