Ready to compete?

[FittPrincess]

Hi guys!

Thought i'd introduce myself quicly before getting to my question. My name is Vanessa, i'm from Vancouver, BC and i've been training for about 6 years...but only properly for about 2 because the other 4 i wasn't eating enough, doing too much cardio, and too high of reps for my bodytype. Anyhow, glad i found this place...it's a world on info!

Now to my question:

I've been thinking about competing in figure but i am constantly afraid that i will look anorexic on stage. Maybe it's all in my head. I've seen girls compete in local shows and look absolutely skinny on stage...i do not want to look like that! So my question is, how do i know when i am ready to compete? I currently weigh 133lbs, pretty hard (but not compt. lean), i'm 5'3.5 and my measurements are 35, 26, 36 (sorry, i am unable to post any pics...which i know would help). I'm guessing that i'd need to lose 10lbs in order to meet the bodyfat standards for BC figure competitors.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[rudeboy_ja]

Bodytypes are different, so it's hard to tell. You should post a pic and hide your face if you're shy.. But for the most part any reduction in bodyfat is good

[hwilbur]

There are many fitness/bodybuilding organizations. I suggest you find one that suits your look. I personally compete in the Fitness America organization because they reward a fit and feminine body. They look for a lean body that still has a healthy amount of fat- ecessive leaness is marked down.

Something else to consider is that many people play with their diets the week before a contest to avoid holding water and bring out their definition on stage. (ie. sodium depletion). So on stage you are seeing people as they dieted for a show at that moment. Most people look a little "fuller" after a show once they have resumed normal eating.

And, finally, in the end you have to be comfortable with how you look and the package that you present on stage. Instead of focusing on a certain weight or body fat percentage that you think you need to be, I recommend looking in the mirror to determine whether you need to tighten up, maintain, or fill out. Just my opinion......this has worked well for me.

Best of Luck to you!
Holly
www.hollywilbur.com

[lean+liftin_]

I just read your message. That's so crazy that I posted a similar on just the other day. I am also new to this site and forum and I have the same kind of dilemma as you as far as competing in figure. I a bit taller than you (5 feet, 6 inches) and I feel as though I too will look emaciated once I take the stage. I am already thin (less than 120 lbs.) and have put on some mass, but I don't know how to go about balancing my fat loss with my muscle maintainance.
One thing I am trying to focus on is my body fat % rather than my weight. I am trying to get down to at most 12% bodyfat. I am going to get it checked out at the gym this week. I will continue to do so every couple of weeks or so until the September of the show. I will make diet and cardio adjustments based on what the skinfold calipers tell me (they better be accurate enough!!) Hopefully we will get some more answers soon. I just wanted to write and say that you aren't alone on this one. Good luck on your contest prep and your competition.
I hope that this tidbit of info helps you!!

Lauren

[hwilbur]

Hey girls,

I was wondering what events you are competing in?

Holly
www.hollywilbur.com

[lean+liftin_]

Hey Holly!
I am doing a small natural ABNC show on September 18th in Cave Creek, AZ. This organization actually has a routine round for the figure contestants. My cheer and dance background will help. I may also do a smaller mid-October show and depending on how I feel, possibly the NPC Natural in early November. Anyways, I started dieting a couple weeks ago...not over the top strict yet though. I haven't yet bumped up my cardio too much being that I already teach aerobics every other day. I checked out your website...you look great. Any advice would be appreciated...it's my first show!
Thanx in advance,
Lauren

[hwilbur]

Hey Lauren,

Feel free to email me anytime if you have questions about suits, tanning, etc. Also, the fitnessamerica.com message board (aka powder room) is a great place to talk to other competitors. My choreogrpaher is Cathy Savage (www.savagechoreography.com). She holds fitness prep camps here on the East Coast. In fact, there is one this weekend. We also have a yahoo discussion group. You have to sign up with yahoo groups then join savagechoreography. It's free...just another place to chat, support eachother, and exchange info.

Holly
holly@hollywilbur.com

P.S. Competitions can be costly- check out my article on bodybuilding.com titled "Sponsor Your Way to the Spotlight" for some tips on getting sponsors: Here is the link........
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/holly1.htm

[lean+liftin_]

alright, so these are random questions but they are two personal things that i am concerned about. hopefully other rookies are wondering the same things as I am.

the first one is about boobs...i have been to shows in the past and am aware that a majority of the girls in figure have implants. i am currently a 32 A and with the fat i am cutting i am certain that by show time i won't even fill a AA!! should i look for suits that have enhancements or should i just concentrate on keeping my pecs lean and developed and not fret about boobs sitting on top of them? i was in a pagaent when i was younger and girls with lots of padding got points off. i know in figure the judges look for the "total package". i want to be proportional at least without looking ridiculous.

my other question is...what do you do if the competition falls during THAT SPECIAL WEEK??!! i figure by the time i get down to my desired bodyfat % i won't even get my period but if so, what is one supposed to do about the symptoms (bloating, water retention, etc.)?

kind of "out there" questions but hoping you could help me out. i appreciate your concern. thanx again!!

[hwilbur]

As a "natural" girl, I can appreciate your concern about this. There are PLENTY of girls that do well without implants. And, with the right suit (and a little padding), you can enhance what you have.

I don't follow the NPC circuit much but I have competed in 14 Fitness America shows- enough to know that there are plenty of natural smaller chested women who do quite well- in addition to getting magazine exposure. Look at women like Alicia Denson (www.aliciadenson.com) (no offense Alicia- if you read this)- she WON the Bikini Universe competition this year and placed top 5 in the FAME Canada show. She has been on magazine covers, had layouts, and just shot for Fitness Rx. Another fellow competitor and friend Jennifer Tedford Zuba is a "natural" girl and has done very well in the FAP - even placing top 20 at nationals in her first year! I am "natural" myself and feel that I have done well- placing 4th in the Bikini Universe short class and 8th in the Fitness Universe Pageant this year. So, although it can be overwhelming in a dressing room with girls who are a lot more well endowed, it is nice to know that there are plenty of girls who do well.

Make sure you have a good suit designer who will enhance what you have. If they do it right, no one will know it is padding except you. I have never heard of judges marking off for something like that.

Regarding having your period close to or during the show- I am actually lucky that in 14 shows I only had it for one! Good timing, huh? You will probably have to be real careful and really keep your sodium low and do some water tapering the few days before. There are also natural diuretics such as dandelion root and don't quote me, but I believe it is vitmain B6 or 7 that can also do the trick.

I hope this helps!
Holly
www.hollywilbur.com

[lean+liftin_]

thanx for your advice on these concerns. i just saw your FAP pics and you look very beautiful...gives me inspiration!!!