Thinking About Figure Competing?

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Disclaimer… I’m no expert and don’t claim to be one. As a blogger, with one competition under my belt, I’m getting lots of questions about how to get started.

When I decided to compete in my first figure competition (FC), I had no idea of how many people would be inspired my journey. Every day I’m asked about FC, so I’ve decided to dedicate a post to those pondering over taking the journey.

How to get started? 

To start you must be committed and disciplined. Not half ass committed, but 200%. Your diet, fitness routine, and lifestyle will change… forever.

Are you willing to workout (hard) everyday, twice a day, or whatever is necessary to accomplish your goal?

Are you a social drinking who occasionally indulges in an ice-cold beer, martini, margarita, or something else? Well… are you willing to give up your happy hour?

Do you have the determination to go out to dinner with family and friends but can say no to your favorite cheese cake, chocolate cake, or Alfredo creamed dish?

Seriously, I’m just saying. If you’re going to struggle with my three questions, you’re not ready, because that’s just the beginning.

I recommend you begin by reading everything you can about bodybuilding and figure competing. YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, has a plethora of information. Quite often, bodybuilder’s are eager to share their knowledge.

Check out bodybuilding.com  This site has articles on just about anything related to bodybuilding. Nutrition, workouts, motivation, and more.  Here is an article about getting started in figure competition.

There are also plenty of websites and bodybuilders’ who charge for their “expert” advice; however, I have yet to pay for any “how to” books. Before buying any “expert” advice, make certain that the source is credible.

If you cannot shake the desire to compete, you should consider the following:

Trainer

I recommend you find a good trainer to help guide you. Unless you have a solid knowledge base on weight training and nutrition, you’re going to waste time through trial and error in trying to get it right. The “it” is methodical weight training and a proper nutrition plan that is effective for you.

No two bodies are the same. What works for someone else’s body may not work for your body.

As far as selecting a trainer, the choice is personal. Just like a good shoe; it has to be a good fit because you are going to spend a lot of time with your trainer.

There will be days when you love your trainer and there will be days when, well you know… when you may not feel so fond of him/her.

I’m a fitness enthusiast and I get high off of intense workouts. Most people aren’t like me. I performed every exercise and did so without complaining or hating my trainer. Lol! I’m just keeping it real with you. Before I selected my trainer, I considered the following:

  1. Experience/Credentials – She competed for many years and is knowledgeable. You don’t want a fly-by-night trainer with a certification but who lacks the depth of knowledge required to sculpt your body to perfection.
  1. Gender/Age – Not that I have anything against a young man or woman, but I wanted a trainer who understood an older female body. Lol! No, I’m no dinosaur but I’m not 25 either. Training over age 40 differs from someone in their 20’s and 30’s. The needs are different. I wanted an experienced trainer who understood a female body over age 40. It was that simple for me.
  1. Personality – I wanted a trainer who was serious-minded but also, someone who told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. My trainer was just that and more! I worked hard, laughed every session and, learned a lot and had a blast during the process.

I remember when she told me that I couldn’t listen to my music while training with her. I didn’t like it and was disappointed. I didn’t make the mind-body connection until after I worked out a few sessions without the music.  She was right.

  1. Budget – The costs for personal trainer sessions vary greatly. Shop around before deciding. If you belong to a gym or fitness club, observe the trainer’s there. Are they attentive to their clients or are they on their cell phone and talking to other members?

Discuss your fitness goals with the trainer and ask for one or two trial sessions. Remember the preparation period for your first competition could range from six to 12 months or even longer. Do the math to make sure that you can afford your trainer. You don’t want to waste you or your trainer’s time.

Expenses – So you know that a trainer cost money, but what else? Well, if you’re going to bother getting your butt on stage, you darn well better show your stuff in a quality suit. I’ve seen both suits of quality and of less standard. You want quality. If you cannot afford new, you can always buy a used competition suit. A new suit can cost about $400 or more. Remember quality!

