The Prep Life of NABBA Miss Britain
When I'm getting ready for shows my day starts early, usually up about 5am then straight to the gym for fasted cardio. I've always done my cardio on the stairmaster, it's evil but does the job so i use it everyday. I usually start on 30 mins on a morning and then 30 mins again on a night after my weight session, The length of time I do cardio for can increase and decrease throughout my prep depending on how I look. I also used HIIT on the bike during my first prep just for one of my cardio sessions a day, which if done properly is really good for helping shift stubborn fat on legs. I do it by going at a reasonable pace, medium resistance, then on every even minute, stand up, knock the resistance up high and go as fast as i can for 30 seconds, 30 mins altogether. It burns like mad but like I said, great for shifting fat from legs, Which was my problem area during my first prep.
When it comes to my weight session I only train, * Back (little bit of biceps and triceps at the end) * Shoulders * And legs (one of my 2 legs sessions a week I just concentrate on my glutes).
I train 6 days a week, Sunday is usually my rest day at the start but if I need to do extra because I'm behind during prep, then it will be 7 days a week. There's not a body part I like or dislike training the most really, I think I get most satisfaction after training legs though, I like to train hard, and love the feeling once you've had a great session.
My food usually stays the same right throughout, if any thing is changed it will usually be the amount of carbs. The protein sources I use are; Chicken Turkey White fish Salmon And carbs; Oats Wholegrain rice Sweet potato. And veg; Broccoli Asparagus Spinach As my weight and body changes throughout my prep, my food may change but if it's all going in the right direction then why change something that's working?! The food side of prep really doesn't bother me, we don't do 'cheat meals' which I know a lot of bodybuilders couldn't do a prep without them but it really works for our bodies and minds to keep them out. When you've eaten so clean all week and you then have rubbish, you feel awful the next day, sluggish and bloated, and it just makes you then crave more, so for me its a no no!! To be honest I don't like junk food and I don't even eat it during my 'off season'. A lot of bodybuilders have bags full of chocolate, donuts etc to eat as soon as they get off stage because they've missed it that much but I've never done it. The things I miss the most during prep is quality time with my husband, family and friends, And food, I'd say things like sushi or a nice meal out for fillet steak. Bodybuilding is a very selfish sport, the time missed with friends, the early mornings, late nights, you've never been so tired in your life, which of course comes with snapping and low moods, No matter how hard you try it does have an impact on the people closest to you. But I am very lucky that I have the people around me that I do because they support me right the way through, It's no doubt one of the hardest things you will even do, but it's also the most rewarding. When I do something I put 110% in, From start to finish, so no matter what the out come I know I couldn't of done anymore. To put your heart and soul into a prep and to then see the results of your body changing, transforming in way you never thought was possible, Is honestly one of the best things I've even done.
I am one of the personal trainers here at Ebor Fitness in York, so please feel free to contact me directly, just click over to our personal trainers page on Ebor's website where you will find my Facebook link to drop me a message so we can discuss your goals and get booked in for your sessions.
Verity Garrington
Female Body Coach at Ebor Fitness York.
