I have always wanted to enter one of those fitness bikini competitions, but never have. My first one will be July 5, 2014!
Jamie Eason has been my inspiration because she is short like me and I admired her physique, thinking mine could look similar if I really dedicated myself.
I know that to get in that kind of shape, you have to train hard consistently, but equally as important, you have to eat in a very regimented way (5-6 small meals a day with a specific balance of protein, carbs and fat). I never thought I had the discipline to sustain that kind of lifestyle for any length of time so I let that goal go, and went on with life, but continued working out and tried to stay in shape. But, back of my mind, I always wished I would have gone for my goal and wondered, “What if?”.
Last year, my cousin began competing in fitness competitions (over age 40!) and she recently visited from California, encouraging me to enter one this year as well. She helped me get online and find a contest close to home that I could train for. A “typical” training period is 12 weeks (for those who have done them before), but I chose a competition that is currently 15 weeks away (July 5 to be exact), and I start training with a trainer 3 days a week starting tomorrow- Monday, March 24- and I’ll also workout on my own. My trainer will prepare a meal plan for me. Since I have been eating really clean and 5 meals a day for the last 7 weeks, I’m more mentally prepared to keep it up through the contest prep time. We’ll see . . . .
15 WEEKS OUT
Here is what I look like now (15 weeks out from the July 5 competition): As you can see, I have quite a bit of muscle to gain. I’m 5’1 and weigh about 110 now.
I’m super excited to see how I can develop my body in this amount of time and I’m happy to be reaching for one of my “bucket list” goals, even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. This is a perfect time for me to train for this competition because I’m currently staying home and my son is in pre-school part of the day. I take care of our household, keep up my two blogs (this one and
Honey We’re Home), and help out my parents, but I’m the kind of person who likes to have lots going on, accomplishing things throughout the day.
I’ll have to figure the training out as we go since my son’s school ends in May. I know that lots of women do this kind of training while working full-time, but I don’t know how they do it (especially when they have kids too)!
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For background, in terms of female fitness competitions there are several divisions in the NPC (National Physique Committee of the USA) and I will be competing in the “bikini” division.
Bodybuilding– extreme, big, bulky muscles (think women with muscles as big or bigger than men)
Physique– similar to bodybuilding, but toned down a few notches
Fitness– very lean and muscular, but no extreme bulk or veins and requires a 2-minute routine scored for strength, flexibility, and cardio/tempo
Figure– small degree of muscularity with separation, but no visible striations, overall muscle tone with shapely lines, firmness; lean but not excessively ripped. Overall appearance including make-up, suit and skin tone is part of the package. Muscular but still feminine; definitely not as much size as a bodybuilder.
Bikini– very athletic and fit with balance and shape, usually with visible abs
BIKINI DIVISION RULES FOR NPC TEXAS
POSING SUITS: Bikini contest posing suits (two-piece) for am prejudging must be brought to check-in and be approved by the Head Judge. The bottom of the suit should be in good taste – not too low in front and covering 50% of the gluteus area (bring a second suit with a more modest bottom, just in case). Bikini suits should be “off the rack” types. Thong suits are not allowed. Competitors must wear high heels. Jewelry may be worn (think tasteful).
You should bring a second suit in case there are questions about a suit style or some other mishap occurs. Emphasis is on “tasteful”, remember these are family shows. There are also a variety of different products to temporarily glue your suit to your body.
HAIR / MAKEUP: While there are no rules on how to wear your hair, just remember that judges cannot judge what they cannot see. Remember to move your hair aside so the judges can see your back development. For makeup, the more finished and feminine you appear, the better your overall presentation. Keep in mind your face and body tan should blend.
POSES: The bikini swimsuit round will consist of the model walk at center stage – front stance with hand on hip, full turn to a back stance with hand on hip, and return to front stance. No lewd acts are permitted and will result in disqualification.
SCORING: The scoring for bikini will be done during prejudging in one round –two-piece. Live scoring at the night show consists of front/back turns.
