If you follow the world of bodybuilding, you may have asked yourself, “How much does it actually cost to prepare for a competition?” Preparing for the stage requires intense dedication, discipline and, of course, a considerable financial investment. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the expenses involved in this process, including specific training, supplementation, specialized nutrition and aesthetic treatments. For many aspiring bodybuilders, understanding the level of investment required is essential to planning your goals and maintaining your motivation. Additionally, ensuring transparency about these costs helps demystify the world of sport and guide those who wish to pursue this career with more confidence. We will explore, step by step, the main factors that make up the budget for high-level preparation, bringing concrete examples from athletes and experts from the fitness market.
The new episode of PodSê, a Serasa podcast led by Gil do Vigor, featured a fascinating conversation with Rodrigo Pantera, bodybuilder from Bahia and Mr. Olympia Brasil 2025 champion. During the recording, carried out in the Feirão Limpa Nome tent, in São Paulo, Pantera recalled his humble life in Brejões (BA), his beginnings as a market seller and mason, and the journey that took him to the top of national bodybuilding.
“It all started there, in the heat of the fair, carrying boxes with my brothers for only R$10,” said the athlete, highlighting the start of his career and the determination that led him to invest R$45,000 in the preparation of Mr. Olympia Brazil, demonstrating the financial and emotional effort necessary to compete at the highest level of bodybuilding.
Financial discipline and overcoming
Pantera shared details about the financial organization that helped it turn around the situation. With an initial Serasa score of just 300, he negotiated debts at Feirão Limpa Nome, adopted the 50/20/30 technique, and emphasized the importance of discipline in maintaining essential and non-essential spending and savings.
“Being able to choose what to eat was a victory,” recalls Pantera, in reference to the monetization of YouTube, which currently guarantees a monthly income of between R$5,000 and R$6,000, but whose main objective is to inspire other people.
Even after its success, Pantera maintains simple habits and solid values: it refuses advertising proposals that could compromise the trust of its public and maintains the habit of walking barefoot, a reminder of difficult times.
The bodybuilder’s journey is marked by surpassing himself and perseverance. He talks about financial setbacks, small victories and the importance of personal and sporting planning. For Pantera, investing in bodybuilding was a decisive step to solidify his career and show that discipline, focus and resilience are essential to achieve high performance goals.
The full episode with Rodrigo Pantera is now available on Serasa’s YouTube, allowing fans and interested parties to follow the entire life story, challenges and achievements of the Mr. Olympia Brasil champion.
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