Figure Competitions

[Tyronna]

I am looking to do my first figure competition this year and wanted to know if you had any recommendations on the best type of shows for beginners - NPC, IFBB??? I'd like to do a natural show. I am looking for a show near Chicago or Nashville. Also, how much prep time would you recommend? I have been working out for about 8 months and think I am less than 10lbs from competition weight.

[Warrior]

Congratulations on your decision to enter the world of competing! As far as the types of shows, it's good to enter a show with an organization that values your type of physique. For example, IFBB (the pro division of NPC) tends to favor more muscular physiques than FAME. The next thing you'll notice is that not all organizations have shows in all areas, so unless you're willing to travel, that is another limiting factor. Also, some shows drug test and some do not. You can find out by calling or checking the website.

If you are 10 pounds away from contest weight, that is great! Assuming your diet is in order, you should be looking for a show about 2-3 months away (more or less depending on your body, how you look, your body fat%, etc).

Below are some websites to check out if you haven't already:

http://www.npctn.com/

http://fameworldtour.com/

http://www.npcillinoisbodybuilding.com/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbcompsearch.htm

Hope this helps! If you have any further questions, let me know!

[Tyronna]

I started keeping a food log last month and can now better see how my body responds to different calorie levels in combination with varying workout routines. I am targeting 1500-1600 calories a day with 118g of protein and about 10% of calories from fat while I try to shave some additional fat pounds. I feel as though I have hit a plateau with my workouts. I am training 6 days/week - 3 weight training/cardio days and 3 cardio only days. I'd like to keep up enough cardio to continue to compete in running events (10K, 1/2marathons and marathons) so I am running about 3 days a week with a long run (10-12 miles) on the weekend. Could my cardio be burning muscle?

[Tyronna]

One last piece of information for help with my calorie target - I am 123 lbs and 5'3

[Warrior]

Seems like you are undereating/overtraining. I responded to this in the competitions section.