Judges will be scoring competitors using the following criteria: 1) Balance and Shape; 2) Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation.
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I will be tracking my progress here and will share my training regimen and diet as I prepare. Kinda scared for my first training session tomorrow . . . . .
How fun! Good luck!!
Thanks Andrea! My trainer's name is John Sherman.
You'll do great because you do have the self discipline that most people lack…especially me!
Awesome! Congratulations! I really admire your dedication to competing. I am super curious about your diet during prep, so I'll definitely be looking forward to those posts. Good luck to you! Can't wait to read more!
Yay!! Good luck Megan! You'll do great and I am looking forward to reading about your progress!
Wow! Good luck!! Can't wait to get the updates on how you are doing.
you got this!
This is awesome! You always had an enviable physique, I am excited to see how your body changes in the next 15 weeks!
Good luck!
Yes! I am so excited for you! I am a figure competitor and absolutely love the sport. Looking forward to following along as you prepare. No doubt you are going to be AH-MAZING!
Awesome!! i am both crazy jealous and motivated!!! I will be 40 this June, I work full time and have two kidos- my goal is to be wearing a bikini in July!! I hope you are able to post your food/workouts! awesome! thank you
Amazing- can't wait to see your journey! You are a huge inspiration!
This is awesome Megan!!!! You are already a winner in my book for signing up to do it. It takes a lot of courage and mental focus to be so committed and that is great you are checking this off your bucket list 🙂
Linh
http://abeautifulrawr.com
Awesome! It's been a dream of mine too for ever. My friend just competed in the Phil Heath here in Houston and won 1st Place for Physique "Sheila Furjouh". And my life coach will also be competing soon. Can't wait to see your transformation. Best of luck.
So excited for you!!! I can't wait to see your journey. Something I would always love to accomplish but do not know how to get there at this stage in my life.
That's Amazing!! Good for you! I'm 48 and I haven't been following you long but in the short time I have, you've encouraged me to work out and eat alot healthier! No excuses because of age!!
Elisa
Inspiring Megan. I've thought about doing one as well, but I'm terrified of being in front of all those people. You will rock it! Excited to follow along on your training journey! Good luck!
Good luck! I'm too scared to try the bikini competition…but I'd love to be in that kind of shape. I'll be following you and wishing you lots of luck! You've been an inspiration to me – I really appreciate your motivational posts. It keeps me a bit more on track with where I want to be. Good luck in the coming weeks! I'm sure you'll do awesome!
One of my good friends is an IFBB Pro…I've learned so much from her. She has encouraged me to someday work toward a bikini competition, due to my height {5'8"] and overall body structure. I would love to work toward that. I am nearing the end of my 3rd pregnancy, so I have my work cut out for me…but I hope to find the motivation to actually go out there and do it! Good luck to you and can't wait to follow along on your journey!
http://www.styleoyster.blogspot.com
http://www.thegymbunny.com
Get it girl! It's a huge commitment and there are days you will want to quit, but it is so worth it when you step on stage. If you have any questions or need an ear from someone who's been in your shoes (well, figure, not bikini) or opinions on suit design, favorite tanning and stage makeup, shoot me an email briezentil@gmail.com. I trained for four years under Kim dodo out in California before moving to china where figure and fitness is non existent.
This is something I've decided I would love to do-how did you find your trainer? Seems to me to be the most challenging, and critical, part!
I think this is awesome, so exciting! I have a friend who competes for natural/physique it's a lot of hard work but so worth it. This is similar to running a race, the deadline doesn't move so you have to be focused, motivated, and have a training plan. You have all that and you are dedicated so you will be great!
Good luck. I didn't know there were different levels in women's fitness competitions, I thought it was only for the manly looking body builders.
This is awesome! I wish you lived closer because I would higher you as my trainer!
Looking great Megan! Good luck!
Awesome! I have a friend that has been searching for a great fitness competition trainer in Las Vegas.
Bikini Competition shoes