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My first FIGURE competition!

verticallyfit
verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
edited February 1 in Success Stories
This was a long journey that started with changing my eating habits in my final year of undergrad and slowly transformed into major lifestyle changes. From 2009-2013 I adopted a healthier lifestyle, pole fitness, and bodybuilding as part of my life.

I stepped on stage for the first time July 13th 2013 and placed 4th in my division (Figure). In 2009 my BF% was 35%, at the start of my cut cycle this year it was 12.5% from the changes I had made since 2009. When I stepped on stage I was at 8%. I am now 1 month post competition and still at a lean 8.8%- It's GROW time, putting on some muscle for my three competitions next year. 2014 will be my year!

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Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything!

Find my food logs on MFP @verticallyfit
Find recipes on instagram @verticallyfit

If you have questions.. ask! I'm currently completing my Ph.D in Health Education and Promotion at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) so i'm an open book!
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Replies

  • minizebu
    minizebu Posts: 2,716 Member
    You have experienced quite a transformation! Clearly, you have worked very hard on your achievement. Congratulations on your placement in your recent competition.

    While not everyone has a goal to participate in body building competitions, your success proves how much one can accomplish with persistence and dedication to one's goals.
  • ElliottTN
    ElliottTN Posts: 1,614 Member
    That transformation is F'in awesome.
  • mdn15
    mdn15 Posts: 145
    wow. amazing...
  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    Hot. Amazing transformation and congrats on really getting out there and getting it done.

    Also Hot. Did I say hot?
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    Fantastic work!! Putting that education to great use - you have the book smarts, and the practical experience to match it. Can't wait to hear about the next competition!
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Awesome dedication there!
  • mrs_mab
    mrs_mab Posts: 1,024 Member
    Simply Amazing! Way to go! You look gorgeous!

    What is your height?

    Ohhhh and ROLL TIDE! :wink:
  • lacurandera1
    lacurandera1 Posts: 8,083 Member
    Fantastic!!
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    Very nice!! Congratulations!
  • lnxjenn
    lnxjenn Posts: 64 Member
    Excellent work! And Congrats on the placement! :) You are definitely an inspiration!
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
    Thank you everyone this has been the most amazing journey. I've learned that support is everything, having my lift partners and the support from my dietitians/coaches has made me push that much harder to hit my goals.

    Of course everyone's end goal isn't a bodybuilding competition, but making sure you surround yourself with positive people who encourage your journey rather than hinder it is extremely important.

    I'm 5ft 10.5 :smile:
  • MoJokes
    MoJokes Posts: 691
    you have a great shape, where would you be looking to add muscle for 2014?
  • theycallyoumister
    theycallyoumister Posts: 222 Member
    Phenomenal! :smile:
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
    MoLove2013- For next season my muscles need to be a bit fuller and more developed. I went into this competition with "what I had laying around" so to speak. The muscles I had gained from pole fitness and living an active lifestyle. This off season i'm spending the time to better develop areas like shoulders and back that are important to a figure competitors physique.

    You improve upon your flaws and embrace your assets in the competitive BB world; because at the end of the day you are your only competition.
  • funforsports
    funforsports Posts: 2,656 Member
    Holy Cr@p, amazing job.
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    Holy Cr@p, amazing job.

    ^this


    and WHOA!
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    Holy Cr@p, amazing job.

    ^this


    and WHOA!

    Agreed!! You are absolutely stunning and have achieved an amazing physique. Well done!
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
    you have a great shape, where would you be looking to add muscle for 2014?

    MoLove2013- For next season my muscles need to be a bit fuller and more developed. I went into this competition with "what I had laying around" so to speak. The muscles I had gained from pole fitness and living an active lifestyle. This off season i'm spending the time to better develop areas like shoulders and back that are important to a figure competitors physique.

    You improve upon your flaws and embrace your assets in the competitive BB world; because at the end of the day you are your only competition.
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member

    What is your height?

    Ohhhh and ROLL TIDE! :wink:

    5ft 10.5 inches
  • Fit_NYC_
    Fit_NYC_ Posts: 1,389 Member
    Amazing!
  • nhradeuce
    nhradeuce Posts: 168 Member
    Phd in Health Ed? You are going to have the guy lining up for your classes. That is a phenomenal transformation!
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Awesome job!

    What was your weight for competition? Just curious.
  • sam308lbs
    sam308lbs Posts: 1,936 Member
    You should be giving an honorary doctorate for that mind blowing transformation itself. How did one exactly go from poor eating habits ( i am assuming) to being able to maintain 8 % bf for months when your body & hormones are fighting against you for food ?? :noway:

    Been here for a year and never seen a transformation like this before. I am blown away :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • tammi_t
    tammi_t Posts: 20
    Wow...you ladies are so inspiring. First I read about a powerlifter, now a figure competitor! I'm super excited about getting my body and muscles in shape to do something radical! Congrats on your achievement! Another SHE-RO in my book!
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
    Awesome job!

    What was your weight for competition? Just curious.

    142 lbs
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
    How did one exactly go from poor eating habits ( i am assuming) to being able to maintain 8 % bf for months when your body & hormones are fighting against you for food ?? :noway:

    Been here for a year and never seen a transformation like this before. I am blown away :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    I was living the college life- parties, booze, and the food associated that consumed my life Thurs-Sunday; so I started by making small manageable dietary changes and then it just kept evolving. I evolved as I fell in love with fitness and went into higher education.

    As far as maintain BF%, I am slowly coming back up. I am only a month post show. On show day I was 8% right now i'm 8.8%. Just like you go on a cut cycle for the competition, you do a reverse diet for the post, I don't get to eat anything and everything. I strictly monitor my MACROS. I will probably stay around 10% bf in the off season; as far a hormones, everyone's body is different and I've experienced no issues during the entire process. I think something very important with that, is maintaining a healthy cut cycle- there are ways that may do metabolic damage. So taking care of your nutritional needs and maintaining metabolic homeostasis is optimal!
  • verticallyfit
    verticallyfit Posts: 20 Member
    Wow...you ladies are so inspiring. First I read about a powerlifter, now a figure competitor! I'm super excited about getting my body and muscles in shape to do something radical! Congrats on your achievement! Another SHE-RO in my book!

    Thank you!! You've got this! Aim high and don't be afraid to fail; you won't!
  • mustang6411
    mustang6411 Posts: 89 Member
    amazing!!
  • 5ftnFun
    5ftnFun Posts: 948 Member
    Beautiful!
  • jonswife0206
    jonswife0206 Posts: 125 Member
    You look fantastic ! Great work !
This discussion has been closed.

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