Off-season. No, I am not in off-season. For me, this term is not going to work. I am going to call what I am in “life.” Let me explain.
I have no future show planned. I can’t say I am never going to set foot on stage again, but I need to step away for awhile. Therefore, I can’t be in a technical off-season. Everyone has their own definition of an off-season, but I don’t want to stop being my best. I don’t want to stop living a healthy lifestyle. I want to continue to gain lean muscle, lose fat, and improve in all aspects of my athletic abilities. I don’t like some of the hype traditionally associated with an off-season, being an excuse for relaxed workout plans or sloppy eating habits. I’ve worked hard to get what I have, and I don’t want pizza or missed workouts to intrude on that. I want to keep after it, with a balance.
Life is what this time period is called. It’s indefinite. It’s my lifestyle. I love it.
It’s not a contest prep diet 24/7. It’s eating clean most of the time, not stressing if my scoop of UMP is rounded or flat, and enjoying a glass of wine with dinner if I choose. It encompasses all the principles I learned while prepping for a show, without the mental pressure and stress of having to be in stage shape on a given day. I will be trying new workouts, experimenting with new food choices to see what works best, and not being so critical of my body. I love my body, and I should tell it that more often.
So as life continues after the last show, it’s going to be a struggle. I know it. Some days I may feel lost with no direction and others I may feel like I want to start prepping for a show. But, like anything, I will adjust, push through, and see what the next adventure brings! I know I have my friends, family, team, and trainer here for support as needed. I’m living the good life!
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| First day of “life” – traveling back from Louisville – quick stop and snack – Almonds and a Diet Mt Dew. (Yes I look like a goof) |
