“Nobody wants to spend their entire paycheck to become an IFBB Pro [bodybuilder], but that’s exactly what you need to do to become one,” says Eric Janicki, a heavyweight bodybuilder, coach, and content creator. Janicki detailed the yearly costs of competing at the professional level of the sport and spoiler alert: It’s not cheap.
From the costs of food, coaching, performance-enhancing drugs, and other supplements to travel costs associated with competing, being a pro bodybuilder requires more than just grit and determination. It also requires a relatively deep wallet.
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Food & Nutrition — $9,600-$14,000 Per Year
Groceries are pricey for bodybuilders who eat a high volume of healthy foods daily. Janicki’s food bill includes the following per week:
- Meats & Proteins: $150 to $250
- Carbohydrates: $50 to $100
- Fats: $30 to $50
Meats, fruits, and vegetables are the bulk of Janicki’s food costs; produce is the most expensive. Rice and potatoes are the least costly. Janicki doesn’t recommend skimping on veggies during a bulk or cut, as they have essential micronutrients.
Fats come from avocados, nuts, and olive oil. They usually comprise a smaller percentage of bodybuilding diets.
Supplements — $3,600-$6,000 Per Year
A common misconception is that all pro bodybuilders have supplement sponsors, but Janicki says you likely have to be “in the top 1%” to earn one of those, as companies consider popularity and social media followers.
Depending on supplement quality/forms, body weight, goals, etc., costs range as follows:
- Protein Powder: $50-$100/month
- Amino Acids: $20-$50/month
- Pre-Workout: $30-$60/month
- Vitamins & Minerals: $20-$40/month
- Creatine & Glutamine: $20-$40/month
Since bodybuilding strains the body, health supplements are an expense that shouldn’t be avoided.
Gym & Coaching — $300-$12,000 Per Year
Training at a gym can be done relatively cheaply, though many elite athletes prefer higher-end clubs. Pro bodybuilders need coaching since Janicki says, “Posing can make or break between fifth place and first place.” He went on to say that he had never met someone who self-coaches.
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PEDs — $1,300-$25,000 Per Year
Performance enhancers cost between $1,300 and $3,100 for basic use and about $8,000 to $25,000 annually for more advanced regimes.
Testosterone is the most common PED, which runs cheaper than the others at $480 to $1,200 per year. Trenbolone, a contest prep drug, costs roughly $240 to $480; Anadrol costs $120 to $250, and Winstrol costs $120 to $400 annually.
Then, the priciest PED, human growth hormone, runs $4,300 to $13,000 yearly.
“It’s not necessary but good for recovery, sleep quality, and muscle accumulation,” Janicki explained. Insulin and aromatase inhibitors are part of the costs.
“This is where most fall [when trying to become] a high-level amateur shooting for a pro card at a national-level show,” Janicki expressed.
Show Fees, Cosmetics, Travel, and More — $5,500-$9,500 Per Year
Travel, hotels, transportation, babysitters, food prep supplies, and tickets for family and friends are major expenses for pro bodybuilders. Contest costs, like an NPC membership at $150 per year and $200 to $500 for show participation. Tanning, grooming, and gear cost thousands of dollars. Many bodybuilders dish out $500-1,000 per year in medical costs.
Average Yearly Bodybuilding Costs — $26,000-$53,000
“The average annual income is not much more than the top end of [$26,000 to $53,000],” Janicki said. “If you’re not making $100,000 per year, this will take a toll on your pocketbook. If you have a family and kids, you will become very fixated on this goal, and when you’re in it, you will not care what you’re spending.”
Though Janicki hopes not to discourage pro bodybuilder pursuers, a career in the sport has a hefty price tag.
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Featured image: @ericjanickifitness on Instagram
