jumper11 
"WE did it! Thank you SO MUCH to all who voted and dealt with me bugging you daily.....We made it into Round 1of the Spokesmodel Contest!! MUAH!!"
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Archive for the 'Training' Category
Monday, October 19th, 2009
Hair, Makeup, and Accessories
One of the final decisions to make about competition prep involves the styling of hair, the application of makeup, and the selection of accessories. All three combine to finish off the total package of a phenomenal physique and months of hard work. Considering this, adequate time should be invested into the determination of these areas.
Hair
When considering competition hair, remember the key is to standout while on stage, while still looking your best. You want to look like yourself and feel beautiful. If you don’t feel comfortable and confident, it will certainly show on stage. When selecting hair styles consult with a stylist about color and cuts that accent your features. The short hair has been the trend for the past two years and many girls have attempted it, but not to their best interest. It may look good in public, but on stage it appears different. If you want layers or longer hair, experiment with hair pieces; everyone wears them now and the methods of putting them in can range from inexpensive do it yourself clip-ons for $50 to long term bonding and weaving methods ranging from $300-$1000+. Go to beauty supply stores and play with wigs and hair pieces or browse through hair magazines for interesting styles. Put your suit on and play with different styles to see what works best for you. Don’t get too overwhelmed, and remember, if all else fails, keep it simple and neat. Leave the edgy extravagance for another show. When you get pictures back from your initial show evaluate your hair and see if it works. If not, keep experimenting until you achieve the look you want. Remember, the worst thing you can do is wait until the day of the show to try and decide on a hair style. You have enough going on that day and your hair shouldn’t be another obstacle.
Makeup
As much I did not believe this when I first started competing, a professional makeup job makes all the difference in the world. Or at least knowing how to apply stage make up is the key. What looks like a lot of make up in the mirror is usually perfect for the stage. Remember the lights drown you out, so everything has to be overly dramatic to appear “normal” on stage. The joke with makeup is if you feel like a clown, your makeup is usually perfect. If you do not know how to properly apply stage makeup, then take classes, or solicit the help of a friend who is knowledgeable. You can go to makeup counters in the mall and ask them to teach you how to achieve the look you desire. Other competitors backstage at shows are usually pretty nice about helping others apply makeup as well. As far as color, it is really about personal preference and what brings out your natural features. Many girls like to match their eye shadow to their suit color, while others go for smoky eyes, or natural finishes. Experiment and solicit feedback from others. One very important tip to remember is to make sure your competition color and foundation blend well together once on your skin. This means you may have to use a slightly darker foundation than normal. DO NOT use competition color on your face. It gives the appearance of a dirty face on stage and can easily cost you the competition. The last thing you want is for it to appear as though your body and head are two completely different entities.
Accessories
The use of jewelry is a way to bring everything together. The rule of thumb I use is this: if your suit has a lot of “bling”, go with simple jewelry. If your suit is plain, spice it up with fancier jewelry. Although some ladies opt for real diamonds, most purchase bracelets, necklaces, and earrings in sets or alone for $8-$50 depending on what you want to spend. Many free standing stores in the malls or flea markets carry the “blingy” stage jewelry at very reasonable prices. You can also try teenage clothing stores which often carry the same thing at affordable prices. And if the jewelry breaks, loses stones, or is misplaced, you don’t have to panic about a lost fortune. Some girls opt for bracelets and earrings only, while others wear both plus necklaces and anklets. Have fun with it and let the jewelry represent your sense to style.
When combined, your hair, makeup, and accessories should all be selected to accent your features and give that final touch of elegance that you bring to the stage. You’ve worked out and dieted for several months, purchased the right posing suit, applied the perfect touch of competition color, and are glowing with radiance on stage. Enjoy your time on stage and moments in the spotlight…you’ve earned it. Now go out there, and quarter turn and pose your way to victory! Best of luck to you!
Posted in Training, Other, Reflections
Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Competition Color
Most competitors have a preference for the type of competition color used. When deciding on the most appropriate type, research the amount of application necessary, costs, and skin sensitivity. Remember, all methods are only temporary, they will rub off on clothes, and some can even stain clothing. Lets look at three of the most common methods used to achieve competition color.
