Cathy Savage Fitness, fitness competition, inspiration, motivation
Atlantic City Superbody Fitness America Recap!
What a weekend. I am back and settled after what was nothing short of an incredible 3 days in Atlantic City for the Superbody Fitness America Pageant. All of the work, time, dedication, focus and prep all came down to this. I have to say it was one of the most memorable shows yet. After my health scare back in March, my plans of competing took a backseat. I had no idea how fast I would heal and if my body or mind would be able to handle the training, time, energy and sacrifice it takes to put into prepping for a competition. When I was given the green flag to begin hitting the weights again-I was back in the gym, still with no plans of competing in mind but always keeping it on the radar. The surgery I had was extremely serious and the first thing that had to happen was for me to listen to my body more than I ever had in the past. If there is one positive thing that came from my surgery it was that I became much more intune with myself. I never rushed, always took rest days in between weight training sessions and made sure I was fueling properly. After about a month, I set the date in my head for the Superbody Show. It was my goal and I was going to achieve it.
When I was first training for my first show, my goal was to get on stage–that’s about it. I still to this day have no idea even how I placed, nor at the time, did I care how I did at all. I did it to get up there. This is half of the battle when deciding whether or not competitions are the right thing for each individual. Sure, I can train and diet my butt off and do all of the ‘homework’ necessary to get to the show, but the physical act of getting on a stage in front of hundreds of strangers in a tiny little bikini? This is certainly not some people’s ideas of ‘fun’
The Atlantic City Show was my 3rd show. I have two big shows under my belt and I have gotton to the point where I no longer want to do shows just to do shows and say ‘oh hey I did another one‘ No. I want to win. This is a sport, just like any other and it is hard for some people to fathom that it isn’t ‘just for fun’ OF COURSE, the best part is that it is an incredible, fun, enjoyable experience, but above all-I want to do well. Each time I get on that stage, I gain a bit more confidence, and going into the Superbody Show-my head was totally in the game. I look at my fabulous, beautiful, talented and amazing friends who I get on stage with and yes-I compete against them but I do not look at competing with anyone besides myself. I want to do better than I have done. This is always how I go into it.
When I was first training for my first show, my goal was to get on stage–that’s about it. I still to this day have no idea even how I placed, nor at the time, did I care how I did at all. I did it to get up there. This is half of the battle when deciding whether or not competitions are the right thing for each individual. Sure, I can train and diet my butt off and do all of the ‘homework’ necessary to get to the show, but the physical act of getting on a stage in front of hundreds of strangers in a tiny little bikini? This is certainly not some people’s ideas of ‘fun’
The Atlantic City Show was my 3rd show. I have two big shows under my belt and I have gotton to the point where I no longer want to do shows just to do shows and say ‘oh hey I did another one‘ No. I want to win. This is a sport, just like any other and it is hard for some people to fathom that it isn’t ‘just for fun’ OF COURSE, the best part is that it is an incredible, fun, enjoyable experience, but above all-I want to do well. Each time I get on that stage, I gain a bit more confidence, and going into the Superbody Show-my head was totally in the game. I look at my fabulous, beautiful, talented and amazing friends who I get on stage with and yes-I compete against them but I do not look at competing with anyone besides myself. I want to do better than I have done. This is always how I go into it.
Training for this show was a bit different and difficult due to my surgery. Right after it happened, there was no way I could fathom begin training for another show. The diet and stress on the body would have been way too much right away, therefore my thoughts about doing a June or July show got shot to the wayside (which I was not upset about at all because this was a serious trauma to my body that took place) I had lost about 9lbs of muscle post surgery so when I was given the green flag to get back in the gym, I had to really stay focused on my weight training and diet regimen put back on some muscle. As some competitors know-it is actually much harder to put on weight than take it off
Show weekend always FLIES by. There is so much build up and then it happens and its over in a blink of an eye. It is such a great feeling to walk off stage after so much hard work, knowing I gave it my personal best. I remember my first show when I walked on stage in my sportswear and as many times as I practiced ripping my hip scarf off of my waist–I got on stage and it did not untie. I stood there, stone faced and was forced to improvise–I was a MESS. Given-it was my first show so I had nerves like you wouldn’t believe, but still–I practiced ripping that thing off of my hip at least 300 times. Come show time it just doesn’t want to move. Go figure! I always picture myself at that first show and think about how far I have come. You have GOT to keep confidence on stage. The weekend before, I was at the Cathy Savage Fitness studio practicing my posing and I remember my coach saying to me something I will never forget. She said “when you walk out on stage, you just want to imagine that you are walking in front of an audience where you know every single person there. They are all there for you; they’re your buddies! You want to walk out with confidence, basically just saying hi to them and walk like they’re your best friends” The second I hit the stage, this is exactly what went through my head
“oh heyyyyy friends, whats up? I’m just walking and relaxing and walking and hanging out” it seems silly I know, but walking on that stage is really more nerve wracking than one thinks. You have to stay focused yet find a balance of distracting yourself a little bit to not think twice that everyone is staring at you.
