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Thoughts on bikini competitors?
Replies
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Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I agree with you completely. Double standards, everytime someone posts on here about 1200 the general consensus is you shouldn't do that. It's common for these women in bikini competitions to diet so hard they lose their periods. How is that healthy and WHY is that an allowed discussion on MFP??? I wish our society would focus more on normal BMI healthy athletic woman being attractive rather than this, it's too much pressure on young girls too who admire the modeling world. Same thing goes for men, men shouldn't be pressured into steroid use, etc. to achieve a certain look. Woo me all you want 😝
Curious how you feel about other athletes such as gymnasts or figure skaters, where slimness/aesthetics are a premium, or football/baseball/basketball players, powerlifters, bicyclists, etc., where steroid/PED usage is common.
Nobody is “pressured into” anything when it comes to physique sports. It’s a conscious decision and if they’ve done their homework, they go in knowing exactly what they’re going to need to do to be competitive.11 -
Seems like a step in the right direction as far as getting more women interested in weight lifting albeit with a heavy emphasis on training glutes (not quite balanced overall, but it's a more specific form of bodybuilding similar to mens' physique - v taper emphasis - but not quite balanced as mens' classic - v taper & symmetry emphasis). It's a more toned down version of womens' figure - higher BF% is normal.
I think often too many take things to an extreme and overdo it on cardio rather than focus on weight training. Can be unhealthy/obsessive if you allow it to be
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Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I agree with you completely. Double standards, everytime someone posts on here about 1200 the general consensus is you shouldn't do that. It's common for these women in bikini competitions to diet so hard they lose their periods. How is that healthy and WHY is that an allowed discussion on MFP??? I wish our society would focus more on normal BMI healthy athletic woman being attractive rather than this, it's too much pressure on young girls too who admire the modeling world. Same thing goes for men, men shouldn't be pressured into steroid use, etc. to achieve a certain look. Woo me all you want 😝
Definitively, some women in bodybuilding lose their periods, NOT ALL. That's a sweeping generalisation, as the LACK of CALORIES affects our menstrual cycle, not body fat percentage. A woman can reduce her body fat as low as 9- 15% for physique or figure or fitness categories and still menstruate. Bikini division requires a higher bf than the other categories, oftentimes called the fatties of bodybuilding where they sit around 13-17%, as some fat is entertained @bust, buttocks and hips without striations or ribs ... Fairly common to see these competitors pregnant when out of season taking a year off.12 -
Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I agree with you completely. Double standards, everytime someone posts on here about 1200 the general consensus is you shouldn't do that. It's common for these women in bikini competitions to diet so hard they lose their periods. How is that healthy and WHY is that an allowed discussion on MFP??? I wish our society would focus more on normal BMI healthy athletic woman being attractive rather than this, it's too much pressure on young girls too who admire the modeling world. Same thing goes for men, men shouldn't be pressured into steroid use, etc. to achieve a certain look. Woo me all you want 😝
Curious how you feel about other athletes such as gymnasts or figure skaters, where slimness/aesthetics are a premium, or football/baseball/basketball players, powerlifters, bicyclists, etc., where steroid/PED usage is common.
Nobody is “pressured into” anything when it comes to physique sports. It’s a conscious decision and if they’ve done their homework, they go in knowing exactly what they’re going to need to do to be competitive.
I don't agree with starving yourself, or steroid usage. That's not healthy. I'm curious why you support it? What's the point? I don't watch sports or support them. I was a competitive swimmer for 10+ years on an Olympic team, my coaches never pushed drugs on us actually just the opposite you got kicked off the team if they saw any funny business. My coaches also taught us good nutrition and to fuel our bodies. Maybe my team was a rarity? Their own bodies, they can certainly do what they want but I feel sorry for them. If bikini people don't lose their periods and it's safer than I've been taught to believe then sure go for it, goodluck. I just don't think it's wise to push yourself beyond that point of making yourself sick. What else does the OP need to do if she's already training hard, etc.? The way it's explained sounds like she's not putting in enough effort to cut down on calories? I'm no expert obviously in this area since I have no interest in it but I'm curious to know if it's not the stereotype of starving yourself. Maybe I would see this "sport" in a better light if it's were explained to me better. Along with dipping too low in calories beyond losing your period you may also have hair loss, have heart problems, organ problems, etc or so I've been told. How is that healthy? Is that WORTH it?12 -
The OP has never said she would engage in unhealthy practices to compete. She may very well decide it is not worth it if that is required. That being the case I don't understand why people are weeping for her lost periods and hair already.16
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A friend of mine did bikini shows for a bit - she looked great, but her periods stopped, her moods were awful, and she ended up with bulimia. So be careful. It is also pretty expensive ...8
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Following... interested as well0
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The OP has never said she would engage in unhealthy practices to compete. She may very well decide it is not worth it if that is required. That being the case I don't understand why people are weeping for her lost periods and hair already.
