How Do Fitness Models Do It???

[pebblesus]

Anyone in here a fitness model or female bodybuilder? .. or know one?

I would like to know what their routines look like when they're trying to get to "fitness model" or "bodybuilder" size? (before they're READY to compete)

Im trying to get bigger, harder and more defined like that. But I don't know what I could do to see better results.

Sometimes I feel after a workout like I didn't do enough.. but the number of sets I do is definitly up there.. so Ive considered the possibility that maybe I need to do fewer sets, or even just fewer exercises per body part (and maybe more sets then?)

Ive wondered if the higher sets per body part (even though Ive to increased most of the weights) gives me more endurance instead of strength and mass as Im not seeing the size Im looking for..

Id love to know what the big girls do to get big so they can start competing. Im willing to try anything, just at a stump as to what might work as I don't feel like it's happening right for me at the moment..

Thanks for advice

 

[eminenz2]

I think Photoshop has something to do with it...

but the models in fitness magazines would *never* cheat...would they?

As for competition, I apologize that I cannot help you. But I don't believe much of anything I see in magazines - ever.

 

[kathryn]

What I think helps them get in that condition:

1) genetics (those who make it to contests are genetically predisposed to have a body that can get in that condition)

2)finding a workout system that works FOR THEM (though there are general guidelines for how to build size vs. strength, etc. (for size: 10-12 rep range, shorter breaks between sets, going to near faillure on most sets, then to reduce body fat, watch diet, do some interval work--1-2 workouts/week--and some circuit lifting), we are all individuals and those who are successful find what works for them by tweaking and experimentaiton.

3) nutrion and supplements (some of which may not be best from a health standpoint)

4)I agree: some photoshopping can be involved (as well as knowing how to pose and show ones assets while hiding ones faults--heck, if I stand the right way, my shoulders look broader, my waist looks smaller, and my naissant saddlebag bump disappears!--and probably not eating/drinking much the day of a photoshoot or contest).

 

[fit44]

There are several journals with fitness routine, nutrition, and supplement regimen posted on fitness forums like http://www.musclewithattitude.com/index.jsp

You can spend hours reading all the articles.
You can ask for help in the forums on how to get started in figure shows. They are very helpful and the women are truly remarkable!!

 

[tneah]

I competed, did the Emerald Cup National qualifier bodybuilding comp. in 1997. I have not competed since, it was something I wanted to try and can say that I did, but probably will never do again.

Its really, really hard work. It literally consumes you, you have to be ready mentally not just physically for the challenge.The dieting is super hard too.If you have it in you, go for it!

Recently, I worked with an incredible trainer/nutritionist...he works with the top fitness and bodybuilders in the business. He has a 12 week transformation program. It works wonders, he really knows his stuff. let me give you the web address.www.bodybyo.com
His name is Kim Oddo.

 

[krisfitness]

Tneah, Hi! Just wondering how you liked working with Kim. I am also a figure competitor and have heard good things about him. I live in Ohio...the world of "mike davies". However, my nutritionist/trainer lives in Rochester. He is a professional bodybuilder--George Farah. Have you heard of him. One of his professional figure athletes is Heather Mae French.


Kristen

 

[tneah]

Hey there!

I loved Kim, and especially Tina the gal who works with you at first. Kim is spookily right-spot on with your body and what you need. I went from 18 percent bodyfat to 13.8, gained lean mass and really got my eating together. It was really hard though. As you know, getting your bodyfat really low can be super hard for some women-myself especially.

Hum, I think I might have heard of George...wait a minute, is he a black man, bodybuilder, works with lots of fitness gals including Elaine Goodlad?

PS. If you decide to work with Kim, don't be surprised by his voice, its kinda high and freaked me out for a minute! But he is very encouraging and seems like a great guy...knows his stuff. He works with Monica Brant, one of my faves!

 

[Skyeblu]

I was an all natural competitive bodybuilder many years ago, did it for about 5 years and competed numerous times with top 3 placings and a national title. All I can say is it took time. When I look at the pictures from the first year to the last thats when I see what huge gains I made. BUT you have to be willing to to train hard and heavy and eats lots. I was not genetically gifted, more of a pear shape so I had to work to get where I am. I trained one body part a week, very heavy and used basic moves, squats, shoulder presses, deadlift, t-bar rows and bench press (the basics), lots of rest, little cardio and ate lots and lots of protein, complex carbs and very little fat, back in the 90's low fat was the way to go. When I competed I obviously was extremely lean but in the off season I would eat and bulk up. In order to put on muscle you will have to put on some fat along with it. I tried most years not to get too bulky as I wanted to look good/feminine but still in the heart of winter I was not afraid to add about an extra 5-10 lbs of fat so I could add muscle. So thats basically it. What you see in magazines are models after a competition looking their best. They do all their shoots then, don't think they walk around like that all the time. Trust me if you see them after shows back in normal life/routine they are not that lean.

 

[tneah]

True! People like Monica Brant claim they try and keep the bodyfat around 10 percent because she does lots of photo shoots and appearances throughout the year, and has to always look like that. Hey, she can have it, its her bread and butter, but for the normal person, its just not feasible. Even for me, maintaining 13 percent requires alot of cardio and a strict, strict diet.

So as you can imagine, I have gained a little back since my program, but am still lower than when I started.