Max is honest almost to a fault.
So is the NPC judge who is teaching us both to pose.
She approached Max at the gym the other day and told him I would be a better fit for bikini than for figure.
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| From left to right: Women's bodybuilding, figure, and bikini Source |
But.
The fact is that I have less muscle than I thought. (Yes, even after a full year of bulking and over two years of lifting heavy & eating right! If in doubt, bulk longer, ladies.)
The bikini look is definitely something I like - it's a fit, healthy, STRONG look. And it's what I'm capable of right now.
Maybe in a year or two I'll decide to (and be ready to) compete in Figure. Maybe after this show I'll decide to never compete again.
At this point, I'm just going to give it all I've got and see what I can do.
I do agree that you look more like the bikini than figure competitors based on these photos - I wouldn't regard that as a 'bad' thing even though it was your original goal, because the bikini competitors have a beautiful aesthetic too, and you are right to say that it is just as strong, albeit different, as the figure girls.
ReplyDeleteCompeting in the right category for now is a really smart thing to do - being in the wrong 'field' if that's the right word and perhaps not placing so highly could be a real self-esteem knock, which wouldn't be fair or a reflection of all your hard work. Personally, based on the images I think you could definitely WIN the bikini category, not just place highly.
xxx
Thank you so, so much Jess =) That was my thought too...By show day I will have put 18 weeks of effort into this and I think getting a "did not place" or coming in last would be incredibly frustrating. I initially set out with no intentions to win, just to have fun, whatever, but let's be honest - I am a competitive person!
DeleteGrr I left you a long comment but it disappeared so apologies if you get this twice!
ReplyDeleteOMG I was not expecting this at all. If you don't have enough muscle for figure, then what hope do the rest of us have?! Haha but I agree: it takes a very long time to get to that level of muscle which is why it frustrates me when other people jump in too early. It's also why I'm being very patient about picking my competition.
It's very cool that you were able to switch categories without being offended, and it's also very cool that the judge went to Max rather than you. The great thing about competing is that there are lots of options, and there will always be an opportunity to switch categories.
Given how hard you've been training, I honestly think you could win this Sable. Bikini is a whole different beast, and you've got it! It's better to be a big fish in a small pond, rather than the alternative, right?! I hope this doesn't make you lose motivation.. Keep up the great work - you're a motivation to us all! xo
Nnnooooo! =( Sorry =(
DeleteWell - to be fair - I'm sure I could compete in figure and not look too out-of-place given that this is a small show. The women in the pics above are all pros, and you're not going to see that level of muscle at a Level II NPC show. That said, my look right now fits better into the bikini class, so that's where I'm going =) Definitely better to be a big fish in a small pond!!
I think bikini totally rocks. I thought you'd end up doing figure, but there is nothing at all wrong with bikini. Like you said - fit, healthy, strong. You look amazing no matter wich category!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Heather! =)
DeleteI hope the ridic boobs aren't a requirement for bikini, haha--otherwise, still a gorgeous, strong and sexy look! And hey, start there, see how it goes!
ReplyDeletelol!!! I certainly hope not because I am NOT that well-endowed at all O_O
DeleteHaha, that was my worry to, but my coaches said that will be fine, there are always way to enhance that part of your body on the show day with padding. Plus, there are flat chested girls doing nicely in bikini, so I just decided to listen to those with more experience.
DeleteWanted to say that I understand your feeling, I like figure mass better too, but everyone told me to go for bikini and build mass and when I am too big for bikini, to make a break and bulk more for figure and go from there. Just to keep it rolling.
I was SHOCKED by how much the suit padding boosted my boobs! It seriously helps SO much - nothing like regular bra padding.
Deletegood luck with all the training but seriously its the first time ive been to a blog of a weighing trainee waiting to compete :)
ReplyDeletethe woman in extreme left looks , sorry but, bit hideous.. I wouldn't have said she's a woman except for what she's wearing ... why'd any woman want to do that to her beautiful body? just curious...
That's definitely, definitely not the look I'm going for - I mean, that woman definitely looks much more feminine during the off-season - the only time she looks like that is during prep. I do deeply respect the amount of dedication it takes to get to that level but yeah... deeeefinitely not for me!
DeleteI am so very impressed with your dedication and I think you will do WONDERFUL
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Suzanne!!!!!
DeleteSable you are seriously awesome. I know someone who jumped into weight training literally 4 weeks before her first figure competition. It just doesn't work that way. You should be so proud of yourself! It amazes me with how far you've come and I'll always look up to you. I'm sure in the next few years you'll be up competing for Figure--but for now you're going to kill it in Bikini. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Brittany!! =) It definitely, definitely doesn't work that way! haha
DeleteI don't even know what I would do if someone threw me a curve ball like that. You are awesome for working through it and I can't wait to see where it takes you. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Hollie =) It reeeaaally wasn't a big blow to me at all. I've always admired the bikini girls' physiques too!
