What It Takes to Become A Stark Naked Competitor

Any goal you set should be accompanied by a detailed plan on how to accomplish it.  However, in order to create a plan, you have to know your starting point.  This is why we take a comprehensive baseline assessment at the beginning of the journey for each and every Stark Naked competitor. We want to know EXACTLY where each person is at from a health and fitness standpoint so that we can be precise in predicting the outcomes of the journey, as well as ensure their safety throughout the course of the competition, which is why we assess all the following information before allowing someone to join Stark Naked.

Body Composition

We want to know someone’s body fat percentage (BF%), lean muscle mass, and body fat mass for two reasons. First, it’s nice to see how much progress a person makes through the duration of the competition. But second, and most important, it helps us ensure that each person stays safe. Attempting to lose body fat at such an aggressive pace that you lose too much lean mass is not good for someone’s health. From lowered insulin sensitivity, digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and more, there can be some very real health consequences to an over-aggressive fat loss timeline, but we cannot monitor that unless we know someone’s body composition right from the start. 

Weight

While body fat percentage is the focus, weight is an important indicator for us during the Stark Naked process. Along the same lines as the previous point, we want to ensure that we preserve lean mass by monitoring the rate of weight loss. Because we are programming for a specific rate of fat loss during the course of the 16 weeks, a disproportionate drop in weight would indicate the loss of lean mass. This helps us identify it quickly and make adjustments. Conversely, if weight is dropping slower than our projected rate of fat loss, we can quickly course correct and get a person back on track.

Hormones

When attempting to lose body fat, there has to be a caloric deficit (aka, burning more calories than you’re eating). That’s just how it works. But when you operate at an energy deficit for a prolonged period of time, it can take a toll on your endocrine system, resulting in impaired hormone production. The caloric deficit will cause a decrease in hormone production. We know that, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, because the hormones can bounce back once we remove the caloric deficit. However, it’s important to understand a person’s hormone status before we get started. If a person has impaired hormone function, to begin with, then a conversation needs to be had as to whether or not they should dive into such an intense program.

Orthopedic Issues/Injuries

This one is simple. The training for Stark Naked can be grueling, and you’re eating less food than you do normally. This means your body has fewer nutrients on hand to repair itself, so we want to address any injuries at the beginning. Also, we want to make sure that someone is structurally able to handle the intensity of the training they are about to perform.

This year (2023), there were more requirements than ever in order to enter Stark Naked, and although some were dismayed to be told they could not participate, it was for good reason. Stark is a comprehensive health program, not a transformation gym. While we do help people achieve their fitness goals and see amazing results, we firmly believe that one’s health should not be jeopardized for physical transformations alone. That is precisely why we have the above requirements.

While it can seem like a lot, we would rather say “no” than allow someone to risk their health for a competition, no matter how great a cause. Especially since Stark Naked is unique in regards to the timeline, not the process or results, compared to every other person who trains at Stark!