Sprays
Spray tans require less work for the competitor, but are typically more costly. Many shows have professionals who attend and will apply the color for packaged pricing ranging from : $45 for one application to $150 for 2-4 coats or for both the morning and evening show. It usually involves a relatively large room where competitors are taken several at a time and sprayed or airbrushed to their desired color. Similar to all other applications, the color must dry and as it does it tends to appear darker. This type of application is not for those who are insecure about being seen in the buff by others. There is minimal privacy while being sprayed and there are usually several people in the room getting worked on simultaneously. If privacy is an issue, a similar look can also be achieved using spray tans found in salons. The only drawback is that at the salons, it is often done in a stand up booth with a machine that cannot touch up any missed or streaked body parts. There are also kits you can purchase that include do-it-yourself spray tans, but these are often costly to purchase the start up material.
Tanning
Although traditional tanning tends to give a more natural looking color, it is obviously not as healthy for your skin over prolonged periods of time and can quickly dry your skin often giving it a tanned, but leathery appearance. Many competitors choose to use tanning beds for a few days to get an even base color, prior to applying other products. There is also the option of self-tanners that are typically applied starting a week or so prior to competition. Since they take several days for the color to set in, by the 5th or 6th day a significant difference is noticed and if coupled with a spray tan, it may require only one application without skin becoming excessively dry. Netrogena, Jergens, Aveeno, and Banana Boat all have lines of self tanners as well as many others. When applying, follow all instructions, as these products can stain.
Appliqué
Three of the most common self-applied competition colors include Dream Tan, Pro Tan, and Jan Tana. Although commonly used among bodybuilders, Dream Tan products often leave competitors looking gold rather than a natural bronzed or tanned color. Some of this may be attributed to the competitors body chemistry, which can often effect the look of the finished color. Dream Tan is also prohibited at select shows as it tends to be difficult to wash off carpets in the athlete changing area of venues. It comes in several forms, with the most common being a mouse like substance that can be applied with a sponge, gloves, or brush. Because the product is so dark and thick, only one coat is often required for adequate color. Pro Tan was formerly available in a mouse and is now only available in a liquid spray. It is typically applied with a sponge brush and gloves. It requires multiple coats to be applied usually 2-3 days prior to competition. Jana Tana, which is applied similar to Pro Tan comes in a foam type spray that includes a competitor color and a competition tan (which is a darker bronzer). Additionally Jan Tana has an assortment of exfoliators, moisturizing lotions, and glazes. One drawback to all the products is that many competitors have skin sensitivities and allergic reactions. One technique I used was to mix the liquid Pro Tan with my own moisturizer as it was being applied. It made the application much easier, because it could be applied like lotion, went on smoother, dried faster, and prevented streaking. And similar to other forms of competition color, it darkens over time.
Use of Oils for Muscle Definition
Some type of shine is typically applied to darkened skin prior to going on stage. The purpose is to enhance muscle definition. Many novice competitors use aerosol cooking sprays such as Pam and Crisco. They are much cheaper than competition oils and can be easily applied with assistance and a towel to blot off the excess. As with other products, cooking sprays are also being prohibitied at some shows due to the dangers of slipping on floors once slicked over with the oils. They are also near impossible to remove from carpets. There are specific competition oils by Jan Tana and other companies that are less messy and tend to smell much better than cooking spray. They range from $15 to $35 and come in sprays or gels. Again, many shows will have professionals backstage to do all the “shining” and “bikini biting” for the ladies at no charge. If that option is available I would encourage you to use it.
Dark Complexted Skin Tones
Another common mistake among novice competitors is the belief that dark complexioned skin tones do not need to use competition color. Regardless of how flawless and or dark a skin tone may appear, under the hot bright lights on the stage everything is drowned out and appears lighter than it actually is, therefore all competitors must use some type of color.
Regardless of the method used, always remember to do your research and do a test application prior to competition if possible. Many of the colors can vary depending on your body chemistry and skin sensitivity and the last thing you want is to go on stage looking orange or green from a bad color job. Additionally, remember that when showering in between applications, caution must be used so as to not wash off all the applied color (ie-spot baths tend to work better than showering). Hey, remember, it is about looking beautiful…not smelling beautiful!
Posted in Training, Other, Reflections
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
The 2nd segment in my competition for beginners series focuses on proper suit selection.