You will see an increase in your weekly/monthly food budget. It stinks but the reality is healthy foods costs more than processed junk foods. For example, you’re going to eat more foods like:

  • Leafy vegetables
  • Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries & apples)
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast (I figured out when it’s on sale at my grocery store)
  • Seafood (depends on you; I ate more shrimp and salmon)
  • Center cut pork loins
  • Protein shakes
  • Supplements (depends on your needs)

Training Schedule – You must be willing to commit to a consistent weekly training schedule, at least four days per week. If you’re busy like me with a child in sports, a steady training schedule is possible but requires planning and a little creativity. If you want it bad enough, you’ll work it out.

Patience – Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a good physique. If you maintain consistency on the gym floor, in the kitchen, and at the table, you will be amazed by how your body changes.

Nearly two years passed before I decided to go for it. I hope it doesn’t take you two years to decide because I wish I had competed sooner! If you decide to compete, please come back to and tell; I want to hear all about it!

What are you afraid of?

Make it a great day and remember to keep it movin’!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Days Until Showtime!

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You will truly never really know what you’re capable of until you give it a try.  We often limit ourselves by thinking of endless excuses why we can’t do something.  Two years ago, I did not believe that I could carve out enough time in my busy day to successfully train to compete, but I was wrong.  Has it been easy?  No, but I am doing it and so can you… whatever that “it” is for you.

Spend more energy and time thinking of the what you can do and how you will go about accomplishing your goal.

Amazed is how you will feel, when you see how things fall into place, but it won’t happen until you take action.  The positive energy that you employ during your endeavor is remarkably returned to you from the universe.  I encourage you to read Abraham Hicks, Law of Attraction.

It’s 6:07 a.m. and I am juggling a plethora of to-do’s in my head.  All the “stuff” is floating above my head  in a continuous motion.  I’m fighting what I want to do versus what I need to do.  Writing, getting some quick thoughts down,  is one among one of them; however, time dictates that I finish packing my lunch, make my smoothie and get my butt off to work.  After all, work is what pays the bills.

Stay motivated, stay positive, and have a fabulous day!!

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Under Construction

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Four weeks from the upcoming Saturday, I will be strutting my stuff on stage and flexing my deltoids, trapezes, triceps, rhomboids, biceps, and more.  And so the real countdown has begun.

musclemap

It is hard to fathom, that only six months ago I decided to compete. For nearly six months, my focus has been eating clean, getting adequate rest, sculpting and constructing my physic through creative and consistent weight training, and an unwavering dedication to training.

Going into the stretch, besides my “regular” workout regime, 30 minutes of cardio, is a part of the mix.

No two-body types are the same, which makes it a tricky, scientific, and methodical process. Who knew? I certainly didn’t! What works for one body may not work for another body. Thankfully my friend is guiding me through this process. Honestly I’d be lost without her. Thank you AR!

Slowly my caloric intake has reduced, but nothing crazy. Amazingly, the combo of 30 minutes of cardio and slightly cutting calories is resulting in slow weight loss.

Monday is weigh-in day. Here are the earlier numbers:

√ March 31st – 147 lb..

√ April 7th – 145.2 lb..

√ April 14th – 142.9 lb..

I am astonished by the quick decline! Why? Because I haven’t done anything extreme, like run 10 miles or eat less than 2000 calories on any given day. The other surprise in all of this is the redistribution of weight. Typically 147 is a big number for me, yet my clothes are fitting me differently.

Last night I was able to pull my size 8, normally fitted jeans, off without unzipping or unbuttoning them! Hubby and I laughed hysterically about that. Pretty much all of my clothes, including my undies are falling off of me.

At the end of most days, the frequency and intensity of training, working, and trying to take care of the house, leaves me feeling exhausted. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m out… like a light…into a deep sleep. Some nights though when I attempt to roll over, especially the days that I worked shoulders and arms, the soreness of my muscles wake me. Oh Boy!  Ouch! But I manage to fall back into my deep sleep.

To get a little R & R and “mommy-daddy time,” a few days ago, hubby and I took a break from both our schedules.

