Hi Everyone!
I have mentioned in a couple of my posts that one of the goals I have set for myself this year is to compete in a fitness competition. I have chosen the 2013 NPC Natural Eastern USA Championships for my first show.
This is a very different challenge for me, as all of my fitness goals are typically related to improving my ability to complete an activity or exercise. For this type of competition the focus is on the physique.
I have decided to compete in the Bikini Division. This has been a great motivation to help re-focus my workouts. I gained some weight over the holidays. Between starting a new job, cold winter weather, and extra demands on my time I didn’t get to workout as much as I’d like. In November and December I shared only 15 workouts per month. Typically I share 24-28 workouts per month. Remember, all of the workouts that I share here, are the actual workouts I do to stay in shape. Add in all of the holiday (and birthday) sweets I was eating, and I had some holiday weight gain.
From January 1st-February 1st I lost 5 pounds. All of my January workouts are posted, plus from January 14th on I averaged 30 minutes of cardio (either running or walking) per day. For the month of January, I posted 23 different workouts. I also averaged between 1900-2000 calories per day, of primarily clean, whole foods. Everyone has different caloric needs, but I am a firm believer in getting enough good calories if you want to boost and optimize your metabolism. Also, the quality of calories makes a big difference. 2000 calories of healthy, balanced meals is very different from 2000 calories of processed foods.
Five pounds may not sound like a lot of weight loss, but when you lose 5 pounds of fat, and eat/exercise enough to maintain your muscles the physical differences can be very noticeable. Remember this picture?
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| 5 pounds of fat vs. 5 pounds of muscle |
I will keep you posted along the way as I try my first competition. It will be a learning experience as I haven’t undertaken anything like this before. I will also be sharing more photos/posts about my meals.
Hey Girl! I am planning on competing in my first NPC Bikini Competition on June 8th! When is yours? You already looking amazing, you progress just over one month is fantastic. I’m sure you will do great!
-Kris
Thanks Kris!
My show is March 30th. If I enjoy it there is another one I might do in May. 🙂
Good luck with your show! I would love to hear how your prep is going!
Melissa
Wow Melissa! Amazing progress! Who knew you even needed any? That contest isn’t going to know what hit ’em! I might have to make a road trip to cheer on Team Bender!!
Good luck! Thank you for sharing your journey!
can you post a sample meal plan of a typical day of yours? and do you weight pasta cooked or uncooked? i usually weigh it uncooked as when cooking water weight effect weight 🙂
Wow Melissa, what a transformation! Just the one i want for myself, and i’m trying to achive from year around, but can’t see any changes, even if i eat protein, completely cut out any processed food (i make everything at home) Exactly what i see in the picture: I’m just thin, but i want to gain muscle and to have strong body like yours. Can you please tell me where i can find the workouts you used for this transformation? Where should i start? Thank you and good luck with your competition!
Wow you look amazing! Is all that from just doing your workouts you post on here and running? I dont know how to post from my facebook so im posting anonymous..
can you post a sample meal plan of a typical day of yours? and do you weight pasta cooked or uncooked? i usually weigh it uncooked as when cooking water weight effect weight 🙂
Great progress Melissa . I am at the beginning of the process I am 20 lbs from my ideal weight to compete. Do you guys think 12 weeks is enough time for this transformation? Thanks
Shanda
I am so excited for you in this upcoming competition. You continue to inspire. xoxo
I love your blog! I am curious, do you workout with weights at all?
really enjoying your page and workouts, it’s been a great find! 🙂 thanks for all the candidness through your journey and helpful tips, it makes you relatable, and reaches your audience on a more personal level. I used to follow bodyrock.tv but it turned to selling sex in an effort to selling product placement 🙁 and when they lost zuzanna they lost all their relatability. keep up the great posts they help more than you know!
A little tan and striking a different pose…no tangible results in one month…you are hot girl…but…whatever…keep it up and rock that bikini!