Suit Selection
So you think you have seen the posing suit you want, which just happens to be similar in style to the suit won by the Arnold or Olympia winner. It is beautiful, gorgeous, and you have already envisioned yourself stepping on stage wearing it. But wait, what you may not know is that posing suits can quickly become one of the most expensive components of competition. Knowing these tips will help you with the initial process of selecting the best suit for your needs.
Create a Budget
Depending on your preference of suit, this can be one of the most expensive components of competition (specifically for figure competitors). You first need to determine how much you are willing to and can afford to spend on your suits. And remember that in many organizations you need both a one and two-piece. Prices range anywhere from $180-$2500+ per suit. With so many suit makers out there, there is one who will fit your budget. Once you’ve decided on a price, see which makers fall within your budget. Do an online search for “competition suits.” Some designers are getting more flexible with costs and are allowing you to make several small payments over time, while others ask for the bulk of the cost up front. And please don’t be fooled into thinking you have to have the most glammed up suit to win a competition. Many of the ladies with the “couture” suits are getting sponsors to cover costs, so they are able to get the suits with a lot of “bling”, without breaking the bank. Although it is important to have a nice suit, you should not go broke in the process of trying to attain it. Another suggestion is if you still find that your budget is tight, order a moderately embellished suit, buy the same Swarovski crystals that the designers use (at half the price) and embellish the suit yourself using craft glue. Look at magazines to get ideas of stone designs you like and experiment. Buy a cheap suit from the clearance rack and practice different stoning designs prior to working on your actual suit. Competitors are getting so savvy now that some of their self designed suits look better than the costly designers. Of course there is always the option to purchase used suits online from other competitors. The only drawback is that the suit often requires alterations. Regardless of the method you choose, stick within your price range because it is so easy to see other suits, get over zealous, and spend well outside your budget.
Select the Proper Color
When selecting the proper color, remember two things: it must accent your skin tone and look good on stage. It is also important that you take into consideration the color of your hair and your skin tone on competition day . Significant mistakes are made when ladies select suit colors based on their present skin and hair color and then morph into something completely different the day of the contest and wonder why the color does not look as nice. A good place to start is to think of colors you feel look good on you or that others have said highlight your skin tone well. Stay away from colors that will drown you out (ie: blondes may want to stay away from whites, darker complexions away from browns, and ladies with jet black hair away from black and navy blue). It has also been said to select color hues at the darker end of the spectrum because they show better on stage. (ie-selecting a magenta rather than soft pink; turquoise rather than baby blue). Ask for fabric swatches so you can actually see what the color looks like rather than just looking at it online. Don’t be afraid to get feedback from others as well. You’ve worked hard and want to put your best total package forward.
Select the Proper Style & Cut
Similar to color selection, your suit style must complement your physique. A good suit designer should ask to see pictures of your physique and should provide corrective feedback if you desire to purchase a suit that is not flattering for your body style. Consider whether you have a thick/slender waist, long/short legs, long/short torso and hips size. Additionally, you must consider your bust size accordingly. Many competitors have implants, which are fine, but a proper suit should appropriately cover your bust and not let them protrude on the sides. And ladies without implants, please strongly consider getting padding made into your suit. You can add the store bought pads, but they tend to not provide as much lift as the built in padding. Again, refer to magazines and online pictures of designers you like and consult with your designer to see if that is the best cut suit for you. Many times, there are slight modifications that can be made to your desired suit that can make it more flattering for your figure. Additionally, you may also benefit from seeking out designers who include any necessary alterations in the original price. There are instances when ladies pay $900+ for a tailor made suit, only to find that it is not properly cut and that they need to pay additional money for the designer to make alterations. Once you get the suit, be sure to try it on…..and don’t panic. It never fits exactly like it does the day of the show when you are lean and depleted.
Following these steps will surely get you going in the right direction for selecting the best suit for your first competition.
