Three years have passed since the day I made up my mind to get fit and never look back. Two years ago I posted this: http://blog.bodybuilding.com/shaniariel/2010/03/21/it_s_been_one_year/ .
I definitely got a kick out of looking back and listing the things I had learned. I figured, in celebration of my third year, I’d do it again.
What I’ve learned as a third year “bodybuilder”:
Top 25 mistakes I made and learned from since 2010:
25. Crash dieting for a competition means your body becomes a sponge for nutrients –and post show binges WILL balloon you (and are hard to bounce back from).
24. Eight weeks is NOT enough time to prep for a show if you have more than ten pounds to lose.
23. Do not wear a bikini with white trim if you just got a spray tan.
22. I do not NEED to eat a meal every two hours, on the dot.
21. Running in the morning on an empty stomach SUCKS for muscle growth.
20. Three empty jars of peanut butter in one week may mean I have severe problem.
19. Taking extended time off from the gym only makes it harder to go back.
18. If your man says he supports you in what you’re doing, then that means he will NOT bring pizza or cookies into your house. You are NOT superwoman – it is OK to be angry about being unable to resist. But you MUST communicate this.
17. Everyone still has an opinion about what is best for you. You don't HAVE to listen.
16. Bad form fu**ed my knees up!! Besides, it’s SO humbling to go from pushing a gajillion plates, to pushing none and struggling now that you’re using proper form.
15. Just because I know how to train myself (kinda) does not make me qualified to be a personal trainer.
14. Skipping protein and high glycemic index carbs post workout is like throwing away a session of hard work. Blood/sweat/tears shed in vain.
13. Badass or not, gloves are utilized for a reason.
12. A good deadlift is SO important to overall development.
11. Much of the fitness industry is an illusion which should not be lusted after for the price of your own mental/emotional/physical health.
10. There are many gurus out there with the “latest and best” approach…..be careful before adhering to anyone’s “expert” advice.
9. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep is SO important.
8. Sprinting is WAY better than running unless you desire a physique with a flabby ass and tubular arms.
7. Thermogenic supplements/fat burners wont do shit if your diet sucks.
6. Good shoes are SUPER important, especially on leg day.
5. I have a disease. It’s OK. I MUSTN’T fight my body or it will fight me back – by taking my eyesight.
4. Suggesting that one aim to do a competition is NOT good advice for most fitness newbies, especially if they’re just now transforming their body.
3. Cheat meals are NOT necessary and you should never reward yourself with food.
2. Supplements/vitamins and minerals are necessary if you’re training hardcore.
1. It’s OK to be all or nothing….just don’t sacrifice yourself and your relationships for the dream.
Even three years later, I am still GREEN. I look forward to learning and absorbing more as I progress closer and closer to the physique of my dreams.
I definitely got a kick out of looking back and listing the things I had learned. I figured, in celebration of my third year, I’d do it again.
What I’ve learned as a third year “bodybuilder”:
Top 25 mistakes I made and learned from since 2010:
25. Crash dieting for a competition means your body becomes a sponge for nutrients –and post show binges WILL balloon you (and are hard to bounce back from).
24. Eight weeks is NOT enough time to prep for a show if you have more than ten pounds to lose.
23. Do not wear a bikini with white trim if you just got a spray tan.
22. I do not NEED to eat a meal every two hours, on the dot.
21. Running in the morning on an empty stomach SUCKS for muscle growth.
20. Three empty jars of peanut butter in one week may mean I have severe problem.
19. Taking extended time off from the gym only makes it harder to go back.
18. If your man says he supports you in what you’re doing, then that means he will NOT bring pizza or cookies into your house. You are NOT superwoman – it is OK to be angry about being unable to resist. But you MUST communicate this.
17. Everyone still has an opinion about what is best for you. You don't HAVE to listen.
16. Bad form fu**ed my knees up!! Besides, it’s SO humbling to go from pushing a gajillion plates, to pushing none and struggling now that you’re using proper form.
15. Just because I know how to train myself (kinda) does not make me qualified to be a personal trainer.
14. Skipping protein and high glycemic index carbs post workout is like throwing away a session of hard work. Blood/sweat/tears shed in vain.
13. Badass or not, gloves are utilized for a reason.
12. A good deadlift is SO important to overall development.
11. Much of the fitness industry is an illusion which should not be lusted after for the price of your own mental/emotional/physical health.
10. There are many gurus out there with the “latest and best” approach…..be careful before adhering to anyone’s “expert” advice.
9. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep is SO important.
8. Sprinting is WAY better than running unless you desire a physique with a flabby ass and tubular arms.
7. Thermogenic supplements/fat burners wont do shit if your diet sucks.
6. Good shoes are SUPER important, especially on leg day.
5. I have a disease. It’s OK. I MUSTN’T fight my body or it will fight me back – by taking my eyesight.
4. Suggesting that one aim to do a competition is NOT good advice for most fitness newbies, especially if they’re just now transforming their body.
3. Cheat meals are NOT necessary and you should never reward yourself with food.
2. Supplements/vitamins and minerals are necessary if you’re training hardcore.
1. It’s OK to be all or nothing….just don’t sacrifice yourself and your relationships for the dream.
Even three years later, I am still GREEN. I look forward to learning and absorbing more as I progress closer and closer to the physique of my dreams.