The show was incredible, and I know that each time I get on that stage I am gaining a bit more confidence. I know I have a long way to go-but practice makes perfect!
The show was incredible, and I know that each time I get on that stage I am gaining a bit more confidence. I know I have a long way to go-but practice makes perfect!
After we arrived, we went right out to the deck to grab some food. The restaurant was happy to make us some plain grilled chicken and veggies.
Then it was off to check in and registration. I was lucky 93!
In our Fitness America Swag bag was this t-shirt which was so cute! Last year they gave out a white, boxy, men’s style shirt so I was psyched to see a more feminine cut T that was purple!
The morning of the show, I was up bright and early for 6am hair and make up. 5Star Beauty was the company I decided to go with, as they team with CSF. I had the incredibly talented Brooke Nicole and boy does she do WONDERS.
Right after I came back to our room, we got suited up for the media session and team meeting for 8am. Cecelia had not gotten her make up or hair done yet but still looks like a beauty queen!
First up was sportswear! As some of you guessed it on Instagram and Twitter–I was “Wheres Waldo”
This outfit was for the Model Category-Sportswear. My bottoms are from Victorias Secret which I was obsessed with for the stage AND for normal day to day underwear so I highly recommend them.
I could not have been happier with my sports bra. The incredible, Zeudy Mars, who is the founder and designer of Affitnity Fitness was so gracious to create this custom made “Fit Spider Bra” in light blue. Zeudy’s incredible fitness wear has been featured in every fitness and health magazine you can think of. I highly recommend you check out her website, www.Affitnity.com to check out and browse the wonderful selection of cute and fashionable fitness wear!
On the left is my bikini I wore for the Bikini Short Class round and on the right is the bikini I wore for the model round. The suit on the left is custom made from Passionfruit Designs and on the left the suit is from Victorias Secret
And a few stage shots! I am still waiting on my brother to send me about 40 more that he took!
And afterwards, the food and drinks began!
This was a shot of our breakfast table the next morning. We were all looking forward to a hearty breakfast, coffee with cream, toast, eggs, bagels, pancakes–ahhh It was delightful
This was my first time competing in the Model Division which I really enjoyed. With any fitness show-you never truly know what the judges are looking for exactly. Each one could have a completely different opinion and whereas one judge may score a 10 in one category, another may score a 2. You just never know what to expect. I placed 3rd in model which was I really pleased with for it being my first time. I didn’t place in the top 5 in the Bikini Short Class which at first I was really bummed about-I mean REALLY bummed. I grabbed my things and went to see Cathy and another CSF coach in the audience. She could tell I was not happy and looked at me in the face and was upset.
“Don’t you even DARE to complain about that, Naomi. Look at yourself. Look at how far you have come. Remember all you have been through. You are here, you got on stage and you placed 3rd in model…don’t you dare get upset”
She was right. Like any sport or event that you wish you had received a different outcome or score, you have to remember what goes into it. The training, the dieting, the endless posing practice, the sacrifice, the money, the time, energy but most of all the event itself. I stayed true to myself through this entire journey and absolutely did my personal best. I sure as hell had something to celebrate. I placed 3rd! I came home with a trophy and got recognized for my hard work. I was content, clinked my glass of white wine with my family and enjoyed my pizza!
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When it comes to competing in general, I tend to really avoid all outside nonsense. I think that as healthy as some of these competitors claim they are and as healthy as we can come off–there are plenty of unhealthy habits and body image/disordered eating patterns that can accompany what it takes to get on that stage. What I mean by ‘avoiding outside nonsense’ is that when training and dieting, people will talk. Girls will talk to each other about their diet “how many starches are you on” “how many days of cardio are you doing” “How many servings of fat are you taking in” It is just ENOUGH already. There is no need to compare what YOU are doing to prep for a show to another girl. We see all sorts of things backstage. Girls popping hamburgers and fries the night before to get more ‘vascular’ to girls not eating at all the day of the show. The extremes of this sport can reach a very unhealthy place which is why I try to block out all of the bull. I stick to my plan and that’s all I know. I also know that you need to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise to succeed here. The tricky part of these shows is the aftermath or what we call ‘Post show depression’ You work so hard for the body that gets on that stage-but the thing is-this is NOT the way the body will necessariy look year round. We go through a very rigorous diet those last 5-7 days; one that is not meant to be done in the long term. You need to realize going in that yes-this diet is strict, but no-this is not the way that you will eat or look 365 days a year. You are training for an event. After the event, you will go back to your more balanced, healthy eating habits! Its as simple as that.
