competition suit question

[Chameleon]

I've decided to train for a Figure competition here in Orlando in September, I've done everything I can think of to make sure I'm on the right track. I'm working with a trainer on my diet & excersise. However, I don't have a lot of extra cash and have been wondering where I might find less expensive competition suits. I know I need two and will have to buy both as all I have at home are thong bikini's and I know I can't compete in a thong :( dog gonnit :p

Does anyone know of any places in Florida (Central Florida specifically) or online that have decently priced suits?

Thanks,
Chameleon ;-)~

[laulau418]

Hi Chameleon
I purchased my custom made suits from CeeJay and honestly - even though they might be more expensive then you are willing or able to pay -
they are TOTALLY worth it!! She does amazingly beautiful work!!!

www.massmuscle.com/cjproducts.htm


But here are a few other options - I hope this helps! :)
Lots of luck!

http://www.bodybuildingbikinis.com/bikini_welcome.html

http://www.hardwearseattle.com/

http://www.jagware-posingsuits.com/

http://www.merrychristine.com/index.html

[Chameleon]

Thanks laulau,

She doesn't look all that expensive... especially now that my husband has offered to buy me my one piece suit :)

[laulau418]

Np problem -

Lots of luck!!! :)

[Nikki]

I have used suits for sale if interested.......e-mail me or pm me.
I know of another lady not listed on her.....she does a terrific job and her suits are one of a kind.....Her name is Wendy.......her e-mail is breakaway123@yahoo.com
Tell her Nikki sent you.....bye
NIKKI

[j_neatherlin]

do you HAVE to wear a competition suit or can you just wear any kind of suit? where can i find information regarding specifics for NPC competition? also, does anyone know of a place in the Chicago or St Louis area that sells competition suits? thanks.

[adventurediva]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. And I was interested in this thread. I've been playing with the idea of doing a show for the past two years, but I've somehow let myself get off track until 2 months ago. I decided to shoot for one of two shows, either in March or June of 04. I've never done anything like this, though I've talked with a few people that have, one of them also mentioned Cee Jay to me. She too said that her work is exquisite. I've asked about buying used suits, but have been told that they are so custom taylored that it would be hard to make it work. Yet I think I saw that someone here has some used ones for sale. What are your thoughts about going the used route to save some money?

If I buy from someone like CeeJay, how far in advance of the show would I need to contact her, get measurements done etc.? And can she easily compensate for the weight loss just prior to competition? Thanks!

[laulau418]

CeeJay has been doing this for YEARS -
and she does her suits for most of us girls without ever seeing us.
Yes - she accounts for weight loss the final week -
Allow at least 2 months - she is extremely busy all the time.
Hope this helps -

[adventurediva]

Thanks so much. After posting my questions, I went to the web page that you had posted for her. Gosh, it looks like she does suits for almost everybody. Not surprisingly, I was very impressed. I e-mailed her with some basic questions and information.

Does anyone know if there is a forum somewhere at this site where I can ask basic questions about preparing for a show for the first time? Or do I just start my own thread? I really have no idea if for this first show next summer, I should just prepare to do figure, or if by that time I will have gained enough muscle to do lightweight bodybuilding, and obviously that will determine which suit(s) I have made. I was able to build 7 lbs. of muscle within 3 months two years ago, but since then the gains have been slower. I think I continue to put off doing a show because I don't want to go through all of that to get on the stage and be the smallest girl there. Of course maybe that's just in my mind. Just wondering where to wander too at this site to ask these kinds of questions. Thanks.

[laulau418]

Post your questions here -
there are so many people here that are willing to help and have a lot of advice and suggestions to offer -
I found this forum about 2 months before I entered my first show and it helped me tremendously!!
Post in the contest preparation forum - or the female forums.....

:)
In my opinion - go for it -
just pick a contest and start preparing -
you have to get over that nervousness the first time -
Just do it!
It is a learning experience and you really won't know what to expect until you do it!!

