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FIRST TIMERS. ONLINE WORKSHOP. MARCH 2027
YOUR FIRST SHOW
STARTS WITH BETTER QUESTIONS
Thinking about competing in bodybuilding but unsure where to start? Understand what it takes, what to expect, and how to decide whether competing is right for you.
MATTER ATHLETICA PRESENTS
Before Your First Show.
When
March 2027 (Date Coming Soon)
Where
Online. Join from home.
For
First-time competitors & those curious on competing.
Cost
Free
For men and women considering natural shows or IFBB. No show date required.
IFBB & NATURAL SHOWS. MEN & WOMEN. START WITH UNDERSTANDING
YOU'RE ALLOWED TO BE NEW AT THIS.
You’ve thought about it.
Then come the questions.
Maybe you love training and want something to work towards. Maybe you’ve watched a show and wondered what it would feel like to be up there yourself.
Then you start looking into it. Federations. Divisions. Posing. Prep. Suddenly, every answer seems to come with three more questions.
We’re creating this workshop to help you make sense of the process before you commit to it. You don’t need to arrive with a plan. Curiosity is enough.
“Am I actually ready to compete?”
“Which federation or division suits me?”
“What will prep do to my everyday life?”
“How much will it all cost?”
“What if I get on stage and feel out of place?”
WHAT WE'LL WORK THROUGH
The questions you’re asking.
The ones you haven’t thought of yet.
A practical introduction to the decisions, preparation and expectations behind your first competition.
01 / READINESS
“How do I know if I’m ready?”
What to consider beyond how you look: your training history, current habits, expectations and capacity to take on prep. How to think about whether you need more time to build first.
02 / YOUR PATHWAY
“Where would I compete?”
How to approach natural shows, IFBB pathways and division selection. The questions to ask about criteria, eligibility and requirements before choosing an event.
03 / PREP & REAL LIFE
“What does prep actually involve?”
Training, nutrition, cardio, check-ins and changing demands as a show approaches. What this can mean for your energy, work, relationships and social life.
04 / TIME & MONEY
“What am I committing to?”
The costs to plan for beyond coaching, from entry and memberships to posing, presentation and travel. How to think about a realistic timeline around your life.
05 / THE STAGE
“What happens on show day?”
Posing practice, presentation, backstage preparation and getting on stage. An introduction to the unfamiliar parts that can make your first show feel intimidating.
06 / SUPPORT & AFTERWARDS
“How do I do this well?”
What to ask a potential coach, how to communicate through prep, and why your plan needs to continue after the show. Setting expectations beyond a placing.
You deserve to understand the commitment before you make it.
IS THIS FOR ME?
You don’t need to have
already decided.
This is a starting point for people considering their first competition. Whether you’re aiming for a show or simply exploring the idea, there’s value in understanding what comes next.
You’ve never competed and want a clear introduction.
You’re considering natural shows or IFBB and don’t know where you fit.
You’re nervous about prep, posing or stepping on stage.
You want to understand the commitment before picking a show or coach.
MEET YOUR COACH
Ben Mayfield-Smith
Founder, Head Coach, and Lead Educator - Matter Athletica
THE MATTER APPROACH
Understanding creates ownership.
At Matter Athletica, we coach people through physique development and contest preparation.
Our approach starts with helping you understand the process and the reasons behind the decisions.
For a first-timer, that means making room for questions, explaining unfamiliar terms, and being honest about what the commitment involves.
This workshop brings that approach to the beginning of your journey, so you can decide your next step with more clarity.
There is no expectation that you should already know how this works.
WHAT YOU WILL TAKE AWAY
A clearer picture.
A more considered next step.
Understand your options.
Know what to investigate when choosing a pathway and division.
Understand the commitment.
See the time, costs and everyday demands worth planning for.
Know where to start.
Identify whether your next step is building, preparing or learning more.
STILL WONDERING?
Good questions.
Clear answers.
Do I need to be ready to start prep?
No. This workshop is for people exploring their first competition as well as those already thinking about a show. You can attend before deciding whether or when to compete.
Is it for men and women?
Yes. The workshop is intended for men and women considering their first competition, with an introduction to choosing a pathway and division.
What if I don’t know my federation or division?
That’s a good reason to attend. We’ll work through the factors and questions that help you explore your options, without expecting you to arrive with a decision.
Do I need to be a Matter Athletica client?
No. The workshop is designed as an introduction for first-timers, including people who haven’t worked with us before.
Will this tell me exactly how to run my prep?
The workshop provides education to help you understand the process. Your own timeline, training and nutrition decisions need to reflect your individual situation.
When is it, and how do I join?
The workshop is planned for March 2027 and will be hosted online. The exact date, time zone, duration, and joining details will be announced before bookings open. Tickets are FREE
Can I ask questions? Will there be a replay?
The final session format, question opportunities, and any replay access will be confirmed with the booking details.
YOUR STARTING POINT. MARCH 2027
You can be interested.
You can be nervous.
You can start here.
You don’t need a show date or all the answers. Join the interest list to hear when the workshop details and bookings are available.
No commitment to compete. Just an opportunity to understand it.