1st Competition 16 wks out, what 2 do 1st

[heavenlyjoy]

Hi Everyone!
I'm planning on entering my first figure comp in approx 16 weeks. I'm presently wondering whether I should be focussed on building or cutting. I'm thinking cutting. I'm pretty muscular esp. legs for a "fitness enthusiast", and have no trouble building muscle (I think), but shedding the fat covering it has been my biggest challenge.
So my q. is, at this time frame is that appropriate and should I be looking to lose slowly as to preserve muscle or take off as much as I can and then rebuild mass if needed?
Any help appreciated,

thank!

Celeste

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by heavenlyjoy

Hi Everyone!
I'm planning on entering my first figure comp in approx 16 weeks. I'm presently wondering whether I should be focussed on building or cutting. I'm thinking cutting. I'm pretty muscular esp. legs for a "fitness enthusiast", and have no trouble building muscle (I think), but shedding the fat covering it has been my biggest challenge.
So my q. is, at this time frame is that appropriate and should I be looking to lose slowly as to preserve muscle or take off as much as I can and then rebuild mass if needed?
Any help appreciated,

thank!

Celeste

Most competitors hit contest diets anywhere between 10-16 weeks out...sometimes longer. The key is to diet slow...to preserve muscle. What's your body fat at now? At this point you should be cleaning up your diet and focus on building in the off season.

Good luck.

[heavenlyjoy]

Thanks, that helps. I have fluxuated since the beginning of the year from 21 to 19+%, right now sitting at the high end. (my weight is 117, was down to 114, think I need to be about 108.)
I have committed to getting off splenda, since I think it leads me to crave more sweet things and that a few bad days cancel out all the good ones...
Other than that, I eat clean, very little grains, like veggies, some fruit...dairy (milk/cottege cheese).
On the dairy- is that a must cut out? I live in Seattle and it's pretty hard not to drink coffee here, though I only have done sugar-free lattes...how bad is that?
Do you think I should be using a cutting supplement?

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by heavenlyjoy

Thanks, that helps. I have fluxuated since the beginning of the year from 21 to 19+%, right now sitting at the high end. (my weight is 117, was down to 114, think I need to be about 108.)
I have committed to getting off splenda, since I think it leads me to crave more sweet things and that a few bad days cancel out all the good ones...
Other than that, I eat clean, very little grains, like veggies, some fruit...dairy (milk/cottege cheese).
On the dairy- is that a must cut out? I live in Seattle and it's pretty hard not to drink coffee here, though I only have done sugar-free lattes...how bad is that?
Do you think I should be using a cutting supplement?

Yeah I would absolutely hit my diet now. For my last show I wanted to lose 8% body fat...so I hit a 17 week diet and nailed it. But that was bb so we need to come in leaner than figure.

There is no need to cut out dairy. Not being able to get rid of fat or lean out has nothing to do with dairy...though many will try to tell you it does...and they've been seriously misinformed.

Fat burners should be only be used towards the end when you're looking to lose those last couple lbs.

Your diet is the key to the whole process and will make you or break you come show time.

[marykwebb]

I have not competed yet but I do know that figure competitors who are our height weigh anywhere from 115-125 during competition but have 8-12% body fat. I have a friend who competed and got too skinny cutting and ended up weighing a lot less and cutting muscles and all her critiques were that she was too thin so keep in mind that these competitions are not based on what you weigh or what size jeans you wear. It is all about the body fat. I lost 2% (12% to 10%) in 2 months and did not lose a pound. You want to burn the body fat and make your muscles pop. I have also noted that supplements are extremely important. Most take a fat burner pre-contest such as Lipo-6 or Hydroxycut. Also, green tea extract, caffeine before your workout, and protein within 30 mins. of working out seem to be staples. I'm a little fanatical about these things b/c it's what I'm persuing my degree in. I plan to compete next year but cannot do supplements right now, as I'm breastfeeding my 8 month old. Good luck!

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by marykwebb

I have not competed yet but I do know that figure competitors who are our height weigh anywhere from 115-125 during competition but have 8-12% body fat. I have a friend who competed and got too skinny cutting and ended up weighing a lot less and cutting muscles and all her critiques were that she was too thin so keep in mind that these competitions are not based on what you weigh or what size jeans you wear. It is all about the body fat. I lost 2% (12% to 10%) in 2 months and did not lose a pound. You want to burn the body fat and make your muscles pop. I have also noted that supplements are extremely important. Most take a fat burner pre-contest such as Lipo-6 or Hydroxycut. Also, green tea extract, caffeine before your workout, and protein within 30 mins. of working out seem to be staples. I'm a little fanatical about these things b/c it's what I'm persuing my degree in. I plan to compete next year but cannot do supplements right now, as I'm breastfeeding my 8 month old. Good luck!

Getting lean enough for the stage has to do with your diet...not a fat burner. You can take a fat burner all you want and if your diet is off...it's not going to make a difference.

I've done plenty of shows where I don't even use a fat burner...no need to.