Newsletter - Issue 40 - Women's Health

Q: I would really like to compete in a fitness or figure contest, but I'm not sure if my physique is quite ready. What's the difference between these two types of contests? How do I know if I'm ready? And, what's the first step to getting started?

A: Competing in fitness or figure can be a very rewarding, healthy, and fun experience, but it's important to take the necessary steps to prepare yourself properly. If you're going to make the commitment to compete, you must be willing to give 100% effort toward your pre-contest preparations.

It's clear from her competition photo, Carla not only talks the talk, but she walks the walk.

Now, it sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and want to compete. That's fantastic! And as far as your concern about whether or not you are "ready," physically, there's no better time than now to show off all your hard work in the gym. If you wait for everything to be "just right" in your life, or for your body to be "just perfect," you'll be waiting around forever. And unfortunately, you'll let the joy of competition pass you by. Let's not allow that to happen. Deal? (I think you'll have more fun if you compete.)

The difference between fitness and figure contests is quite simple and straightforward. A figure competition consists of two physique rounds: one in a two-piece swimsuit and one in a one-piece. Fitness, on the other hand, consists of the same two physique rounds, plus a fitness routine round. The fitness routine is a two-minute performance displaying strength moves, flexibility, dance, gymnastics, and any other athletic skills the competitor wants to display. The competitor's performance is judged on coordination, execution of strength and flexibility skills, energy, entertainment value, costume, and creativity.

To prepare yourself for either type of competition, you'll first need to find a qualified trainer or coach who has successful experience working with fitness and figure athletes. To ensure they are qualified, I suggest you first ask them for their certification and next talk to the athletes they've worked with for an evaluation of their coaching and training styles, as well as their specific techniques. Once you find your coach, make a firm commitment to work only with him or her.

Once you have decided whether you want to compete as a figure or fitness competitor and your coach has worked with you enough to determine that you are ready to take the leap toward competition, pick a show. I would suggest that you choose one that is small, local, and at least six months away for fitness and four months for a figure competition to give yourself enough time to prepare properly. Balancing work, school, family, friends, and training for a show is quite the challenge, so allow yourself plenty of time to prepare—so you can look your absolute best!

Since Real SOLUTIONS first ran Shari Friedman's Success Story, she's gone on to compete in local figure competitions and has faired exceptionally well.

Once you begin to prepare for your show, you will notice that suddenly everyone around you becomes an "expert" and knows what's "best" for you! My advice: do your best not to listen to them. If you listen to everyone's advice, you'll drive yourself crazy going in all different directions, and they could derail your progress! I can't overstate the importance of finding a coach you trust and then listen only to that person and follow through with their plan. It's quite likely they've been doing this for years, and there's good reason to believe he or she has your best interests in mind!

Last, you'll want to create a budget because competing in fitness and figure competitions is not cheap. Consider the costs for a gym membership, personal trainer and/or coach, posing suits, heels, choreographer, costumes, nutritional supplements, food, entry fees, travel, and body color supplies. I normally encourage all competitors to seek sponsorships from family and friends. This can really help a lot. Simply write a letter explaining your competition goals and invite them to become a part of your support team by becoming a financial sponsor.

Most people are more than willing to help and are excited to share in your success! I've found that you can easily ask for, and often receive, about $50 from each person you ask. And besides developing a support system, you're developing a fan base before you even step on stage.

My last bit of advice would be to enjoy the process of transforming your physique, learning new skills, building your confidence, meeting new friends, and achieving a very worthy goal. And there's no doubt you'll find great success in the journey. From my years of experience coaching women, I've found that once you reach competition day, you'll already feel like a winner, before even stepping on stage! When you do compete, please do me a favor and send me your pictures and tell me what it felt like to step on stage—looking and feeling beautifully confident. I can't wait to hear from you. You can find me anytime at www.CarlaSanchez.com.

For more information on contest preparation, visit www.performanceready.com and meet several women I've coached over the years.

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Time to Compete?

How to Compete in Your First Fitness or Figure Competition!