So
its show day… Countless days, weeks, months preparing for this one day. Make
sure you are ready and eliminate any last minute panic by being prepared in
advance! These are my rituals for how I prepare for show days! Please feel free
to share your tips this way as well!
8-12 WEEKS
OUT: at this
point things are booked such as hotel, flight, and registration for the show. I
also consider booking photoshoots at this time.
Suits
should be picked out, ordered or at least in the making if you are arranging to
have it made. Last minute suit mishaps can lead to panic and stress!
Tanning
services are booked, and I like to get a base tan from the tanning salon before
getting a spray tan! Tanning feels good year round, is a good source of vitamin
D, and highlights muscle definition.
8-4 WEEKS: Frequent
posing practice starts. That means developing a “routine” or choosing a series
of poses that best showcase your strong points of your physique.
Hair
or make up for show day is booked. Accessories such as earrings etc are
purchased to match the suit or theme wear Is put together. (Gradually
purchasing items leading up to the show makes the costs easier to balance)
4-1 WEEKS: Posing
every day. I like to ask my friends to watch my posing routine. The more
feedback I can receive, the better. It is always possible to learn from someone
else, and an outside person may see things that I may overlook. Also, posing in
front of friends will make it easier to pose in front of strangers!
Skin
is exfoliated and moisturized daily to prep skin for spray tan. (Or self tan
application, whichever you prefer). It is a good idea to test the skin with
tanning solution prior to show, as the pH of your skin can alter the tan and
potentially turn the tan green or grey. Jan Tana has a pH correcting solution
you can use if this happens to you.
Food
is purchased and prepped for peak week. Anything that needs to be picked up, or
packed, is done prior to Sunday before show. The show week is dedicated to
doing nothing but relaxing, dieting and posing. That means eliminating things
that may cause stress. Stress can cause increased cortisol levels, which leads
to water retention and muscle breakdown!
PEAK WEEK: Diet is
strict, so paying close attention to diet is necessary. The rest of the week is
spent relaxing. Watching movies, reading books, walks outside etc. Finishing
touches to packing for the show are made.
I
try to take off work this entire week if possible!
FRIDAY: Check in hotel and have last shower before
tanning! No moisturizer all week, just exfoliation. This will help the tan
stick evenly to the skin.
Competitors
meeting. Demonstrate a winning, confident and approachable attitude! Anxiety
and stress is contagious! Try not to compare yourself to others. Other peoples
appearances are out of your control!
Run
through posing before bed, and visualize gracing the stage confidently! And how
the trophy will feel in your hands, and how the lights will feel on your face.
Get your head in the game!
SHOW DAY:
Wake
up early! Go for 10 minutes light walk to warm up and get the blood flowing.
Use
suitcase with wheels, or carry bag (carrying bag over shoulder will ruin tan). Bring an umbrella if it rains! Water is NOT
friends with spray tan.
Wear
housecoat and slippers to stay warm backstage. Being cold will lose
vascularity.
Pump
up 10-15 minutes prior to stage time. Try not to pump up too soon. Pump only
lasts ~15 minutes so pumping up too soon will be useless, and waste your
energy.
NO
gum (can make you bloated) if necessary, one mint or 2 is ok. NO deodorant. If
necessary, use small amount CLEAR deodorant.
Pedialyte
is a good drink to sip on back stage. Pediatlyte is highly concentrated with
electrolytes. Sip on this if you are feeling depleted or need a boost.
Keep
calm attitude, smile, be positive. Visualize that trophy in your hands, and the
lights on your face. Tan/glaze up, fix your hair and suit (use 505 fabric spray
adhesive works best), then LEAVE THE MIRROR. Obsessing about every strand of
hair etc will just stress you out. You made it here! Enjoy the ride! People
notice great attitudes, (Competitors, judges, magazine reps and photographers).
Take pictures, use the backstage photographers, make friends and have fun!
Its
good to watch other competitors before you go on stage, however, this may mess
with your head. I choose to look away while waiting in line to go on stage.
This way, my performance is not affected by others.
DIET:
Every 1-2 hours: Eating frequent small amounts will prevent a bloated belly,
and promotes a tiny waist. Consult with
a coach you trust to direct a dial in diet for your individual needs.
After
the show, CHEAT!!! Good idea to have tums or gas-x nearby!
WHAT TO
PACK:
Dark
sheets and dark towels (For hotel)
Registration
information, photoshoot booking information, hotel confirmation.
Contact/business
cards or promotional material for yourself.
Sewing
kit
Pedialyte
Umbrella
Resistance
band (weights will be provided but may be in use when needed)
Mirror
(optional). Some people bring full size mirrors. There will be some there, but
there will also be many girls.
Fabric
adhesive/bikini bite.
Slippers
or flip flops or ankle socks (cold feet=cold body)
House
coat or robe. Or baggy clothes
Glaze
or dream tan
Jan
tana/pro tan for touch ups
Make
up (especially powder to kill the shiny forehead and extra lipstick as bright
lights will make it disappear)
Suits
and costumes and props. And shoes. If you have more than one pair, bring them
just in case. Also extra jewellery.
Show
registration information and competitor number (always pinned on LEFT side).
Fake
nails, in case one falls off.
EXTRA
food than planned. Posing and nerves may make you extra hungry.
Baby
wipes for hands/tanner.
Music
or magazines to relax to.
