Being a Judge on the Pageant circuit has taught me many things. Its given me valuable insight for reading people, as I’ve learned a lot about body language. Its also one of the most difficult positions, as you can only choose one winner, every time. Many contestants find the Judges a mystery, especially when they don’t win. Keep in mind, the Judges decisions are final in all pageant systems and most travel the circuit, judge and sit on various panels. So keeping your opinions to yourself is not only professional, but a wise decision. We’ve compiled a list of things you should know about the judging process to help you further understand what gets factored into their decision making process.

They have a mixed amount of experience. A standard Judges panel will consist of a few very seasoned judges and some that have little to no experience judging pageants. This helps to balance out the scoring. You won’t really know the level of experience each Judge has, however if you are supplied their biography, take the time to study it. This can help you when you are in a one on one or panel interview to know what their likes/dislikes or background is comprised of.

They each have a different perspective. Every Judge looks at the Pageant and its contestants differently. They also have different ideas of what the winner should be like, typically no two Judges are exactly alike in what the are looking for in a contestant.

They know when you are not prepared. This is fairly standard with all Judges. Just like a job interview, they can tell when you are nervous and when you are not prepared. Your best defense is a great offense, so make sure you are working with a coach or practicing your interview questions and brushing up on current events right up to the pageant date.

1. If you haven’t done it yet, get out your calendar and start making plans on when you are going to hit the gym. Put them down and treat them as real appointments, don’t cancel or postpone them. Fitness results come with time and a consistent plan.

2. Make a point to do more strength training. Weight lifting can help tone your body and aid in more weight loss during the year.

3. Get on Supplements. Taking care of your body from the inside out will help aid in your health and energy levels, but it will also help with your fitness routine. If you don’t have the energy to go to the gym, its going to be tough to finish a fitness routine every day.

4. Squats are your friend. Be sure to do these everyday, your backside will thank you for it! Especially during your swimsuit competition.

5. Get your diet in order. Limit fast food and processed food as much as you can. Healthy eating is a big part of weight loss.

6. Get plenty of rest. It sounds cliché but getting your beauty rest will help you look better, digest food properly and help keep you sharp mentally.

7. Drink A LOT of water. This helps keep everything moving and keeps your skin beautiful and hydrated. We suggest at least 4 eight ounce bottles of water a day.

8. Do more than one kind of exercise. There are so many different types of exercise, try some Yoga, Zumba or just change up the routine and run a few miles one day.

9. Save the drama for your Mama. Additional stress will take away from your fitness goals and only damage your health with a negative attitude. If you have friends that are constantly having issues, don’t hang out with them as much or at all. You can absorb their negative attitudes and it can take over your life. You have your own problems, don’t take on someone else's.

10. Limit the nightlife. Drinking and staying out late can add bags under your eyes, a hangover and give you more of a “run down” look and feel. Try limiting going out to once or twice a month, especially during pagean