Contest Preparation

[Sassy69]

I would also throw in, I know a number of former career competitors who constantly tell me to not get involved in it-- having seen the abuse, the depression, the obsession, etc. The constant dieting and low bf can also be evil for your body -- so these are also considerations -- like if you're going to do it, you need to know when to say when...

 

[luv2workout]

Hmmm.....this really was interesting to read....now you guys are really making me second guess my desire to compete next year It will definately be a battle and the support is just not there....is it really that bad???

New - how do you hold up w/taking care of the baby and still go through all of this??? I lose my patience when Im not dieting

 

[Sassy69]

new -- how close to "the big day" now?? All you gotta do is get to the stage baby! You can do it! (and all that rah rah stuff...!)

 

[MS]

As my ex coach used to say, competitive bodybuilding is the ULTIMATE in extreme sports. Jumping off a cliff with a parachute on is nothing compared to the months of extreme discipline and sacrifice (and luck) required to make it to a competition stage. And it screws up more people than not IMHO. It is very hard to compete and stay balanced in the rest of your life. Women in particular tend to develop all sorts of dysmorphias and eating probs (obsession is the best word to describe it). It is mentally as tough for many women post competition as pre comp, seeing their hard earned physique rapidly add fat and fluid plays with their minds.

And of course ruined relationships/friendships can also screw up your life.

 

[flex4life]

MS,
You meant to say 'the discipline & sacrifice is nothing compared to jumping off a cliff WITHOUT a parachute'..... right???

 

[tripleV]

Sassy....only 3 more days? best of luck...you're awesome!

 

[new@gettinbig]

My contest is Sept 29th so i have a little less than 4 weeks to go....As for how I handle it w/ my little girl...well I have good days and bad days...I just make sure I do not take it out on her....its even harder cause my house has a few cupbards w/ treats in em I love!!!! Im a sugar freak! My family knows I am a little bitchy when dieting so they just kinda leave me alone. And most of my close friends are bb and they understand and are very supportive and they just ignore my little rants. And like MS said it is so mental...especially after a show.....after about 3 days i get really down...very depressed about the loss of my hard..lean physique...its difficult to take and to keep in perspective..you look so good that day of the show...and then reality hits and the water comes in If I didnt have my friends who are experienced and understand..I would probably go LOCO! It helps to for motivation and on your weak down days when you do not want to move! Let alone train, pose or do cardio! You gotta love it to really do it and give it 100%....anything less it would be not worth your time and too much work and sacrafice!

 

[flex4life]

new,
Hang in there! You're on the home stretch now!
Is your show the Tournament of Champions in Ca? Have something fun planned post contest? Seeing all the hard work fade fast is a difficult one to deal with.

Good luck to ya'!

 

[KBgrl]

New... i was kinda scrollin through the boards today and i was LMAO... cause i could hear the "mood" through ur posts, lol... its so funny!! i ahve horrible mood swings already..and now that im training harder than ever and "on" (dont know if that really has anything to do with my mood swings) im a raging bitch!! lots of road rage especially..i hate my crowded city!! its full of complete idiots..i swear.. its like everyone is rushing to go NOWHERE!?!? GOD!! oh no-- feel a mood comin on..better stop now. anyway.. hang in there girl... its soooo worth it though..isnt it!?!? u look wonderful and geeeezzz... must work so hard to accomplish that. keep up the good work and GOOD LUCK at ur comp sept.29. i know u will KICK ASS!!! dont forget to update us.. i want alll the details about the comp

 

[Sassy69]

Lobo ---
I've had that distilled water discussion w/ more people -- I've heard that's "old school" -- whatever that means??? But when u only drink distilled water don't you also miss out on electrolytes and stuff? Basically its just "dead" water...