With the MISSFITS, IFBB PRO Heather Taylor Metheny, Heather Clay, and Loni Christine
Breaking Plateaus
27 JulTraining hard and dieting without results can be the most frustrating circumstance to encounter in the gym, not to mention how a plateau can stifle goals. There are numerous articles and tips available online, but one of the best recommendations we found comes from Vince Del Monte on Bodybuilding.com.
He offers 7 tips on how to change it up to break through plateaus to meet your fitness goals.
- Tweak your tempo
- Flip your sets and reps
- Try a 6-12-25 giant set – “very tough, but valuable”
- Wear a stop-watch – time your rest period and stay consistent
- Bust your ass, then take a week off
- Rotate protein sources
- Pick a part, any part – focus on one body part
Read the complete article here: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/change-it-up-7-ways-to-break-a-plateau.html
For the best weight loss results, listen to your body clock
27 JulIf you’re trying to lose weight for your next figure competition, you have probably been inundated with advice from personal trainers, fellow competitors – you name it. But, while you still may be deliberating about the best time to work in your weekly cardio, there is one basic tenet of weight loss that is especially important for fitness training prep: Don’t sabotage yourself. If you go against your body’s natural rhythms, for example, you’re only going to make things harder for yourself as you work to slim down.
One of the easiest ways to actually pack on pounds is to load up on calories when your metabolism isn’t running at full steam. Most people know that late-night feeding sessions aren’t a good idea, but, even so, they may still find themselves sneaking a snack in the wee hours of the morning.
However, a new study from the medical experts at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed just how damaging it can be to stray from typical eating times. According to ScienceDaily, researchers from UPenn altered the “clock genes” in the fat cells of lab mice, that that the animals would eat at unnatural hours – in this case, during the day. They discovered that the mice that went against their typical dietary habits quickly became obese, even though they didn’t actually consume more food than mice that ate when they were inherently inclined to.
So, when it comes to figure competition diets and workout regimens, be sure to take advantage of your body’s natural rhythms rather than going against them. Every calorie counts when you’re gearing up for your event, so time your meals to ensure that all the energy goes toward your gym session.
Don’t be afraid to turn your back to the judges with these tips
22 JulTo truly stand out in a physique, bikini or figure competition, you have to make an impact at every angle. That’s why it’s as important to tone your calves, flutes and back muscles as it is to etch out those rock-hard abs.
If you are concerned that you may be neglecting your back muscles in your regular workout routine, adding a few of these exercises to the rotation can help.
The Cobra – Fitness Magazine recommends this step for beginners who are just starting to ramp up their workouts. Simply lie stomach-down on the floor. Then, while keeping your stomach and glute muscles taut, lift your shoulder and legs upward until they are a few inches above the ground. Hold your arms at your side as you repeat this exercise.
The Rolling Ball Pull – If you don’t already own a stability ball, consider adding it to your wish list, as it can come in handy in a number of different workouts. This exercise, which the source suggests for intermediate trainers, requires you to kneel on the ground and rest your forearms on the ball. Then, roll the ball away from you so that your arms and body are fully extended and hold the position for a few seconds.
The Bent-Over Rows– Shape magazine explains that this move can help tone your shoulders and middle back, so you can have a powerful, balanced look on stage. With a dumbbell in each hand, bend your knees slightly and lean your torso forward while keeping your back perfectly straight. Then, lift the dumbbells so they meet up with the upward-pointing line of your back.
Add these steps to your workout and you’ll be giving the officials something to remember you by as you walk offstage during your next round of bikini competitions.
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Go Backstage
22 Jul
FitnessProDirect.com has launched a new social network site just for competitors, businesses and fitness enthusiasts.
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Posing for the NPC Bikini Division
10 Jul
Video with India Paulino demonstrating posing for Bikini
Competition Shoes
7 JulThere are plenty of things to consider when selecting your competition shoes. Shoes always need to be clear and have at least a 5-inch heel. If you don’t feel comfortable in 5-inches, you can purchase a 3 or 4-inch (also come in 4.5-inches) and practice in those until you work your way up to 5 inches. The purpose of your shoe is to enhance your calf muscle and elongate your legs. You have put hours of work in the gym and now it’s time to show them off.
There are multiple platforms available: ¼ inch, ½ inch and 1 inch. Be certain to check the regulations of the competition you are entering to see what is authorized. Platforms can be embellished with rhinestones, which look amazing on stage and can catch the eye of the judges, but having a clear platform is perfectly fine. The shoes are made of plastic and may feel a bit tight initially, but keep in mind that the shoe will stretch to fit your foot as you continue to practice.
Shoes will also have straps or come in a mule style. This will be your preference. Many girls 
prefer the straps on stage to avoid any slip-ups. The more you practice in your shoes, the easier it will be to work the stage. Be sure to practice all of your posing in your shoes, as well. Walking on stage like a newborn giraffe will be damaging to your success; you will need to walk with confidence, smiling and facing the judges. Own the Stage!
Lastly, it is a good idea to have an extra pair of shoes.
Figure & Bikini Competition 
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