Why I’m Training for a Physique Show
After spending years focusing on adding size and even dabbling in powerlifting for a while, I’ve decided to do something I never imagined I would ever do.
Later this year, I’m going to compete in my first physique show.
A couple of years ago, I wrote off the idea of ever training for a bodybuilding contest because I thought it was too hard and I would be uncomfortable posing in front of a large group of people.
Now, I’ve decided to tackle that challenge head on.
So what changed my mind?
Growing up, I was never very confident in myself, and I would never get out of my comfort zone because I was too afraid.
I was able to finally gain some confidence once I started building muscle. Since high school, I’ve put on 40 pounds of muscle, gotten my dream job as a personal trainer at a great facility, bought a house at just 25 years old and gotten married to the girl of my dreams.
If you had told me when I was in college I would have done any of these things by the age of 27, I would have told you that you were crazy.
If you had told me I was training for a physique competition, I would have probably laughed in your face.
Now, I’m challenging myself to do something I never thought I could do.
Sure, I will face many challenges along the way.
It’s going to be tough because I need to make sure I’m eating the right foods in the right amounts every single day. I also need to make sure I’m getting enough sleep and recovering from my workouts. As the competition gets closer, my diet and training are going to be even more strict than they are now. That means I’m going to have to make some social sacrifices as well.
I know it’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be well worth it because I’m going to have a physique I’ve always wanted and one that not too many other people are willing to put in the effort to have.
My progress in May 2016
To help me, I hired a contest prep coach. It’s made everything a whole lot easier. Even though I’m a coach, I still need accountability and guidance. I think we all do.
(If you’re looking for guidance on your training, check out my coaching page)
What’s one thing right now you wish you could do but have never built up the confidence to try?
It certainly doesn’t have to be training for a bodybuilding show. It can be something like going for a job you never thought you could have.
Whatever it is, figure out what’s holding you back from achieving that goal. Are you scared to fail? Does starting it seem too daunting of a task?
Right now, I want you to write down one actionable thing you can do right now to move closer to that goal.
Using the job example from above, maybe that entails doing some research on what type of skills/credentials someone in the position you want needs. You could also reach out to someone in that position and ask him or her what he or she did to land that job.
Whatever you choose to do, make it really easy. You’re more likely to follow through if you give yourself lots of small, simple tasks rather than one large one.
As always, if you have any questions or comments about this post, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My e-mail is luke@lukebriggsfitness.com.