But it's not just "lost periods and hair"
I took this off the thread why eating too little calories is a bad idea....
"
The Short & Long Term Effects of Undereating Without Medical Supervision
In the short term undereating can have the following effect (this is by no means an exhaustive list):
Mood Swings
Fatigue
Constipation
Hair Loss
Menstrual Irregularities
Dizziness
Brittle Nails
Poor Skin Condition
Headaches
In the long term it can have far more negative effects, such as:
muscle loss
gallstones
electrolyte imbalances
organ damage
bone density loss
vitamin/mineral deficiencies
and whilst you might feel fine now, there is not always an advance warning of the long term effects."
Is ORGAN DAMAGE worth looking hot in a bikini?8 -
The OP has never said she would engage in unhealthy practices to compete. She may very well decide it is not worth it if that is required. That being the case I don't understand why people are weeping for her lost periods and hair already.
But it's not just "lost periods and hair"
I took this off the thread why eating too little calories is a bad idea....
"
The Short & Long Term Effects of Undereating Without Medical Supervision
In the short term undereating can have the following effect (this is by no means an exhaustive list):
Mood Swings
Fatigue
Constipation
Hair Loss
Menstrual Irregularities
Dizziness
Brittle Nails
Poor Skin Condition
Headaches
In the long term it can have far more negative effects, such as:
muscle loss
gallstones
electrolyte imbalances
organ damage
bone density loss
vitamin/mineral deficiencies
and whilst you might feel fine now, there is not always an advance warning of the long term effects."
Is ORGAN DAMAGE worth looking hot in a bikini?
You understand that none of this is currently happening right now and may never happen, right? All you need or can do is issue a kind and caring warning to look out for contests that require unhealthy tactics and move on. If the OP comes back and asks for advice on how to starve herself for an upcoming contest that is when you and I and everyone who cares will go crazy with warnings and advice.11 -
I know very little about bikini competition except what I've read on here and occasional articles in my news feed. Are competitors actually underweight and undereating on a regular basis? I don't know what the cut and bulk prep cycle involves but it seems like that amount of muscle would require a decent amount of calories to build and maintain, especially for a woman.5
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Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I agree with you completely. Double standards, everytime someone posts on here about 1200 the general consensus is you shouldn't do that. It's common for these women in bikini competitions to diet so hard they lose their periods. How is that healthy and WHY is that an allowed discussion on MFP??? I wish our society would focus more on normal BMI healthy athletic woman being attractive rather than this, it's too much pressure on young girls too who admire the modeling world. Same thing goes for men, men shouldn't be pressured into steroid use, etc. to achieve a certain look. Woo me all you want 😝
Curious how you feel about other athletes such as gymnasts or figure skaters, where slimness/aesthetics are a premium, or football/baseball/basketball players, powerlifters, bicyclists, etc., where steroid/PED usage is common.
Nobody is “pressured into” anything when it comes to physique sports. It’s a conscious decision and if they’ve done their homework, they go in knowing exactly what they’re going to need to do to be competitive.
I don't agree with starving yourself, or steroid usage. That's not healthy. I'm curious why you support it? What's the point? I don't watch sports or support them. I was a competitive swimmer for 10+ years on an Olympic team, my coaches never pushed drugs on us actually just the opposite you got kicked off the team if they saw any funny business. My coaches also taught us good nutrition and to fuel our bodies. Maybe my team was a rarity? Their own bodies, they can certainly do what they want but I feel sorry for them. If bikini people don't lose their periods and it's safer than I've been taught to believe then sure go for it, goodluck. I just don't think it's wise to push yourself beyond that point of making yourself sick. What else does the OP need to do if she's already training hard, etc.? The way it's explained sounds like she's not putting in enough effort to cut down on calories? I'm no expert obviously in this area since I have no interest in it but I'm curious to know if it's not the stereotype of starving yourself. Maybe I would see this "sport" in a better light if it's were explained to me better. Along with dipping too low in calories beyond losing your period you may also have hair loss, have heart problems, organ problems, etc or so I've been told. How is that healthy? Is that WORTH it?