We didn’t travel far from home, but it felt like we hopped on a plane and flew south. Overnight temps on Tuesday in South Jersey plummeted some 30 degrees to a low of 34!

We rose to frost and a dusting of snow! But once I nestled into the 85 degree tropical like home for the day, the reminder of winter was a distant memory.

Relaxing and cooling it with hubby in a warm, sunny, and tropical like retreat. Nice!

Relaxing and cooling it with hubby in a warm, sunny, and tropical like retreat. Nice! I know, my hair looked a hot mess, but my hair wasn’t the priority.

 

getaway2

 

Did I have a meal cheat? That’s a negative!!   Absolutely not! I ate clean and I ate well. I was permitted a little fire water, so I opted for (one drink) a little Vodka with a splash of cranberry juice.

I let the bartender get carried away with the Grey Goose, but when he poured the juice (which is loaded with sugar), I hovered over him like I had a weapon. I’m sure he thought, woman, why bother! After my first sip, I thought the same. Ha! Ha!

The following day I went to CrossFit. Fran! Fran! Fran! She kicked my butt!

The WOD:  Fran x’s Duet

21-15-9

Thrusters (95/65) (75/45)

Pull-ups

Rest 2 min
 & repeat

My trainer reminds me not to over do it when I go to crossFit.

No injuries!

With that in mind, I completed the thrusters with 55 pounds; believe me, that was enough.

For the sake of time, when I did the pull ups, I rotated bands between the thin blue and green bands. Yes, I was challenged but enjoyed every minute of it. My completed WOD time: 18:09

After yesterdays back workout, my trainer reminded again to continue to switch things up. Instead of using the CYBEX Arc Trainer, which I used yesterday, I did something different that was an extremely intense cardio workout, that consisted of 20 minutes of 5 rounds of:

2 minutes – Jacob ladder (JL)

2 minutes – Running at a 6 on the treadmill

I didn’t really rest in between, I just focused on my music, tried not to think about the fire in my hamstrings and quads, and keeping JL between 85-95! Whew!! Twas a lot but fun!! Lol!!

Today was leg day.  Within the first 20 minutes, I did at least six different sets on the Smith Machine.  Mr. Smith as I like to call it, gave me an intense workout.  Lots of squats were incorporated in today’s workout, as well as, (at the end of the workout) some cool plyometric exercises–they used every ounce of my remaining energy.

I realize that today is Easter Sunday; however, we’ve opted for a quiet day.  For most of the week, hubby has been working on replacing the balusters on the steps, pulling up carpet, and adding hard wood flooring on the steps and hallway. I’m so lucky, hubby is great with his hands. His skills are all self taught and he is outstanding at what he does. Nope!  In case you’re wondering, he’s retired from his second gig as carpenter.  Lol!

Hubby’s hard work! I’m such a lucky lady!
Half way through!
Yay!! The white balusters are gone!

 

Today, after my workout of course, we decided to chill and watch The Bible on the History Channel.  My feet are propped up and that’s exactly where the need to be.  Rest is crucial to muscle recovery.  Tomorrow we revisit shoulders; my body is still under construction.

Happy Easter and Happy Sunday!

The Verdict on Broiled Shrimp

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My mouth is still salivating!   No chicken today!!  Pinterest, my replacement cookbook is the best.  Thanks to All Things G & D, I have a new recipe to add to my list. Tonight I felt the need to toss shrimp atop my organic cumin flavored brown rice and green beans, so I was happy when I stumbled on ATG&D’s quick and easy recipe.

Although I used her basic recipe, to satisfy my thirsty palette for spice,  I always add a little more spice to my dish.  In addition to my freshly minced garlic, I added an abundance of granulated garlic powder, old bay seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red peppers.  Oh and instead of Ritz Crackers, I substituted with Kikkoman Panko Japanese Style Bread Crumbs.  The bread crumbs gave the shrimp a little crunch, which I LOVED!

