Over here at Shailafitness, I love to feature the success stories of my friends, clients, other moms, and “regular” people like you and me, who do amazing things on a regular basis. That’s why I was thrilled to learn a neighborhood mom who I get to bump into every now and then, competed in her first bikini competition.
Cool, not just because she works, and is a mother of two, but that it was her first bikini competition. We always learn something valuable from that first time, so I wanted Nicole to share that experience.
Sumi: Congratulations on your first bikini competition. What an amazing accomplishment.
Tell me about your experience.
Nicole: It was a blast! I had been wanting to compete for a long time. When I finally decided to go for it I found a coach who specifically trains competitors. He put me on a meal and workout plan that lasted about ten weeks.
Sumi: We all know how hard physique athletes work. The dieting, training with weights, and cardio. It takes enormous discipline, self-motivation, drive and tenacity. And to top if off you’re a mother of two. Tell me how you managed to schedule this all in while you prepped for your first bikini competition.
Nicole: I would say that the two most important things which allowed me to be successful was planning ahead and getting up early. Typically I would arise at 5 am to do my cardio and then do my lifting at some point later in the day. Over the years I have invested in various weights and exercise equipment, so if I couldn’t get to the gym one day I would just workout at home.
I found that cooking and preparing all my meals in advance was crucial to staying on track with my diet.
Typically, I would cook on Sundays and then on Wednesdays so I always had fresh healthy food for the week.
Sumi: Were you already lean prior to your show? How much did you have to lose, and how long did that process take you?
Nicole: I lost about six pounds over a ten week period.
I don’t believe in starving myself or turning to drastic measures to lose weight.
This whole process, I believe, should be fun and done in a way that is healthy. When people carb deplete or cut their calories too drastically it just sets them up to binge eat and rapidly gain weight after the show. It’s not worth it!
Sumi: As a working mother, can you walk me through a typical day during your contest prep cycle?
Nicole: To be fair, I work part time so I did have some days in which I was able to devote a little more time to my prep. However, on most days I was up at 5 am. I got my cardio done before the kids were awake. I made breakfast, packed lunches, including my own, and then headed off to work.
In the evenings I would go to the gym or lift weights at home. Occasionally, I would do a second session of cardio as well. Usually it was 25 minutes of interval training on the spin bike. Most importantly I was really good about my post workout nutrition and my sleep. Two essential elements for recovery and muscle growth.
Sumi: Any tips for moms or working moms looking to try their first bikini competition? Hindsight is always 20/20!
Nicole: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a bikini body!
Also, I would recommend hiring an experienced coach who can guide you through the process. Competing involves a lot more than dieting and exercise.
Sumi: Aside from nutrition and training, what other things did you find gave you an extra edge while you prepared for your first bikini competition. A supportive family? Flexible work schedule? Great genes?
Nicole: Honestly, I could not have done this without the support of my husband. Competing involves a great deal of time and money! He was willing to sacrifice these two things to help me reach my goals. Also, my knowledgeable trainer and posing coach helped to make sure I was on track every step of the way. Their expertise was invaluable.
Sumi: NOW THE BEST QUESTION. Tell us about that post contest treat meal!
Nicole: Throughout the preparation period I was able to have 1-2 cheat meals or “re-feeds” during the week so I never had any real major cravings. I would have to say that my biggest post-show splurge was a margarita from my favorite restaurant.
Sumi: Now you’re prepping for your next show in a few months, so it’s safe to say you’ve been bitten by the competition bug. What’s different for this next one?
Nicole: Absolutely! I am hooked. I have been working hard to gain muscle. It’s such a slow process for women. I am hoping that I will be able to enter this next competition with better shape and more size. Particularly, bigger glutes and shoulders.
Sumi: Anything else we should know? What’s next for you? Tips for busy moms? Share!
Nicole: I am no expert but I have found what works for me. I think that’s key, know thyself. Find a plan that works and stick to it.
Make sure to surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who will motivate and encourage you when the going gets tough.
As for me, I will continue to train and hopefully continue to improve and rank better in each subsequent competition.
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