Published: April 29, 2009 12:50 pm      

The 5 Steps to you Stepping on Stage!

Series 2

By: Autumn Edwards, ISSA CPT, BA Exercise Science & Spanish

Last month, you were asked if you were “stuck” in your ways and running from the single thought of making healthy behavior changes. If your answer was yes, you’ve most likely retired to the “P” Precontemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Mode (TTM) described in Part One.  When considering a fitness competition stage, this phase in the thought process is easy to fall into.  The capturing physiques are intimidating and the work behind them is even more unbelievable.      

Still yet, the sport is just that-capturing.  If you have ever been intrigued by a fitness competition on TV or in person, it’s time to “get sticky” in the “C” Contemplation phase this month.  “C” is the stage where a person intends to change, but he/she experiences much ambivalence due to the mental conflict of the pros and cons that come with moving forward. 

Stage 2:  Competition Contemplation 

When it comes to competing, this standstill arises as “the costs” appear too high and doubt sets further and further in.  Rather than just going for it, you tend to listen to the negative buildup that talks yourself out of it.  Your inner voice might be saying, “I’m too old.”  “I’ve had kids.”  “I’ll never win.”…  The fact is the average competitor’s age is 30, 8 out of 10 women in this sport have children, and 10 out of 10 fear failure at some point.  The key to being successful is to “empty your cup.”  As long as your cup is empty from the start, it can be filled with that which is necessary to fulfill your mission.  If this is done, you will be fully equipped come competition day with an overflowing cup. 

 If you are “stuck” in this C stage when it comes to the idea of entering a fitness competition, follow these practical steps to move into the next Preparation stage (PR): 

Research what type of competition fits you: bodybuilding, figure, or fitness.  Bodybuilding requires the most muscular development with flexing done in an individual routine and during posing alongside other competitors in two-piece swimsuits. 

Figure includes a two-piece round of 3 posing stances. 

Fitness includes the same figure two-piece swimsuit posing round in addition to a 2-minute routine displaying strength, endurance, flexibility, gymnastics, etc. 

Find a competition you can make that is months away.  Begin to meditate on the date and how you want to see yourself on stage.

Read up on in-depth scientific methods of contest preparation.  Find a competitor with the look you are going for and seek her advice.

Get ready to move into PR next month and on your way to “sticking to it” through my series:  The 5 steps to you stepping on stage!