On the same note, for those who are thinking about doing a show-think about WHY you want to compete. Is it for you? Your boyfriend? Your friends? I mean really think long and hard about why. This sport is certainly not for everyone. As much as I love competing in shows-there is a whole aspect of sacrifice that comes along with it. Attending lots of social events, family BBQ’s, drinks in the summer time even friendships and/or relationships can take a backseat during the preparation stage. Of course, if you have a strong support system this will not be a big deal at all-but not everyone is lucky enough to have that support. You need to think about YOU and YOUR LIFE. I would recommend looking into various programs and coaches and speaking with others who have done shows to see if it is right for you. Obviously, I will send you right along to Cathy Savage Fitness, who without-I wouldn’t be competing at all. I recommend not trying to do this alone. You will want and need support throughout your journey to the stage. It can be the most exciting, amazing, phenomenal experience, but at the same time one of the loneliest, scariest and most challenging. You will WANT A SUPPORT SYSTEM.
I am taking this week off to relax, get in some healthy, balanced meals and then I will be back on stage for the Boston FAP show September 29th! This will be my last show of the season!
I want to thank you all for your incredible support, emails, messages, texts, tweets, posts. You name it-A huge part of my support system is all of you. You inspire me, make me smile, help me stay focused and I truly, from the bottom of my heart say that I could not do this without you!
Check out my recaps of past shows here:
1st fitness show recap
Ahhhhh!! You looked just amazing! The blue outfit looks so rockin on you! Congrats on placing! Youre such an inspiration
I feel like this entry was written directly to me–so much information and I loved the recap. I am/was training for a Fitness America show this fall but have decided not to continue because I encountered some real issues with overeating and old binge habits. For now I’ve decided to continue to eat clean and train hard but it was a big letdown, though I know that I will step on stage in the future when I have a better grasp on everything. Thanks for the insightful blog post.
Wow, wow, wow. WHAT A RECAP. Naomi, you are already so strong for even training for shows and doing them.. but to do one after your health scare and surgery? Phenomenal. You are an inspiration to us all. You look fab on the outside, but I am more impressed with what you shared about your insides.. you have a big heart and a smart brain. You should be very proud of yourself! XOXO
Congrats again! Seriously, wow though.. you look a-m-a-z-i-n-g! And everything you said about competing and blocking out the ‘outside’ silliness.. I couldn’t agree more! Some folks just love the drama .. but since this is a hobby, it’s suppose to be fun, and no drama in my fun, thank you very much! 🙂
You look gorgeous, Naomi! And look at that butt – WOW! Hehe 🙂 I love the Where’s Waldo idea, how original. It is rare to find a competitor who has such a healthy and realistic relationship with her body and dieting. You’re an inspiration to us all xx
You look fab girl! The Where’s Waldo was such a great idea 🙂 and I LOVE the hot pink model top is gorgeous – so flattering! Thanks for always keeping it real girl. You do you!
All I can say is incredible. You looked amazing!!! <3
you look amazing!!!!!
Congrats! You look amazing, you should be so proud of your hard work and dedication. Inspiring.
You are amazing…a huge congratulations!
Congratulations!! I think the best thing about all of this is your healthy attitude and PERSPECTIVE! Life occurs OFF the stage. =)
I love your blog and your last post on HLblogs however in your pictures I can see your ribs. I wish you luck however I believe without realizing it you are contributing to the same message as they. Good luck and congrats on your win but I cant read your blobs any more
Amazing recap! I had been waiting to see how you did. Congratulations on placing!!! You worked so hard and overcame so much. Again, thank you for continuing to share your life, stories, ups, and downs with all of us. You are such an inspiration!!!!
Congratulations!!!!! YOU ROCK, NAOMI! 3rd is amazing
Congratulations on your placing!
This is a great recap, and I love that you don’t only show the pretty side of competing, but also keep it very real. I appreciate your transparency!
Congratulations on such a great show, girl!! You looked great and your whole approach to it all is so inspirational.
Sept 29th!? Oh Naomi! So exciting!
Ok, so, as you know, I’m really happy for and proud of you 🙂 If you didn’t check out my post for High Five Friday #29 you should because you are in it 🙂 <3
I truly love you mindset, Naomi and am so so proud of you for getting to where you are after everything life has handed you! I’m really proud of you lovie!
xoxo
SO PROUD
Awww, look at you all dolled up! Rawwwr. 🙂 Congrats on placing!