I have been toying with the idea of competing in a figure competition for a while now.
I am conflicted because I am not sure so I have decided to do the old fashioned pros and cons list
PROS
I need a tangible goal to work towards that is not just focussed on the number on the scales
I would like to be lean and muscled like those girls in the fitness magazines
I would like to see how hard I can work with a deadline
I would like to feel confident and beautiful on stage
I have a performance background both offstage and onstage so I'm fine with being on stage
CONS
I have been overweight so I have stretch marks, loose skin and cellulite
I am not very girly so I am not sure about the glitter bikini and hooker shoes
I have a very demanding job so I am not sure that I have enough time to devote to this
I am not certain I can actually look like I need to - I don't know that my legs will ever be in shape
I am worried that the severe dieting will trigger disordered eating
I am concerned that I will want to look competition ready all the time and know that is not possible so I will spend the rest of my life disappointed in how I look post comp
I have no idea how to pose, what I even need to do - a routine?
I will have to find a trainer and join a gym when I love working out at home and doing my own thing
I have no boobs
So it looks like there are more cons than pros but that has never stopped me before. I don't want to let fear stop me going for something!
The Australasian Natural Bodybuilding comp in Sydney is exactly 16 weeks away which is (apparently) the ideal contest prep time so I have to decide soon.
Any thoughts?
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteWhile I have never competed in a figure comp I am a bit of a junkie for being in the cheer squad.
Here are my thoughts on your Cons list and suggestions.
Once you have the multiple coats of tan on the stretch marks aren't that obvious - I know LOTS of ladies who have competed after having had babies who have had stretch marks and loose skin.
- You only need to be as girly as you want - some girls don't go for the full on girly thing - but you never know - you may like it!
- You will have to let go of the things you believe about yourself - like that your legs will never be in shape. You have never done a comp and been at 12% Body fat so you dont know that they cant be in good shape - think of the saying - what would you do today if you didn't know that you couldn't.
- You can't think about whether or not you will be competition ready - that is for your coach to worry about. All you need to focus on is following their instructions and doing everything they tell you to each day. That is why you pay them.
- You will need to be prepared psychologically that your weight will go up post comp - a good coach will support you with this psychology.
- Posing can be learnt! Once you know the moves then you just have to practice practice practice.
- You will probably have to join a gym - but there are LOTS of fantastic online trainers. I will email you some names I know - all of whom have had sensational results with their clients from a distance.
- No figure competitor has boobs - the costumes are designed and padded to give a good illusion.
I'll email you that other stuff.
My only tip is follow your heart, if this is something you really want to do then you have to do it. The mind will always find negatives with everything we want to do, but if your heart wants it you shall have it.
ReplyDeleteCon 1: I have been overweight so I have stretch marks, loose skin and cellulite.
ReplyDeleteAnswer: You wouldn't be the first competitor that has stepped on stage without any of those challenges. They can be overcome and worked around.
Con 2: I am not very girly so I am not sure about the glitter bikini and hooker shoes.
Answer: I was a huge tom boy until I took up figure competing. You'd be amazed how quickly you'll adapt, I did. LOL!!
Con 3: I have a very demanding job so I am not sure that I have enough time to devote to this.
Answer: I'm in the military and my job is sometimes 24/7. You do what you have to do and there's always someone out there who's got it worse than us.
Con 4: I am not certain I can actually look like I need to - I don't know that my legs will ever be in shape.
Answer: Source a personal trainer who has worked with and prepared competitors before. They'll take all the guess work out of the equation for you.
Con 5: I am worried that the severe dieting will trigger disordered eating.
Answer: That's a fair comment but it doesn't have to be that way if you get professional help. Trust me, I know. ;o)
Con 6: I am concerned that I will want to look competition ready all the time and know that is not possible so I will spend the rest of my life disappointed in how I look post comp.
Answer: Stop worrying about something that hasn't happened yet. You have to take one step at a time one day at a time. With the right trainer this more than likely won't even happen.
Con 7: I have no idea how to pose, what I even need to do - a routine?
Answer: Jo Rogers from Style on Stage. She's our one stop figure lady with all the resources and answers. Check out her link in my blog page.
Con 8: I will have to find a trainer and join a gym when I love working out at home and doing my own thing.
Answer: Finding a trainer is pretty much a given. Check out www.inba.com.au for their trainers link for a personal trainer in your state.
Con 8: I have no boobs.
Answer: Well that's good because by the time you diet down they'd be gone anyways. LOL!! Jo's top can come with inserts if needed. I had one the first year then two the second year I compete. Now I have permanent ones so no need to worry about that one anymore. LOL!!
Sorry but throw me a challenge and I'll find a way of over coming it. I hope this helps. :o)
Sounds like a lot of your cons are actually questions. I'd suggest getting those answered then see how you feel about it :D
ReplyDeletehey there Katie,
ReplyDeleteI am a first time competitor this year, and was originally 30kg heavier than i am now, so dont fret. I see competing as an excellent way to stay on track with eating and training, with a perk at the end of looking fab and getting up on stage. Feel free to surf on over to my blog once in a while! ;)
i am so there to put on your tan and stick the bikini to your muscly butt... and reece will help with your poses.. hehe
ReplyDeleteour dream of taking those photos in front of the bridge may just come true!!
DO IT!
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI had many of the problems and fears which you have described and in the end they were all overcome. i had a good trainer and a "failure is not an option" headset and I made it. You can too.
Cheers
Magda
Hi Katie
ReplyDeleteListen to all of the above :)
You can do it!
Come to "GET READY 2008" in Sydney on 23 Feb!! Jo Rogers and Donna Jones are probably the MOST experienced in the world of competing!!!!Check out Jo's website!!!!!
Cheers Miss TANK
FFS! Just do it already!
ReplyDeleteKatie, Rossana had the same problem as you with her legs, she could never get them lean until she decided to compete. She won masters figure on her first comp at Southern Hemisphere, NABBA 2003
ReplyDeleteHer legs were her asset in the end because they were so muscly.
If you really do want to do this then please go to a competition, is there one on soon? If anything will inspire you and get you fired up enough because it is hard work this will!
I saw Rossana compete when they were in Adelaide the following year and I swear I was in awe, she looked fantastic and had a great stage presence.
Go check one out, maybe see if you can train with one whom is preparing for one so you can get a feel for what you will go through or heck just do it!
Agreeing with all of the above-you should just go for it. After all-wouldn't it be better later in life to say "I'm glad I gave it a go" rather than "wonder how I might have done if I had tried?"
ReplyDeleteGood luck!