Q: I was thinking about my next competition, knowing that they will give away pro-cards to the overall winners of Figure, fitness and bikini categories. Everybody’s after the pro status but me… and it got me wondering… What does it mean exactly to become a pro? You are a “professionnal”… ok… but beside this nice title… ? I guess you become more recognized in the milieu and such. What has it done for you? And once you’re a pro, what happens for your next competitions?
A: Great question! You are in a great place and in it for the love of it and not solely for a pro card or pro status. Turning pro or going after a card is simply a goal, just like placing at a regional show. When you do well and win an overall title, your next goal is to do well at a National show and from there your goal becomes to win a National level show and earn your pro card. Now, this is the quote unquote climbing the ladder factual means to becoming a pro. As a pro, you have the SAME opportunities as someone who isn’t pro. Turning Pro should be a self accomplishment and goal but not a means to think that all doors open up and things start happening. When you turn pro, yes you are “professional” but that does not mean you have more doors that suddenly fly open, trust me! You see some girls who never compete get more opportunities than someone who is a Pro… Earning your pro card, in my opinion, is a personal goal and something you strive for as icing on the cake for your already winning efforts! You make yourself recognized regardless if you are PRO or not… We all work just as hard, have the same trials and tribulations, eat the same types of food, follow similar training programs and face the same obstacles… Pro or not pro, we are all human and are who we are.
On the competition side of being a professional
– you have to purchase a pro card, just like you do an NPC card…
– you have to sign contracts in order to compete at shows and if you sign a contract, there are penalties if you decide not to do the show…
– you have to place top 3 at a pro show to qualify for the Olympia
– you have to be invited to the Arnold Classic
– depending on the show and purse, either the top 3 or top 5 get awarded cash prizes! 🙂
I was asked in an interview this question:
Q: What does being an “IFBB Pro Figure Competitor” mean to you?
Gina: An IFBB Pro Figure Competitor hold’s a high standard of physical perfection, professionalism, and most of all being a role model and ambassador to the fitness industry. This is a position that I take very seriously and I am very proud to represent.
hope that helps… let me know if you have any further questions…
