This is a bit long winded...but it talks about having support structure as a competitor...... As the saying goes…..Behind every great man stands a great woman. It’s the same for women as well. To be very successful you have to have the drive, determination, persistence, mental fortitude, discipline and vision. When you have someone who fully supports your visions, you become more driven. You have support structure. For those who compete in Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, or any other extreme sport, we have to eat and train consistently to become a true champion in our arena. We need to stick to our workout plan. We need to prep our meals and stay on track with the diet plans. We have to adjust our plans to see progress. This can be mentally draining. There will be times were we have to find our motivation and drive to continue pushing through any obstacles. Sometimes we rely on close friends and family to help us stay on track with training. They can remind us that “one bite” does hurt or that someone is training harder than you. They can also make sure you are clear to go to the gym or shop (or prep) for food without distractions (example, kiddos). Or maybe they are willing to listen to you when you need to vent. They may become super supportive the few months leading into a show. Then its back to normal. The show is done and they may think its time for you to get back to a “normal” way of life. BUT…those who want to become a true champion need to focus on revising their plans and goals. They need to have a solid diet and workout plan. They need to be focused 365 days a year. They may not eat clean 100% of the time, but they will do a pretty good job at eating cleaner for their goals. They will learn what foods work best for their body. They will see physiques changes that they desire. They will build muscle in the right places. These are the athletes who need 100% support 100% of the time. Not just a few months. They need to be reminded that this is a journey. They need to know they are expected to eat clean, train hard and stay focused. They have shared a goal and loved ones are behind them every step of the way. They will not try to sabotage their diets. They will not say “your not getting ready for a show so you should eat this pizza, soda, cake and ice cream. After all, you are at a birthday party!” Or maybe “You’re taking a break so you should eat like a normal person and why do you still go to the gym so much?” What about “You don’t have a show coming soon, why don’t you just take it easy?” I have competed several times in the last few years. I try to learn from my own life and from those of other competitors. I want to share the three most important things for me. First, family will always be number one in my book. I will not compromise my marriage and kids to have a stellar physique. Second, you should always compete against yourself instead of comparing yourself against others. Third, a TRUE CHAMPION is usually one of two types of people. Now, I am talking about the ones who earn their pro cards. Don’t get me wrong, I firmly believe everyone who gets on stage is a champ in my book. It takes a lot of guts and hard work to show up on stage in a small outfit. Everyone is either single or have their own family. A true champ who is single has supportive friends and family. They have a strong drive and persistence to make things happen. They do not have to worry so much about a spouse or children’s desires or needs. They can focus on their own goals. A true champ that has a significant other and kids usually has full, undying support from them. They are constantly reminded that they have to stay focused. Young ones and their special someone is looking forward to mom (or dad) placing first. They remind you to eat clean. They will tell you its gym time. They will not give you a hard time with meal prep. They will not try to sabotage your diets. They stand behind you every step of the way. AND Every day of the year. They know taking a rest from shows mean you plan on working harder than ever to bring a better package forward. If you have a significant other who wants to compete and become a true champ……think long and hard about ways to show support. Remember small things you say can take them off track or keep them going. Encourage them to work harder in the gym. Don’t let them slack when they are reaching for an excuse to stay home. If you’re a competitor and have your own family, remember what is important in life. If training and eating hard to compete places much stress in your personal life, then communicate with your other half. Find a compromise on being healthy physically, emotionally and family wise. Please share your thoughts….maybe someone can benefit from your own experience or thoughts. I know I would like to hear your input in this area whether you PM me or add a comment. Feel free to tag anyone or share.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:36:34 +0000
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