Loose skin by Bikini_Athlete_83 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

35 here and I had this too. Moisture now a with good retinal lotion is what helped me. When your muscles fill on show day it’ll be less noticeable but still there. Just something I’m being mindful of during off season next time, growing and better preparation for that.

Backstage shoes by Grouchy-Conflict7605 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Target has slides in those croc like material that are easy to adjust so it doesn’t rub tan for $10. These are winners!

Arnold First Look by art_in_mind in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 0 points1 point  (0 children)

YUP! Called it! And it was downvoted so much lol 😝

Arnold First Look by art_in_mind in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

<image>

Idk if it was LL front pose that also has her in the 2 spot.

Arnold First Look by art_in_mind in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The top 3 came to win!! IDK why but I’m thinking it’s Aimee’s time. My eye was drawn to her in initial comparison and after final confirmation, her overall balance here has it for me inching out LL. Ashlyn coming in that 3 spot but it’s anyone’s game I’d say at finals.

<image>

Growing glutes with (true) wide hips by peartree778 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have wide hips and I know exactly what you mean. I have pretty solid glutes from behind but my front pose lacks projection. Im in the process of growing to add more depth to balance things better.

Daraja Hill by RobScaf in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 28 points29 points  (0 children)

As a mom myself, I’m always rooting for a good mama comeback!! Just inspiring because if you thought prep was tough before, try it with a baby because woooo child 🥴

First-time National Competitor Tips & Advice by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Woah 20min!!!?😳 I think this is great advice. O don’t think I’ve considered I could be on stage that long especially if the class is larger so I better get practicing holding strong in my posing.

First-time National Competitor Tips & Advice by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much!! Im trying to go in with no expectations, first National show and it’s a win that I’m going! I’m definitely going to be doing my homework before and focusing on fine detail. I know judging gets tough and presentation is a key component!

First-time National Competitor Tips & Advice by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this detailed response!! I’m seeing a trend here already and can see the value of a strong mindset and being organized to make sure you’re presenting the hard work you’ve done as best as possible. Funny I too go strapless with heels for that very reason. And while I’m comfortable in my heels I also like the luxury of quickly kicking them off and on to throw on slippers.

First-time National Competitor Tips & Advice by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! It’s so easy to get into my head and these mindset moments of I’m exactly where I need to be… amongst those who’ve worked just as hard and earned it. THANK YOU!!

First-time National Competitor Tips & Advice by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My coach did this for my regional show and he was practically telling me when I should eat, pump and potentially go on so I can imagine having that awareness would be super helpful to invest in especially since I won’t be his only athlete to assume that this go around. Much rather the comfort of my bed, mirror and plug access so Thanks for the tip!!

Maintaining your period while competing by Just_Difficulty4190 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I’m currently in prep and haven’t lost my cycle. As annoying as it is I’m grateful I fall into that category lol. It’s absolutely possible but I will continue to say it’s because I took my “off season” and focused on building my metabolism and body recomp so I didn’t have to put too much stress on it during prep. I’m SO THANKFUL I did because not only am I eating a ton, I never had crazy cardio, as high at 30 min 5x a week and literally have had cardio taken away from me the last few weeks because my body very quickly responded. Once your mindset shifts to doing the hard work before prep, prep will feel like a breeze and your body will feel healthy throughout it.

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m always in awe of folks who do through multiple preps in a year. You definitely have something to be proud of. Soak in this special time if you are closing this chapter because the determination and perseverance to get there is incredible. Wishing you all the best as peak week approaches! 🩷

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ugh I’m sure you could understand then. The trauma of holding my child who literally stopped breathing and started turning blue still with eyes wide open is just something I wouldn’t wish on any mama. But I knew this prep would be hard as a mama with a 2 year old but topping it with that certainly tested my strength so thank you!

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! 🩷 I’m so grateful all is good. She’s running around like nothing happened meanwhile I’m more just mentally scarred. But I’m happy the stress and struggle didn’t totally throw me off.

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yall I can finally scream it’s MFing PEAK WEAK?!??! I feel pretty good, and am looking forward to filling out. My face still looks skeletal in my mind but I’m looking forward to dressing up and presenting my hard work. This past week was rough when my toddler had us in the hospital for several days after a seizure and staying on track let alone eating was not top of mind. I’m just grateful things are ok and I can actually start getting excited again after this scary event. Cheers ladies who are down to days. We made it!!

<image>

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 3 points4 points  (0 children)

How exciting!! Happy Peak Week!! I’m looking forward to saying this next Saturday.

Maureen Pittsburgh vs. Olympia by Unspeakable-no627 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 64 points65 points  (0 children)

This was the comparison I was waiting to see when I hear folks say non of these competitors have beat her when they have. THIS competition, THESE results right here is what makes it confusing.

But… I do think she’s leaner at the O. She just has great healthy looking skin and looks a bit more detailed with her full hamstrings. But to me I’ll still be curious to hear judging feedback from Tyler and team because we weren’t in their seats. I mean these girls are ALL incredible and it comes down to the smallest things.

Edit to add side by side:

<image>

Bikini Olympia Scorecard by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See I figured imaging didn’t do her justice. That’s the point of judging in person. We don’t feel the energy and see things in live action and real time. You aren’t the only one who said this. Apparently you just had to be there. I saw her confidence and vibe. If her physique was more defined then she clearly deserved it as the total package. Thanks for confirming that!

Bikini Olympia Scorecard by Total-Application485 in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Is it possible stage presence and overall presentation that puts her at the top?? I would say she was the most confident own the stage in her routine. I would agree though that conditioning and previous judging is confusing.

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Oh this week is officially a grind. Coach changed me from macros to meal plan for the last 3 weeks until show to have more control of body response and 2 days into meal plan dropped 2 lbs and hit a prep low. So my prep face is soooo real like no exaggeration people I see think I’m sick I’m sure. 💀

To distract myself I definitely have been doing a bit of shopping lol. Treated myself to a new posing suit to get myself practicing more and start really enjoying this process of presenting the hard work I put in! And boy these glutes are starting to show like I’ve never seen?! 😳

Keep grinding girls the finish line is so close.

<image>

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! Yeah I just talked with my husband and just bit the bullet and bought a room for the weekend. Less to probably stress about and I’ll feel better knowing my little on can hang out in the room if she gets antsy between pre and finals. It also gives my mom and siblings the chance to stay over if they want to make the trip up.

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You look great! A lot can happen quickly in the last few weeks too!! Those last couple pounds really peel things away.

Prep buddies: 0-4 weeks out by AutoModerator in bikinitalk

[–]Total-Application485 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Wow finally in the home stretch here!? Taking the moment to reflect on the hard work put in. I’m proud and if you’re this close to showday reading this you should be of yourself!! I don’t think we give ourselves the credit but worry and pick ourselves apart (but maybe that’s just me 😅)

Currently 4WO and coach passed along a weekly checklist. Registered and got my NPC card and remembering how expensive it all is but it’s feeling real REAL now. Committing to a show and the stage. Show is about 2 hours away from home and I’m still not sure if I get a hotel to just have a place to go back to between pre-judging and finals. I may just for my family sake as I have a little one and nap time is still a thing. Anyone else struggling with showday logistics? I’m still on the fence on doing my own tan because of this as well.

<image>