Food Weight

I have learned to weigh all of my food.  The nutritional piece to preparing for a figure competition or meeting any fitness goal is serious.  You can put up all the weights humanly possible in the gym, but if your diet is off… well..   You will not meet your fitness goals.  Look how many shrimp I have to eat to get to at least six (6) ounces!  Lucky  me!

broiled shrimp dinnerOoh la-la!  Oh man!  This was outstanding!! The shrimp cooked for about eight (8) minutes (four minutes each side). The brown rice and green beans were leftovers.

The recipe was quick, I didn’t need a bunch of pots and pans, it and was a nice change from my typical sautéed stove top shrimp.  Do I recommend this recipe?  Heck yeah!!

empty pan

Seriously.  After I cleaned my plate, I told my husband I wanted to lick the pan that the shrimp cooked in!

Yesterday I did legs; my quads ache, so I did good.  Earlier I did abs in the basement.  My fireplace is in full effect and, for the moment, my belly is full.  So now I’m going to sit, chill, and wait for the 10-14 inches of forecasted snow.

Enjoy your evening and thanks so much for stopping by!  🙂

On Finding Confidence

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One important key to success is self-confidence.  An important key to self-confidence is preparation.

If it had not been for the wind in my face, I wouldn’t be able to fly at all.

-Arthur Ashe

Three to four inches heels have never inhibited my ability to confidently strut my long lean legs across a room…. that is until today!

After shredding my shoulders this morning, I moved on to my first official posing session!  In the locker room, I changed into my very short and tight shorts (I need to see my body, sweat pants won’t work).  The whole time, I’m thinking about folks, particularly the guys checking out my ass as I creep to a more private area to practice.   “Baby’s got back?”  Yup-always did!  Lol! But I have never been the type to wear ridiculously tight fitting clothes that bring unnecessary attention to myself.

You’re probably thinking,

She’s worried about walking across a gym floor in tiny shorts, when in two and half months, she’s gonna be half-naked on a stage in front of a 100 or more people!”

I know– I thought the same thing.  Mentally, I’m not quite there yet, but I am work in progress.

The chill of the room took my mind off my outfit and shifted my focus to my trainer’s instructions.  The mirrors are perfect for visual learners like me.  Walk with confidence!  Walk like you own the room!  I thought I was, but I was not.

Over-thinking movements and instructions got me feeling a little discombobulated.  Chin up, hand positioning, shoulders down, soft elbows, foot placement, transitions, smile……   Woo child… I’m dizzy just thinking about it!   Once again, I find myself extended beyond my comfort zone.  Hello?  Where the heck am I?

Out of corner of my eye, I could see gym members peeping in the room. Oh my gosh, can they see my tiny spider veins and other imperfections?  My inner voice shouts, Get over it girlfriend!!  Brene Brown’s, Vulnerability discussion on SuperSoulSunday pops in my head.

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.
Brené Brown

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.
Brené Brown

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.
Brené Brown

Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.
Brené Brown

Empowered by Brown’s wisdom, my determination, my coach’s encouragement, and positive reinforcement I was guided across the room again, and again, and again, until I improved.  Posing is more involved than it looks, so is life; I tell my kids this all the time.  Today I took a dose of my own medicine.

What’s next?  My competition shoes are ordered– they should be in any day now. Meanwhile, practice, practice, and more practice.   I should have gotten pictures today, but my mind was occupied.  Oops!

Talk to you later and have a fabulous day!

Eat!

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About 45 minutes ago, I completed a shoulder workout.

I pushed myself at the gym, but the nudging hasn’t stopped. How’s that?

Post workout eating is just as important as the weight training.

I am not hungry!

But I still have to choke these oats and eggs down. Ugh!

eggs

Plain Jane hard-boiled eggs. I usually sprinkle my eggs with freshly ground black pepper, but this morning I forgot.

oats

Organic steel oats (prepared in advance in a crock pot), with skinless apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, flax-seed, chia seeds, water and almond milk. Before reheating, I added one banana, more cinnamon, and almond milk. Filling and DELISH!

Some days, eating is more demanding than the real workout. Surprise! Surprise!

Have a great day!