Choosing your competition

  Every year about this time I start getting the question " Do you have a show coming up?" Very few times do I have someone ask how I come about picking a show. Recently however, I have been getting this question more often.

  First of all, I pray about each show. I really feel that the Holy Spirit guides me to picking my shows. Case and point.... I had my heart set on doing the Master's Nationals this year. I have wanted to do this show for two years and just knew this was the year. God would have different plans for me this year. At least that is what it looks like thus far. I was asked to do the spray tanning for a new local show coming up. Wouldn't you know it would be the same weekend. I told the promoters I would have to pray about it and that's what I did. I prayed that God would make it clear what I needed to do. Do I do what I have wanted to do or take this job that could prove to be quite lucrative? Remember, I have my kids in private school so every penny counts in this household. It would be no longer than a week when I would get another offer to work as a nurse at a camp for blind kids. I have done this camp for two years and it always falls around the fourth of July. Well, not this year. They opted to move it.... yep you guessed it, the same week as the competitions. It was very clear to me that I could not give up this financial opportunity. Assuming contract negotiations go smoothly, I will be skipping the Master's Nationals this year.

  What size show should you pick? For me, and I have said this before, I want to compete. At this stage of my training I want bigger shows. I believe if you are starting out, then smaller shows are a great place to start. You can get the experience of competing in a show without the overwhelming level of competition. What constitutes a small show? I think a show where you have less than 10 competitors in a class is small. There are many shows where there are less than five. I personally, won't compete in these right now. I'd rather be number five out of thirteen than number one out of three. Smaller non-qualifying shows tend to be less competitive. Now don't get me wrong. I have been to small shows with three people and number one was in it to win it. But I have also seen where number one would not have made top ten in a National qualifying show. So you have to decide what do you want? Do you just want to get a feel for competing? Do you just want a trophy? Or do you want to compete with the best? There is a place for all of these. You decide which one is the right fit for you. 

  I also consider who the head judge is going to be. After competing in and attending a few shows, you can get a good idea of which judges you feel will like your look, or those who don't play favorites as often. I don't want to bash anyone in particular, but let's be honest...there is politics just about everywhere you go and everyone knows it. Keep at it long enough and you will likely get your break. I call or email and ask who the head judge is. I do this because the head judge has a huge influence in picking the first call outs. If I get a name I don't want to hear, I do not do the show. I look for another show who's head judge is a better fit for me.

  My plan this year is to compete in two National level shows. I have also chosen to compete in a smaller show only 2 hrs from home. I made this decision for three different reasons.

#1. My workout partner, who is an older gentleman, has decided to enter his first show. He has supported me for years and it’s my turn to show my support for him. While I would be very content to just go and watch, he wants me to compete in the show as well. This would put us dieting at the same time and our goals very similar.

#2. It would be a great opportunity to "play" with the diet. This show will fall only a few weeks before my first National level show and I can use it as a practice. This is what will be a challenge. I felt I was a little flat last summer at my show, but I was too scared to add more carbs. I guess I was worried about making it worse with too many carbs. This time I am going in with the attitude that I have to see what works. I will consult with my trainer while at the show and make the necessary adjustments.

#3. I am READY for another show. Plainly said, I just want to do another show and don't want to wait till June. 

So regardless if you are new to the industry or a regular fixture on the competition circuit, there is a show that is right for you. If you feel confused and lost about picking a show, then ask someone who competes regularly. You can also go watch some shows. Do the call outs make sense to you? Were the judges consistent in their call outs? These are just a couple of things to look for when attending a show. Above all, have fun. If competing is not fun then it has all been for nothing. Hang it up and pick a new hobby. J

BACK Again!

My intentions were to post a blog on aging in the NPC. Well, I guess when my computer shut down I lost the whole thing. Sometimes I hate my computer. I will have to rethink it and try again with that one later.

In its place I thought I might just share a couple of pictures of me training back. Anyone who trains as hard as a competitor knows its hard to get a good look at your own back. I was surprised to see how much muscle my back has. I look "little" in real life, but I think I look pretty big in these pictures. Or maybe that's just what I want to see. LOL

When doing back I keep to the same motto "Load it up". I go heavy and yes, I do real pull-ups. I may only get 10 on my own, and that may be only for two sets, but I will finish with some help from my partner for four sets. I firmly believe pull-ups are one of the most effective back exercise to build those lats.