DeleteIt is a bummer when something you've set your heart on isnt necessarily the right fit...BUT I agree with you, I love the Bikini look, it is a very fit and strong look. You're going to be amazing in this competition, and if you decide to go ahead with figure someday, you'll be amazing in that too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Stephanie!!!! =)
Deletei actually think this is a good thing. It's healthier looking. You've got such wonderful curves added to the muscle and it is truly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lindsay!! I do really like the bikini look =)
DeleteI think it depends on what type of show you are doing. I competed once in OCB and there were only a few girls who had anywhere near the musculature of the woman in your figure photo above. In my opinion, that is a national level competitor and if you are doing a local / regional show you will not be out of place at your show in the figure division, especially if there is a novice category. Also, if figure is your ultimate goal, I think it would be useful to do figure to get started on perfecting your posing. No one is going to be perfect in their first show, its a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right - all three of those women are pros :) There is not a novice class at my show which was another consideration. This is my first show & is just to get my feet wet, so we'll see - I could really enjoy bikini, I could hate bikini & want to try figure, I could never want to compete again. I'm just not really willing to diet myself down an extra 2% to compete in figure when I really don't have the right amount of size, ya know?
DeleteAHHH I wrote the longest comment and it dissapeared on me. Damn.
ReplyDeleteAnyway.
I love howmuch we have in common. I, too - love the figure look. But i just don't have the mass for it.
When i get up on that stage i want to feel like i belong there - and if i'd go for figure i know i wouldn't.
In the end.. i know you will do amazing in ANY show you'll do. We'll cheer you on along the way - you're working so damn hard, it shows!
The bikini search continues? ;)
Oh noooo! you're the second one today =(
DeleteEXACTLY - I want to look like I belong in my class. It's not that I think I would be the worst figure competitor on stage - it's just that my size, shape, etc. is a better fit for bikini right now.
Yep. Of course my figure suit JUST arrived & I changed divisions. Classic.
You should be so proud of yourself, considering how much dedication you've put into this.
ReplyDeleteBikini competition would not be a bad thing at all, those competitors look strong, healthy and not to mention beautiful! So, you'll fit in wonderfully. :-)
Thank you so much Sam! =)
DeleteSo can you just switch like that? Did it cost extra or can you swap categories easily?
ReplyDeleteI haven't registered for the show yet (the deadline is September 1st - I know, I know haha) so yes. I'm not sure about crossing over after you've registered for a category - I'm sure it can be done but there might be a fee =)
DeleteI am not just saying it to cheer you up but I personally think the bikini body is much more attractive! Both ladies are strong AND beautiful. Given that you can even qualify for that is an achievement in itself! And you're still young- consider a bikini competition a step towards figure competing :D
ReplyDeleteDefinitely =) I mean - who knows if this is something I'm going to want to do ever again? This is just my first show - I'm just getting my feet wet =)
DeleteKeep up the great work! Good luck with your prep! Can't wait to read more about it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kierston! =)
DeleteMy trainer says you need to "ooze sexuality" for bikini. LOL! I don't ooze... apparently he agree because he never even entertained the thought of anything but figure for me.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people go back and forth though. I bet you would rock either!
Yep yep yep there's definitely a sex appeal aspect to bikini posing!
DeleteKudos to you to doing what feels right. Conversely, you'd have the benefit of feedback from the head judge on areas for improvement of you opted to do figure and future figure events, which would help guide your workouts.
ReplyDeleteIMO, bikini is an entirely different animal and if figure is where you really want to be, ride it out. You can only learn from it and improve.
This is something I discussed with my posing coach & was definitely a big factor for me - but at the end of the day I can't really base my decision on getting feedback on figure when I don't even know if I'm ever going to compete again, ya know?
DeleteI personally like the bikini look better, so don't be offended by her suggestion. Although I can tell you weren't! I know you were going for figure and I think you still would be competitive if you entered that section but sounds like you will be even more amazing in bikini. I want a bikini bod, so I'm jealous in a good way! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not! =) I'd much rather she be honest with me than say "go girl, chase your dreams, you can do anything!!!!" Thank you =)
DeleteI'm sorry hun! I know how important the comp is to you. But, bikini is no mean feat! I like your approach, go as hard as you can and then decide. How close to the comp to you have to decide which category you're competing in?
ReplyDeleteOh no, don't be sorry! =) I wasn't offended at all. I'm just glad she was honest with me!
DeleteThis is a local show, right? I'm not sure if you've ever been to a local-type figure competition but from the ones I've seen you DEFINITELY have enough muscle for figure. Moreover if figure is ultimately what you want to do I would do it just because the posing etc is soooo different that this way, even if you don't place, you can still view it as a "dry run" and come in ready to kick ass after another bulk/cut cycle. And, don't underestimate the power of water manipulation and Dream Tan!!!
