Tag Archives: physique competition

6 Vital Tips for the Total Competition Package

22 Jan

You’ve spent countless hours at the gym and rigorously stuck to a diet regimen all for this one moment on stage! Your physique is at the very best it can be, your diet has been impeccable and now it’s time to take first place just as you deserve!

Judges have the job of inspecting and analyzing a lineup of nearly flawless bodies, which often leads them to rely on the minor details to make the final decision. While these six helpful tips might seem so miniscule, they really enhance the total package that you are presenting. Trust us when we say, it is worth the extra effort to perfect what seems to be the small details.

 1. Nail your Posing Routine!

pretty muscular woman posing on white background

 

Learn how to pose for your body and remember—practice makes perfect! It’s most important to think about what poses hide your weaknesses but showcase your strengths. Remember,  your posing is how you are presenting yourself to the judges! Have no idea where to start? HINT: Meet with a posing coach! Your coach can be the first to tell you the perfect pose to fit your body type.

 2. Find a Suit that Flatters You

PE&CE_Sparkle_013

 

Months of hard work in the gym and in the kitchen can be ruined simply by wearing the wrong suit—but luckily, the designers & staff at Saleyla are here to help! We know this part of the process can be daunting since there are so many options, but we always like to say, this is the FUN part! Picking the right suit for you requires a few key components:

  • Color: Make sure the color of your suit flatters your skin tone and hair color (but also keep in mind, you will be bronzed and beautified by show date!)
  • Top Style: The most important thing to remember for picking the right top style is the size of your breasts. Are you bustier? Then we recommend the halter style. Are you a bit smaller in the top region? We recommend getting a size up in the triangle top, that way there is extra room for additional padding if needed.
  • Bottom Style: We offer 3 different styles of back coverage: full coverage (8” to 9”), moderate coverage (7” to 7.5”) and rio coverage (pro cut- 5” to 6.5”)
  • Rhinestone Connectors: From loops & circles to hanging or chain connectors—the possibilities are endless! Connectors are a fun way to add a little pizazz to your already beautiful suit.
  • Stonework: Want to enhance your suit with some added bling? You came to the right place! We can completely customize your suit with a few stones or a rhinestoned covered suit! Stonework is yet another way to express yourself to the judges and stand out among the other competitors on stage!

Still overwhelmed by the thought of picking the right suit for you? Don’t worry—Saleyla’s knowledgeable staff can help you find the right cut, color and connectors for your suit to fit your body!

 3. Plan for a Tan

 

IMPORTANT: Test multiple tanning companies and their products before using them on competition day! A dark competition spray tan is applied to highlight muscle definition. Choosing the right product or tanning company can make the difference between a discolored, streaky mess to a smooth, even color!

 4. Choose a Hairstyle that Works Best for You

 

Although longer hair typically presents better, it is all about your facial structure and what looks better on you. The color and condition of your hair is not something the judges will miss either —and remember, those stage lights magnify just about everything. Try out a few different hairstyles and make sure to take pictures! If there is still room in your overall competition budget, we recommend spending the extra money on a Brazilian Blowout. This often calms frizzy, dry or overly curly hair with smoothness and an unforgettable shine!

 5. Perfect your Stage Makeup

Young Pretty Latino Woman Putting on mascara while listening to Headphones

Stage makeup is much different than the everyday or even “girl’s night out” makeup routine that you already have nailed! If you applying the makeup yourself, don’t forget to match your foundation to your spray tan, which is likely 4-5 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Don’t match your eye shadow color to your suit, instead choose a color that enhances your facial features. Most importantly, remember to go heavier than you normally would because stage lighting can sometimes dim the appearance of makeup.

If you happen to have the budget for it, hire a competition makeup professional. Take notes about what makeup brands and colors they use for the next time you want to recreate your winning look!

 6. Choose the Right Bling

 

Sometimes half the fun in competing is the glitz & glamour of it all! Wearing rhinestone jewelry or rhinestone studded shoes should be the final touches to the already perfect package you have created. With that being said, stage jewelry should add to your overall look, but never take away by drowning your hard work. Add a few small touches to your overall look, and voila! Your ready to step out on stage with confidence and pride!

 

Track Workout

3 Aug

Adding track workouts are a good way to introduce some variety and get some definition in your legs; a great way to prepare for your next figure competition. As with any program, it’s best to start slow and work your way up to the more intense programs.  For beginners, a run/walk program would be best.  As you increase your endurance, incorporate sprints, plyometrics, etc.   Don’t forget to stretch and fuel your body.

Below is an example of a track workout to get your heart beating and body sweating.  It is not recommended to do all the exercises in a single day.  Pick 3-4 and mix it up.

  1. Sprints:  Sprint the length of the track and walk the corners – repeat this for 5 laps.
  2. Lateral Shuffles:  Turn to your side in a squat position, step out to the side and shuffle down 25 steps, turn around and return to the starting position for 25 shuffles on the opposite leg.  Do this for 5 sets.
  3. Plyometrics (2 sets of each jump – 15 times)
    1. Lunge Jump – Starting for a lunge position, jump up and alternate legs. Repeat.  Pay special attention to your knee position when landing.
    2. Squat Jump – Jump up and return to a squat position.   Keep knees and toes parallel during your jump.
    3. Tuck Jumps – Holding your arms out level with your chest, jump and bring your knees up to your hands while keeping your back straight.
    4. Bleachers – Run up a set of bleachers as fast as possible.  Run down slowly for recovery and repeat 4 times.
    5. Jump Rope Intervals – 3 minute jump rope intervals with a 45 second recovery.  Repeat for 15 minutes.
    6. Ladders – On a football field, start at the end zone, sprint 10 yards, sprint back to end zone, sprint 20 yards, return to end zone, sprint 30 yards, return to end zone, continue to 50 yard line.  1 minute recovery.  Repeat for 3 sets.
    7. Fartlek Run – Jog for 2 minutes, sprint 40 steps, repeat for 15 minutes.

 

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.