I lost my period during every swim competition season. So surely, by your logic, that would make swimming unhealthy.9 -
collectingblues wrote: »Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I agree with you completely. Double standards, everytime someone posts on here about 1200 the general consensus is you shouldn't do that. It's common for these women in bikini competitions to diet so hard they lose their periods. How is that healthy and WHY is that an allowed discussion on MFP??? I wish our society would focus more on normal BMI healthy athletic woman being attractive rather than this, it's too much pressure on young girls too who admire the modeling world. Same thing goes for men, men shouldn't be pressured into steroid use, etc. to achieve a certain look. Woo me all you want 😝
Curious how you feel about other athletes such as gymnasts or figure skaters, where slimness/aesthetics are a premium, or football/baseball/basketball players, powerlifters, bicyclists, etc., where steroid/PED usage is common.
Nobody is “pressured into” anything when it comes to physique sports. It’s a conscious decision and if they’ve done their homework, they go in knowing exactly what they’re going to need to do to be competitive.
I don't agree with starving yourself, or steroid usage. That's not healthy. I'm curious why you support it? What's the point? I don't watch sports or support them. I was a competitive swimmer for 10+ years on an Olympic team, my coaches never pushed drugs on us actually just the opposite you got kicked off the team if they saw any funny business. My coaches also taught us good nutrition and to fuel our bodies. Maybe my team was a rarity? Their own bodies, they can certainly do what they want but I feel sorry for them. If bikini people don't lose their periods and it's safer than I've been taught to believe then sure go for it, goodluck. I just don't think it's wise to push yourself beyond that point of making yourself sick. What else does the OP need to do if she's already training hard, etc.? The way it's explained sounds like she's not putting in enough effort to cut down on calories? I'm no expert obviously in this area since I have no interest in it but I'm curious to know if it's not the stereotype of starving yourself. Maybe I would see this "sport" in a better light if it's were explained to me better. Along with dipping too low in calories beyond losing your period you may also have hair loss, have heart problems, organ problems, etc or so I've been told. How is that healthy? Is that WORTH it?
I lost my period during every swim competition season. So surely, by your logic, that would make swimming unhealthy.
No, I would say you didn't have proper nutrition. You obviously did not read a single word of my post (I too was a swimmer and am female), please take the time to review it and then comment.4 -
Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I respect your opinion and am glad that you expressed it. It is open, honest, good ole fashioned dialog like this that is healthy and helpful. We all look at things from different views....or, at least, different aspects of the same thing from different lenses. I do not claim to know every thing or to see everything, as I am sure that you don't either. So, I say that this is a really good conversation | sharing of ideas and experiences. And all of this will help her - the OP - to come to a decision that is the best decision FOR HER!
So, folks - let's not shy away from honest dialog. There is far too much of that (I don't want to discuss this anymore....why not? It is starting to get good....it is starting to get real and honest....and passion is a big part of that....if you are passionate about something....and your ideas differ from those of someone else....stand your ground and fight for your passion....come on, now! We are all adults. I love this exchange of ideas | thoughts | experiences). I am me and have my experiences and you are you and you have your experiences. And, they differ! Thank the Lord above for that! :-)
And, I honestly did not view anything that you posted as man bashing. That was others (and, I will not say that they are wrong....that is how they viewed parts or all of your reply....they can speak for themselves. I will simply say that I did not see it that way).
And I will absolutely concede (and that word is not even the right word here....) that competing is a very "unhealthy" thing to do. Especially if someone were to end up with those "cookie cutter" coaching teams. That would be disastrous....for anyone (male or female). Keep in mind that on the men's side that it is not much different (with the biggest difference being that men do not have a menstrual cycle to loose...).
But, let's talk about what ALL ATHLETES do in the way of sacrifice. And, ultimately, that is what this is.....sacrifice. At least, that is how I see this. What is she willing to sacrifice to bring her best self to the stage?
Anyway, I am going to repeat myself here.....this is an amazing exchange of ideas | thoughts | experiences. It is all going to help her to make a decision. And, let's not forget - it is her decision. But, let's help her with that.
