As I push through my prep for 2018 there is this constant pressure (often self inflicted) to be leaner and more shredded. Being shredded is the demand that is placed on all of us who do bodybuilding. The competitors, the coaches, the judges, the families are all impacted by the requirement to be in the best shape of our lives the day we compete. Nothing else will suffice.
I weigh myself “every” morning as soon as I get out of bed. I sort of look down at the scale with one eye closed and the other squinting to the daily weight reading. Sometimes I cringe and other times I feel like doing cart wheels all the way back to my bed. The leanness target has to be met. However, all of us who compete in bodybuilding knows that the scale is only one measure of our progress. The best way to tell if we are making progress is the weekly weigh in and body fat measurement by our coaches. This immediately gives us a status report.
When I look at myself in the mirror as I pose it seems like every deficiency jumps back at me and I again cringe. I am becoming my own worst critic. Well, that’s giving me way too much credit for knowing anything. My coach Justin Dees sees me as I am and he will tell what I need to hear and he is brutal. My poor ego has been many times bruised during prep. But, like Justin says, “I like being your friend, but sometimes I have to be your coach.” Enough said! Justin has pushed me to be better and has shared his knowledge and expertise without reserve. I’m a bodybuilding neophyte still trying to put my trunks on frontwards, but he has steadied me as make mistakes. My greatest respect I can give him is to be my best and give my best. I always try to do better with each workout, cardio session, posing session, and with the food he prescribes for me.
I look down at my abs to see if they are visible. If they are visible I am happy, if not I am driven to make them better. I too use Arnold’s “Jiggle Test” and sometimes it jiggles and at other times I am firm. The “Jiggle Test” is a quick check to satisfy our longing to be better. It’s not the bottom line, but it helps. I used to worry only about being the biggest and now I worry about looking my best no matter my weight.
In closing note that being lean for a contest is essential but way beyond this condition of leanness is the heart and effort you bring to the stage. I promise you that if you show up in the best shape of your life because you worked hard it won’t matter if you win or not. You are as good as you get for the moment. Be satisfied and go get some great, well-earned food with your family.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 