I recently had a virtual client ask me if my friends gave me a hard time for wanting to compete in a NPC figure or bikini competition. Apparently, several folks she is close too were asking her why she was on such a strict diet and working out so hard. One of her friends was even telling her that she should enjoy life and not worry so much about her diet and exercise. I told her that I could totally relate and that several folks in my life did that to me too back in my NPC and IFBB competition days. I remember at one time my husband at the time telling me that competitions were a joke and that I would never make any money in the fitness industry. He would also order items off a menu at restaurants that he knew I couldn’t eat due to my competition deadline. In the end, his behavior only made me focus more on my goal of earning my IFBB pro card and starting “No Mullarkey” Personal Training. That is when I realized that you have to Compete for You!!!!
I also remember when I started competing that friends were telling me that it couldn’t be healthy and that I was doing more harm than good. “Why do I look and feel so good?”, was my response. I also recall one friend telling me that I was too skinny and that she could see my ribs in my competition pics. Those were actually my intercostal muscles:) I am a very goal oriented person and diving into the NPC competition world all those years back helped to build the foundation for who I am today and for “No Mullarkey” Personal Training. I now take all the things I learned as a competitor and as an IFBB Pro and share them with my clients who are wanting to learn how to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Having almost 30 competitions under my belt has given me the experience and know how to help others accomplish their competition goals.
Competing can be selfish, but those who are true friends should understand that you are doing it to better yourself mentally and physically. The moral of the story is to not worry about what others think and to Compete for You! If those in your life don’t understand than maybe you should find a new circle of friends with similar goals and aspirations. I have met the most AMAZING people through the fitness industry and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes you just have to have that “IDGAF” attitude in life:). If competing in a bikini, figure or physique competition has been a personal goal than make it happen. You will find out who your true friends and supporters are. I am pretty confident that your sense of accomplishment, as you bravely stand on stage in a tiny swimsuit will be worth all the “Mullarkey”!
If you are wanting to compete and are looking for a coach to guide you, contact me today for a FREE consultation. I would highly recommend that you seek guidance from a true professional and from someone who earned their IFBB and WBFF Pro statuses in a very competitive world.
Karen Mullarkey
“No Mullarkey” Personal Training
IFBB PRO/WBFF PRO/ISSA CFT