The goal for any bodybuilder typically is to make it pro and then eventually get to the most prestigious venue of them all, Joe Weider's Olympia Stage, in Las Vegas. It just so happens to be going on as you are reading this and through the weekend.
Although the classes are stacked and the show runs for three days, it definitely puts into perspective how unique each individuals bodies are. The Olympia Stage showcases the most amazingly sculpted bodies that are presented throughout the weekend. Each body, or work of art (as I call it) is impressive and unique to that individual.
I just like to bring a gentle reminder to those who are not familiar with the sport, although these bodies may not be your cup of tea, you have to admit that the dedication, determination and sacrifice put in to sculpt each of these bodies is not only impressive but even mind-blowing.
Good Luck to all the athletes competing this weekend!
For More up to date and information on this weekends list of events click here
Friday, September 15, 2017
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
5.5 Weeks Out- Thoughts on Passion and Bodybuilding Vs. Healthy Lifestyle
I have been prepping for this upcoming show for 25 weeks. 25 weeks I have endured countless hours of cardio, dietary restrictions of 1000kcals a day and lifting sessions that last 2+ hours that beat the shit out of my body. Everyday though, I crave it. I crave the routine, I crave the pain and I push my body to endure every imaginable obstacle possible.
Its hard to explain what passion is if you have never really experienced it. People always tell me I am crazy or that I have no life because I spend all my countless free time in the gym. But it's not work to me, its what I love to do. It drives me to be a better person, keeps me motivated and always pushes me to become better than I was the day before.
Bodybuilding is a lifestyle, it is so much more than casually lifting in the gym. To be a bodybuilder you have to be willing to give up everything and everyone to get to your end goal. Those who that support you will stick around and those who do not will leave. One of my pet peeves is people who call themselves bodybuilders who have never truly committed to the sport or lifestyle.
Eating right and lifting does not make you a bodybuilder. Bodybuilding is so so so much more: Sacrificing daily life, friendships, relationships, painfully swallowing the dry chicken or fish, getting discouraged day by day as you only see the subtle changes your body makes, prepping and bringing your food everywhere, spending thousands of dollars on food and supplements a month, waking up earlier than the world to get that fasted cardio in and ending the day with your HIIT training or PM cardio, getting 8 hours of sleep in between life and still trying to function as a normal human...that's the lifestyle for a bodybuilder. If you are willing to do that, then you can rightfully call yourself a bodybuilder.
Its hard to explain what passion is if you have never really experienced it. People always tell me I am crazy or that I have no life because I spend all my countless free time in the gym. But it's not work to me, its what I love to do. It drives me to be a better person, keeps me motivated and always pushes me to become better than I was the day before.
Bodybuilding is a lifestyle, it is so much more than casually lifting in the gym. To be a bodybuilder you have to be willing to give up everything and everyone to get to your end goal. Those who that support you will stick around and those who do not will leave. One of my pet peeves is people who call themselves bodybuilders who have never truly committed to the sport or lifestyle. Eating right and lifting does not make you a bodybuilder. Bodybuilding is so so so much more: Sacrificing daily life, friendships, relationships, painfully swallowing the dry chicken or fish, getting discouraged day by day as you only see the subtle changes your body makes, prepping and bringing your food everywhere, spending thousands of dollars on food and supplements a month, waking up earlier than the world to get that fasted cardio in and ending the day with your HIIT training or PM cardio, getting 8 hours of sleep in between life and still trying to function as a normal human...that's the lifestyle for a bodybuilder. If you are willing to do that, then you can rightfully call yourself a bodybuilder.
September 2017:
I'm back!
I know it has been some time since I have been on and many changes have come and went through my life. However, what has not changed is my passion for bodybuilding. My consistent training and dedication to the sport as well as how adaptive my lifestyle has become with helping me achieve my dreams.
So what is new with me?! Well for the past year I was living in Kansas. After graduating college and finishing my year out with Junior Nationals and then the Nicole Wilkins Championships. I decided to get some space from my previous life obstacles and moved down to Kansas. Of course, I should tell you there also is a man involved in this ordeal as well :) My soon to be husband. That's right I also got engaged while I was away. He was stationed in Fort Riley, KS so I moved down to be with him as he went through transition leave.
In Kansas, I continued training religiously and actually found the most amazing gym called The Foundation. Location in Manhattan, KS. (Seriously if you guys are ever in the area stop in and check out the place, ask for Matt, Alexis or Josh and tell them I sent you) - You will NOT be disappointed. It was definitely an eye opener to see so many different training techniques under one roof. While I was down there I was also prepping for the 2017 Junior National bodybuilding show, however, I got diagnosed with hyperthyroidism soon after prep began and quickly my body shut down. I lost over 40 pounds in 2 weeks, my muscle was gone and I had to battle overcoming my illness and putting back on my muscle. It was a devastating let down to have to drop out of that show.
Mentally and Physically I was a mess, however, my fiance was by my side and still continues to support my on my road to recovery as I put the weight back on and continue chasing my dreams.
Fast-Forward 5 months, here I am today.
I am prepping again for 2 local Michigan shows. My coach and I have decided to take things a bit easier for this year to make sure that my body is healthy enough to endure the prep. So far it has been very adaptive and I currently am sitting at 5.5 weeks out and 7.5 weeks out.
I will be in touch soon with much more detail about my life but wanted to keep you guys updated with my current situation. Be in touch soon.
Do the Necessary to Achieve the Dream.
I'm back!
I know it has been some time since I have been on and many changes have come and went through my life. However, what has not changed is my passion for bodybuilding. My consistent training and dedication to the sport as well as how adaptive my lifestyle has become with helping me achieve my dreams.
So what is new with me?! Well for the past year I was living in Kansas. After graduating college and finishing my year out with Junior Nationals and then the Nicole Wilkins Championships. I decided to get some space from my previous life obstacles and moved down to Kansas. Of course, I should tell you there also is a man involved in this ordeal as well :) My soon to be husband. That's right I also got engaged while I was away. He was stationed in Fort Riley, KS so I moved down to be with him as he went through transition leave.
In Kansas, I continued training religiously and actually found the most amazing gym called The Foundation. Location in Manhattan, KS. (Seriously if you guys are ever in the area stop in and check out the place, ask for Matt, Alexis or Josh and tell them I sent you) - You will NOT be disappointed. It was definitely an eye opener to see so many different training techniques under one roof. While I was down there I was also prepping for the 2017 Junior National bodybuilding show, however, I got diagnosed with hyperthyroidism soon after prep began and quickly my body shut down. I lost over 40 pounds in 2 weeks, my muscle was gone and I had to battle overcoming my illness and putting back on my muscle. It was a devastating let down to have to drop out of that show.
Mentally and Physically I was a mess, however, my fiance was by my side and still continues to support my on my road to recovery as I put the weight back on and continue chasing my dreams.
Fast-Forward 5 months, here I am today.
I am prepping again for 2 local Michigan shows. My coach and I have decided to take things a bit easier for this year to make sure that my body is healthy enough to endure the prep. So far it has been very adaptive and I currently am sitting at 5.5 weeks out and 7.5 weeks out. I will be in touch soon with much more detail about my life but wanted to keep you guys updated with my current situation. Be in touch soon.
Do the Necessary to Achieve the Dream.
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