team.
The decision to enter a fitness competition
can be quite overwhelming to an individual
unfamiliar with the entire process. While
most athletes are comfortable with the
commitment required to train for a specific
show, the other components such as
nutritional planning, posing routines, suits,
stage presence, etc, can leave an individual
feeling confused and second-guessing their
original decision. It’s now common place
for athletes to seek out the resources and
support of a team to help achieve the end
goal of stepping on stage.
Over the past few years of fitness
competitions, the presence of teams
has greatly increased to the point where
some coaches now bring several dozen
athletes to a particular show. These
seasoned coaches have the experience
to assist their athletes and teams with
a multitude of preparation details. The
NPAA has welcomed the participation
of all these wonderful teams, including;
Impact Nutrition, Tight N’ Curvy,
Endurance on 8th, Team Ignite, Pure
Fitness, Lisa Parker, just to name a few.
Creating a positive team environment
helps to boost an athletes confidence
by joining others training towards
a similar goal. Through these team
connections, the members can support
and encourage others without feeling
The supportive approach
to fitness competitions.
threatened towards one another. Group
posing sessions allow a coach to connect
athletes together while polishing their
routines. The first time a competitor slips
on a pair of five inch heels, an itty bitty
suit, and strut around in front of a group
of athletes, it can be quite unnerving.
An introductory team meeting sets the
tone for an encouraging environment.
Team bonds begin to develop when
athletes create training partnerships and
friendships. The backstage experience is
non-threatening and less intimidating.
Team members pull together and share
in the excitement for each other’s
accomplishments.
A feeling of camaraderie and union
is built, extending to include many
other athletes and backstage helpers.
Audience members have witnessed
athletes coming to the aid of other
athletes on the verge of collapse from
exhaustion or illness. Although a fitness
competition is regarded as an individual
achievement, the bonds built between
competitors is quite apparent. Backstage
‘selfies’ are taken with teammates and
new found friends. Laughter and teasing
can be heard in the change rooms.
Comments and remarks are exchanged
about whose pre-stage pump up treat is
the tastiest.
Being part of a fitness team can be both
a resource and a support system for
an athlete. It can help with everything
from the pre-competition jitters to
gaining a thorough understanding of
training and nutritional strategies. While
certainly not an absolute requirement
to prepare for a fitness show, it can be
particularly helpful for someone new
to the process. Find a team whose
philosophy and vision aligns with your
own fitness goals and personal values.
Lisa Schirok-Dardis
Team Schirok Hard Bodies,
May 2012, NPAA Coach of the Year
12.