Desperate contest prep help!!

[sneezingstardust]

I'm in a crisis, at the moment. I'm currently 8 weeks out from my first figure competition, and I may be leaving my current trainer, because I feel that the program/diet that I am on at the moment has left me quite over-trained, and under-nourished.

My question is, can I still be ready in 8 weeks if I switch up my program? I am already fairly lean...here are some pictures, so you have an idea:

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Sorry that's all I have on here for now. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

[Erik]

Post straight up front and backs.

As for future progress, it can be VERY affected by what you've been doing in the past (or basically present and backwards for you).

[sandi]

I would say two things.

First, listen to your inner voice. It will never steer you wrong. If you are feeling overtrained/undernourished and something seems 'wrong' this far out? It probably is.

Second, unless you are a pro who has to send in a contract where you sign your life away for a show, I would let the physique dictate the show date.........rather than vice versa. There's ALWAYS another show. (Please don't take offense to this and think that I'm saying you won't be ready. I'm not. I'm with Erik......straight on front/back shots provide much more info than twisted/model pose ones. This has nothing to do with your pics...which look good, btw:wave:)

[Blondell]

Post straight up front and backs.

As for future progress, it can be VERY affected by what you've been doing in the past (or basically present and backwards for you).

:ditto:

Depending on what you've been doing, your results over the next 8 weeks would vary.

If you start w/ a new coach, their approach would dictate whether you'd have time based on what your previous coach had you doing.....an example would be if you are currently doing over 1hr cardio a day on low cals and then you switch to a coach that goes w/ higher cals/less cardio...there would be a 'balancing out' time where results probably would not come as fast as you'd desire. :)

[Erik]

:ditto:

Depending on what you've been doing, your results over the next 8 weeks would vary.

If you start w/ a new coach, their approach would dictate whether you'd have time based on what your previous coach had you doing.....an example would be if you are currently doing over 1hr cardio a day on low cals and then you switch to a coach that goes w/ higher cals/less cardio...there would be a 'balancing out' time where results probably would not come as fast as you'd desire. :)

This can also lead to faster results actually when the body becomes properly fed and no longer beaten into the ground.

It moves from reacting to responding.

[Blondell]

This can also lead to faster results actually when the body becomes properly fed and no longer beaten into the ground.

It moves from reacting to responding.

Yes. It's just getting to that point that sucks. lol

[Erik]

The change in program IS what can get a person to that point. It's not as simplistic to say that there is a 'recovery period' and that part sucks. Or that it takes a long time.

It's clearly a case by case issue, in the more extreme cases, most definitely, unfortunately.

But in the less extreme cases, the simple easing off and doing this smarter/less extreme, can result in progress picking right back up.

Many can attest to this.

[Blondell]

The change in program IS what can get a person to that point. It's not as simplistic to say that there is a 'recovery period' and that part sucks. Or that it takes a long time.

It's clearly a case by case issue, in the more extreme cases, most definitely, unfortunately.

But in the less extreme cases, the simple easing off and doing this smarter/less extreme, can result in progress picking right back up.

Many can attest to this.
True. Good thing that you clarified what was being said. I was speaking on extreme cases and did not clarify that point. :wink:

[sneezingstardust]

Thanks for the info - my friend who is willing to help me with my diet/training was saying the same thing as Erik, that if I were to back off (slightly) for the next 2 weeks or so, he's confident that the following 6 weeks will be good.

I know there will always be other competitions, but I've already put so much time/money/energy into making this one happen, and I'm not about to screw it up. :(

As for more pictures, I hope these help some - they're the most recent:

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[rainy]

This can also lead to faster results actually when the body becomes properly fed and no longer beaten into the ground.

It moves from reacting to responding.

I'm at this place now thanks to Erik :hug:.... it's a VERY good place to be at :yayconfetti: