Throughout the next several weeks, Amateur Figure Competitor Lindsay Gleason will give us an inside look on how to prepare both physically and mentally for an NPC competition. She will be competing at the NPC Mid-Atlantic Natural Classic on May 1, 2010.
In the weeks to come, be sure to track Lindsay’s training progress in the Journals section of the MDFW Forums. You can also find out more about her by viewing her MuscleDog profile seen here http://www.muscledog.com/Gleas.html# .
Women sporting a set of washboard abs enviable by most men, bronzed bodybuilders flexing their hard earned muscle, inspirational physiques and the stories behind them everywhere…yes, the Arnold Classic is approaching.
This upcoming weekend I will be traveling with the MuscleDog Team to Columbus, Ohio for the Arnold Classic. Being around so many icons in the fitness industry is sure to be enough motivation to carry me through the next two months of dieting towards my figure show this May. I remember being 15 years old and seeing that first photograph of Monica Brant-Peckham. My passion ignited to reach an extraordinary goal--a competition of my own! I will most likely see her at the Arnold Expo-- what could psych a figure gal up more than that!!
Since my last entry, my body has been showing more transformations each week. I am now under 15 percent bodyfat. I have noticed my body is craving more sleep but otherwise, I feel focused and fitter than ever. Though I am working hard, I still wake up every morning eager to set foot in the gym. Keeping a positive outlook and taking it one day at a time are key!
Currently, I am spending about an hour each day doing cardio- typically I jog on the treadmill or use the stair mill. When weight training, I perform plyometric exercises in between sets, such as jumping rope or squat jumps. You might think this sounds rather arduous but I am loving the intensity! I believe nothing worthwhile comes easy and I constantly visualize my body becoming a work of art as I push harder and sweat pours down my face. The workouts are becoming a rush--a healthy addiction. I yearn for the surge of endorphins as I take my body to the next level. I have been experimenting with pushing a weighted sled, hitting a huge tire with a sledgehammer and sprinting and bounding off boxes to switch up my cardiovascular work. As a competitor, I tend to hold a bit too much muscular size in my legs. I am finding that these new ideas in combination with the extensive static cardio time are taking them down nicely. I am feeling confident and empowered with my progress! My hard work and diet are paying off as a once stubborn lower body seems to be melting down displaying new curves and cuts weekly!
This week, my concerns seem silly to your average Joe or Jody-- calling the airline I am taking to see if I can transport four pounds of chicken in my carry-on bag, putting almonds and sweet potatoes in my suitcase. Airline employees are raising eyebrows I'm sure--"Sure, Ms.Gleason, your poultry has been approved for takeoff!” I never thought I'd be thankful for a diet consisting of about seven foods! Calling the hotel to ensure they have a microwave and small refrigerator is another item on this week’s to-do list. I'm up for the challenge of traveling while on a pre-contest diet. If I have to do jumping jacks in the hotel room too--so be it! After a weekend of viewing the "pros," I'm sure ill feel like a guppy in a sea of physiques. But believe me, this will only serve as fresh motivation to bring home with me and drive my progress on!
Be sure to view my next progress entry when I’ll be sharing some tips on practicing my posing and beauty contest prep in the next two weeks!