Although definitely not exhaustive, this list of suit makers will also help you get a jump start on things:
www.sensational-designs.com
www.divaexchangefitness.com
www.christinemarshdesigns.com
www.passionfruitdesigns.com
www.cynthia-james.com
www.merrychristine.com
www.fitweardesigns.com
www.dreamwearonline.com
www.lidiaconti-bodywear.com
www.cryscorner.com
www.thewinningsuit.com
www.fitnessandfigurecompetitionsuits.com
www.jagware-posingsuits.com/
www.fitswim-byceleste.com
www.maggiefit.com
www.ccfitwear.com/
www.fitswim-byceleste.com
www.posingwear.com
www.GoFigureSuits.com
www.bikiniguru.com
www.suityouswimwear.com
www.lindacusmano.com
www.fitnessteambc.com
www.bodyrushpersonaltraining.com
www.bryondavid.com
Posted in Training, Other, Reflections
Friday, October 9th, 2009
When many people decide to compete they get the idea after going to a show or witnessing the transformation of others, but most have no clue where to start. This 4 part series I wrote last year that was published in Natural Muscle Magazine explains how beginners can make competiting a bit easier. Hope you find it useful.
Congratulations! So you’ve decided you want to compete in a Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, or Fitness Model Competition. You are motivated and eager to get started. Your workout routine is flawless and people at your gym are cheering you on. You’ve heard that you have to eat…..alot and know that this includes a seemingly infinite amount of protein. But exactly where do you get started on the right dietary and nutritional path to success? Following these brief beginners tips will make the transition a bit less stressful and improve your likelihood for success.
Seek a Competition Qualified Nutritionist
Although many nutritionists and registered dieticians have a plethora of expertise and experience, finding one that has specific experience working with others in the fitness industry is imperative. Start by asking competitors whose physiques you admire who they work with. Talk to trainers, coaches, athletes, and do your research. Once you find a nutritionist, ask to see pictures of several of their clients. Rates are usually not cheap, but you often get what you pay for. This is an investment you definitely want to make. If you are serious about competing AND winning, a nutritionist is usually something you have to add in to your competition budget, at least until you feel you have learned enough to adjust your diet independently. In time you will find that you can adjust your training according to how well you adhere to your nutritional plan.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Food preparation is one of the biggest components and often the biggest downfall of competition prep. If you have limited time, it typically requires you to plan your 6-8 meals per day ahead of time. It may sound simple, but when you consider that you will probably be dieting for 13-16 weeks, that is between 546 and 672 meals to prepare. Without adequate planning it is easy to run out of food, skip meals, or cheat on your diet. People tend to eat the same 6-10 dishes without even realizing it. Figure out what you eat, what you enjoy, and sit down and strategically plan your meals. Of course as the competition date approaches, you may have fewer options, but that is still a ways off.
Prepare Ahead of Time
If you know you will be traveling, or unable to return home to grab a meal, make sure you have enough food to take with you before you leave the house. There is nothing more frustrating than going somewhere and getting stuck or taking longer than expected and realizing you have no more food and it is past time to eat. Always carry more than what you need. You may feel like you look silly lugging around several hours worth of food in your mini cooler, but you will certainly be thankful when an unexpected mishap occurs and you are fully stocked with meals.
Find a Support system
Eating healthy requires discipline. Competition dieting requires even more intense discipline. Although many will support you in your endeavors, others will make seemingly harmless comments that may entice you to skip a meal and “treat yourself” to lunch or happy hour. Surround yourself with others who understand the intensity of your journey. For many, the end is particularly tough, as it may require you to temporarily remove yourself from various settings, people, and situations. Just remember, it is only temporary. If your friends and associates truly care about your efforts, they will understand.
Reassess Progress and Goals Weekly or Bi-weekly
Nutritional planning is not a one size fits all method. Your physique will undergo weekly changes and your diet must be adjusted accordingly. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because a depletion technique or type of food worked for one person, it will work for you as well. Take time to look at your transformation, consult with your nutritionist, and get critical about the results you want so he/she can help you achieve success.
Although these tips do not guaranty you a first place finish in your initial competition, they will help provide a basic foundation when considering nutritional planning for a show.
Posted in Training, Nutrition
Thursday, September 24th, 2009
Check out my transformation story in the newest issue of FLEX Magazine. I may not have had the most weight to lose, but I still busted my tail to get my physique where it is today. Gaining 5 lbs of muscle takes twice as long as losing 5 lbs. Ughhh! The only thing that got me there was hard work, dedication, prayers, and help and support from all of my mentors, family, and friends. Thank you SO MUCH!
