Help with competition

[LivA]

Okay, so I've been talking for the past 2 years to do a figure competition. Each year, I've chickened out BIG TIME!!!! So, this year, I really want to do it before I start nursing school and I won't have time for anything considering my daughter turned 13 and my oldest son is going through puberty.

I've been weight training for about 3 years. I usually work out 4-5 times a week. I'm 115 and 5'2".

My question is, should I just try to do it on my own the first year, online research, stuff like that because I do not expect to win my first comp, or should I try to find a trainer online to consult with, etc?

 

[jenscats5]

Consulting with a trainer is up to you......I hired one, then fired him then hired a 2nd one during my 1st year competing as I had no clue what to do or how to start......it CAN be done by yourself, but being the 1st time in it, it may be easier just "following along" w/someone's "orders."

 

[Tatyana]

I got ready for my first comp myself, didn't have a CLUE when I got on stage, but I did meet my first coach there.

She took me under her wing and gave me a lot of guidance, but I still learned a lot myself.

There is a lot about comp dieting in Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle.

I have hired a coach this year, I have a fantastic training buddy, so I don't need a trainer.

 

[Bikini Mod]

I got lucky and found an EXCELLENT coach/trainer. I knew all about training but ZERO about dieting down for a show or posing/etc. She became a good friend of mine.

It's all up to you as the women before stated. You can do it whatever way suits you best. The important thing is to just do it. The experience itself is more important (IMHO) than where you finish. So many people NEVER EVER get the courage up to actually try. Just the fact that one has the courage to step out on stage even though they may be clueless speaks volumes to me. I mean, yes we all want to get that 1st place trophy but think about the statistics of how many people talk but never actually do!

 

[jenscats5]

It's all up to you as the women before stated. You can do it whatever way suits you best. The important thing is to just do it. The experience itself is more important (IMHO) than where you finish. So many people NEVER EVER get the courage up to actually try. Just the fact that one has the courage to step out on stage even though they may be clueless speaks volumes to me. I mean, yes we all want to get that 1st place trophy but think about the statistics of how many people talk but never actually do!

Good point!!

And even if you're not at your peak or even look as lean or muscled as you should be - it's all about getting out on stage that 1st time. Once you do that, you're money! You're experienced & know what to do/change the next go 'round.....

The 1st show is always the hardest, cuz you have to buy everything, etc etc.....after that, since you have your "stuff" all you really have to do is diet & practice posing.....

 

[Tatyana]

I got lucky and found an EXCELLENT coach/trainer. I knew all about training but ZERO about dieting down for a show or posing/etc. She became a good friend of mine.

It's all up to you as the women before stated. You can do it whatever way suits you best. The important thing is to just do it. The experience itself is more important (IMHO) than where you finish. So many people NEVER EVER get the courage up to actually try. Just the fact that one has the courage to step out on stage even though they may be clueless speaks volumes to me. I mean, yes we all want to get that 1st place trophy but think about the statistics of how many people talk but never actually do!

I thought I knew how to diet until I met my coach.

There are so many theories though, and different things work with different people.

You can probably work everything out for yourself, except posing.

I would find someone to help with this bit.


I didn't.

My first comp was a litany of errors, but I wouldn't change anything for the world

 

[slat1]

Where do you live?
If you live in the New England area you can go see Cathy Savage. She holds work shops every Sunday with a ton of girls.
They go over how to walk, pose, hit mandatory's etc.
She also has the District Chairman from the NPC come in and talk to the girls and give pointers with things like suits, color etc.

 

[nikkita]

If it will be your first competition, it may be a good idea to have someone who can aid you with the contest preparation... not saying that is not possible to do it alone, but when you have a trainer she/he knows what exactly judges look in stage and plan how to get it.