I will address your "1100 calorie" experience next.....
Come on, folks! If you have an opinion in this, if you have experience in this....let's share so that she make this decision with wide open eyes. Now is *NOT* the time to be shy!6 -
I know very little about bikini competition except what I've read on here and occasional articles in my news feed. Are competitors actually underweight and undereating on a regular basis? I don't know what the cut and bulk prep cycle involves but it seems like that amount of muscle would require a decent amount of calories to build and maintain, especially for a woman.
I wouldn't necessarily say underweight, but definitely underfat. And calories get low (or the deficit high with the introduction of more cardio)1 -
livingleanlivingclean wrote: »I know very little about bikini competition except what I've read on here and occasional articles in my news feed. Are competitors actually underweight and undereating on a regular basis? I don't know what the cut and bulk prep cycle involves but it seems like that amount of muscle would require a decent amount of calories to build and maintain, especially for a woman.
I wouldn't necessarily say underweight, but definitely underfat. And calories get low (or the deficit high with the introduction of more cardio)
Got it! Thanks!
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Strike while the griddle is hot. They'll come a time when this won't even be on your radar. Do it while you can and to heck with what everyone thinks about it. You're not obligated to keep going if you don't like it. I don't see any difference from taking belly selfies all the live-long day. You won't have any filters, it will be LIVE.3
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cwolfman13 wrote: »If it requires that you pay for entry or for coaching to prep for a contest...beware a scam. This isn't too dissimilar from those people who used to grab teens at the mall in the 80's and tell them that they have a future in modeling in order to get them to sign up with their 'agency' and pay for head shots.
That said, if your head is on straight and you know that it won't make you develop any body/eating/exercise issues, etc. then go for it. Might be fun.
You always have to pay for entry. Every stage competitor I know has a coach as well. But yeah, I'd definitely look into it more and likely talk to some of the people being coached by these coaches and go to some shows before I committed to anything.
So you have to pay for entry for a bunch of people to look at you half naked...? Yikes!
Yeah, this was my first thought. I guess you'd have to have an exhibitionist type personality to want to do this. To me body building, bikini comps etc just translate to " Look at me, Look at me".
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Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
So, MFP is generally a pretty good place to be. But, with anything that is "public" you are going - generally speaking - to run into people with an agenda...people with their pre-determined talking points. I do the Keto Diet as I have high A1C and it really seems to work well for me. My point in bringing that up is coming, I promise. There are lots and lots of "interesting ideas" - some pro and some con - about the Keto Diet. Usually, and being very generic with this, any post regarding Keto gets a lot of attention. I will put it that way.
So, your post (under 1200 calories) is roughly the same thing as a Keto Diet post.
And, generally, that reaction (to both....the 1200 calorie diet and the keto diet) is warranted....simply because there is a ton of ignorance out there (I include myself in that statement) and someone is going to read just one part of a post and run with that and end up in a really bad situation. So, that reaction is not necessarily a bad thing. Generally speaking.
Same kind of reaction to "hey, I am thinking about competing" type posts. And, the really good coaches out there will tell you straight up "Hey, this is not normal. This is VERY extreme. This is what we need to do, though. I have a plan to get you there.....and, once this competition is over, I have a plan to bring you back to a healthy body".
I am sorry that you were met with some "resistance"......2 -
Strike while the griddle is hot. They'll come a time when this won't even be on your radar. Do it while you can and to heck with what everyone thinks about it. You're not obligated to keep going if you don't like it. I don't see any difference from taking belly selfies all the live-long day. You won't have any filters, it will be LIVE.
Agree......100%.......assuming that OP has a complete picture of what is involved. That is why she posted this question....she is looking for help in painting that picture. Nuff said!1 -
Christine_72 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If it requires that you pay for entry or for coaching to prep for a contest...beware a scam. This isn't too dissimilar from those people who used to grab teens at the mall in the 80's and tell them that they have a future in modeling in order to get them to sign up with their 'agency' and pay for head shots.
That said, if your head is on straight and you know that it won't make you develop any body/eating/exercise issues, etc. then go for it. Might be fun.
You always have to pay for entry. Every stage competitor I know has a coach as well. But yeah, I'd definitely look into it more and likely talk to some of the people being coached by these coaches and go to some shows before I committed to anything.
