Top Rules of the Competition Road

We have all said at some time or another “if I knew then what I know now”. Well, the optimistic view is that the knowledge you have now is a powerful tool that you can share with others. My hope is that by sharing the knowledge I have gained as an IFBB Figure competitor, I will inspire other women to not only compete, but to fall in love with the sport as I have.

Rule #1: Recognize the Positive on a Daily Basis
I call this the overall rule. I began competing in the National Physique Committee (NPC) three years ago, and although I had been a trainer for 17 years and have two degrees in the fitness field, I quickly realized that I had a lot to learn. Not only did I lack competition experience, but I was overly focused on the end result…competing in a figure competition. That approach left me physically, mentally and emotionally drained!!! Something was missing…the enjoyment! I mean, this is supposed to be fun, right? Well, my advice for starting off right and keeping it fun is to keep a contest prep journal beginning on day 1. Use it to write down your daily goals, accomplishments, motivational quotes, and even print out and attach your progress pictures. You will enjoy looking back through the pages from week to week and even more so after your competition.

Rule #2: Compete with Yourself!
Ask yourself before you begin your contest prep, “Why do I want to compete?” Is your reason based on someone else’s actions or performance? You can have several reasons, but at least one should be in your control. For example, for my next competition my goal is to gain muscle in my quadricep sweep and calves. I will accomplish that goal, but that improvement may not be represented in my placing. As difficult as it may be at times, we all must remind ourselves that not only is this is a subjective sport, but as we are training hard and improving, so are our fellow competitors. Your success is a measurement of how much better you are than your biggest rival…YOU at your previous best.

Rule #3: Choose Your Expert and Ignore Everyone Else.
In my opinion, no matter if you have been a trainer for years, if your significant other is a trainer or bodybuilder, or if you are a former athlete, it is extremely difficult to be self-subjective. In addition, preparing to compete as a fitness, figure, bikini or physique competitor is a completely different ballgame. When choosing a coach, here are some things to keep in mind. Make sure your expert:
Has successful experience coaching or competing in the division in which you want to compete (figure, bikini, etc.) on the level you want to reach (local, national, pro).
Has the necessary credentials to give you nutritional and supplementation guidance, i.e. a B.S. in Nutrition, Registered Dietitian or Certified Sports Nutritionist from an accredited source.
Offers full competition prep services, including nutrition and supplementation, cardio and strength training, regular program changes based on progress, posing sessions, guidance and advice on show choice, hair and make-up, tanning and suit selection.

Be warned that when others learn you are training for a competition, suddenly the self-proclaimed experts will emerge. These will be people at your gym, family members, friends, etc. They usually will let you know how you are doing everything wrong and make suggestions of how they can help you. Ignore them and trust your coach, period! Listening to multiple people is a sure way to sabotage your goal.

Rule #4: Plan Ahead.
Make sure you begin your suit design process 12 weeks prior to your competition. I use www.FitDesignsByShonna.com. She is extremely professional, reliable and affordable. Also, make appointments for your hair, make-up and tanning as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute will not only cause unnecessary stress, but may even mean some vendors will no longer have available appointments.

Rule #5: Always Get Feedback.
Although you are competing against yourself and your coach has given you subjective feedback along the way, ultimately, on the big day you are standing on stage in front of the judges. Whether you agree with their feedback or whether you hear something that is difficult to accept, always be respectful of their time and opinion. Share with them your goals, either self-improvement and/or placing, and truly listen to their advice. You will then be in the position to set a more informed and specific goal for your next competition.

I truly hope these few tips will in some way help those of you who already compete to enjoy your journey and inspire those of you have said “one day…” to just do it! J

Thanks for reading.

Cheryl

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