Elite Physique

What’s the secret to getting that dark, golden tan your athletes are known for?

Competitive bodybuilders, figure, fitness, and bikini competitors should be well aware of the importance of skin tone, colour and conditioning. Contest colour can make or break an athlete’s appearance and should truly be seen as icing on the cake. In the past, athletes would have to lock themselves away for several hours and paint on a tanning product such as ProTan prior to stepping onstage. With the advent of spray tanning, paint-on tanning applications have been replaced for the most part. My wife and I were introduced to spray tanning at the Arnold Expo by Jan Tana. After talking to her extensively, we immediately purchased her spray-tanning system and subsequently were the first in Ontario to offer this type of contest prep service. It turned out to be a good investment, but there were several negatives to this system. We found that too much of the product came off in the time between the application and taking the stage. Other issues included long drying times and a distinct odor, and some athletes even turned green (even the Hulk would be jealous).

Liquid Sun Rayz Recently we've replaced Jan Tana with Liquid Sun Rayz and have been ecstatic with the results and feedback we’ve received so far. Liquid Sun Rayz conquers all the flaws of Jan Tana and stays on with minimal rub-off (no more tanned toilet seats). It is quick to apply, is fast drying, has minimal odor, and, although it goes on with a slightly green hue, it darkens quickly to a deep, contest-winning brown. There’s more to the perfect tan than just selecting the best tanning product. Any shrewd competitor understands and adheres to the 3 P’s of contest coloring: preparation, proper application and preservation. The following steps contain essential guidelines all competitors should abide by when practicing the 3 P’s of contest coloring.

STEP #1: PREPARATION

• Competitors may tan outside in the sun or in a tanning bed or by using Melanotan for a base, but none of these methods are required. If you choose to tan, don’t allow your skin to burn.
• With Liquid Sun Rayz, you should moisturize every day the week prior to but not the day of your spray tanning appointment.
• Gently exfoliate with oil-free body scrub, paying particular attention to hands, elbows, knees, feet and heels.
• Avoid using bar soaps, especially Dove products and deodorant soaps.
• Shave at least eight hours prior to application, and if you decide to wax, do so at least 72 hours prior to application – ensure that all hair is removed.
• Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, or perfume/cologne
• before or after the spray tan.

STEP #2: APPLICATION

• Spray tans must be done the night before the event to allow
• the product to set and darken.
• If you hire a team to apply your color for your next contest, make sure you ask them if they will be around for any touch-ups that may be necessary.  If the answer is no, then stay clear of them.
• Use a posing oil that accentuates your physique. I prefer the posing oil from Liquid Sun Rayz or Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil. (We've tried Pam cooking spray, Nivea, baby oil, you name it!)

STEP #3: PRESERVATION

• Step Three: Preservation
• Once your tan has been applied, wear loose-fitting clothing (drawstring sweats instead of an elastic waistband).
• No tight tank tops – wear a hooded sweat shirt instead.
• Wear sandals or flip-flops.
• Stay away from water (no showering).
• No sweating.
• Do not wear red material – we prefer black outfits.

AT THE HOTEL

• Sleep on old sheets because you are going to stain them!
• Sleep in loose-fitting clothing.
• Sleep spread-eagled to avoid handprints.
• Once again, no showers, no deodorant, antiperspirant or perfume/cologne.

AT THE SHOW

• Arrive early and stay close to your tanning team in case touch-ups are needed.
• The total time under the spray-tanning gun amounts to approximately 15–20 minutes.
• Relax and enjoy the experience.
• Take lots of pictures.
• Remember that tanning is essential to proper stage presentation. Make it part of your prep, not an afterthought!