For those of you who second quess yourselves, deal with nay-sayers, and doubt your own abilities. STOP! GET OUT THERE, and DO IT! It’s your life and you’ve got nothing to lose! Now get out there and throw up some iron!!!  Best of luck to you!
PLEASE don’t forget to vote for me (JUMPER11) daily at the link below.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/2010-bodyspace-spokesmodel-search-women.htm
Posted in Training, Other, Reflections
Saturday, September 12th, 2009
…..20 QUESTIONS……..
1)What exactly is a “Secret Society” anyway?
2)Is it really necessary to have a laptop, blackberry, and Bluetooth with you at all times?
3)Do that many people really need to get in touch with you, or are you just trying to look important?
4)Why is there rehab for internet addictions?
5)Why is Lil’ Wayne on every artist’s song?
6)Why do people get in the left lane and drive slow?
7)Why is “Intermittent Explosive Disorder” just a cover up for “Road Rage”?
8 Who came up with the fashion rule stating you can’t wear white after Labor Day?
9)Why am I so excited for the season premiere of Oprah next week?
10)Why are the people grunting the loudest at the gym always the ones with the lightest weight?
11)Why does if often seem like kids are more intelligent than adults? (we over think things)
12)Why does everyone in California drive a Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus?
13)Why are half of these same people struggling to maintain their image?
14)Why do women wear heels if they can’t walk in them?
15)Why do people think “sagging” is still cool?
16)Why does a “good ol’ fashion butt whoopin” from a parent to a child now have to involve CPS?
17)When did properly disciplining your child become a CPS issue anyway?
18)Why do we always want what we can’t have?
19)Why do people swim in the ocean and then get surprised when a shark attack occurs?
20)What do you think?
PLEASE don’t forget to vote for me (JUMPER11) daily at the link below.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/2010-bodyspace-spokesmodel-search-women.htm
Posted in Training
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
 
Whenever people ask how I started competing I always tell them about my trainer: Jolene Carter. When I first met her in 2004 I thought, “Wow, she’s fit.” She was really nice, goal-oriented, and driven, but the best part was that she truly cared about me as a client. Jolene stayed lean and close to competition ready almost all the time…..and she wasn’t even competing anymore. (And people ask me how I am able to stay lean year round…LOL…go talk to Jolene). I nicknamed Jolene “Supertrainer” because it seemed as though she had an answer for all my workout questions…..and she was always right. I remember saying, “How do you know all that stuff?” And she said, “I’ve been doing this for a long time.” When prepping me for my first show she promised that if I did everything she said I would win…..I DID! She called and checked on my progress and even yelled at me once in the gym when I was talking too long between sets…..and I wasn’t even training with her that day…LOL. The point is, the woman is not good at what she does, she is THE BEST!!
Last weekend, after finding out that one of her clients won the overall title at a Houston figure competition, I joked with her in a message and asked, “Does everything you touch turn to gold?” Her expectations demand nothing but your best, which forces you to perform above and beyond what you believed you were capable of doing. I believe in thanking and giving credit to everyone who helped me get involved with competing and fitness altogether, for it was not me alone, but the support of those around me who helped me succeed……so thank you Jolene Carter. I truly appreciate all that you have done and love and miss you so much!
They say behind every good man, is a good woman. Well I say behind every good competitor is an exceptionally good trainer and that trainer is Jolene Carter. If you want to be the best, get trained by the best. Check out her bio below, visit her website (www.jolenecarter.com), or feel free to contact her. She is truly a sweetheart with the work ethics of a lion!
JOLENE’S BIO
Jolene Carter is a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Fitness Specialist who has been in the health and fitness industry for over twelve years. She is a retired TNBF Natural Professional Bodybuilder who is well known for getting her clients to their individual goals in a short period of time. She is the trainer behind such physiques as models Jamie Eason, Laura Bailey, and Brittany Tiner
Jolene has several years experience in training post-physical therapy clients, the elderly, disabled, and helping those with various health problems to get off their medications. She has a sharp eye for symmetry and correcting muscular imbalances. Jolene has a strong passion for competition. She has a long record of training champion athletes in fitness, figure, beauty pageants, bodybuilding, and sports. She works hand in hand with nutritionist Keith Klein and his team at the Institute of Eating Management.
