NPC Bikini Prep: 5 things I wish I had known when I started!

Whoa! So as you all know summer is over and for most of us, life just got real! Like I reiterated in my Youtube video we must manage our time. With that being said click here for a 5 minute video on how to create a time incremental spreadsheet.

When I first started I came without much knowledge but here are a few things I wish I would have known from the beginning.

Proteins are a very important supplement that all bodybuilders need weather you are cutting or bulking there is a certain type supplement for you. I messed up by running to walmart and getting the cheapest kind, I also did the opposite and ended up with the wrong kind. My point is…do your research. Figure out what stage you are in then go to Bodybuilder.com and figure out which Protein is best for you.

Pre-workout for me was always a little questionable until I found C4 by Cellucore….GREAT COMPANY btw! However most places sell 1 for $36 as opposed to Costco Wholesale who sales them 2 for $36. I now use it religiously and it helps me push through those tough days.

Fitness gear is essential, and for newbies like me it can end up being a big waste of money too. At the beginning, I ran out and bought all the cool gear like most do. By all means if you want it, then go get it. But if you are like me, clothing and being sweaty don’t mix. I typically wear sports bras and athletic shorts or my $2 razor back shirts handmade by me. So hit up the thrift store and go to the men section to find some cool Bob Marley shirts or grab some from your boyfriends pile of junk..its very cost effecting and having them everywhere is very efficient.

Also chucks are very good for weightlifting. They provide a good foundation unlike most athletic shoes with extra cushion. All-Stars can be found at almost any ross or dept store. They are very comfortable and convenient on the days you forget your shoes too. So leave them in the car instead of the basement:-)

Personal trainers! I know it’s a hard pill to swallow, but folks, Youtube can only take you so far. Get a personal trainer even if it is for just an hour. Luckily for you, most gyms offer a free consultations with one of their personal trainers. Have him/her show you proper form because in the long run you will be adding weight and if you are not doing them correctly like me,(which most arnt!) you could end up paying twice as much in hospital bills for self-inflicted injuries. Also, you miss gym days resulting in you starting from square one and NOBODY WANTS THAT!

Prepping is not just meant for food although that is important, prepping your gym clothes is also very important. There have been days where im leaving work and I have to drive near my gym to make a pit stop and I wish I had my clothes. Ziplocking your active wear also saves on time if you prepack a gym bag with mobile hygiene products and just throw you pre zip-locked gym package in when you are flying out the door.

Food prep is another story but I will advise you invest in a Costco card if you are serious about eating six times a day. I know it doesn’t seem like a lot but trust me….it is especially if you are doing it right. For $50 A YEAR you have access to Costco Wholesale and boy is it worth it!

I know this can all seem overwhelming but soak it in.  This journey can be exciting and life changing if you dedicate time to nurture it. With that being said…learn from my mistakes and GOOD LUCK LUVS!

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My First Time (NPC Bikini Competition)

I think it was early May I set my sights on competing in the 2015 NPC Bikini competitions.Truthfully, like most of you, it had never crossed my mind until I started digging on IG. I was fascinated by how people were transforming their bodies but most of all I couldn’t find one article about how these women regret changing their lifestyles. It seemed like most people only used the competitions as an initiative to change but ultimately a healthier life was a tangible and a benefit to it all.

Luckily I had just finished classes and with year being my first summer off of active duty AF in 4 years, I had to keep occupied or else I would have lost my mind. So I started asking question and soon figured out a lot of competitors ARE NOT willing to dish out tips and sources…and those that did were very vague and after a few questions they would ask you to pay or find your own personal trainer.

 

With little to no personal help I began research and soon found myself with meal plans and workouts to last me for days. I knew that if I wanted to compete I would need to begin a routine that way I can implement it into my life when school and work started back up. I began meal prepping and working out 7 days a week (which I will justify later) and boy did I see results!

Here I am almost three months later and I would have never imagined that a bikini competition would change my life so much (in a good way).  I have to admit, it was hard at first training my body to wake up early, especially in the summer. Meal preps took up most of my days and motivating myself to get in the gym everyday was the hardest. But don’t fret my friends, once you hit your stride meal preps will become fun, fast and interesting, and getting to the gym will be equivalent to going to the mall. Most of all, the changes you start to feel and see will motivate you and build so much confidence that you will be happy to flaunt your gym workout clothes. So push through all those excuses and just start, even if it is just getting a gym membership! You will be happy you are embarking on a journey that will change your life completely.

My Foundation

1.     I was starting from ground ZERO like most of you probably are. Although I look athletic, I hated running and my gym visits consisted of the same weights (nothing over 15 lb), the same exercises and the elliptical EVERYTIME!

2.     My nutrition was ok but not great. I spent a year as a pescitarian but one trip back home to Texas ruined that and I ended back up eating junk.

3.      Some of you probably think you don’t have time because of kids, school or work. Im here to tell you to nip that one in the butt. Although I don’t have kids a lot of competitors do (ie Youtube 1fitashmom) We are all normal and have lifes to tend to as well. I am full-time student perusing my degree in in Business Mktg as well as working in Real Estate. I also serve in the Air Force Reserves. So don’t let time be an excuse, not to mention most gyms open at 5:00am or some even stay open 24 hours:P

So, to those of you who are embracing my challenge, CONGRATULATIONS!! Please keep me updated on your progress. Also, don’t forget to subscribe and check out my social media. With all that being said, GOOD LUCK ladies…see you on your best side!

*view my youtube to watch my journey along with tips and advice on starting out!