Hi everyone - just decided to finally sign myself up so I could post a message. I have been reading so many different posts that yet being extremely helpful, they are also throwing me into "panic mode"! I am going to be competing in my first Figure comp. on May 22nd (4 wks out) and just recently started the contest diet approx. 1 1/2 weeks ago (I have already been a regular lifter and always watch what I eat- with the occasional restaurant meal cheat). A friend that owns a gym told me that he thought I could be ready in a 6 week period after measuring my bf and looking me over (of course I was more doubtful). I contacted Rita at BI (who is very helpful and so nice!!) and am going by the diet she has given me. My problem is that I truly can't afford every supplement recommended and am hoping that it won't affect my outcome. I am currently only taking 7-Keto, Glutamine, Bev Flax and MP - plus my my daily vitamin, Potas, Calc, etc.. Also, I am just stressing about how much cardio?Do I increase my lifting? Pro-Tan, is it hard to put on? Got to order the suits next week, the shoes, the hair, the Bikini Bite and posing oil......I feel so overwhelmed about all these other things that I am just beginning to get waay stressed!!!! I want to do my best at this and I know I won't get everything right the 1st time around but anyone have any suggestions? (maybe at least to de-stress??)

Normally I wouldnt recommend last minute show preparation, unless you can at least diet 10 weeks. But, you may be naturally very lean.

It probably will be a bit stressful since you dont have as much time to get everything in order. SO if you can just deal with that, then youll be okay. Just by getting up on stage you are doing what very few have the nerve or drive to do.

Pro tan is not that hard to apply if you have some help. If you are doing it on your own, it could be a bit tricky. But, the best way is to use a bowl and a sponge, rather than the little applicator that comes with it. Youll want to start applying it Weds. Youll need old clothes to wear to bed and old sheets bc it will get all over. If you dont want to start early with it, apply 3-4 coats all day friday, go to bed, shower in morning, and reapply if still not dark enough. You may also want to look into dream tan, this is applied over the pro tan on the day of the show, its basically like body makeup, and gets all over everything.

The more supplemens you use the better, Id recommend the ultra 40 and mass before the glutamine, but thats just me.

Just realize you are only dieting half the time of most, so just be prepared to use this as more of a learning experience rather than bringing your absolute best package to the stage.

Next time out you can then diet longer, and youll know the ropes.

N2Health,

Don't stress! That's the worst thing you can do is to get all worked up.

While I agree with Jason on amount of time to prep, I think that Figure is a bit different, while I wouldn't think about going into JR. Nationals for a Figure comp. without 8-10 weeks of prep, your first NPC/Local Level show might not need to be as in depth. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to go into your show half-@ssed, just be realistic about the outcome, gain some experience and plan a little further for the next one)

A couple of things

1) I understand where you are coming from on the Supplements. Be open with Rita, explain to her what you can afford, and she will adjust your diet and supplementation to accomodate.
I think Rita even wrote an article some time ago in the No Nonsense Newsletter about this topic, ask her about it.
Beverly is in the business of selling supplements, but their mission is to help you accomplish your goals.
I work closely with Beverly on my diet plan and my wife's diet and competition plan. They are extremely helpful and understanding.

2) Regarding cardio, my wife has done several contests with and without it. I will be quite honest, if you stick to the diet that Rita gives you, in all likelyhood you will not need much. Understand that everyone is different and you may need to keep it in. Experiment, look in the mirror, ask for critique...

3) As far as lifting goes I wouldn't change anything until ~5 days out from your competition. Lift as normal and about 5 days out start a whole body program while going light on the legs.

4) Pro-Tan is not really that difficult. If you have someone to help you with your back you should be just fine. (this is where husbands/boyfriends/best friends come in handy)
If you don't have anyone to help just find a good set of mirrors where you can see your back while you apply. I do use the applicator that it comes with when I tan my wife, it all is a personal preference. Some folks don't / some do.
My wife is relatively light skinned and we just started a new way of tanning that gets her coming in at a really good color.
(3 days out-1 Mistic Tan, 1 Pro-Tan, Rinse / 2 days out-1 Mistic Tan, 1 Pro-Tan, Rinse / Day before show - 1 Pro tan / Day of show - Bronzer)
I use the bronzer that Pro-Tan makes and it seems to go on a bit easier than Dream tan and doesn't rub off as much either. Once again personal preference.

5) Suits-You should have them in hand at least 2 weeks ahead of time to be safe. Make sure they fit and hold your "Parts" properly. If any adjustments are needed this gives you the time to make them. Definitely get your shoes as soon as possible. Wear them for a couple of evenings around the house to break them in and get used to them.

6) Understand that experience brings wisdom. You can only do so much, any mistakes are only learning opportunities for the next time.

7) ....and lastly, find someone who has done it before and ask for help.
I think that my wife would be a great resource and I am sure that after her show in Pittsburgh, she would be more than happy to trade e-mails/phone calls to help you out. She is not on the board much this week as she is prepping for this weekend. She has 6 shows under her belt and has done quite well in each. Look her up on the forum or visit her websiteJulieLohre.com (julielohre.com) and send her an e-mail. I am sure that Monday or so she could help you.

Cheers,
Rick

WOW! Thank you Rick sooo much! You were more than helpful and very in depth as well! I actually have already sent Julie and email and she responded back with some great advice and motivation. I sent her some photos just last week but I am sure, as you said, that she has a lot on her plate right now! I truly appreciate the time you took to answer my plea!
Laurie