TBT: What's up with that tan?

I recently had a Facebook memory pop up from 3 years ago when I had won 1st place at a figure competition. Actually, that was the second to last show I competed in. It's been awhile!

But I look at that picture and the tan just cracks me up. It truly does.

And you might be wondering "What's up with that tan?"

Why do bodybuilders have to tan anyway?

Basically, it helps muscles seem more prominent. You can see the definition more on darker skin tones than on lighter ones. And bodybuilding competitions is all about muscle definition and symmetry, so getting a spray tan is a MUST. A natural sun tan just won't cut it.

In addition, the lights used on stage (most competitions are at a high school or venue with a stage) will wash you out. The darker the skin, the easier it is for the judges to evaluate a competitor's body conditioning and muscular development. You want the judges to see the lines that complement your physique by attaining a golden color that will be captured by this type of lighting.

Because up close, you look DARK. Even people who are dark skinned need to get a tan. 

Usually you get a tan the day before a show. Sometimes the day of. I have tried both. 

And because I'm so white, I usually need 2-3 coats.  

The week before a show, you first have to prepare your skin by using an exfoliater. If not, all that dead skin will show up and make the tan look uneven. Gross!

There are tanning companies that come to competitions. OR you can do it yourself. 

I have done it both ways but am finding I prefer just having someone else do it for me. 

So you go from this...

To this...

(and I was SUPER light back then! My normal bodyweight is closer to 127 lbs)

This is after only one coat:

And the second...

We don't apply the tan on our face though. We use make-up for that. So the white face and tan body looks REALLY bizarre. 

My hands and feet get super darker because the tan will drip down...

And you get weird lines like this:

Or blend in with a leaf...

It's really kind of disgusting. The tan is one of my least favorite parts.

But after you put on your stage make-up (she is about as white as I was to begin with!)...

And fake nails...

You look like this on stage:

(I'm 3rd from the right)

Doesn't seem that dark, right? 

That's what I mean. The lights really wash you out. And it becomes very obvious who got their tan right and who didn't.

After a show you can take a shower and you look awesome. Like you just had a lovely getaway weekend somewhere warm. Without the sunburn. But dark feet is a yucky side effect. Again. GROSS.

So, just a small glimpse in the realities of bodybuilding spray tans.

And today's shoulder workout:

Do what makes you happy. 

Even with a tan.