Okay so I've kind of been dipping in the figure/bodybuilding world for the past couple of years and have gotten trainers on and off during that time. I've never done a show but really want to. Here's my question. Hiring a personal trainer is slowing putting me in the poor house. Do most people who compete have trainers to get them ready? If not how do I learn the proper weight training, etc. to get the look I want? Any advice would be great.

Jeru,
Personally, I do not use a trainer, but I can understand how the PT rates can really cut into your bank account. You can get by without the use of one if you have the self determination. I know alot of people who use trainers as someone to push them and get them off their butt. If this is not the case for you and you can push yourself then i think you can do fine w/o the use of one.
This forum is a great guide to help you if you ever have a question reguarding proper technique or workout strategies while preparing for the show. The old NNN's can help you as well. As for your diet, etc. that's where Team Beverly can help you. If you live away from the greater cincinnati area and can't get down to get your fat % taken, then you can visit most any major college or university's and get your fat done there for a small fee of 10 bucks or so (In their School of Allied Medical Professions College).
As for you posing,etc. It's important to ask around where you workout and meet people who have competed before and know the Ins and Outs of posing. As stated many times before on this forum, there are posing videos, manuals, etc. that you can buy that can help you out w/ this as well.
Hope some of this helps.
-Kevin B.

BURGER'S BODYBUILDING WORLD

[URL=http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/chezburger10/[/URL]

[This message was edited by Admin on Wed September 10 2003 at 05:26 AM.]

I use a trainer pre contest only. I find I need the "written regime" and another person to look at me subjectively and work out a plan based on my weak points. Also it makes me more accountable. The rest of the year I go it alone. BTW I use an online trainer (two times now) and have been happy with both Trainers. And the price is reasonable. E mail me for referral.

Leslie

Having a coach can be helpful but is not necessary. There are so many good sources of information out there like this board, if you take the time you can find most answers. Just don't be fooled into thinking that every arm chair expert is an expert, or that every trainer knows what they are doing. Look at past performace(personal) and past results (coaching others) before you spend nickle one with someone. From my perspective if they have never walked the walk successfully, it is unlikley that they can provide accurate and meaningful assistance. Certifications are nice, but real life experience is the bedrock qualification that you should look for.

VA MadDog

Both for me! I am a trainer and I train myself. LOL.

Seriously, learning your body is the ultimate thing that you can do to successfully pack on the muscle mass. Personally, I felt I had a good regimen of training before and really enjoyed the success with my workouts, I simply am still astounded at what combining the right nutrition and supplementation from Jeremiah Forster's coaching has done in so little time.

There are many pre-fab programs available through BodyMuscle Journal / No Nonsense Newsletter. These can, for the most part, be used by anyone. The trick is to know your body. For example, I know from keeping a detailed training log that my chest responds better to lower reps but my shoulders to higher reps. So when I am pulling off a program rather than designing my own, I adjust accordinging - if the program is "vanilla" 12 reps across the board, my chest might end up being 9 reps and my shoulders might be 15 instead.

Variety is definitely key. I stand behind Poliquin's statement that 6 workouts is about it for your body to adjust to the training. Again, from journals, I find short, intense segments lasting 4 - 6 weeks followed by a light week are key for me. If I just go all crazy for up to 12 weeks I burnout. By taking my week 6 workout and doing it at 90% of the previous week's weight in week 7, I'm fresh enough to hit a new cycle.

Variety, variety, variety. Doing maxes all day long can help you grow strong and strong but doesn't necessarily make you grow. Switching workouts too often may not let you "learn" the lift well enough to see a response - so somewhere in the middle ground of doing multiple workouts but not dragging them out for extended periods of time is where you'll see growth.

As I mentioned, lots of great stuff in the newsletters - 5 x 5 principle, 4/5 percent solution, rest-pause methods, etc. Experiment with them, change it often, and remember that the best workout for you is the one you haven't tried yet!

Jeremy

Very good post/perspective and advice Jeremy. Starting with a program that has worked for others is a good beginning - modifying it so that it best meets YOUR requirements is taking things to the next level. Successful BBing is part experiment, but experiment based on sound principals.

VA MadDog

Jeru,

Having a trainer from time to time can help. IF they are quality trainers.. Training for competition is different than say transformation or for sport in the way you approach it.

Do you need one to compete? no, not at all.. However I do suggest you find someone who is experienced and will be HONEST with you and can mentor you through the process. The folks here at Beverly are GREAT! Fill out the online nutrition fax and get it back to them, if you can send along pictures all the better. they will be able to access your condition & recommend proven nutrition & training to help you reach your goal... I don't know of any other group of folks that have the experience in competition mentoring than they do! Get their plan & stick to it & I think you'll save some money & have some left over to invest in some quality Beverly Supplements that will go a long way in helping you acheive your competition goal!

And don't forgret the great group of experienced people here on this board too!

Tom