This post is to finally speak out about the secrets no one really talks about after the curtains go down after a figure competition. Now I can't speak for all women, but after recently talking with friends who I've competed with and meeting new friends who compete, the interesting subject that is finally being addressed are the “don't- tell secrets.” Many have shared openly about the metabolism damages from extreme weight gain, inability to loose fat as easily when competing again and even changes in their body image, and injuries. Wait there are more secrets. Why are they secrets? Is it fear of what others may think? What would my trainer do if I spoke freely? Would people just laugh at me and think I am making things up? Shouldn’t I be able to trust the supplement companies and what my trainer suggests? Well my answer is I really don't care what anyone thinks: I want to inform, educate and help others who are thinking of competing or have been competing and dealing with their own issues. It’s time to speak up.
In no way is this post casting a negative light over the sport of figure competing. It is something I have enjoyed the past 3 years - and I am sure I will do it again - but more an educational post on the supplement industry and potential abuse/advantage taken on by trainers. Why do you think the supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar industry? It starts with the infomercials we see daily in print, TV, and online promoting “XYZ” will get you into the best shape you've ever been, gain more muscle, loose more fat, and so on! This couldn’t be further from the truth, but hey we believe it right? Why would these companies want to sell me something that could cause long-term side-effects or be false advertising? Better yet, why would my trainer promote or encourage me to take all this stuff if could be harmful to me? I'm not saying all trainers do this, but I have known and worked with trainers who do. Why is this? Well first, many trainers are partners with a specific supplement company and they give the trainer huge incentives to promote and sell the products. It's a win-win for the supplement company and the trainer, but not for those taking them. My word of advice is be very cautious of what others claim to be a cure-all or that taking a multitude of supplements will give you drastic results! Here's the truth and the reality is very simple: getting and being in the best shape possible takes a strong desire and dedication in sticking to a controlled diet; not a bunch of pills! Muscle development does not occur through an over the counter pill, but genetics, years of consistent training and of course illegal substances if you’re crazy enough to choose this path.
Three years ago I had really made some huge changes in the way I was eating and my exercise routine, but after attending The Arnold Fitness Expo 6 years ago for the first time I wanted to be on stage as a figure competitor. At this time I reached out to trainers in the sport and began following their every word! If you know me at all this I am sure comes as a HUGE shock since I am such an independent thinker and LOVE research. It happens to the best of us and we have such a strong desire to make something work we rely on the experience and advice from others to get us to the finish line. It's not the principal of hanging on to their every last word or discrediting ones experience that caused problems for me, but not asking around to others, doing more research before it was too late and just being smarter. At one time I was taking up to 40 pills a day and spending over $300 a month on Beverly International a well known supplement company. In addition to taking the multitude of these supplements to gain muscle, loose fat, increase strength and energy, I was also taking thermogenics an enhanced way to speed up fat loss like Lipo6. At one time I was taking a thermogenic product that was pulled off the shelf by the FDA due to illegal substances and that is a shock in itself since the FDA has very little involvement when these supplements are produced and then put on the market for us to consume it's always after the fact.
Since taking such a variety of supplements that I thought would do wonders for my performance and help me to reach top level athlete status has only caused hormonal imbalance and no other improvements they had promised to deliver. I mean let's be real any supplement company with claims like " Advanced Pharmaceutical Grade" should not be a wow factor, but a run the other way factor. Who knows what is really behind the substances in these supplements, if lab testing is accurate and true side effects. The side effects are the big secret no one talks about. I'm not telling you or saying you should not trust or have relationships with trainers who promote supplements, or take supplements, but really ask yourself is it worth the investment, the risk and if they are really needed. For me I wish I would've thought twice as now I have struggled for over a year in balancing out the hormonal damage. Healthy habits like proper nutrition and exercise do not cause side effects, but taking in substances into your body that are not meant to be there in the first place can. I am 35 years old and suffer from pre-menopausal symptoms. Extreme night sweats, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles and a few other personal symptoms. For the past year I have eliminated all these foreign substances from my body and feel better, look the same and actually feel stronger all without taking all this stuff. My reason for this post is simply to state the facts, encourage you to think twice before taking the plunge in the supplement industry, and just because a trainer says so does not always mean they are right or even fully educated on the product. Listen to your body, educate yourself and don't be so naive to an industry who is constantly looking for bigger and better ways to take advantage of YOU!
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