Tag Archives: ifbb

For the best weight loss results, listen to your body clock

27 Jul

If 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.

Organization Rules & Regulations

3 Jul

Once you decide to compete and begin doing your homework, you will soon realize that there are numerous organizations and each have their own set of rules.  BodyBuilding.com has put together a comprehensive list of organizations with links to their websites.

Click on the link or see their list below:

IFBB Info  

IFBB Info

The IFBB was created in 1964 by Ben and Joe Weider! For more information click here.
IFBB Pro Rules Book
NPC Info

NPC Info

The NPC is the amateur league for the IFBB, en route to becoming an IFBB Pro the NPC is one of the few amateur routes you can achieve an IFBB Pro Card!
NPC Rules and Regulations

CBBF Info

CBBF Info

The CBBF is Canada’s only federally recognized governing body for amateur bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini competitions.
CBBF Bikini Rules CBBF Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Class Rules

NGA Info

NGA Info

In 1986 the NGA sanctioned the first all “natural” bodybuilding contests in the U.S, which has grown to become the largest, promoter nationally!
NGA Judging Outline NGA Amateur TIER System NGA Pro TIER System

Muscle Mania Info

Muscle Mania Info

Musclemania is a series of natural bodybuilding competitions featuring the best physiques from around the world.
Muscle Mania Event Info Muscle Mania Figure Info

IFPA Info

IFPA Info

The IFPA is the pro division of the OCB, to learn more click here!
IFPA Pro Guidelines

WBFF Info

WBFF Info

The WBFF was created by an athlete, for the athletes!  It features pro and amateur bodybuilding, male/female fitness model/male muscle model, and women’s figure. To learn more click here!
WBFF Competition Categories & Judging Criteria

OCB Info

OCB Info

The OCB is an amature stage for natural competitors to compete for their IFPA pro cards, for more information click here.
OCB Guidelines

NANBF Info

NANBF Info

The North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation was founded with a goal to promote drug tested body building shows.
NANBF Homepage NANBF Banned Substances

REAL Info

REAL Info

REAL is a platform for all natural/drug free competitors to show off their athleticism and physique! For more information click here.
REAL Athlete Info

FAME Info

FAME Info

The FAME World Tour is a series of international physique competition showcase events. For more information click here.
FAME Competition Info

INBF Info

INBF Info

Founded in 2000, the INBF is the non-profit amateur affiliate of the WNBF. For more information click here.
INBF Rules & Regulations

UNBA Info

UNBA Info

The UNBA promotes health and wellness through physical fitness and nutrition. For more information click here.
UNBA Rules & Regulations

INBA Info

INBA Info

The INBA sponsors natural bodybuilding competitions and is affiliated with ABA & PNBA. For more information click here.
INBA Rules & Regulations

NPA Info

NPA Info

The Natural Physique Association (NPA) is an independent organization which promotes sanctioned drug-free amateur competitions.
NPA Fitness/Figure Rules

New study reveals the best times to drink that protein shake

25 Jun

Most people know that protein is essential for muscle growth, and is therefore a must for any bikini, bodybuilding or figure competition diet. However, one thing competitors may not be so sure about is when they should time their daily protein shakes to get the most out of a workout. Is it better to load up on this compound in preparation for an intense workout, or should you grab a power bar afterward to help your body recover?

Earlier this month, researchers from Northern Illinois decided to get to the bottom of this issue by reviewing past studies on the subject in search of “conclusive evidence” about the impact of protein timing on weight training.  The final report was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

“In general, protein supplementation pre- and post-workout increases physical performance, training session recovery, lean body mass, muscle hypertrophy and strength. Specific gains differ however, based on protein type and amounts,” the study abstract states.

For example, the researchers found evidence that drinking fat-free milk after an intense round of weight-lifting helped build up strength, as well as lean muscle mass and hypertrophy – i.e. an increase in cell size that can make them look more pronounced. Doing so also leads to a decrease in body fat, the source notes.

The study authors also write that bodybuilding or figure competition supplements containing whey protein are best after resistance training – particularly in combination with glucose or maltodextrin – for the best results in terms of strength and muscle mass.  Meanwhile, supplements with essential amino acids and dextrose are reportedly more beneficial before a workout.

So, if studies have shown that most protein sources are best after a training session, what should you fuel up on beforehand? WebMD recommends meals that are familiar to your system, are moisture-rich and have low amounts of fiber and fat.

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Amanda Latona Wins

24 Jun

Amanda Latona Wins

1st Place at the greater gulf #IFBB Pro Bikini competition.