So you have to pay for entry for a bunch of people to look at you half naked...? Yikes!
Yeah, this was my first thought. I guess you'd have to have an exhibitionist type personality to want to do this. To me body building, bikini comps etc just translate to " Look at me, Look at me".
I'm, definitely not an exhibitionist and many of the people I know through competing aren't either.
What I have started to question is why competitors feel the need to be put on a completely subjective platform (having sacrificed a lot and paid for privilege) to be told that, in the eyes of those particular judges at that particular moment, their body is or isn't as good as the person next to them. Who really cares, and why is it important?8 -
livingleanlivingclean wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If it requires that you pay for entry or for coaching to prep for a contest...beware a scam. This isn't too dissimilar from those people who used to grab teens at the mall in the 80's and tell them that they have a future in modeling in order to get them to sign up with their 'agency' and pay for head shots.
That said, if your head is on straight and you know that it won't make you develop any body/eating/exercise issues, etc. then go for it. Might be fun.
You always have to pay for entry. Every stage competitor I know has a coach as well. But yeah, I'd definitely look into it more and likely talk to some of the people being coached by these coaches and go to some shows before I committed to anything.
So you have to pay for entry for a bunch of people to look at you half naked...? Yikes!
Yeah, this was my first thought. I guess you'd have to have an exhibitionist type personality to want to do this. To me body building, bikini comps etc just translate to " Look at me, Look at me".
I'm, definitely not an exhibitionist and many of the people I know through competing aren't either.
What I have started to question is why competitors feel the need to be put on a completely subjective platform (having sacrificed a lot and paid for privilege) to be told that, in the eyes of those particular judges at that particular moment, their body is or isn't as good as the person next to them. Who really cares, and why is it important?
I can sorta speak to this. Sorta....
I am 51. Male. Pretty danged good shape. I do receive lots of compliments on my physique. But let me tell you that, while the external validation is great and all (yes, a bit of an ego boast) I do this for me. Maybe I am just an odd-ball! But I really love the hard work in the gym....I love the hard training sessions five (or more) times a week. I used to run....that was my happy place. That was my peace. Now, it is in the gym. I am not trying to impress anyone. Except myself. I can tell you all about my flaws and where I am maybe not as good as I could be. How much time do you have? :-) I am super competitive. And I do not really care what someone thinks.....but, why not. All I really care about is the dedication and the commitment...the showing up everyday, come hell or high water. Yes, it is nice to want to win....I do....I will be the first to tell you that. But, to me, what really matters is the hard work that I put in to the plan. The commitment that I put in to the plan. If I did that and bomb....all good! Am I going to be pissed? Yes. But, I will get over that. If I let myself down (because I did not put in the hard work).....well, that will take a lot longer to get over.
We all have our thing. I played baseball when I was younger....maybe a little bit more than most. I would love to be on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN (well.....you know what I mean...). But that did not happen (the slider was my demise....fastballs and curve balls were no issue). How is that any different from anything else?5 -
collectingblues wrote: »Slowfaster wrote: »
Anyway, let's allow her to decide if that is what she wants to do. Or, if that is something that she thinks that she would like to do. And then let's support her with her decision. I mean, that is what we do here, right?
I don't know, is it? Yesterday I was thinking of lowering my daily calorie limit to 1100 and I got almost nothing but negative reactions to the idea, hardly "support" and a warning from the moderator saying that we do not encourage unhealthy practices here. Well, I happen to think that it's far more unhealthy for women to strive for the very low body fat percentage that these competitions require, so I wanted to point out some of the negatives. I know several women who used to do these competitions and, looking back, feel like they put their bodies through far too much to get there.
As for not caring whether they win or not? They may say that, but to me it's like women saying they got breast implants "for themselves," just a little hard to believe. Would they be having their bodies surgically altered if they lived on a desert island?
For the record I'm not "man bashing," people can't help what turns them on and right now the lean woman with a six pack is promoted everywhere as the ideal -- even the most recent Miss America has that look. So, no, men can't help liking what they like, but women can help whether or not they choose to work their butts off (literally) to meet that current "ideal," or choose to accept and be happy with themselves inside healthy bodies without surgery or a drastic level of body building.
