I Won!...

I won...

...A heck of a lot of things out of this competition!

Even though I did not "Win" in the competition, I still feel like I won. I will tell you what I Won in a brief moment, but I must say a few things before I get to that part.

First of all, I went into this fitness modeling competition with a whole different outlook -- I could have sworn I didn't have to be so muscular. I thought it would be much more of a "soft look". I thought I would of had this hands down because I have a fit physique, confidence, energy, pizazz, and a bright happy smile. Ha-Ha...

Boy, did I learn that it was not the case! I was in the wrong competition if I was planning on winning 1st place.

Man, most of these girls were lean, ripped, full 6 pack abs, around 9% body fat. They were like I was for the first ever competition I did at 19 years old- sickly in shape! I had placed 2nd in this one.

This was me before and after in only 11 weeks time (the before is on the upper right at 103lbs and the afters are the others at 99lbs). I literally KILLED myself to look the way I did because it was such a short period of time-exactly the reason why I put on almost 20 lbs in just 3 months time after the competition, the heaviest and most uncomfortable I'd ever been.(This is why I don't teach my student Quick fixes, the quicker it is, the more imbalance it causes and the shorter it is lived!!!!!)

I seriously began to develop an eating disorder. I just wanted to eat and eat because I was so deprived for 11 straight weeks. It took me some time to get out of that mental hole, that obsession with appearance and the concern with how much my body fat percentage was. While at the same time, the reasons why I competed were pretty negative too, which makes sense as to why these negative outcomes were happening.

Back then I wanted to compete because I had a low self esteem and I thought that by accomplishing this great hard body I would overcome it. But, of course, I didn't understand this at the time. I understood later. That was completely different from why I wanted to compete now.

This time I wanted to compete because of the business sense it makes, because of the exposure, and for pure fun. This time I was ready to do it coming from a healthy place spiritually and mentally.

At the same time, that 2001 competition served me in a lot of ways. I don't regret doing it because it taught me a great deal on how to train, what it feels like to workout that hard, how proper form is done, discipline , time management, focus, and mental preparation.

And now, this very recent fitness modeling competition taught me lots of things I didn't expect.

So let me tell you what I WON in the UFE Canada Comp this past Saturday:

1. A new perspective on fitness modeling-much effort and constant dieting are involved. I know because I've already experienced looking like that.

2. I learned that I wasn't attached to the "1st Place Winner" outcome. -that's awesome!

3. I now know what I need in order to win- a lot more than personality, attractiveness, and stage presence. (I got the highest points for that). I gotta just get more muscle on and get really lean.

4. Fitness Modeling is not something I want to pursue as a career, but I would love to do it as a compliment to my career.

5. It reassures me that I am in the right mind when I teach being healthy and fit as a lifestyle and not a short lasting event.

Overall I Won a deep sense of understanding, which to me is much more of value than a trophy.

But, I did do pretty good, and I am super proud! I actually placed top 10 in both bikini and fitness. I got 7th in one and 5th in the fitness modeling out of 15+ girls. Not bad at all when my body didn't even compare! For the next one I do, if I decide to do it, I just have to work on the body-the easier part, charisma would be a much harder thing to work on if you don't have it, but anything can be done. I will be posting a video clip of it soon and more pics so you can see the other girls. Here is a pic from the photo shoot I took at the competition:

(the girl who won is right next to me in the purple....that's what they were looking for)

P.S. I had a great time in Canada with my family and the people there were awesome!!!

P.S.S. Once again, I can't thank you guys enough for all your support!!! You are all Amazing people!

As always, I say, whatever you put your mind on you can do. Follow your dreams. Keep going! You can do it!! Don't be afraid to experience, that is one of the best ways to learn.

Lots of Love,

Coach Yari