[adventurediva]

Thanks, how should I approach my uncertainty about which division? If I do my show, like it and stick with it, I may decide to train for fitness. Or if I really can build enough muscle, I may do lightweight BB. I guess I'm undecided partially because in the past, because I was so used to thinking in 3-month intervals (because of doing several Body For Life programs), I finish the 3 months, and take a break as I usually run myself into the ground with the dieting and extra cardio so I'm usually sick for a month or so. The flip-side is that because I've taken time off, it's been hard for me to get started training tough again. But I started June 1 with the goal being March and/or April 03, so I'd have to get my head out of the 3-month timeframe, and focus on the longterm, but also so I have plenty of time to lean out, so I don't rush it to the point of getting sick by the show.

I have pics of that 7lb. muscle gain in December 2001. And then I also have pics from December 2002. For the last pics, I had focussed more on leaning out than gaining muscle, so even though I'm not as lean as I wanted, the 02 pics give a good idea of where I am muscle-wise. Is there anybody who might be willing to let me e-mail them and give me some advise as to which division I might be better suited for? Thanks, and sorry to be so long-winded.

[laulau418]

You really need to decide whether or not you want to do a routine....
If you don't - then automatically rule out fitness.
Also - fitness shows have mandatory moves that you need to incorporate into your routine - plus you would not only need a one piece and a two piece suit - you would also need something to wear for the routine round - (added expenses) - so this might also be something you need to think about.
Other than that, as far as deciding between bodybuilding or figure -
bodybuilders have to come in MUCH leaner -
you need to decide whether or not that is something you want to do -

I recommend contacting beverly international.
They will provide your nutritional plan for free -
and trust me - they know what they are doing!! I used them for me last show and they really know what they are talking about!!

www.bodybuildingworld.com

[chicky9914]

Hello...another great forum to go to would be: Musclemayhem.com
Click on the "La Fem" whatever it is and you'll find what you need with a ton of fitness and figure competitors and yes a lot of pros too! :)
-Jenna

[adventurediva]

Thanks so much. I went to the bodybuildingworld.com site and looked through it briefly. I'll also check out the musclemayhem.com site when I have a chance. --Swamped with work at the moment. They both look like very helpful sites.

As for the nutrition, I've done the approx. 6 small meals a day for the past 3 years. I've seen research regarding "how much protein" from several different sources, ranging from .82 g per pound of body weight, up to 1.35 g per pound of body weight. I've played with 1-1.35 grams and found that I build more muscle with the added protein. So I guess it doesn't matter which research is right as much as it does to just figure out how your body works and processes the protein. On that note, I ran across a book called "Optimum Sports Nutrition, Your Competitive Edge," by Dr. Michael Colgan. This one is 10 years old, but there is a newer one that I think has just been released. I know a lot about this stuff, but he blew me away in the first chapter. He's worked with lots of different Olympic athletes, bodybuilders (including Arnold and Lee Labrada), pro football and baseball players, marathoners, etc., etc. Anyway, for any of you who might be like me and are really into this stuff. It's an excellent read, and it's been an invaluable tool to me.

Colgan is so good, that I'm flying to Vancouver next month to train with him in his "Power Program" strength program, both for my own training and competition, and to augment my personal training skills. If you look up the other book, check out this one as well--"The New Power Program: Protocols For Maximum Strength." Again, he's worked with the same slew of athletes on this stuff as well. If anyone is interested, I'll report back when I come back from the clinic.

Sorry, that had nothing to do with competition suits, well maybe just a little. I guess I just had a particularly potent shot of caffeine or something. Didn't mean to get so carried away. Guess I'm just very excited about some of this stuff and just wanted to share. Thanks for all of the helpful info.
--Lori

[fitgirl0470]

I just wanted to suggest Mike Davies for any nutrition, training questions....he is awesome!!!
His website is mikedaviesfitness.com
if interested.....

He is training me for my first figure show which is in 9 weeks....

also, if you check out www.divaexchange.com
they sometimes have people selling used suits on there....

good luck!!!

gina

[adventurediva]

Thanks Gina, I'll check out the web sites. Good luck in your first show. If you are open, I'd love to chat with you the show, your prep work, etc. If so, my e-mail address is adventurediva@bodybuilders.com --Thanks again for all the great info. --Lori