Everything You Need to Know About Competing in Summer Shredding: Your Guide to the Stage
If you’re looking to compete in a fitness event that celebrates dedication, transformation, and the pursuit of an exceptional physique, look no further than Summer Shredding. Founded by fitness icon Christian Guzman, this event has grown into one of the most popular competitions for those eager to showcase their hard work and personal transformations on stage. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned athlete, Summer Shredding offers a welcoming yet competitive environment with divisions for everyone including the MASTERS DIVISION
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Summer Shredding—from divisions and judging criteria to how you can start preparing for the big day.
What is Summer Shredding?
Summer Shredding began as a personal transformation challenge and has evolved into a major competition, attracting athletes and fitness enthusiasts from all over the world. With a focus on incredible transformations and athletic physiques, the competition allows individuals to step on stage and celebrate the hard work, discipline, and dedication that goes into a fitness journey.
Unlike traditional bodybuilding shows, Summer Shredding welcomes both transformation-focused competitors and those aiming to showcase a lean, muscular physique. It’s a place where your journey matters as much as your physique, making it a fantastic event for those looking to compete and share their story.
Divisions at Summer Shredding
Summer Shredding offers several divisions to suit a range of physiques and goals. Here’s a breakdown of the main divisions:
1. Transformation Division
Ideal For: Those who have undergone a significant physical transformation and want to share their story on stage.
Judging Criteria: Judges consider your “before” and “after” photos, overall physical progress, and stage presence. This division is as much about personal growth and journey as it is about physical appearance.
Posing: Transformation competitors typically show a few relaxed poses to highlight their hard work and share their personal journey.
2. Men’s Physique
Ideal For: Male athletes with lean, defined upper bodies and an aesthetic, beach-ready look.
Judging Criteria: Emphasis is placed on upper body muscle tone, conditioning, and overall symmetry. Judges look for a balanced, lean physique with a strong V-taper (broad shoulders and a slim waist).
Posing: Men’s Physique competitors perform front and back poses, with a focus on displaying the upper body’s shape and balance.
3. Classic Physique
Ideal For: Men with a more muscular, classic bodybuilding look, inspired by the golden era of bodybuilding.
Judging Criteria: This division requires more muscle mass and conditioning than Men’s Physique, with an emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and posing style. Judges look for a balanced physique with visible muscle separation.
Posing: Classic Physique involves more complex posing, with poses like the front double biceps and side chest. This division allows competitors to showcase muscle size and structure through classic poses.
4. Bikini
Ideal For: Female athletes who want to showcase a toned, feminine, and beach-ready physique.
Judging Criteria: Bikini competitors are judged on overall body shape, symmetry, and stage presence. The emphasis is on lean muscle tone with a feminine, athletic look. Conditioning should be visible, but competitors avoid the overly muscular look of higher divisions.
Posing: Posing for Bikini is smooth and graceful, with front and back poses to highlight the glutes, legs, and waist.
5. Wellness
Ideal For: Female athletes with an emphasis on lower body development (legs and glutes) while maintaining a lean, athletic upper body.
Judging Criteria: Judges look for a more muscular lower body with a leaner upper body. The Wellness division is ideal for women with naturally fuller legs and glutes who want to maintain their unique shape while achieving definition and tone.
Posing: Wellness posing is similar to Bikini but with more focus on showcasing the lower body. Front and back poses highlight leg and glute development.
How to Prepare for Summer Shredding
1. Set a Goal and Choose Your Division
Start by setting a clear goal based on the division that best aligns with your physique and journey. Whether you’re aiming for transformation or a physique division, having a focused goal will guide your training and nutrition.
2. Focus on Nutrition and Conditioning
Nutrition is key to achieving the lean, stage-ready look that Summer Shredding celebrates. Work on a diet plan that aligns with your division’s look, whether it’s focused on fat loss, muscle definition, or overall tone. Aim for a calorie deficit if you’re cutting or a balanced diet if you’re maintaining muscle size.
3. Train for Your Division’s Aesthetic
Each division requires a specific look, so it’s essential to tailor your training:
Transformation Competitors: Focus on overall fat loss, muscle building, or body recomposition, depending on your personal goals.
Physique Divisions: Emphasize muscle growth and definition, working on symmetry and proportions.
Bikini and Wellness: Focus on lower body development and conditioning for a balanced, toned appearance.
4. Practice Posing
Posing is crucial to show off your hard work effectively. Start early and practice regularly. Each division has specific poses that help highlight the criteria judges are looking for, so spend time refining these poses to showcase your best attributes.
5. Get Feedback
Having an experienced coach or community support can help you improve faster. Coaches can provide insight on conditioning, nutrition adjustments, and posing techniques that align with Summer Shredding’s criteria.
Why Compete at Summer Shredding?
Summer Shredding is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of dedication, transformation, and personal growth. Competitors come together to showcase not only their physique but also the journey that brought them to the stage. Whether you’re competing for the first time or stepping on stage to achieve a new personal best, Summer Shredding offers a welcoming and supportive environment.
Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share your story, and find inspiration from others who are on a similar path.
Ready to Start Preparing? Join Us at TEAM NXT LVL!
Preparing for Summer Shredding takes more than just workouts and meal plans—it requires focus, guidance, and support. At TEAM NXT LVL, we help competitors at every level reach their peak condition and bring out their best on stage. From personalized training and nutrition plans to posing practice, our team will make sure you’re prepared and confident come show day.
Get in Touch Today and Take Your First Step Toward Summer Shredding Success!
With the right plan, dedication, and support, you can make your Summer Shredding experience unforgettable. Let’s work together to get you stage-ready and proud to showcase all your hard work. 🌟