Contest Prep - When It’s All Said & Done, Was It A Good Experience?
So I often rant and rave about contest prep strategies that I think are silly - nonsensical even - yet sadly, oh so commonplace in our competitive circles. I think people get in shape in spite of some of this stuff, not directly because of it. The internet is a gold mine for examples and so are clients of mine, who hear and see what their friends are doing.
I pride myself on rying to do it the ’smart’ way - at least I consider it the smart way; at the very least, the sane way. Now don’t be offended if you do something that you see me make fun of. Hey, it’s your choice.
But you know what? Here’s something that’s really sad - competitors who do a show, even do well - great transformation, good placing in the show, etc. - and decide to give it up. Why? Because they just can’t see themselves going through that prep again. All the cardio, the extreme restrictiveness, the big post-contest rebound, and so on. And because it’s such a common methodology, they’re lead to believe it’s the only way. I mean, hey, I don’t blame you. I’m pretty sure most competitors start off on their competitive trails for multiple reasons - one of which is that they think it’ll be fun to do a show. An overall enjoyable experience. And then … it’s just not. Now I’m not saying it’s ever going to be easy getting in contest-ready condition, because surely, it’s never easy. It IS hard, it DOES take sacrifice. But in the end, you should walk away with a good experience. Most are never going to make a living being competitors; it’s a hobby for many. Hobbies are fun.
I had a client who I have now worked with on three separate occasions, who decided she wanted to give it a go; she wanted to do a show. Of course, I was all for it. And here is a comment she just sent me via email that sums it up - see? Fun. Great experience.
I just don’t think I have the words to tell you how grateful I am for this experience. I have grown so much and learned so much about myself. Being so committed to achieving this goal has given me such strength and built a lot of character for me. Something just clicked for me in this prep and I’ve been happy the whole way through. Part of it was not worrying (too much anyway) because I knew I was in the best possible hands to get me to where I needed to be – the smart way. And part was my mindset. I chose not to alienate myself or avoid social situations that involved food (done that many times before!). It then became more about the people in my life and not the food. I felt more connected and supported, which is important to have when you’re doing something difficult like a contest prep. And the last part was just having a goal to work toward. I have realized that usually the things that are tough are the things that are worth it in the end. And this competition experience was definitely was worth it! I’m so ready to do another one because I know I can do even better! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! Mwah!
There IS another way.
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Tags: Contest Prep , figure competitors, figure contest prep
November 5th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Erik -
Once again, thank you so much for being the voice of reason. It doesn’t have to be this way. Period. I am going to prove it, Cynthia Herndon (current pro) didn’t do it and we should take a stand. I won’t name names (rhymes with phoney) of other trainers who prescribe this method but it is insane and the long term affects it will have on women’s bodies is terrible.
Again, thanks for keeping it real and providing another way.
Keep spreading the word.
Jess
November 6th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
When I think of Pro, I think of Monica Brant, Jenny Lynn but Cynthia Herndon never crosses my mind? Funny thing is if you ask those 2 ladies I bet they’ve done over an hour of cardio.
Erik you do know your stuff i’m not knocking you. I’m just sick of people bashing other people.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I am very sorry if I am coming across as bashing….at the end of the day, I am a figure competitor who had a very difficult rebound and one of the main reasons for that rebound was overtraining and too much cardio.
If you read Erik’s post about the trainer mentality of “you aren’t losing weight, well let’s add more cardio and drop your calories” puts your body is a very unhealthy place where your metabolism has no other choice but to respond by resisting cardio and diet the next time. You gain weight in areas you hadn’t before, etc. This isn’t about bashing it is about lots and lots of girls out there who are struggling with this issue.
Again, I am sorry if I offended someone.
Jess
November 6th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
P.S. Cynthia Herndon got her pro card in two years and just four (or five) shows. And she did it without starving and without massive amounts of cardio. She may not have the awards Jenny Lynn has but she has achieve a lot quickly and very easily could have the same or more one day.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Ahhh, an ‘anonymous’ poster.
I think you’re missing the point entirely - no one said doing 400 hours of cardio doesn’t work. What IS being said is that there IS another way.
And all you have to do is pay attention to what is happening to many competitors after having competed to realize just what’s happening.
I’m not bashing the people that do it - again, read it again. In fact, I’ve praised their dedication. I am focusing on the people behind the competitors.
And yes, Jenny does 3 - told me to my face. Your point? Davana used to do 4 - also told me to my face. Does that make it a ‘winning formula’?
Everyone is free to use whatever strategy they want - but I’m going to continue to harp on stupidity - yeah, doing lunges for an hour to get deep into the glutes. That makes sense.
And Jessica is right on the money.
As for Cynthia - you’re comparing seasoned pros to someone who has just come on the scene and turned pro in her second national show. By your logic any new pro should be discounted.