Jolene started running competitively at the age of three. At the age of twelve, she began weight training, then became involved in Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She then went on to teach the kickboxing classes. She still incorporates these skills in her training sessions. She started competing in bodybuilding in 2002 and won her pro card at her first competition, all of those years of weight training paying off. She went on to win several more TNBF and NPC titles.
Jolene currently trains out of Universal Fitness & Health located at 10111 Grant Rd. in Houston, Tx. Her sessions are fun and educational. They include individual, small group training, and boot camp classes.
CERTIFICATIONS:
~ NASM Sports Fitness Specialist
~ NASM Certified Personal Trainer
~ IFPA Certified Personal Trainer
~ APEX Certified Personal Trainer
~ Sports Nutrition
~ Advanced Supplementation
~ Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certified
To schedule a free fitness assessment, call Jolene directly at 832-768-4836 or by e-mail at jolene@jolenecarter.com
Posted in Training, Other, Reflections
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
It’s the work ethics, discipline, and skill level that make a good athlete great? It makes us unique. It makes us standout. It’s the drive that forces us to crank out that extra set, go back to the gym on our day off, or complete that extra hour of cardio. The mind of an elite athlete is not “normal” when compared to others. It cannot be or else we would not be elite we would just be average. But at what point does this mindset cause our passion to be the best to turn into potentially harmful behaviors? The 5th segment of my mental health blog will discuss Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and its potential characteristic features in athletes.
OCD is classified as an Anxiety Disorders. It is characterized by recurrent obsessions (thoughts which cause anxiety) and/or compulsions (the actions that alleviate the anxiety). (DSM-IV). The obsessions must be time consuming (1+ hr/day) and provoke some type of anxiety, while the compulsions are the repetitive behaviors engaged in to keep the anxiety at bay. Some common obsessions (thoughts) are contamination, doubts, and order, while common compulsions (actions) include hand washing, counting, and repeating words. The easiest way to remember it is that the obsession is the thought and the compulsion is the act. (ie- someone who obsesses about contamination will repeatedly wash their hands to reduce feelings of anxiety). Obsessive-compulsive tendencies are not uncommon as, as we all have some of the traits. Maybe it’s doing a certain morning ritual that feels awkward if done out of order. Maybe it’s playing a certain set of lottery numbers on a specific week every month, or even taking a certain route to and feeling like the day just won’t go right if you deviate from that route. No big deal, right? So then how does OCD and athleticism go together?
As athletes we are very good at goal setting and doing whatever it takes to reach our desired level of success. If someone insinuates that we can’t do it, we work tirelessly until we do. We often push ourselves to the point of exhaustion, fatigue, or injury. If someone says stop, we may get angry and work that much harder. I do believe that our innate drive for success is our motivator, but at what point do we cross that fine line and consider our efforts obsessive? Is it after we have lost friendships or occupations behind our drive? Or after failed marriages? Our success and quest for greatness becomes the obsession and the ways we go about achieving them our compulsions. We want to be the best. If we are not, we can become frustrated, disappointed, angry, or aggressive. This forces us to repeatedly participate in activities that reduce the anxiety and make us feel better such as working out, practicing, etc. Viewed from this perspective it is easy to see how elite athletes are prone to obsessive-compulsive tendencies in their quest for greatness. It should not be considered alarming, rather it should make us more aware of our individual behaviors in order to develop a healthier sense of greatness that is not achieved through complete mental sacrifice. Like I stated in a previous blog, what good is greatness and success if one is too miserable to enjoy it?
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
www.helpguide.org/mental/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd.htm
www.aafp.org/afp/980401ap/eddy.html
Posted in Training, Reflections, Mental Health
Friday, August 28th, 2009
Food makes the world go ‘round…..(at least that’s what we are taught). A job promotion, graduation, birthday, retirement, anniversary, holiday……we have an excuse to eat for EVERY occasion. But then society says everyone should be healthy and fit. That sounds pretty contradictory to me! So is it a wonder that so many people suffer (often in silence) from eating disorders? Athletes in particular are expected to maintain performance ready physiques and whether they win or lose, the reward or choice of comfort, is usually food. Again, contradictory. I’m assuming most have heard of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, but people typically get them confused. Hopefully this will enlighten you.
