I didn’t find fitness until I was in my 40’s.  Although at 5’5” and 136 lbs I wasn’t grossly overweight, per say, I was definitely out of shape and my bodyfat was an unhealthy 34%.  Newly married for the second time, I signed my husband and me up for 20 personal training sessions each at the local 24 Hr Fitness facility.  Little did I realize that this initial act of getting in shape would forever change my life.

Six months later I was 116 lbs and 20% bodyfat.  I had a full six-pack and loved my new body and energy level.  My personal trainer had become my friend and workout partner, and I was content for the next couple of years to maintain my fitness level.

Then one day I was approached while at the gym.  A gentleman asked me if I was a physique competitor.  I looked at him blankly.  The only kind of physique competing I knew about was bodybuilding and I certainly didn’t look like a bodybuilder!  What was he talking about?  Soon after, through a sequence of events that as I look back were clearly meant to bring me towards competing, I found out about physique competitions.  I didn’t have the gymnastics and dance ability needed for fitness, but figure caught my eye as something I could do.  I was intrigued!

I began researching to find out everything I could about this new world.  Back then (2005), there wasn’t a lot of information readily available to the uninitiated.  I knew I wanted – and needed – to work with a trainer who specialized in this sport.  After a brief stint working online with a trainer who was also a competitor, I felt I needed something more.  Oh, she knew her stuff alright, but I just didn’t feel connected, and her style was not detailed enough for me.
…more of Barbara Mencer: My First Competition

Amy Lee Martin continues the My First Competition series with her experience as a figure competitor making it to the stage for the first time. Amy’s competitive career started in 2007 and the NPC Indianapolis Figure was the stage where she took home 1st place overall. And this is how Amy got started…

How did you arrive at the decision to compete in the first place?

My first competition was inspired by my husband in 2007. He was competing in bodybuilding and talked me into getting on stage for figure.

After deciding to compete how did you map things out?

Lots of research on websites like bodybuilding.com and publications like Beverly International. We also had local friends who had competed in the past and helped us with posing and advice. We definitely learned almost everything on our own.

What was the criteria for picking that first show (date, location, friends competing in it, etc)?

It was a local show with an early summer date.

Did you have a trainer?

Nope 😉

Was there a diet strategy in place?

Yes, we followed a Beverly International meal plan that we found in their magazine.
…more of Amy Lee Martin: My First Competition

The “My First Competition” series continues with Amy Beaver sharing her trip to the Ft. Lauderdale Cup 2010 for her first time as a bikini competitor. To view all the articles in this series, click on the “my first competition” tag link above.

The mental determination and focus necessary to prepare for an NPC Bikini competition is unlike anything I have prepared for in the past.

I was always an athlete growing up which took me to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill on a full volleyball scholarship. As a DI athlete you have a strength coach who designs your lifting and cardio programs and schedules when you will workout each day. In addition to daily lifting workouts, we had 2 ½ to 3 hour practices daily. Needless to say, at this point in my life I did not put much focus on my diet as I burned off anything I ate (although I can say I was always a fairly healthy eater).

Two years or so after graduating I had gotten out of my consistent workout routine. I work in advertising sales which can become very stressful and the last thing I wanted to do was workout after a long, stressful day. I was talking to a former trainer of mine who had competed in a Figure competition years back and said I may have interest in competing. What drew me to competitions was the discipline and focus necessary to prepare. I also knew I could get into the best shape of my life. I knew that I needed a concrete goal!

So, my former trainer, Erica Miller, put me in touch with a local Team Bombshell IFBB Figure pro, Tina White, who also lives in Atlanta. We had lunch and she told me a bit about Bombshell. I immediately sent an email to Shannon Dey to get information on the training and went down for a camp. The rest is history!
…more of Amy Beaver: My First Competition

A great retelling of Stacy Kvernmo’s first competition experience complete with a full gallery of pictures from her stage appearances in Ms Fitness USA 2006 and Ms Fitness 2010.

After college I woke up one morning and realized I needed a goal. I had always been active while in school sports and after I graduated college I knew I needed some sport in my life to keep me focused, busy and healthy. I flew down to Dallas and tried out for the Cowboys Cheerleaders only to make it through to the semi-final round and get cut. I knew it wasn’t right for me. I was a cheerleader and not as much a dancer, which is what they really are. But the experience was one I will not forget.

Upon arriving home, I got a part-time job at a gym near my house. As the front desk girl, I was able to really watch the personal trainers work with their clients. One morning I woke up and decided that I was going to compete in a fitness competition. I didn’t know anything about it except some memories of seeing a fitness competition on TV when I was in high school. I drove out to a nearby Borders and bought my first Ms Fitness magazine and started my journey.

Unfortunately, I was always such a picky eater. I learned right away that if I was going to be successful with this I would need to drastically alter my diet. I had never had broccoli, oatmeal, or even egg whites before. I filled out a profile with some nutrition/supplement company online and they sent me a typical diet with supplement suggestions. I did order some protein, multi-vitamins, and some fish liver oil capsules I believe.

I started this diet in February of 2005. I decided that I would compete at a local Ms. Fitness competition that was going to be held in July. My starting weight was 134lbs and I am 5’6” tall. I worked out with two guy friends who were really ripped so all they had me doing was lift pretty heavy. From February to May I pretty much did my own thing until I decided to hire one of the trainers at the gym who I knew was really knowledgable.

…more of Stacy Kvernmo: My First Competition