Feel free to message me some ideas you would like me to blog about. Someone asked me recently to blog about picking a show. Small vs. larger shows. I'm working on that one now. I would love to hear from you.

These were taken recently. You may be able to click on them for a larger view.

Plastic Surgery Part II

In my last post I discussed plastic surgery as it pertains to the NPC. Today I want to discuss this topic as it pertains to the everyday woman. Remember, these are just my opinions. I don't claim to be an expert by any means on this topic.

        

Lets first discuss who I think make the best candidates for plastic surgery.

The best candidates are those women who, for the most part, are self- confident. This would be someone who doesn't constantly look at herself in the mirror and complain about everything she sees. There will usually be one or two things she would love to change if given the opportunity. That’s just normal. The person who should rethink surgery is just the opposite.  She will have low self-esteem. Low self-esteem will not be cured with surgery. She will have to continue to have procedures done and will never meet her own expectations or be satisfied.

Another good candidate would be someone who just wants what she wants. She may know she doesn't "have" to have it, but she wants it anyway. Of course, the above statement regarding self- confidence would apply here as well. She won’t have surgery because her spouse or boyfriend wants her to have it. This is a mistake. I would never have surgery to "please" someone else, not even my spouse. I may meet a little opposition to this statement, but its true. If your man is pushing you to have surgery and doesn't love you for who you are, then you have bigger problems than you think. Let's face it; There is always someone out there prettier, skinnier, sexier, and so forth.... even after surgery. So you better make sure you are doing it for you.

Women vs. Women- It is and will always be the case, that women will be other women's biggest opposition to plastic surgery. We love to look at a girl with nice enhancements and ask sarcastically; YA THINK THOSE ARE REAL? BET SHE PAID SOME GOOD MONEY FOR THOSE!  I could go on and on. But let's be honest, it's because we are a little jealous.... or in some cases a lot jealous.

But come on, if you are going to have surgery, don't lie about it. You don't have to post it on facebook, but if someone has the balls to ask, either tell them it’s none of their business or fess up. You look like a fool when you deny the obvious. Case and point, true story... I was at the pool at SFA this past summer and myself and two other ladies were looking and admiring how cute this young woman looked in the pool. She was almost 9 months pregnant. The next thing I hear is a lady looking at me saying, "That's my daughter and they are real". What? I thought as she continued around the lazy river. Before she made it back around, we quickly realized she thought we were looking at her other daughter who was truly "blessed by God" if they were real. Calling bullshit on that one (in my head of course), I caught her on the way back around and told her it was not that daughter we were looking at but rather her pregnant daughter. She chilled out after that, but my point is, I didn't care if they were real or not.... but I’m not an idiot either. Nevertheless they looked great!

Be subtle about it - I want to be the one where people go; Are they or aren't they? HMM! Not sure. Or the one where when they do realize they think...wow that's obvious, yet they have been around me for a couple of months before noticing.... yeah really obvious huh?

Men- Someone wanted me to give the man's perspective on this. UH Seriously? This will be easy. YES AND YES. If they say they are not a boob man then you get a boob job, I am betting they become a boob man. LOL Not much else to say about that.

In the end, it's your body and your decision. As for me...Well, let's just say, my pictures won't lie and I won’t either.

Plastic Surgery and the NPC Part I

NOTE: I WROTE THIS LAST SEPTEMBER BEFORE ABANDONING MY BLOG FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.

As I started to write this blog, I realized that I might have to divide it into two parts. As with just about all my blogs I spend some time thinking and writing about the chosen topic. This one was no different. I thought I would first blog about plastic surgery as it pertains to the NPC then in part two, as it pertains to women in general.

PLASTIC SURGERY AND THE NPC

Go to any site where pictures are posted of NPC competitors and you will see something very common. Most have had plastic surgery, breast augmentation to be exact. What are my thoughts and opinions on this?

