Surviving the Post Contest Blues by Brittany Thorsch

Each and every competitor within the fitness and bodybuilding industry has delt with the post contest blues to some degree. This article was written not only to but to give you some insight into what many competitors experience but provide you with some tools to help you cope with the aftermath.

The post contest blues could be described as the transitional phase we go through from our regimented contest lifestyle to a more normal lifestyle. A lifestyle that allows you to stay up until midnight, watch movies and enjoy the occasional ice cream and chocolate just because.

We experience the post contest blues for many reasons. Firstly our bodies to extreme levels, preparing for contests. Levels which can not be maintained for extended periods of time. This isn't to say that you could not turn heads every where you go year round, but don't expect to keep your body fat at 8% after coming down from 18%. Rebalancing your body and mind could be just as challenging as preparing for a contest. This challenge should not be shied away from, it is a challenge that should be embraced and looked upon as an incredible opportunity to gain spiritual and personal strength within your self. The feeling of having control over life and over yourself is a beautiful thing. When I say control I am not necessarily referring to sticking perfectly to your diet post contest, I am referring to the control you have over your emotions and allowing flexibility and enjoyment in your life. The ability to have a piece of cake and savoring each bite without panicking and doing an hour of cardio preceding your indulgence.
Following are some tools that I have developed in my competitive years as an athlete that can help you learn how to control impulsive urges and empower yourself to push forward in a constant positive direction post contest.

Make a list of things that you enjoy doing that you don't get a chance to while you are preparing for a contest. So much time is consumed by contest preparation that when the show is over you have too much time to think and one only thing on your mind is food. Schedule these things in the weeks right after your contest to keep your mind occupied while you are readjusting. Keep all of your thoughts and personal lists in a special journal for yourself. As you make goals for your contest preparation, do the same for your off-season training and lifestyle. Some examples of these things are: camping, taking a trip to Disneyland, horse riding, learn how to speak Spanish or drive a 5 speed car, go kayaking or to Barnes and Nobles to read some books, go on a vacation or on
a hot air balloon ride. Always try something new, you must keep your mind stimulated and your life exciting. Also keep a ‘Feel Good List’ in your journal. This is a list that you can refer to when you don't have much time and just need a quick mental break or pick me up. This list as the title states is a list comprised of things that make you feel good, for example: taking a hot candlelit bubble bath, watching the sunset or sunrise, buy fresh flowers for your house, get a massage or pedicure, buy a new cd, lying in red and listening to the rain outside, getting special mail, falling in love, laughing so hard that your face hurts, hearing your favorite song on the radio, a long distance phone call that lasts for hours, finding a sweater you wanted for half price or swinging on swings.
The thought of these things can put you in a whole different mindset which will allow you to focus on the important things in life. The mind controls every aspect of the body, harness this power and you will be able to live life to the fullest. Savor these beautiful things and get out of bed each and every day and thank God for these little blessings in life.

One thing that we easily lose sight of is that we are truly beautiful inside and out even with that extra 5 or 10 pounds on. Learn to appreciate what your body is capable of and focus on making the gains you need in the off-season. Get excited for every off season because it is a time that you can make changes and growth in your physique. Many people don't take advantage of this because they are too focused on trying to keep wheat in their mind is a ‘perfect’ physique.

Just always remember that you are not alone with these feelings and sometimes having someone there who deals with or has delt with the same thing, can help you get back on track and focused on reality. Be sure to open yourself to new friendships both in and out of the industry. It is a wonderful thing to have friends who live in other states or countries that you keep in touch with throughout the year. These friendships make competing exciting because it is like a big reunion at every show. These are the things that should be focused on and cherished not the 5 pounds you gained or the piece of chocolate cake you ate.

One last thing about dealing with the post contest and probably the most important is that it is OK and in fact necessary to take a break. You need to allow your body time to heal and regenerate and you mind to refresh itself. If you don't, you will suffer from overtraining, burn out, end up injuring yourself and developing a hate for training and the gym. Do things that keep yourself active until you are ready to go back, things that are not focused on how many calories you have burned or time gone by. Be sure to also increase your complex B Vitamins and slowly wean yourself off of your thermogenics to prevent a total energy crash. Fuel your muscles, nurture your body mind and soul in these times.

Always remember too, that there are constantly new competitors coming up in the ranks. Remember your first diet and how you coped with it. Be a friend and lend an ear, I
guarantee you will gain a new friend for life. You get only one life to live, live it to the fullest and project your wonderful energies, thoughts and dreams onto others. Never forget who you are or why you truly love the sport of body sculpting.
Love to you all
Brittany Thorsch

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