figure competitions
Alright people.. here’s the dilemma. I want to take fitness to the next level and possibly do figure competitions… But I am afraid I cannot do this on my own and will need a trainer. For those of you who have done figure, about how much does it cost for a trainer..how many times do you meet with them a week..and are there any competitions coming up? I am from Pittsburgh.. I have been searching for a trainer but am having little luck.. it seems like there are only online trainers anymore and i’m not interested. I am a broke college kid, so maybe getting a trainer at this time isn’t right. But maybe one of you have some advice to get me on my way ! 
thanks
March 20, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Hey girl! Well…the training, the lifting weights part and the cardio part I have done on my own…now having said that, I am a p/t and have worked with and along side of other really good trainers! So we are always sharing ideas and theory! But….you can study that part and dvd’s are available for posing, suit selection etc. PLUS this site is an awesome source of a lot of info!
BUT…I had to have a trainer for the diet part of competition! I can honestly say, that not having done that part before, I was lost and not coming down the way I am now that I have a trainer. (KVNJames on this site is my trainer!) I would definatly look into all of your options! Dont give up hope or dreams!! Just keep asking and stay determined!!
March 20, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I am not sure if this is much help but I can assure you a dietitian is more important then a trainer when preparing for a competition. Weight training will help you retain muscle while diet and cardio slip the duties of removing the extra fat your bodies carries. I would personally look for advice on www.bodybuilding.com in the “articles” sections first before you go spend ALOT of money for a good trainer. Most trainers are actually only good for one thing and that’s basic motivation. If you have the inner-drive then there is no need to have someone push you!
Here are a few things I have learned from my last lean down:
#1 Diet is 100% "KEY"!
#2 VEGATABLES/LEAN PROTIEN ARE YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND!
#3 Cardio is not slow but speed is key! Heart rate up heart rate down! H.I.T. style cardio for after your workouts or before breakfast!
#4 You will be hungry! VERY HUNGRY! ALL THE TIME! But stick to your diet and you will see the results you want.
#5 Follow the diet for no more the a period of 16 weeks. Staying to long a low calorie diet with excessive over training can and will have bad side effects.
#6 try no to NO carb it! Carbs are great as long as they are COMPLEX ONLY and TIMEING IS KEY!
#7 When you eat is also VERY VERY important! Eat every three hours small meals high in protein.
#8 Carb cycling works great too! (eat one day low carbs, next day high carbs, next day NO carbs, repeat! EASY)
#9 NO CHEATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#10 Find someone to push you in the last few weeks! You will if you have the heart make it to the last two weeks no problem but by now you tired and exhausted and you want to eat someone BAD so BADLY!!!!! You almost hate the GYM! People annoy you, WHERE THE FOOD! Too hell with cardio! You start to doubt your reasons for doing this stupid lean down in the first place! BUT THAT PERSON WILL REMIND YOU WHY, GIVE YOU HOPE AND MOST OF ALL BE THERE FOR YOU EMOTONALY!
GOOD LUCK!
I hope this helps!
I am about to start a serious lean down for summer and I love and hate the experience I am about to have but in the end after it all said and done I will have accomplished something many don’t have the courage and passion to do!
TRUST ME IT FEELS GOOD!!!
March 20, 2008 at 8:59 pm
if you are looking for some pro advice, you might try this book I have. It tells you how and what to eat. The author is a writer for Men’s Health and knows whats up. The book comes in a kit, but this book "Muscle Gaining Secrets" by itself is money well spent. Three months ago I was 164lbs, now I’m a ripped 197. Good Luck, hope this helps.