First Things First
Once the excitement of your last competition of your competitive season is done it is good to relax and savor the experience. Take plenty of time to digest all the sites, sounds, smells, pictures, and all the cool relationships that you have formed. Give yourself over to appreciating all that has occurred and all the lessons that have been learned. Be sure to do much personal assessment consisting of video review, photo analysis to include comparing your physique against your competition. This post contest time is for you to learn, improve, and to motivate yourself to be better as you prepare for the next contest season which is coming at you like a freight train. When we have done all we can do at this activity, we have to take all that we have learned and forge a plan of action to improve during the “Off Season.”
The Plan
The saying, “It is time!” Comes into play. The plan has to draw on all the review that you did post contest. It must take each item that is learned and it has to be incorporated into the overall effort you have designed for the coming year. No turning back! This is the time that champions are made, “during times when no one is watching.” You have to think about the weaknesses you have in your physique and design programs and workouts to bring these areas up to competition ready status. Nothing can be left to chance.
At this point it is advisable to have your coach help you evaluate your body with an eye toward enhancing any part of the physique that needs it. I highly recommend my own coach, Justin Dees if you are living in Utah. If you live away from Utah then take the time to find a coach near you who can help you be your best the next time you are on stage.
Plan Execution
Once you have gotten your plan in place for the next contest you have to begin training in earnest. You have to develop the attitude that you do not have a minute to spare. You have to adopt the notion that you have to outwork your competition. Outworking the competition will often require you to work alone when everybody else has gone home.
Each item that you have put in “the plan” must have a plan to make the changes needed come alive and to be corrected or enhanced. All of this is so easy to do but it is also easy not to do. You have to reach for your plan, execute it, and stick to it. You have to trust the process to put you in the best shape of your life. Being in the best shape of your life at the next contest is the first and only goal.
Off Season
All of what we have discussed occurs in the off season. The active competition season is so intense that it does not allow for huge workouts on a regular basis. However, you and I must commit ourselves to being ever faithful to our training and to our goals. Simply, these 4 steps are essential to attaining our goals. We have not delved into the goals and their details. The overview given here is enough for you to get organized to push forward and on to greatness. The only off season goal is to be better. This time is perfect for you to learn and redefine new areas.
I wish the best for you always as you use this off season to show up at the next contest better than you have ever been before.
Until next time I remain, Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), PA-C, MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 