My First Figure Competition
Participating in a figure competition had always been a personal fitness goal but life demands always got in the way. As a fitness professional, this goal was not far-fetched, however, others may hesitate to try due to the nature of the beast - dedication and perseverance that seems endless and all consuming at times.
After the initial meeting with my competition coach, I was provided with a training and nutrition plan (shown in the next pages) designed to lose body fat while gaining some moderate amounts of muscle. With the excellent diet plan, training regimen, and raw determination, I jumped in head first.
Determination
Once underway, I was determined to see it to the end, although I threatened many times not to go on stage if I had a saggy butt! Determination is essential at the outset of this endeavor, or any for that matter, due to the strict diet and training schedule that must be maintained in order to succeed.
I started strict dieting and intense weight training six months out, which was probably obscene now looking back. The looming thought of failure made me even more determined to succeed – it was as if something in me switched to total determination mode and I was going to do whatever it took to reach my goal.
Sources of Motivation
It is imperative that regardless of whether your fitness goal is to compete or just lose those pounds that you may have gained over the Holidays, that you be motivated to reach your goals. There were several sources of motivation that allowed me to go through the journey of preparing for my first figure show.
- Belonging On Stage: Being that it would be my first show, I wanted to at least fit in with the other competitors, most of which had plenty of previous experience. My expectations were not so much to win, but to at least to look like I belonged on stage as a “figure girl”. Visualizing myself as a “figure girl” who fit in was my main source of self-motivation along with my unrelenting determination to succeed.
- Body Changes: My second source of motivation was seeing my body change on a weekly, and sometimes, daily basis. Because I am a degreed personal trainer, I know the effects a good weight training program and healthy eating can have on the body. But training for a competition is vastly different from general training due to the nature of the diet and intensity of training required of you daily regardless of how tired and run down you feel. To see my body transform was not only fascinating, but motivating as well. My obliques coming out for the first time was the icing on the cake and the motivation I received from that drove me all the way home to the end!
- Being Accountable To My Coach: Another important source of motivation for me was my coach. His honesty, patience, and knowledge were priceless and because he is a competitor himself, he knows the dedication and hard work that is necessary to reach the end successfully. And besides, I had to answer to him on a weekly basis with no excuses! I was not about to let him think I was a quitter! The trusting relationship I had with my coach made the journey fun and he knew exactly what encouraging words were needed to keep me motivated.
- My Family: My last, but certainly not least, source of motivation was my family. When times got tough and I just wanted to have that coconut layer cake and popcorn, they stepped in and saved me from myself. Luckily, those episodes did not happen often but when they did my family was there to cheer me on. And who else would put up with a competitor during the last couple weeks before a show anyway! But somehow, with humor, they helped me persevere and reach my goal.
The Importance Of Focus
If this is not part of your personality, you better find it because focus is essential for bodybuilding success! As with any goal, being focused on the end result is imperative.
When training for a show it is very easy to “cheat” on the diet or not workout one day because you are wiped out and exhausted. But seeing the goal clearly and remaining focused on the goal will get you through those tough times; which are many! I became the most focused during the last month, and especially the last two weeks before the show, because it was the most challenging time. I was physically and mentally drained, craving my beloved popcorn, and sick of constantly looking at myself in the mirror! Fierce focus is what carried me through this trying period.
Success
My success was relative to where I started. Just a girl wanting to lose some extra pounds to being on stage and looking awesome in a skimpy two-piece bikini, if I do say so myself, in an auditorium with a huge crowd of spectators ! Although I did not place top 5, I successfully reached my goal. My progress was relative given where I started, however, not relative when I was on stage. I definitely fit in as a “figure girl” and certainly belonged on stage with the others who also worked so hard. Now, because of a gentle challenge my coach put in my ear, I plan on competing again. But this time I will not only have killer obliques, but I’ll take home a trophy as well!
See my Figure Pre-Contest Weight Training Routine.