  First of all, I do consider breast augmentation "cheating" in competitions. If you look at a woman's physique that has not been enhanced by breast surgery and compare her to someone who has, you will find the following. I will be the example in this scenario of someone all natural. I have to work my pecs (chest muscles) a lot to achieve the same look as someone who has enhancements. My pecs are pretty impressive for someone this small. Compare side-by-side pics and you will see in most cases (not all) the other girl does not have defined pecs. What a rip off. I press anywhere from 40-55lb dumbbells in each hand in order to achieve the same look. I get the short end of that stick for sure.

  Let me also mention how enhancements give your shoulders a more distinct rounded look, almost broader. I am not sure why, but it does. It can also give the "illusion" of a smaller waist. Once again, these are all illusions, but they work.

  Do you have to have plastic surgery to do well in the NPC?  Well, you could increase your chances for the reasons I stated above, but I say NO! The judges are not thinking (in most cases) look at the rack on that girl. They are just innocently drawn to a more balanced physique that implants offer. This isn't the Hawaiian Tropics. A good set of boobs is not going to win you a show. You also have to have the full package. Nice looks, toned abs, nice muscular legs, and what I believe to be the most important, a nice firm round butt. Your butt will be the deciding factor. I promise! In my last show I counted 4 of us back stage that did not have implants. I know two of us placed in the top 5. Let's not forget I won my first bikini show in 2010 + 3 out of the 5 of us who made top 5 in another show were all "natural". So while I believe it can give you an "edge" up, I would never have surgery just because I thought I would place better. You will likely be disappointed if you bank on that.

  It may sound as if I am against surgery. That couldn't be farther from the truth. I am to be honest, a bit jealous. Not from the competition side of things, just from the loss of my youthfulness.  I am actually a supporter of it, if you are doing it for the right reasons. I believe most women who opt for surgery are given a bad wrap for that decision. That’s really unfair. Which leads me to take a more in depth look at plastic surgery; not only for competitors, but also for all women in general.

In part II I will discuss the double standard in plastic surgery. Not just between men and women but also for women of different sizes. There is an obvious bias that most people overlook. I will also discuss my opinions on who makes the best candidates to have plastic surgery.

I'm Back

I know I it seems I disappeared off the face of the earth. I got off facebook and just stopped blogging. I by no means stopped training. In fact, I am more confident about what this year holds for me in the competition world than any other. I am more fit this off season than I have ever been. I promised some topics on my last blog and I had actually written those before I abandoned ship. I will post those soon.....that is as soon as I remember what they were. LOL
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

DID YOU JUST SAY THAT?

Has there ever been a time when someone says something and you stop and think to yourself...Did you just say that? I am sure we have all had this experience and many of those are in regards to our health, fitness, weight, or recent accomplishments. I wanted to blog just a couple of my favorites.

Now, it is not lost on me that most people do not have mean intentions when they speak. But, let's face it, it happens. For me personally, the one I hate the most is this one. SO HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN SMALL? (in regards to my fit physique). Let me explain why small fit people hate this question. It basically invalidates everything I have done or accomplished in regards to my fitness level. I take it as if you are saying.... WELL, YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SMALL SO IT REALLY DOESN'T COUNT. Never mind that I am 37 and have had two kids. Don't take that away from me please.

This one was great. I was talking to a well-meaning colleague about my first place win last year in my first bikini show. He then says...."IF YOU LOSE, IT'S BECAUSE EVERYONE LOOKED BETTER THAN YOU, IF YOU WIN IT'S BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE LOOKED LIKE CRAP".   Did you just say that?  So what you are saying is... if I lose its because they were just in amazing shape, but if I win it's because they looked like crap, not because I was in amazing shape. I love this one.

There are always those who like to imply things as well. Comments to others like (in regards to the time I spend in the gym) I just don't have that kind of time to take away from my family. UHH Seriously? Did you just say that?

I jokingly share these with you. I never take anything anyone says too seriously. They mean well in most cases and those that don't are just jealous. Never let anyone take anything away from you. You are in control of your accomplishments, not them. Most people don't know how to process other's successes.  This is especially true, if it is in an area where they may have struggled before. Just remain confident and encourage others, even in the midst of moments when you think, "DID YOU JUST SAY THAT?"

