Help with competition goals
I am a 55-year-old female, height 5′5 1/2″. I started weight training with a partner a year and a half ago, and went from 165 down to 140-145, and pants size 18-20 down to 8. My desire is to compete in a bodybuilding figure competition in about a year. I plan to train at home. What advice can you give me to get my body competition ready?
I’m all for goal setting and for high hopes and a strong attitude, but I seldom lead folks in the direction of competition. As a kid it’s certainly a healthy part of growing stronger, but as an adult it can be destructive to a healthy and happy and balanced life.
Contest training drains the body’s resources from top to bottom, front to back, and does not always contribute to one’s physical and mental wellbeing. Training for fun and health, strength and function purposes is much more appealing and realistic and satisfying now and in the long run.
A winning physique is cool, but training to have one is not exactly a winning idea. Disappointment, stress, irritability and discouragement are not unlikely companions along the way.
Train hard, eat right, be strong and be happy… that’s my motto.
I support your continued training. There’s a ton of advice on our web page, and home training is attractive in countless ways. Yet, most competitive training is done in a gym with all the basic equipment at hand.
You might view our forum… or join in… a smart and friendly bunch.
Go… God’s Might… Dave
Dave Draper - Dave Draper Posted on September 7th, 2008 in Bodybuilding by Dave Draper