Anorexia Nervosa is the “refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight” (APA:DSM-IV). Being underweight is the main distinguishing factor of the disorder. A person must weigh less than 85% of what’s considered “normal” based on height/weight. The loss of weight is typically achieved through dieting, fasting, excessive exercise, or binge/purge (eating and vomiting). Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by “repeated binge eating and/or inappropriate compensatory methods to prevent weight gain” (APA: DSM-IV). Weight gain prevention is achieved by purging, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, fasting, or excessive exercise (often referred to as Exercise Bulimia). Both disorders sound similar. The easiest way to remember the difference between the two is that with Anorexia, a person is unable to maintain normal bodyweight. With Bulimia, a person is able to maintain normal body weight.
Depending on the sport and levels at which one must take their body to excel in competition, many characteristics of the disorders are experienced by athletes. The use of manipulated diets, enemas, and extreme exercising is common in prepping for a bodybuilding, fitness, or figure competitions. Women may also experience amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle) due to low body weight when doing contest prep. Some of these characteristics are also not uncommon for gymnasts or distance runners. So does that mean if you experience these symptoms you have an eating disorder? Of course not. There are several other factors that would warrant the diagnosis.
Unfortunately, due to society’s emphasis on “size” more people are dealing with the pitfalls of these disorders. LISTEN, it is not a gender specific disorder, or a socioeconomic disorder. It does not care about your race, age, or ethnicity. This is an UNFORGIVING disorder that claims more lives than any other psychological disorder. I truly believe awareness is key to prevention. My hope is that knowing and understanding some of the characteristics associated with the disorders will allow us to look at our own behaviors and attitudes regarding food and exercise and evaluate whether they are being done for healthy or unhealthy reasons. Additionally, I hope that through education we can help others who may be suffering from these disorders.
www.edtreatmentcenters.com
www.eatingdisorders.com
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Posted in Training, Reflections, Mental Health
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
In order to be great one must think great. Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart; to these moguls failure was never an option..it was for the next man. My belief is that athletes think the same way. We train to win, not for a consolation prize. We train to be the best, not second best. We strive for perfection knowing it can never truly be attained. So what happens when perfection is not achieved? A few things can occur. We either immediately start working toward it again, dismiss the situation altogether, or deal with some type of emotional battle that can manifest into various forms of depressive states.
A Depressive Disorder (also referred to an unipolar depression) falls under the spectrum of Mood Disorders. There are numerous symptoms associated with depressive states (ie- insomnia, lethargy, fatigue, isolation, anhedonia, guilt, suicidal thoughts, irritability, etc). It is the paring of symptoms over specific periods of time that determine the type of depressive disorder. My point is not to display a checklist of items, as all symptoms must be considered within a contextual setting. Rather, it is to allow others to see why (in my opinion) athletes are so prone to experiencing symptoms related to depressive states.
Think of a Normal Curve. 90% of the average population falls under the normal curve, 5% below average, and the remaining 5% above average. Athletes fall within the above average 5%, as our work ethics, drive, and motivation are what allow us to exceed the norm. This means ability wise, we perform better than 95% of the entire population…….that to me is greatness! So why the depression? When we compare ourselves, we do so against others who are also within the “above average” classification and we are often forced to see ourselves as mediocre. A genius is only defined as such because others around him are average. A genius compared to Albert Einstein is just smart; he is not longer a genius. As athletes when we compare ourselves to others who are great, it levels the playing field and makes our quest for perfection much more difficult attain. In turn, this can lead to feelings of failure, sadness, unfulfillment, and ultimately to depressive states…..even though we are STILL performing better than the average person. This is why it is so important to have other activities to help remain grounded and well-balanced. IT IS OKAY to compare ourselves to the “average” person once in a while. Although failure is not our desirable option and our quest for perfection continues, we should ask ourselves this: How much are a few moments of perfection worth if they cost a lifetime of anguish and unhappiness?
NOTE: Obviously depression is not that simple and a true diagnosis is far more complex. But externally it is often difficult for people to understand why someone who looks as if they are in the best physical shape of their lives can be so unhappy and miserable. To these people I say don’t train to be “good”, train to be “great” and see how much of an emotional toll it takes on you.
For those who need it, I encourage you to use or share the provided links below as you see fit.
www.psychologyinfo.com/depression
www.depressiontreatmentnow.com
www.psychcentral.com
www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Posted in Training, Other, Reflections, Mental Health
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