To gain or not to gain? A competitor's dilemma.

2011

Competitors are always looking forward to that first post-contest meal.  We think about it for weeks up to the show; planning where we want to go and what we're going to devour.  There's nothing like that first bite after being "deprived" of those fatty foods for months on end.  But after that first glorious post-contest meal what happens to your diet?...Especially if you're transitioning to the "off-season"?  Food is something that most competitors struggle with and I think that many of us get involved in contests to help gain control of our eating.  So now that the off- season is upon me, I start thinking about the most common question: How much weight should I allow myself to gain? 

2012

I am writing on this subject because I'm going through it as we speak.  I finished my season (pre-maturely) and now I'm struggling with the changes my body is going through.  Most competitors should avoid gaining a lot of weight after contest so they can get leaner for their next competition season.  In fact, we usually encourage our amateur competitors to only gain 7lbs (for women) to 15 lbs (for guys) after contest to keep them relatively lean throughout their off-season.  I think it's important to do that especially when a competitor has enough muscle but has trouble dieting down for shows.  That's what I did for 3 seasons and it really paid off.  I kept my off-season weight within 7 lbs of my contest weight and I went on stage lean and tight.  Getting on stage lean while maintaining my muscle size helped me to my earn pro card in the IFBB.

This season was different for me.  I went in 2 lbs lighter than last year and that was a big red flag!  I was lean, but small...smaller than last year.  After comparing my photos from 2011 and 2012, I can see the difference in my muscle size and density.  Being a natural athlete I don't have the advantage of gaining a lot of size in a small amount of time, so now it's time to change up my game plan.  I'm actually going to let myself put on some weight this year which honestly scares the s%$# out of me.  I've struggled with being overweight my entire adult life and getting on stage has been my motivation to keep me from eating myself out of house and home. 

off season 2011

Now that I have the rest of the season off, I have to change my focus from being stage- ready to just being healthy and fit; something I haven't had to do in over 5 years!  I told my husband this weekend that looking "normal" is a little scary for a competitor.  He responded to me by saying, "Babe, believe me, you won't look normal!  Your arms are not normal!"  Most women want to be skinny, but not me!  I began this sport because I love having muscle and feeling strong is awesome.  I'm going for that natural muscular look...so bring on the healthy eats!