Hey guys!  Hope this finds you all well and enjoying the summer!

Since I’m so close to my show (just 1 week out!), I wanted to share some of my tips for success with Contest Preps.  I’m by no means an expert on this stuff.  This is only my 4th prep and my first National show, and I’m obviously not a Pro, however, I do feel like my experience has given me a lot of insight into what helps make prepping for a bodybuilding competition easier!  I love to mentor first-time competitors and newbies in the sport because this can be REALLY overwhelming.  And honestly, you learn best by experience, but it’s so helpful to have all the advice you can get!  Here are my top tips for making your Prep as enjoyable and hopefully successful as possible.

1.) Have a good coach!  This is a no brainer.  You can’t get stage-ready flying solo.  Ideally you want to be working with someone for several weeks or months prior to dieting for a show so that they get to know your body and it’s responses to various types of training and dietary changes.  Ask around!  You should feel comfortable with this person.  Yes, it’s a business relationship, but you need to feel like they support and encourage you and that they are truly knowledgeable about the sport.

2.) If you can’t go 6 weeks without a cheat meal, it’s not time to Prep for a show.  I can’t stress this enough.  You REALLY need to be in a place  where you have a healthy relationship with food, and you can have the self-control and discipline to stick to a VERY structured diet for several weeks.  Give yourself a test run before even thinking about picking a show date.  If you can’t go several weeks without pizza, wine, dessert, tacos, donuts, brunch with your girls, etc., you really need to reevaluate why you’re doing a show.

3.) Prioritize SLEEP and REST!! This will become more and more important the further you get into a Prep.  You get more and more depleted, and rest and sleep become more important.  If your schedule is crazy and you’re only getting 4-6 hours of sleep a night, or are super busy running around every day, you may need to reconsider if prepping for a show is right for you.

4.) Get comfortable eating vegetables.  Lots and lots of green vegetables. Sometimes I think I’m part rabbit.  I’m not talking about eating boujie salads and broccoli covered in cheese sauce.  Carbs and fats will get cut in a Prep.  End of story.  That leaves pretty much green stuff and proteins.  If you can’t handle that, you’re gonna be riding an even strugglier struggle bus.

5.) Try to stay positive. You will get hangry.  You will get tired.  You will be sore.  You will be emotional at the drop of a hat. You will question your will power and sanity more than you every have in your life.  The good news, every Prep gets easier because hopefully you’re getting stronger.  Just like with anything in life, your attitude and mindset can determine how you view your circumstances.  If you think it sucks, it’s going to suck more.  The cool part, staying positive in a Prep makes it easier to stay positive in other shitty situations.

5.) Enjoy the journey.  Prep will teach you so so much about yourself and life, but only if you ALLOW it to and embrace the highs and lows that come with that journey to the stage.  At the end of the day, it’s not about winning, it’s about become better and becoming stronger inside and out.  Take pictures of your shredded self!  Journal, post on social media, take videos.  You’ll be glad you did when you look back on your ride!

So that’s it!  I’ve got a ton of other posts here on “Prep Hacks” and am always here to answer questions.

Thanks so much for being part of my journey!  Another post coming soon before we head to Vegas next week!

Till next time,

-Mere