IFBB Figure Champion Nicole Wilkins added two more victories to her resume this year. The champ has a number of things she’s busy with but was kind enough to take the time to share another guest blog here. As you can imagine being one of the top figure competitors in the world, Nicole is often asked the same questions over and over. She answers some of them here.
Long time no blog! Thank you Isaac for asking me to continue to write for hardbody.com. I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of spring. I know I am loving the 60 degree weather and sunshine. Spring is the best for outdoor activities and after such a long winter, the sunshine brightens up everyone’s mood around here.
I decided that I am going to use this blog to answer common questions I’m often asked. If you can think of any that I didn’t answer, please send me an email at nicole@nicolewilkins.com or visit my facebook page at www.facebook.com/nicolewilkins01 and post them there. I will do my best to answer as many as I can.
1. Do you ever struggle with your diet while prepping for a contest? If so how do you overcome it?
Of course. There are times where I am very hungry and would love to have a cookie or a jar of peanut butter lol, but then I think of how far I have come, how hard my fellow competitors are training at that moment and how I would feel after if I ate myself into comatose. Then, I stop and have some hot tea 🙂 I think this sport is one of, if not the hardest, because not only do you have to train regularly, but you have to be ON 24/7 with your diet. If it was easy, everyone would be in great shape!
2. What advice would you give for makeup, hair and tanning for stage? How do you get the perfect tan?
Makeup and hair: I recommend getting this done professionally for your competition. You have trained for months gearing up for this show. The last thing you need is your hair or makeup affecting your placement. I do recommend natural looking hair- avoid the prom updo’s and for makeup, don’t forget the fake eyelashes!
For the tan: Be sure to exfoliate all week gearing up to get rid of all dead skin. If you don’t, your tan may get a little muddy looking. Do not use lotion the day or two before you tan and absolutely no deodorant the day of (it will turn lime green!). Once sprayed, wear loose clothes, do not get any water on your skin and do not sweat. Stay in a cool place.
3. I’m thinking about entering a competiton. Where can I find information on contests in my area?
Two of the most important sites to know are:
www.npcnewsonline.com
www.ifbbpro.com
For individual states, I would google the state I am interested in to see what their National Physique Committee (NPC) show schedule for that year is. Here are a few:
In Texas: http://www.thompsonmusclecontest.com
On the East coast: http://www.bevfrancis.com
On the West coast & Mountain regions: http://www.lindsayproductions.com
http://www.jefftaylor.com & www.npcutah.com.
In the midwest: http://www.michiganfitnessshows.com (check out my show July 16th 😉
I know I missed soooo many, so please leave your state and site in the comments below.
4. What is your daily diet when you are not preparing for a competition? Do you indulge in sweets, alcohol, etc and if so how often?
My offseason diet looks pretty much the same as my in-season diet. I like to eat clean and healthy but, yes I do like the occasional glass of red wine and dessert! I don’t drink much at all though, maybe three times a year if that lol. I also don’t go crazy with food either because I can pack on the lbs pretty easy!
5. What are some do’s and don’ts for someone looking to compete?
DO: Hire a trainer- have someone else keep an eye on you so you don’t drive yourself crazy with ‘should I do more of this, less of this, eat more of this, not enough of that….’
DON’T: Worry about what everyone else is doing. Focus on what you need to do to bring in the best YOU.
DO: Ask questions and attend a show before you compete in one.
DON’T: Think you can get a way with ‘a bite or two won’t hurt’.
DO: Listen to only one person’s advice – everyone has their own methods and there is no right or wrong way. Every body is different.
DON’T: Get pissed onstage if you are not in the first callout – take it as a learning experience and do better next time.
DO: Have fun! You are competing because you love to train and live a healthy lifestyle, and competing helps give you a goal to strive for and extra motivation. It is not all about winning and losing. Enjoy the experience and appreciate the journey.
I hope this helps you out! Have a question? Post it in the comments below or on my facebook page.
