WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A FIGURE COMPETITOR?
Darrin
I have read that you are quite blunt with girls who ask your advice as to whether they have the potential to compete or not. What exactly do you look for in a girl to determine whether they have what it takes to be a competitor or not?
I went to see a coach last year in the UK, he trains a lot of the UK pro's. It was very embarrassing, I had to basically strip off while he scrutinised me! However, I was very encouraged as he was prepared to train me and he said I had the right build and genetics. He told me my weaknesses very bluntly (calves, glutes), and gave me goals of gaining 5lbs lean mass and losing 10-12lbs fat.
However, after training with him for just 6 weeks (and feeling fantastic throughout), he came onto me in a BIG way and I haven't been back since. I now am not sure whether he was truthful with me at all, or whether the encouragement was part of his 'charm' before coming onto me!
It sort of knocked my confidence and I haven't thought about competing since.
First off, your trainer was very unprofessional, I have known trainers like this before. You will probably never know if his critique was sincere or not. I don’t think you should return to him since that mentor relationship he SHOULD have with you is definitely gone.
Anyway, as far as me picking a potential figure competitor goes… If someone came to me to see if she has what it takes I would first find out her exercise history. This would let me know how fast her body may respond. Then I would perform a body comp so I know how much she has to change in order to stand on stage. I figure out how much fat will have to be lost and how much muscle gained to achieve appropriate weight for height.
I would then tell her how long this would take as well as tell her she still may not have the right shape once she gets to her goal. Genetics play a huge role, I have seen very lean girls with great musculature that don’t have a hope of going anywhere because they have a blocky waist. She could have just one flaw that will prevent her from getting far. This isn’t usually noticed or figured out until you have leaned out and pushed your muscles to the limit.
I would tell her before hand if the day of the show comes and I don’t think she is ready she doesn’t do it. I would also tell her that if it turns out that she doesn’t have what it takes, at the very least she will be in the best shape of her life. So it’s a no lose either way.
what to look for in a figure competitor
Thanks Darrin, honest and informative response.
I won't be going back to him, no fear, I may have some front but under my harsh exterior i'm quite the frightened little mouse when it comes to things like that!
Anyhow, i may have to book a flight and a consultation with you......perhaps I'll persuade my other half to holiday in canada next year
Re: what to look for in a figure competitor
LOL..Darrin be afraid,very afraid..this chick gets around She never has a time to post cos she is on hollidays all over the world..all the time with her boyfriend ovcourse
Re: what to look for in a figure competitor
I want to see it recorded on video..the shaking with a fear..not laughter ok BTW Gail..as with anything in life you will run into some fantastic people and some jerks too One day he will get burned big time...the wheels of time are turning..
Re: vacations
hey there, since i'm a competitor myself and am ALWAYS doing research on competiting--here are my opinions.
To begin competing your heart has to be in it--you have to want to succeed and be determined to do what it takes to be and look your very best on stage. The person has to be willing to take constructive criticism and only work with one trainer with diet--too many potential competitors ask various people for "advice" and end up getting into trouble.
Then, there is the physique...for figure..the V taper is very important. Broad shoulders and back that taper down to a very tiny waist. That would be the ideal base and one can improve from there with proper diet and training.
Competing is very demanding but can be very rewarding!!
Thanks for your advice. I have a good V Taper and tiny waist, but my problem lie's with my huge hips and thighs, I'm working on them but don't seem to get too far.
Think thats why my hearts not in it, I can never envisage myself in good enough shape to get on stage!
Re: figure competitors
Gail....if you want to compete--don't give up that goal!! Personally its one the greatest acheivments you can attain, that shows off all the hard work and dedication you put forth. That "coach" or should i say.. "cockroach" was very unprofessional and I see that all too often. You did the right thing by firing him!!
Once you get down to your desired body fat then you'll be able to see where you're at, physique/lean mass wise. The hips and thighs are a huge problem for most gals....especially mine..they are the last area to lean up--and even then..its not until the last few weeks of prep. So...the best advice i can give..is set a date (it doesn't have to an actual comp but a goal date even for photos or a trip), get a professional trainer and go after your dreams--because you CAN do it!!!!
I am setting myself a goal, I'm going to Santorini (tiny greek island that is sooooo pretty) on 22 August. I want to feel good in my bikini (I never feel good in a bikini!), that means dropping at least 14 lbs of bodyfat. I'd like to gain around 4lbs of muscle mass too, my reckoning is I'd be around 15% body fat.
If I get to that goal, who knows, competing may be the next step!
Re: thanks lori
I agree with what LA is saying, goal setting is extremely important if you're not competing. As for hips and thighs, for me it's all about what I eat that makes a huge difference.
Do you have a new trainer Gail? Having someone monitor the way your body reacts to different variables (training and food intake) can always help since analysing yourself isn't always as easy as it sounds. Just a suggestion. Finding the right trainer for you is another story...trial and error! Go gettem'!!!
Re: thanks lori
Gail you are one major Globertrotter chick Where have you not been as yet I agree with all above.From my experience the stage presence will make or break competitor. I have seen many times that less superior athlete(muscle and leaness) with fantastic posing ,grooming and confidence beats better physiques with lack of stage presence Even thou it is called figure-beautifull body without it all won't make it
Re: thanks lori
Em, thanks for your comments, you are sweet However, the only amazing thing about me is the ability to hold onto bodyfat
Val, no, I don't have a new trainer, I've tried so many and have been appalled at the level of knowledge these guys have (or don't have).
I do train with my boyfriend and he understands what works (training wise) for us both, he is very critical and pushes me to my limit....he knows when i'm holding back and doesn't let me get away with it
The Uk is a dreadful place fitness wise..... I rely on learning stuff from people like Darrin and LA....THEY'LL BE CHARGING SOON!
Aluschka....yep i'm off on my travels again, can't believe I have to wait until August, its a lifetime away!!! Then off to my happy place in October - BARCELONA!!! I can't go 12 months without visiting my favourite place in the world!
Re: thanks lori
See what I mean this chicks is all over the world...I am so envious(in a good way) of you!!! Greece and then Barcelona..OMG!!!! I used to live in Spain..it was awesome. I love Gaudi's stuff far out he was such an awesome artist...I love his houses(if you can call it that)..My taste totally Have you gone to his Sacred Familia yet? TAKE ME WITH YOU BABE, PLEEEEEEEASE
She never has a time to post cos she is on hollidays all over the world..all the time
with her boyfriend ovcourse
One day he will get burned big time...the wheels of time are turning..
I agree with all above.From my experience the stage presence will make or break competitor. I have seen many times that less superior athlete(muscle and leaness) with fantastic posing ,grooming and confidence beats better physiques with lack of stage presence
Even thou it is called figure-beautifull body without it all won't make it
this chicks is all over the world...I am so envious(in a good way) of you!!! Greece and then Barcelona..OMG!!!! I used to live in Spain..it was awesome. I love Gaudi's stuff far out he was such an awesome artist...I love his houses(if you can call it that)..My taste totally
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