Category Competitions

My Wish To Compete At Prague Pro

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Prague Castle

Prague Castle

Every year I have mapped out a contest strategy, but 2014 is the first year that I am doing it fully as an IFBB Bikini Pro. My priorities and interests have shifted dramatically as a result of my Pro status, with my focus centered on having fun onstage and not concerning myself with my placings. This doesn’t mean that I intend to do poorly at contests, but I am not going to expend ridiculous amounts of energy trying to get a top placing at an event.

One of the most exciting things about the Pro contest schedule is that there are international events added to the mix. There is one international event I have been keenly interested in doing this year, and that is EVLS Prague Pro on October 4th in Prague, Czech Republic. One reason why I am so intent on competing at this event is because I have heard that it is beautiful in Prague. Another reason is that I have not been outside of the United States since 1992. I also have not had a bona fide vacation since 2007, which is part of the reason why I have every intention of spending a few days in Hungary after the contest.

This is Buda Castle...

This is Buda Castle…


But perhaps the most compelling reason for me to compete in Prague is that I have strong genetic roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary. My direct paternal stock came by way of Hungary, specifically Gyor on the Buda side of Budapest, Hungary. However, when I recently did a 23andme analysis, I discovered that though most of that Eastern European stock came mostly from Hungary, there was some genetic input from the Czech Republic. Basically, I would be competing on land that my ancestors stood on, which is incredibly meaningful for me.
Gyor map
I have put the intention out there and will continue to nurture it so that my wish to compete at Prague Pro comes to fruition.

Fitness Events Are Dress Up Days

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555121_546164792080628_1302266811_nOne of the reasons why I look forward to working at and attending fitness and bodybuilding events is because I can indulge in a dress up day. In fact, women who attend such events are expected to come in attire that is blingy, tight, and skimpy. I have no problem with this since such threads are essentially forbidden in my normal daily life in the gym and as a physician. All the bright colors, heavy makeup, and sparkly jewelry I have hidden away are dug out for these events, and I have fun with it, especially since I really don’t dress up for Halloween anymore.

I have had non-fitness friends ask me what to wear to events such as the L.A. Fit Expo, or to local bodybuilding events. Honestly, the main thing is to be comfortable if you are a spectator, especially if you plan to walk around a lot. But if you are hell bent on “fitting in”, think form fitting and muscle hugging. That usually does the trick for men and women. Some people in the fitness world can push the envelope with clothing that is so tight and revealing that you may think you are being mooned or flashed when they pass by you. To each her own I guess, but I would never advertise my goodies to that extreme.

Many women have asked me where I have gotten my dresses, so I am providing a link to the main site from which I have purchased in the past.

http://www.amiclubwear.com/

Leucine In Older Athletes

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leucineA couple of months ago I was speaking with Ian Lauer who had just wrapped up the January 23rd edition of Physique Star Radio (Link can be found here: http://www.rxmuscle.com/physique-star-radio/physique-star-radio-2/10058-physique-star-radio-01-23-14-ian-and-dean-welcome-ifbb-pro-jason-postono-the-show-plus-jerry-brainum-is-back.html), and noted his excitement over the effects of leucine in maintaining muscle mass in older athletes. Jerry Brainum had highlighted the importance of leucine in protein synthesis pathways and had also mentioned the challenges of the older athlete in maintaining muscle mass due to early depletion of leucine stores.

In response to this information, and also since I am getting closer to 50, I decided to experiment a bit with bumping up my leucine intake. I went from 2 grams of leucine up to 8 grams per day, and have kept this up for about six weeks. Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me, but it seems that I am more solid and defined since bumping up my leucine intake. I haven’t changed my training intensity very much either. I am seriously considering boosting my leucine intake more as well, perhaps by another 2 to 4 grams to see if that makes a difference.

If you are considering adding leucine to your regimen, be sure to time it so that you ingest it when you take in a protein-rich meal. This will optimize protein synthesis in muscle tissue and enhance the anabolic effect. At this point I will enthusiastically support the use of leucine supplementation to preserve muscle mass in people over 40 who are involved in regular resistance training.

In conclusion, I am definitely a fan of leucine and will keep it in my regimen.