I'm not "judging," anyone but I'm not going to encourage a young woman to do this sort of thing anymore than I'm going to encourage young women to starve themselves into anorexia so they can have a better chance at a modelling career. It's the voluntary self-harm I find appalling.
["Dietland" was eye opening for me.]
I agree with you completely. Double standards, everytime someone posts on here about 1200 the general consensus is you shouldn't do that. It's common for these women in bikini competitions to diet so hard they lose their periods. How is that healthy and WHY is that an allowed discussion on MFP??? I wish our society would focus more on normal BMI healthy athletic woman being attractive rather than this, it's too much pressure on young girls too who admire the modeling world. Same thing goes for men, men shouldn't be pressured into steroid use, etc. to achieve a certain look. Woo me all you want 😝
Curious how you feel about other athletes such as gymnasts or figure skaters, where slimness/aesthetics are a premium, or football/baseball/basketball players, powerlifters, bicyclists, etc., where steroid/PED usage is common.
Nobody is “pressured into” anything when it comes to physique sports. It’s a conscious decision and if they’ve done their homework, they go in knowing exactly what they’re going to need to do to be competitive.
I don't agree with starving yourself, or steroid usage. That's not healthy. I'm curious why you support it? What's the point? I don't watch sports or support them. I was a competitive swimmer for 10+ years on an Olympic team, my coaches never pushed drugs on us actually just the opposite you got kicked off the team if they saw any funny business. My coaches also taught us good nutrition and to fuel our bodies. Maybe my team was a rarity? Their own bodies, they can certainly do what they want but I feel sorry for them. If bikini people don't lose their periods and it's safer than I've been taught to believe then sure go for it, goodluck. I just don't think it's wise to push yourself beyond that point of making yourself sick. What else does the OP need to do if she's already training hard, etc.? The way it's explained sounds like she's not putting in enough effort to cut down on calories? I'm no expert obviously in this area since I have no interest in it but I'm curious to know if it's not the stereotype of starving yourself. Maybe I would see this "sport" in a better light if it's were explained to me better. Along with dipping too low in calories beyond losing your period you may also have hair loss, have heart problems, organ problems, etc or so I've been told. How is that healthy? Is that WORTH it?
I lost my period during every swim competition season. So surely, by your logic, that would make swimming unhealthy.
No, I would say you didn't have proper nutrition. You obviously did not read a single word of my post (I too was a swimmer and am female), please take the time to review it and then comment.
I actually read all of your post, but thanks for the assumption.
What makes you think that bikini competitors can't have proper nutrition, instead of just lumping them all into one category of "you're going to lose your period?"5 -
Christine_72 wrote: »Yeah, this was my first thought. I guess you'd have to have an exhibitionist type personality to want to do this. To me body building, bikini comps etc just translate to " Look at me, Look at me".
That is absurd. By that logic anyone who wore anything that attracted any attention could be classified as an exhibitionist. If my wife and I get dressed up to go to a nice dinner we are exhibitionists?
14 -
I have no knowledge whatsoever about that world, and I'm not going to weigh in on the other statements in this thread (though I find the opinions interesting, and I guess I will say I didn't interpret any comments as man bashing), but if there's validity to the earlier comment that bikini competitors are seen as the fatties of the body building world, I'd carefully consider whether that's a world I want to immerse myself in, even if only for a while.3
-
I have a friend who did a bikini comp once. She said NEVER again. The dieting took a huge toll on her body. She felt "sick" for 6 months afterwards. She had trouble digesting "normal" foods.
She also said that the competition experience was miserable. In her opinion, judging is subjective at best and political at worst (she felt like the judges already knew who they wanted to win). She didn't have a positive experience. She still trains in a bodybuilding style; she doesn't compete or take the dieting to the "extreme."9 -
Christine_72 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If it requires that you pay for entry or for coaching to prep for a contest...beware a scam. This isn't too dissimilar from those people who used to grab teens at the mall in the 80's and tell them that they have a future in modeling in order to get them to sign up with their 'agency' and pay for head shots.
That said, if your head is on straight and you know that it won't make you develop any body/eating/exercise issues, etc. then go for it. Might be fun.
You always have to pay for entry. Every stage competitor I know has a coach as well. But yeah, I'd definitely look into it more and likely talk to some of the people being coached by these coaches and go to some shows before I committed to anything.
So you have to pay for entry for a bunch of people to look at you half naked...? Yikes!
