I finally competed!

When I first started my fitness journey I had a thought that one day I will not only become a fitness coach, but also will participate in a bodybuilding competition – just to see how it works.

Last year, after the full year of confinement due to Covid, etc., I finally pushed myself to start preparing. And preparing not only to become a personal trainer, but also to build a physique worth showing on a stage.

The gyms were finally open, my mind was made up. I was ready!

Year of growth

Year 2021 was a year of growth for me (and the 2022 is also). Not only physically, but also mentally. I started my studies in fitness and on top of that, I started my prep. I felt it was the right thing to do. It went hand in hand, as I decided I needed a coach of my own, to train me and to teach me. It was almost like an apprenticeship for everything I would need to know. Not only for myself, but for my future clients.

I chose a coach that was local, at a small gym that I was already familiar with. It is one of those small, family type of gyms where you become one of the regulars and never leave, unless circumstances force you. My coach is also the owner of the gym. He himself has participated in competitions, so I knew he had some knowledge – not only about competitions, but also how it is done in South of France. Approach differs not only by federations, but also countries or areas.

For my first competition we were aiming to go for something local, as just 30 min away from Toulon every year there is a competition held by NABBA federation. My coach had participated in one of these competitions some time ago, so he was comfortable to prep me.

The competition

The competitions I was preparing for was organized by Olivier Ripert – NABBA federation president here in France. He himself is a local La Ciotat resident, where the competition was taking place. On top of that, it was a 20 year anniversary competition – Ripert Body Show 20 year anniversary edition. It meant more competition. Which was great!

As most competitions do, it was happening on a saturday (28th of May). It took the whole day. Each category was called on stage and compared side by side. After each section was compared, the results were presented.

I was competing in Miss Toned figure category. Not a Bikini, that might be more well known, but something towards Figure category, just less muscular. There were two higher levels – Miss Trained and Miss Athletic Figure – more muscular than Miss Toned, as the name suggests already. So when you think you want to get toned – this is what it looks like. You train your ass off. You lift heavy, and by the end of it, your will gain a toned figure – with curves and slight muscularity in places. Nothing over the top. Nothing masculine. If you don’t use enhancement drugs, it takes years to build a physique that is visibly muscular on daily basis – especially for girls.

Stage fright?

As you might imagine – I was a ball of stress that day. My tummy was not happy, which made me even more stressed, but by the time I had to get ready and on the stage (in late afternoon), it had calmed down. Thank whatever higher powers and coffee. 😀

The moment I stepped on the stage, I was the calmest I have ever been in these kind of situations. No trembling, nothing (besides from contracting muscles). I gave my all and stayed on top.

I had a lot of support from my friends and family, and that helped me keep smiling on stage. During posing practice rounds, I could never muster a genuine smile, but when you are there and hear your friends supporting you, it just comes naturally.

Result

Among six other women competing, I placed Second! My first attempt and I got on the podium! I was awarded a chunky medal (made in Ukraine btw) and some souvenirs from the sponsors of the show.

The most important outcome of this though is – I will compete again. I am aware now of most of the things that happen behind the scenes. I know I am not uncomfortable on the stage and I have what it takes to get there and beyond.

Nabba, however, might not be my preferred federation and Miss Toned figure – my favorite category. I will check out soon how NPC is organizing things. And next year I will try to go for Wellness category in NPC and hopefully IFBB Pro League federations. I just need to grow some booty.

Ripert Body show probably will still stay as an occasional competition for me, but it definitely won’t be my main concern.

Acknowledgments: Big thanks to my bikini creator Haltere&go. To Kompak Woman for the jewelery. To Sara from Sass Extension Cils. And of course to Manon who did my makeup. Also I am very grateful to all the Tanning ladies who were so patient with me when my tan kept being ruined due to sweating.