Cellulite, Stretch Marks & Loose Skin: My Personal Journey as a Competitor

Stretch marks, cellulite, loose skin…It's something that I think the majority of us are going to have to deal at some point, to some degree. It might just be one of these elements, so it might just be stretch marks, it might just be cellulite…or it may be all three. But before we get into this blog, the first thing I want to stress is that this is very common & can be seen in so many people, including amateurs, Pros, non-competitors etc. On the flip side, some people are genetically blessed & despite having lots of muscle, they have no loose skin or cellulite…But do not let this stop you from competing!

I have been there where I have been so fixated on my cellulite that it has stopped me thinking that I could progress or do well in this sport. I will always remember when I won NFMUK which was a federation around during 2021. I remember before I went on stage, I caught a glimpse of my lower body & saw the cellulite. I thought there was no way I would place…then I won?! I was so shocked because I genuinely believed that having cellulite was going to stop me from ever, ever placing. Then when I began judging I realised that it’s just something that the majority have. Men, women, amateurs, Pros - But it doesn’t stop them from competing, or placing.

I think it depends on the severity of a lot of these things as to how much they will hinder you or go against you. But, the biggest thing is sometimes your imperfections are way bigger in your head than what they actually are.

It’s far easier to pick up on things within yourself than within others as we can be so self critical - especially when the prep goggles are on! So, think about it this way…when you see other competitors post their physique updates, photoshoot images, on stage etc. Are you instantly drawn to their loose skin/cellulite or are you looking at their physique as a whole? At the things they would be judged on? It’s always the latter, right? Even if you do see any of cellulite or stretch marks etc, the likelihood is you see it, then instantly move on as that isn’t the focus, it isn’t important or relevant in the slightest. So, remember, that is exactly how people view you too…they simply don’t pay any notice to it, or even see it!

Don't let your head play tricks on you because it's easy to go down the route of “oh, well, what's the point of competing? What's the point of me going for that show when I've got stretch marks, cellulite or loose skin?” Don’t let this stop you! I've personally found with things like cellulite, it does get better over time. When I have competed, I have gone on stage knowing that it's still there…but, I have done it regardless! The leaner you get, the tighter the skin gets & the tan conceals more than you think too!

If you are really self conscious about certain areas, for example, lower stomach. Speak to a bikini designer, they may be able to be a little more creative with the cut to help you feel confident. But the biggest thing to remember is that the majority have this to some degree. Remember that you have a goal and you have things that you want to achieve. So, don’t let these ‘imperfections’ stop you because every single person has their own ‘imperfections’ & insecurities.

In terms of judging, it does depend on the severity of. But stretch marks, rarely have I seen them affect judging. Loose skin, again, depends. Cellulite, it's hard because sometimes it can be mistaken as an indicator as to where someone’s level of conditioning is at. However, there are so many people who get super, super lean, but they've still got a bit of cellulite. So it's either they haven't got enough muscle there, or it's just that last little bit to come off. But, if they have a great package elsewhere then it isn’t as likely to actually take away from their placing or bring their placing down.

The other real important thing to note as well… as you continue to build muscle, go through dieting and building phrases, this WILL get better overtime, you have just got to be patient and cut yourself some slack too!

So, the main thing I want to stress is that your imperfections are way bigger in your head than what they actually are most of the time. Chase your goals regardless, treat yourself with kindness and own that stage with confidence!

Love Jas x