That thought didn't last long because deep down I am simply too hard core. The first time I saw a bikini competition at a physique event, I didn't think it belonged. Sorry girls!!! Since that time, however, it has grown on me. I've learned to appreciate the art of it and rather enjoy the sex appeal. It just wasn't something I could see myself doing. Kind of strange since I always strive to be sensual in my ballroom dancing.
For those visiting my blog for the first time, you're invited to read from Part 1 to review the background story. You can find out more about how and why I decided to strut my stuff in my 50s.
For now, it might help you to realize what the different categories are:
- Bikini is soft core and flirty, most comparable to modelling;
- Figure is for the athletic woman with a good degree of tone and symmetry;
- Fitness is similar to Figure combined with an aerobic or gymnastic routine;
- Physique is for the muscular woman with more mass and definition than Figure; and
- Bodybuilding is for the super muscular...enough said!
About a month after last year's provincials, I decided that if I was going to give Figure another shot it would be best to have a trainer. So one day I walked up to the counter at Florida Fitness and asked Ken Clement to take me on as a client. Ken and I go way back. It was a little weird asking him to take care of me when it was I who guided him through the ins and outs of competition 30 years ago. Today he is one of the best coaches and stage hands in the region. Ken advised me to continue working out on my own for the rest of the summer and come September we were going to draw a plan and get to it.
That's exactly what we did!!!
For the past 9 months, Ken and I have been together twice a week for grueling workouts and strategizing. I do other workouts and cardio on my own. I'm no spring chicken and have been through many contest preps but I truly respect Ken for his expertise and genuine love for the sport. He has remained active in the industry through the years, unlike myself who disappeared completely for many years prior to resurfacing.
Here we are today getting ready to hit the provincials again and I've made an about turn and decided to give bikini a shot after all. Hahaha, I truly never thought I'd say that!!!
The main problem with this decision is that I'm not qualified to enter the bikini category at the provincial level. It's necessary to place in a regional competition first. So I'm on my way to the Sudbury Championships on May 25th, one week prior to the provincials.
It's been a hard road of late as I've had to introduce new moves to my stage presence practice. The focus is on softening my look to accommodate bikini even though I've been training all year for figure. That said, I've decided to kill two birds with one stone. I will also compete in Masters Figure (over 35, short class) in Sudbury. If I place, I will be able to compete at the provincials as a Master which has height divisions, rather than Grandmaster which does not. Being 5 foot nothing can sometimes be detrimental. Plus, I have already proven that I fair better against competitors my size rather than with those my age.
With just a few days to prepare, it's time to decide which suits to wear. Here are my choices. Feel free to vote!
What got me excited to finally make an entry in my blog after so long? Well, recently the "Girls of Florida Fitness" got together at the gym for a bikini practice session. Ken was there taking us through our paces. Jennifer Lambert-Foster, our stage presence expert, was not there. But she had a really good excuse. She was busy bringing a beautiful baby boy into the world. Congrats Jen!
The practice session got me super pumped. It was only then that I knew I'd made it to my target. As the hour wore on, the bikini poses got more and more comfortable. Ken told me afterwards that every time he glanced past me, he felt like I was doing the wrong poses, He's so accustomed to seeing me strike more rigid poses designed for figure competition. Believe me, I'm more amazed than anyone that I'm actually doing this!
Ed showed up unexpectedly to support us. This made me beam a whole lot more. Smiling and working the crowd is essential in bikini competition. It was perfect that Ed came as it's important for him to fully understand what I'm involved in. He has been there with me every step of the way and has sponsored all my beautiful outfits.
It's the home stretch now after a full year of preparation and I FEEL GREAT!!!
At 54 years of age, I'm preparing for my first bikini competition!!!
Yikes, am I really going to do this?
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