Yeah, this was my first thought. I guess you'd have to have an exhibitionist type personality to want to do this. To me body building, bikini comps etc just translate to " Look at me, Look at me".
it's more like - look at the level of dedication and hard work that I put in to get here. Not everyone is willing to put in the work that it takes. Like anything, people hate what they don't understand. Maybe instead of putting down other women , maybe try to build them up.10 -
HayleeRenaeFit wrote: »Hey everyone! I have been asked recently by a bunch by prep coaches in the gym if I would consider competing in a bikini comp. lately I have been seriously considering it because of my hard work and dedication in the gym as well as diet. I have heard bad rumors about it and don’t know if it would be healthy, or what my macros/calories would have to be. Any insight would be great! Thank youu
Bikini competitions take a lot of dedication - mentally, physically and financially. If you do it, be ready to drop money on both a posing coach and trainer/nutritionist, halt all drinking and "treat" foods, and spend $$ on the entry, tan, bikini, make-up and extensions. It is a great success to even stand on that stage and if you get through prep it can be one of the most incredible feelings to push your body to it's limits, but it can also mess with mind set. It's only for the most dedicated and strong-willed people. I think doing it a few times throughout your lifetime would be okay, but I, too, have heard very bad things health-wise if you compete long term. My one friend ended up in the hospital with kidney issues on her third prep and still kept going. Dedication at an all time high, like I said.
I've considered competing, and have been approached by people within my gym, but I always feel like it would be a bad option for me because I have OCD and am already extremely obsessive over macro intake, gym time, etc. and I think it would lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and body dysmorphia. Which is a shame because my OCD would probably make me really good at it LOL. I currently just do powerlifting competitions. Strength based, no cheats and not so much of a beauty pageant. Something to consider if you want something to train for without the financial dedication.7 -
Christine_72 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »If it requires that you pay for entry or for coaching to prep for a contest...beware a scam. This isn't too dissimilar from those people who used to grab teens at the mall in the 80's and tell them that they have a future in modeling in order to get them to sign up with their 'agency' and pay for head shots.
That said, if your head is on straight and you know that it won't make you develop any body/eating/exercise issues, etc. then go for it. Might be fun.
You always have to pay for entry. Every stage competitor I know has a coach as well. But yeah, I'd definitely look into it more and likely talk to some of the people being coached by these coaches and go to some shows before I committed to anything.
So you have to pay for entry for a bunch of people to look at you half naked...? Yikes!
Yeah, this was my first thought. I guess you'd have to have an exhibitionist type personality to want to do this. To me body building, bikini comps etc just translate to " Look at me, Look at me".
Yeah, I didn't like the everyone looking at me aspect of teaching yoga, and that was yoga.2 -
I'd advice to follow your plan to achieve your goal(s) and not entertain what more than likely is someone trying to get your business.4
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Slowfaster wrote: »People will do whatever they want with their bodies, gain 500 lbs, crash diet, everything in between. My only problem with this sort of thing is that we're letting other people judge us by a standard they call "fitness," but most doctors would call unhealthy. Cardio and some weight training is fine, but women need a certain amount of body fat to support the estrogen they need for regular periods, bone health, and fertility. When women try to achieve the required level of leanness to win these contests they are only going to end up fit to walk that stage, not fit for much else.
Fifty years ago, the "ideal" women in Playboy tended to look like Marilyn Monroe, soft and slightly chubby by today's standards. Most women had to be a little plump to have the required big breasts men wanted to see. Now they can get as lean as a construction worker and still have big round breasts because they have them surgically implanted. How sad that today's ideal is seldom seen in nature and has to be "man made."
I hope for the day women embrace the softness that comes naturally to a body with low testosterone and are satisfied with the breasts they developed at puberty. I'm appalled that women are willing to undergo expensive, surgery to enlarge secondary sexual characteristics just to attract men. It's no different than the 19th century Chinese women having their feet bound to satisfy the sexual fetishes of the men at that time and place.
The one's I know are very fit...they only maintain that level of leanness for the stage, they don't walk around that way all of the time. And it's not like they're runway model skinny/unhealthy...they are muscular and still at a healthy weight when that lean.
I also wouldn't go so far as to say that any of the bodybuilding divisions body is the "ideal" body...most women I know have no interest in looking like that, whether it's bikini, figure, or physique or full on body builder.11
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