Time and time again in this industry I see folks diet down to competition weight, look and feel amazing and then right after the show begin packing on the pounds in order to “Gain Muscle”! I don’t know about you, but I enjoy being lean year round and prefer not to bulk up. I also know, after prepping for over 25 competitions throughout my amateur and pro careers that I prefer, as a woman, to fit in my jeans year round. I have had no problems over the years adding and maintaining my muscle while staying only 5-8 pounds off my competition weight. With that said, I honestly think the whole theory on you have to gain weight in order to gain muscle is a Bunch of Mullarkey!
Speaking for myself and I am sure for most of the female competitors out there, we would prefer to enjoy our hard work year round and not have to own two different wardrobes. I also know as an IFBB/WBFF Pro and owner of “No Mullarkey” Personal Training that it is very hard, not only on the body but also mentally, for a client to do the roller coaster ride with weight gain and loss. I encourage my clients to maintain their weight year round so when they are ready to get back on stage they don’t have to drop 20-30 pounds. It not only cuts your competition prep time in half, but it also makes the dieting process so much easier. Once I earned my pro card, it only took me roughly 6-8 weeks to get stage ready. Plus, if I had a photo shoot pop up I knew I didn’t need much notification to be shoot ready. If you have done any fitness modeling or aspire to be a fitness model, they sometimes only give you a day or two notice. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to get published.
Not only can this be hard on the client, but also think about what this roller coaster can do on someone’s adrenals. I have seen too many of my fellow competitors ending up having adrenal fatigue because of constant weight gain and loss, not to mention “Supplement” use. “Supplement” use will make a great topic for a future blog:) As a fitness professional, it really upsets me to see trainers put their clients through this. Especially when the trainer has no idea what competition prep is like because they have never competed themselves. I know I would never take advice from someone who has never walked the walk.
Moral of the story……..Keep the Weight Under Control People!!!!! Stay consistent year round with your weight training and cardio and you will continue to build muscle. You don’t have to eat your strict competition diet year round, but make sure you are eating clean Monday-Friday and then have a little fun on the weekend. What’s the point of looking great if you can’t get out there and have a little fun?
If you are looking to compete or want to get into fitness modeling, I would highly recommend you hire a fitness professional like myself to guide you. It took me many years to get the process down and I know I could show you the shortcuts. Contact me now for the perfect customized training and nutrition package to fit your needs.
Karen Mullarkey
“No Mullarkey” Personal Training
www.karenmullarkey.com