Are You Ready to Become a Figure Athlete? Take This Quiz

You spend hours looking at pictures of figure competitors and dream of looking like them. You are considering committing yourself to the hard work and dedication it takes to strip off your last bit of body fat revealing your lean muscle mass in all its glory.

How much do you know about the process of getting lean enough to step on stage in nothing more than a bikini, high heels, fake tan, pretty earrings and a smile.

Take this quiz to see if you are really ready to do what it takes.

(1) How long do you have to spend dieting to become lean enough to be stage ready?

(a) 20 weeks
(b) 12 weeks
(c) 8 weeks

Answer (a)
20 weeks is the perfect time to be on a slow cutting diet that preserves muscle. You can break it into smaller blocks so it doesn't seem like such a long time. It is possible to achieve the required fat loss in less time, but rapid weight loss will risk your hard earned muscle and make post competition rebound fat gain more certain.

(2) What is the perfect competition diet?

(a) lean protein and green vegetables
(b) low fat high carbohydrate diet
(c) low carbohydrate high fat diet
(d) whatever fits within your calories
(e) none of the above

Answer (e)
There is no such thing as a perfect competition diet. The only fat loss diet that will work for as long as 20 weeks is one you can stick to. Some competitors swear by clean food, others by low carb or low fat. Choose a nutrition plan that you enjoy and keeps you from feeling deprived. If you are too strict and don't enjoy your diet, you will be more likely to 'fall of the wagon' on the way to your goal, and/or overeat once the competition is over.

(3) What is the best training plan?

(a) light weights so you don't bulk up
(b) heavy weights to increase your muscle size
(c) moderate weights to maintain the muscle you had when you started dieting

Answer (c)
Being in a calorie deficit will cause fat loss and potential muscle loss. You will not have the energy or the stamina to continuously push yourself in the gym and you won't be eating enough to build new muscle tissue. Maintaining your muscle mass while losing weight means lifting moderate weights 3-4 times a week.

(4) What supplements should a figure athlete take?

(a) fish oil
(b) protein powder
(c) multi vitamin
(d) Glutamine
(e) all of the above

Answer (e)
Fish oil will help with fat loss and inflammation. Protein powder provides a quick on the go meal and can be added to food like oats and pancakes to increase the protein content. A multi vitamin will cover any vitamin and minerals requirements that your lower calorie diet may not meet. Glutamine will assist with muscle soreness and recovery.

(5) You need to be in shape, young and athletic in order to become a figure athlete

(a) True
(b) False
Answer (b)

Some girls who compete have always been in shape but anyone can do it. Being overweight and physically inactive your whole life does not mean you can't transform yourself in your 40's. You might have stretch marks and loose skin but it won't prevent you from getting on stage if you are determined enough.

(6) How much body hair will you have to remove for competition day?

(a) legs, underarms, and bikini
(b) legs, underarms, and brazilian
(c) legs, underarms, arms, brazilian, stomach - the whole lot!

Answer (c)
Yes ladies, all your body hair needs to be removed. You can spot an 'off season' figure athlete by her smooth arms. Once you see how great they look you will never go back.

(7) What are the post competition blues?

(a) realizing that you can't look competition lean all the time so you always feel fat even if you are only a few pounds from your competition weight
(b) feeling lost when you don't have a competition date to work towards
(c) finding it difficult to control your eating because your body doesn't agree with your idea of how lean you should be
(d) all of the above

Answer (d)
Post competition blues can see you plummeting into unhealthy eating habits, lack of motivation and a distorted body image. Careful consideration of what you will do after the competition is over is necessary to recognize and deal with these challenges.

Transforming your body from overweight or normal into competition lean can be one of the most satisfying and empowering things you could ever do. It is not an easy road, and most people never make it to the stage. As long as you look after your body, your mind and your spirit along the way and afterward, competing will be one of the best moments of your life.

Are you ready to become a figure athlete? If you have guts, determination and a burning desire to be in the best shape of your life, then yes, you are more than ready. What are you waiting for?