Competition Countdown!
May 30, 2017
It's been way too long since my last post. Opening a new gym is time consuming, on top of regular training sessions, formulating a diet support group plan and outline, and finding time for daily necessities. Sleep has suffered a bit, always a bit of a wrench in the program. I know I sound like I am making excuses for not being regular with my blog but these are the facts. I've just been too tired at the end of the day to tap into topics with any creativity.
The update: The gym has now opened, I've made a commitment to compete in my first Women's Figure, and I've hired a posing coach (Rich Alvarez, Boca Raton: (954) 501-5858). I went to a couple of sessions - a one-on-one and then a group class before I decided to let him see the whole package (meaning in a bikini, and it is at least 2 sizes too small for me, LOL...). I also spray tanned before doing this. After seeing the amazing bodies in the group session a few days prior to this, I felt it was important that he see exactly what he has to work with though I still wanted the shield of that tan glow, the only remaining bastion of modesty available to provide a quick-fix to this 57 yr. old bod!
The date for the competition is September 9th and as of today, that leaves 102 days to prepare.
I thought I would give you a preview of the posing practice I did on my own so you can compare this to 2 weeks out from now. Besides, you may be in need of a good laugh. I have watched video upon video of the pros going through the routine and they make it look so easy. I feel like a baby giraffe learning to find my legs. The sound has been muted but you'll get the gist:
May 30, 2017
Okay, wow - baby needs LOTS of work! Can I have a Take II please?
May 30, 2017
Okay, like I said - baby giraffe. Talk about feeling awkward in your own body. I need to work on the positioning of my hands, shoulders and head. I need to learn to step out to the side between transitions while lifting and pushing my hip but not step so far with my foot, done much faster and fluidly. I need to incorporate a bend in my knee when I turn to the rear pose from the side so the judges see nice lines in my right leg. Obviously, I also need to continue to slowly drop body fat while keeping my muscles plump and round. Fortunately for me, this part is fairly easy. I'll be doing updates on my legs and glutes, areas that I feel are my weakest, as well as rear deltoids. Now that I have chosen a competition and have a date, I have intense focus on a goal. I have already dropped an inch off my hips since the 4/22/17 shoot, a bit over one month ago. Check out the following videos (all shot on 5/30/2017) for some of my favorite shoulder moves:
The above is done from a middle-setting on the cable with a rope attachment and the one below is done from the highest position with a rope. Hits the rhomboids/middle traps/delts slightly different. Love them all equally!
Below: Spider Bicep Curl-performed on flat side of preacher bench. Heavy weight, low reps...
Still shots from Memorial Day Shoulder workout - health takes No Holidays!
Chest cable flyes, love this one. Using very light weight to show form.
Even though I may look like I am in pain, or maybe pissed off - anything but happy - I totally love training! If you have any training questions, contact me!
