Change can be needed at times, and it’s a good thing.
Post show I’ve had a lot of change in my personal life. A lot of which is for the better. I’ve also proactively changed a few parts of my life, to embrace new beginnings – I’ve changed gyms for example. I’m now training out of a local gym and flex n tone.
As we move into this off season, im hugely prioritizing my well-being – the local gym has a sauna, steam and plunge pool which has been great for mental well-being and recovery.
Prioritizing well-being is something bodybuilders often let fall by the way side. It’s something I will be prioritizing moving forward ❤️
So I’m 3 weeks post show now and it’s the best I’ve ever felt.
Post show for can be incredibly tough.
I’m 3 weeks post show and it’s the best I’ve ever felt. Notice how I say ‘felt’ here not ‘looked’. Taking some attention away from body image is super important and that’s exactly what I’m doing this time round.
Here are things I have done here that work for me
- Prioritizing well-being – personal well-being and self care can get neglected in prep due to an intensely busy schedule – you deserve it to replenish those depleted stores.
- Prioritize your mental health as much as you do your diet/nutrition and be kind to yourself – daily journalling, practice gratitude.
- Set new goals/adopt a new hobby away from your own bodybuilding goals – this doesn’t mean you need to neglect your own bodybuilding at all. It merely gives you mental space away from what can feel like all consuming robotic bodybuilding world. I’ve started yoga!
- Retain structure – in prep we are in complete structure for a VERY long period of time. Removing all that instantly you can feel like a kid in a candy store and you can end up feeling lost/out of control. Keep some structure in – for me, that’s keeping in some cardio, staying on my meal plan (albeit with more food).
- TALK if you are struggling – if you’re binging/eating off plan/mentally struggling with weight gain TALK about it. I guarantee to you, anyone who has been through this journey before WILL have felt the same.
- OWN your post show decisions and reflect on them POSITIVELY – if you’ve gained a little too much weight too quickly, but you’ve spent time with loved ones you’ve neglected for a long time. Don’t focus on the negatives, focus on the positives. And just don’t be an idiot.
- Ease back into training and don’t expect too much of yourself too soon. ‘Pushing through’ will only drive fatigue higher and prolong the recovery period. Communicate with your coach, tell them if your recovery is compromised and if they’re a decent coach, they should help you.
- BE HONEST with yourself and your coach – if you’re binging/eating off plan regularly. If they’re a good coach they WILL help you. It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. They can only support you if they know what’s happening ❤️
And finally. YOU ARE NOT DEFINED BY YOUR BODYWEIGHT OR HOW YOU LOOK. Focus on how feel, focus on your achievements (not many people can do what you have just done), enjoy some NORMAL LIFE. You deserve it
I have no immediate competing plans now. After a hectic few years I want some time to be present and start to enjoy my journey again.
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Change can be needed at times, and it’s a good thing.
Post show I’ve had a lot of change in my personal life. A lot of which is for the better. I’ve also proactively changed a few parts of my life, to embrace new beginnings – I’ve changed gyms for example. I’m now training out of a local gym and flex n tone.
As we move into this off season, im hugely prioritizing my well-being – the local gym has a sauna, steam and plunge pool which has been great for mental well-being and recovery.
Prioritizing well-being is something bodybuilders often let fall by the way side. It’s something I will be prioritizing moving forward ❤️
So I’m 3 weeks post show now and it’s the best I’ve ever felt.
Post show for can be incredibly tough.
I’m 3 weeks post show and it’s the best I’ve ever felt. Notice how I say ‘felt’ here not ‘looked’. Taking some attention away from body image is super important and that’s exactly what I’m doing this time round.
Here are things I have done here that work for me
- Prioritizing well-being – personal well-being and self care can get neglected in prep due to an intensely busy schedule – you deserve it to replenish those depleted stores.
- Prioritize your mental health as much as you do your diet/nutrition and be kind to yourself – daily journalling, practice gratitude.
- Set new goals/adopt a new hobby away from your own bodybuilding goals – this doesn’t mean you need to neglect your own bodybuilding at all. It merely gives you mental space away from what can feel like all consuming robotic bodybuilding world. I’ve started yoga!
- Retain structure – in prep we are in complete structure for a VERY long period of time. Removing all that instantly you can feel like a kid in a candy store and you can end up feeling lost/out of control. Keep some structure in – for me, that’s keeping in some cardio, staying on my meal plan (albeit with more food).
- TALK if you are struggling – if you’re binging/eating off plan/mentally struggling with weight gain TALK about it. I guarantee to you, anyone who has been through this journey before WILL have felt the same.
- OWN your post show decisions and reflect on them POSITIVELY – if you’ve gained a little too much weight too quickly, but you’ve spent time with loved ones you’ve neglected for a long time. Don’t focus on the negatives, focus on the positives. And just don’t be an idiot.
- Ease back into training and don’t expect too much of yourself too soon. ‘Pushing through’ will only drive fatigue higher and prolong the recovery period. Communicate with your coach, tell them if your recovery is compromised and if they’re a decent coach, they should help you.
- BE HONEST with yourself and your coach – if you’re binging/eating off plan regularly. If they’re a good coach they WILL help you. It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. They can only support you if they know what’s happening ❤️
And finally. YOU ARE NOT DEFINED BY YOUR BODYWEIGHT OR HOW YOU LOOK. Focus on how feel, focus on your achievements (not many people can do what you have just done), enjoy some NORMAL LIFE. You deserve it
I have no immediate competing plans now. After a hectic few years I want some time to be present and start to enjoy my journey again.