Does Alcohol Impact Muscle Growth?

Recently, I became curious about how alcohol affects muscle growth. I was already aware of how alcohol consumption can slow down weight loss, primarily because of the extra calories involved. I am not a big drinker, but I do consider myself a social drinker. When I am "leaning out" for a show I try to eliminate all alcohol. Typically in 12 weeks, I might have 3 drinks. But what about the off season? How is this affecting my progress? So my search for the truth began.

Alcohol Facts

Alcoholic beverages usually contain ethanol, a type of alcohol that packs seven calories per gram. Unlike protein, carbs or fats, it's not considered a nutrient nor does it provide any function in the body.

Inhibit Muscle Protein Synthesis

In research reported in the August 1999 issue of the "American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism," researchers discovered that drinking alcohol can inhibit muscle protein synthesis, the muscle growth process within muscle cells. During a 14-week study, subjects on an alcohol containing diet had greater levels of myopathy, or muscle loss, than those taking a placebo. Scientists suggest that alcohol blocks the process of protein synthesis, which leads to a reduction in muscle mass.

Testosterone Impact

Research shows that alcohol can negative affect the muscle building hormone testosterone, according to research published in the May 2004 issue of the journal of "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental." Participants consumed beer or non-alcoholic beer for three weeks while following the same diet composition. Scientists found that the beer group had significantly lower testosterone levels compared to the no-alcohol beer. Low testosterone levels can compromise muscle building, since the hormone plays a vital role in initiating protein synthesis.

Growth Hormone Impact

Like testosterone, growth hormone facilitates the protein synthesis process. Therefore, maximizing growth hormone output can increase the muscle growth process. In research reported in the 1980 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," researchers found that alcohol consumption significantly suppressed growth hormone release during sleep.


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/215221-does-drinking-alcohol-affect-muscle-building/#ixzz1UFe03hB5

Drink too much and you end up storing too many calories as fat.
Many people will choose low calorie alcohol drinks or low carb alcoholic beverages in an attempt to avoid the fat storage issue. They feel that by making this choice the only bad effects of alcohol – increased fat storage – will be minimized.
But what you didn’t know is that only about 5% of the calories from alcohol are stored as fat!

1- Alcohol really affects the amount of fat your body can and will burn for energy!
In a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Research [4] they concluded that just a mere 24g of alcohol consumption showed whole-body lipid oxidation ( the rate at which your body burns fat) decreased by a whopping 73%!
When alcohol goes thru the liver, the by-product is called Acetate. It would appear that acetate puts the proverbial brakes on fat burning.
Your body can use many types of fuel. Protein, carbohydrates and fat. In many cases, the fuel used is dictated by it’s availability.
Trouble is…
Your body tends to use whatever you feed it for fuel right? As your acetate levels increase, your body burns more acetate as fuel.
What this means is…
Fat burning takes a back seat!
What it all boils down to is this…
a) You consume a couple of alcoholic drinks or more. b) Your liver metabolizes that into acetate. c) Your body uses the acetate for fat as fuel.
http://www.bodybuildingsecretslive.com/effects-of-alcohol-on-muscle/

In addition to this, research has also shown that consuming alcohol will increase your appetite, thus increasing your caloric intake through food. You will also get less REM sleep after drinking a few drinks. This will inevitably affect the quality of your workout the next day(s).

This was just 2 sites of the many I found regarding this issue. They all pretty much agreed that alcohol consumption can have a significant negative impact on muscle growth. This has definitely made me rethink this topic. Reality is, when you step on that stage, what you see is a direct result of what you did in the off season. Why would I want to take something in that would hinder me from reaching my goal?
Note: I wrote this draft about a month ago and wanted to see if it actually changed the way I looked at drinking. I believe it has. I now feel a bit guilty for putting something in my body that won't benefit me tomorrow. Will I quit drinking? Probably not. But I will save it for more social times instead of when I am watching The Housewives of Beverly Hills.