What I Learned From Doing a Bodybuilding Competition
A couple of years ago after much persuasion from my then manager and now business partner, I decided to compete in a WNBF natural bodybuilding competition. I eventually decided to go for it to see what I was capable of achieving and hopefully inspire some of my clients to strive to be the best that they could.
It was definitely one of, if not the most challenging thing I have ever done and I want to share three core things that I learned during my experience which transfer over to any health and fitness goals, whether it be changing your body composition or more fitness related goals, like competing in a marathon.
You must have a compelling goal
Why are you working towards your goal? For me the motivation was the competition and being up on stage in a pair undies essentially, in front of a whole lot of people. That's what got me up in the morning to do my countless hours of cardio. That's what got me preparing every single one of my 6-7 meals a day and following my macros to a tee. That's what had me busting my butt lifting heavy weights 5 times a week. That's what got me through the mood swings from lack of carbs. If I didn't have that driving me then you can guarantee I wouldn't have put myself through it all. You absolutely need a strong enough why to overcome the how. So really ask yourself "Why am I doing this?"
Circle of influence
If I didn't have the support of my then girlfriend and now wife at home then I honestly couldn't have done it. Not only the help with prepping my meals and eating the same sorts of food I was eating but the emotional support was absolutely paramount. If you involve your circle of influence in your goals and have their support and understanding it will drastically increase your chances of success. I guarantee that the people you spend the most of your time with will have a big impact on your lifestyle choices and if they are stopping you from getting where you need to be then you need to educate them about what you are doing or possibly even rethink who you are hanging out with.
Have a trainer/coach/mentor
You need to have someone you trust. Someone who has done it before, who knows what they're talking about and will keep you on the right path. Someone who knows your limits and can push you to them because sometimes you need to work that little bit harder than you're willing to do by yourself and you need someone there to make you do it. This is just as much an emotional support as well as it is physical. Knowing that your trainer is looking out for you and is there if you need them, but also willing to tell you when you're slacking off. You need to follow a plan and have direction and unless you know exactly what you're doing yourself then you need guidance.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
