General
prep
What does prep mean?
Contest prep: the dedicated period of dieting and training leading up to a bodybuilding competition or event.
"He's 12 weeks out and deep into prep."
Origin
Clipping of 'preparation'; central to competitive bodybuilding.
Frequently asked questions
What does prep mean in bodybuilding?
It's short for contest prep — the strict period of dieting and training an athlete follows to get stage-ready for a show.
How long is a bodybuilding prep?
It varies with starting condition, but preps commonly run from around 12 to 20+ weeks out from the competition.
Why is prep so hard?
The deep calorie deficit needed to get stage-lean brings hunger, fatigue and low energy, all while training hard to keep muscle.
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