1st Show - 5 Weeks Out

It’s been a while since my last update on my bodybuilding contest prep, and a lot of things have changed from when I started on this journey. I know more about the sport, the divisions, and where I fit in and I’ve also had a few gut checks along the way. Here’s the short version:

1) Decision to go Bikini. I’ve decided to compete in the Bikini Division, which is defined as softer, less defined than Figure (where I thought I wanted to compete at the start of this journey). Based on my starting physique and fitness goals, this division made the most sense for me this year. The transition from Bikini to Figure for my next competition season will be smooth as I can work on adding muscle mass to my leaner frame. The idea was, let’s shred the body fat and see what we are working with in terms of muscle size and definition. 

Missy Coles, pictured here is a friend I met at the start of this journey. She’s a IFBB Bikini Pro and is engaged to one of the baseball players, Mike, who trained at Hyde Park Gym this winter, which is how we met. She’s about 5’10” and competes in the same class as I would. Hers is a winning bikini physique:

2) Decision to compete sooner! Once I made up my mind, found a Bikini Coach and got to shredding, I decided to compete in June versus July and try to qualify for Nationals. My first show will be the Adela Garcia Classic - National Qualifer on June 23 in Pfleugerville. I am 5 weeks out in my training and feeling ready! I hope to see many familiar faces in the crowd. I’ve also decided to continue my training beyond the Adela Classic to compete at the Europa Expo - Dallas in August. That is, if it’s not too terribly frightening to be on stage. 

3) Training solo. I’ve been training solo for the past few weeks and I miss working out with my CrossFit crew. It’s so much more fun CrossFit with a group and I feel a little detached from my co-workers and friends because I am training on my own. But, it’s only for a few more weeks and then I can get back to it - at least for a few days a week. In off-season, I’ll be CrossFitting regularly (turning show muscles into go muscles). I’m sure that everything I’ve been doing with strength training and nutrition will help when I can focus on developing my gymnastic skill and power with body weight movements. Both of those areas of CrossFit have historically been weakness of mine due to my larger size and heavier weight. Looking forward to it!

I am in my groove regarding training, supplementation, and nutrition. It’s not easy, and I’m making sacrifices to stick with it, but all good things are coming from it. It’s been such a valuable learning experience that I can share with my clients. The Summer Shredder Program is something that I created for my clients based on my routine. I can’t wait for them to get results and feel great like I do. If nothing else, THAT makes this whole process worthwhile. It’s not about how I place on stage, it’s about what this process teaches me that I can pass along to my clients. If I can do it, YOU CAN TOO. 

From “Go” Muscles to “Show” Muscles

My journey from CrossFit to Bodybuilding 

I laugh as I write this…

How can a functional fitness junkie go from snatches and deadlifts, to incline press and leg curls? Is it possible to step on the elliptical machine without feeling ashamed? Will I ever get to eat bacon again? Will they take away my kool-aid and kick me out? 

These are all questions that stream through my mind as I walk into Hyde Park Gym for my daily “Pump & Shred” sessions preparing for my first Bodybuilding competition, the Naturally Fit Super Show in Austin, TX on July 21, 2012. I’ll be competing in the Fit Model division, and alongside with my partner in crime, Showout Meg, in the Figure division at this event.

Both divisions are the most feminine of all bodybuilding. My ideal look for competition is something like IFBB fitness pro and fit model, Alicia Marie, as pictured in competition and in print shape below. 

Great. But why? I’m doing this as a way to challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone and into the unknown - part of that “Be Bold” motto. Plus, getting involved with the larger fitness community is a must for longevity in this business. Consider this diversification. 

The show is 6 months away, and I’m 5 weeks into my “building” phase, meaning I’m trying to gain as much muscle as possible before I start the “shred” phase. I have to train my muscles that were under-developed: biceps, triceps, delts, pecs, abs, and quads, with some isolation work. Yes, lots of curls for the girls. The muscles that were substantial in strength and size from CrossFit, a.k.a. “go” muscles (lats, traps, hamstrings, and glutes), need less isolation work. So, I have a good base of fitness to pull from. But, it’s not about power or output in bodybuilding - it’s all about symmetry and the aesthetic. This is a complete mind-shift for me, but I’m going with it. 

I’m still CrossFitting 2 times per week at CrossFit Central and incorporating at least 1 day of sprints to my Pump & Shred schedule. I lift weights 4x per week and add in 30-45 minute cardio sessions 3-4 times per week. I’m am officially a gym rat.

I’ll update with what I typically eat and my continued progress, but here’s where I’m at as of now: In 5 weeks, I’ve lost 3% BF and 1 lb, meaning I’ve gained muscle. Enough to get me to a new shoulder press PR and improve my pushups. Plus, my abs are starting to show - not from crunches, but from eating clean. Yay! 

GOAL: 7/1/2012 - 11% Body Fat

CURRENT: 1/15/2012 - 17% Body Fat

I’m excited to see where this take me. I’m looking forward to the challenge, meeting my goal, and any new opportunities that come as a result. I’m not looking forward to having to wear less than a yard of bedazzled fabric, and a thick layer of spray tan on stage in front of hundreds of people. Is that bold, or just crazy?