ReplyDeleteagreed!
DeleteI do appreciate this sentiment, but every district varies & my posing coach is a judge in this district, so I do think I am going to follow her advice. My decision to change was based in part on seeing several people from my gym compete in a show this size a few weeks ago - girls that are definitely, definitely bigger than me got traaaaashed. I realize it's not a popular decision/thought, but after all I've put into this, it's more important to me to compete where I belong & where I have a shot. If I do decide to return & do figure down the road, I mean, I'm in my 20s - I have plenty of time to learn to pose. =)
DeleteOh I didn't mean it as criticism of your choice, just saying that you are definitely on part with the girls who WIN the local shows I've seen...but yeah I can see how it would vary from district to district since figure judging can be so subjective :( Good luck with whatever you choose, you look bangin' and you've definitely put that work in!!
DeleteIt is SO subjective!! In Montana they seemed to like a softer look - sort of what I have going on right now - but here they are almost looking for women's physique competitors! It's so weird. I wish they would establish a national set of guidelines so that everyone could figure out where they belong!
DeleteI have a feeling you'll do great in bikini or figure!
ReplyDeleteThanks Allie! =)
DeleteOk, not that I'm an expert, but after doing 3 bikini comps in early 2012, one of them an IFBB show, I can tell you that you are way more jacked than us bikini galls were. Actually, one of the girls was told by the judges that her quads were too big, and so she had to run herself into catabolic state in order to compete at the next show (Provincial in which she won first place) to burn off her muscle. If you've been training for figure, stick with it girl. Don't be swayed. I totally got penalized in all my shows because my shoulders were referred to as being like the "Hulks"...really? really? Anyway, think about it.
ReplyDeleteReally!?!? That surprises me. I did switch to bikini & I am going to stick with it - I figure if my feedback is "you're too muscular," that's only a good thing, ya know?
DeleteI think that, no matter what, you gave it your all and you're putting yourself out there in a completely scary way. That makes you a winner in my category (which is neither figure nor bikini ... more like the "snuggy" category) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much T! =)
DeleteYou'll do great in bikini and it's your FIRST comp after all, you're just figuring everything out this time around. I'm sure you can achieve whatever goal you set your mind to :)
ReplyDeleteExactly! It's not like I'm in pursuit of a pro card this year, ya know? =)
DeleteI haven't posted a comment here in a while, but I do still read your blog. Things have gotten hectic with my training....Anyway, I know it wasn't what you were hoping for, but I think your attitude towards the change in category is great! You are looking GREAT and should be proud of yourself. Go knock their socks off! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Haley! I've been wondering how you're doing! Thank you so much for this comment =)
DeleteHi Sable! I have a name for you - Samantha Hill. Actually, another one, too - Jessica Thompson. Both are women who were bikini competitors who made huge jumps - Samantha just one her pro card at her first ever national WPD show (not normal, I know, but an example) and Jessica took first place in her class at Europa, first in class and overall at Palmetto Cup (here in SC), first in her class at Jr USAs and 5th in her class at Junior Nationals in figure, even though she was a bikini competitor last year. I know tons of other people locally who have done the same thing, so using bikini as a starting point - especially to learn yourself and the process, isn't a bad thing. And you are right, the judging can vary greatly, but they are subject to judging to what shows most - if a class is full of very muscular competitors (which happens a lot in the short classes), then they judge toward the muscular. But you know this. And I think you are in Florida, and there a lot of the local shows end up having competitors who go straight to a national shows, so even the local shows in Florida can have some very conditioned girls (it's the same in NC). At the end of the day, you have to do what you are comfortable with and what is right for you. I think your positive attitude and your dedication to the work will be the best indicator of your success - on and off of the stage. And you are a shining (and healthy) example for those ladies who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps!!
ReplyDeleteJulie! Thank you so much for pointing me to these two incredibly inspirational athletes! :)
DeleteCentral FL is a huuuugely competitive district. There are a lot of Team Bombshell girls down here and they almost always come in looking incredible! I have been having a lot of fun with the bikini posing / developing my stage personality =) so either way, this will be a hugely positive experience for me!
Whatever you decide, good for you for everything it took to be here at this point, making the decision. Just think- a few months ago you said you were nervous to just put on a bathing suit with your family on the beach. Now you are going to look awesome in front of a crowd and have them all cheering you on! I'm really happy for and proud of you!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Mel =) I used to be completely embarrassed to wear a bathing suit...I didn't even take advantage of the beaches here because of it! Whatever happens, it's great to have my confidence back.
DeleteShe could not come to you? Harumph. So do bikini and work your way up to figure. Rome was not built in a day Sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteI wish she would've addressed me directly too! But oh well. I am glad someone said it.
Delete