Advice for newbie:

[RN2BeIn'05]

I need some help... I have been weightlifting for 6 years, taking brief periods of time off to have three kids (not all at once!!). Recently a few people at the gym have been telling me I should enter a local contest (in April 04). I am actually kind of interested in doing this. My friends think I am nuts, but I am excited. I just love to lift and think it is great to have the opportunity to show it off, especially since I am always covered up by hospital scrubs. I don't even care if I win. I just don't want to make an ass of myself or embarass myself.

The problem...I don't know where to begin. The men at the gym compete and all seem willing to help me out, but they are MEN and I am only guessing here, but aren't there some differences in posing routines for men and women. Also, I need some SPECIFIC diet advice. I eat very healthy already. And I have a good basic general knowledge of diet due to my Nursing studies and profession, but I know there are "tricks" to pre show dieting. If anyone can point this girl in the right direction I would be ever so grateful!!!

 

[cdog]

dont have any advice but ill bump this up for ya ! good luck! and great job!

 

[StoneColdNTO]

Welcome to the board !!

 

[RN2BeIn'05]

Thanks guys, so far no help...but I browsed around in here and really like this site. Glad I came.....

 

[atherjen]

Hey gurl! Welcome to the board! Very knowledgable people here willing to help. I dont think that I could offer stable advice in this area as I have yet to compete myself, although I am competing in 2, maybe 3 competitions this spring.

heres a link to an all females board, many competitors on there which I know will offer solid advice!
www.femininemuscle.com

 

[RN2BeIn'05]

Just got to that site, browsed around a bit, posted my message, and have crossed my fingers Thanks a milllion.

 

[supergirl]

Hey RN.. welcome aboard!!

Congrats on taking the first step to competeing!!

What weight class?? i am assuming you will be competing in bbing.. there are tons of tricks of the trade!!

We have here on steroidology a forum dedicated to competitors you may want to pop in over there... but i am sure some women will have some great advice..

In all honesty, your "tricks" really don;t come in until about 1 month out.. so you do have alot of time ahead of you.. You start couting the weeks when you are at about 12 weeks... that is when the real "prep" begins.. that is when diet and training become really critical.. Not that all other times don;t count lol.. but ya know what i mean..

As we speak, IFBB pro Beth Roberts is producing a posing video. I am not sure when it will be on the market, but you may want to contact her directly. just a thought..

IMO, i would rent some videos of past shows.. or better yet, go see some shows.. get an idea of the poses you feel are strong.. watch and learn.. and then practice practice practice!! There are mandatories in pre-judging you will need to know
www.npcnewsonline.com is a good place to go for NPC competition info, guidelines etc..

but i am forgetting the most important step.. PICK A SHOW!! once you know the exct show you are doing, you can begin your plan!!

RIght now, fall/winter is still bulking season.. cutting for spring shows again is not til like 16-12 weeks out (12 being the latest you would want to start) but all is depending on how you look...

but these are just some basics.. i would really check out the competitors forum on this board.. i have even posted a bit over there with some tricks of the trade! and i also have a sticky up about the last week out with all my secrets posted for you!!! So that can also help as a guideline..

any questions.. ask.. sometimes it takes a little while for the girls to get over here and answer, but you will get help!!!

lots of luck
super

 

[atherjen]

bump this up, great advice supergirl!

 

[Fyre]

Welcome to the board hun! Are you competing in fitness, figure or bodybuilding? Do you know your current level of bodyfat? Knowing your current level of bodyfat would help us definitely in assessing how long it will take you to prep for the show. Once again, welcome!