postcomp question for the experienced...

[gymdiva1222]

how did each of you deal with postcomp depression, especially after your first one? I'm having a rough time dealing with it and the adjustments and the sudden weight and I thought I'd come to where the pros are to ask for advice...thanks!

[bigbrother]

hi gymdiva

i can speak only for myself, but postcomp depression is something we all deal with. Working towards a show for months and within a couple of hours, boom ...... all over ..... black hole.
Food is welcome but in a couple of days water retention comes in and the striations disappear, abs are covered ..... it sucks.
I stuff myself for a couple of days and then take a break from working out for 2 weeks. Then return to cardio and eating clean and pig out 1 day every 10 days.
Good luck honey

[Michelle Brent]

Hi Gymdiva, I've been doing it for 20 yrs and I still get it. Just takes me alittle longer now as I try to keep myself in check after my show, but it gradually still comes on.
What I do after I get to a "yukky" point in my look :eek: I start weighing myself again, and get on a good schedule, then drop some of the weight until I get to around 15 lbs from my comp weight.
(I make it a mini challenge for myself)
Just remember you are not alone, and know you can get in good shape again!!! ;)

[Tre]

There are a lot of bodybuilders who love the attention and then all-of-a-sudden, it's no longer there.

It's much like the pregnant woman who gets so much attention while she's pregnant, but then once the baby comes, no one really cares about her anymore.

[gymdiva1222]

thank you for the responses thus far...I'm trying to get back on a better schedule and get much more particular about foods and activity...honestly, I almost feel embarrassed to go to they gym...talk about feeling silly for that one...but it is good know that this is certainly not isolated to my mind...thanks!!! :)

[James]

There are a lot of bodybuilders who love the attention and then all-of-a-sudden, it's no longer there.

It's much like the pregnant woman who gets so much attention while she's pregnant, but then once the baby comes, no one really cares about her anymore.

Damn, Tre has an opinion for everything! lol

There's also a postcomp depression for photographers when we have to come home to a flood of e-mails, edit pictures and the mountain of other stuff to do when were away from the office for 5 days.. :(

[Michelle Brent]

That's laughs James, I guess the pix u think don't come out good you eat??? LOL :D

[Tre]

James is absolutely correct. Immediately after a show, fans and competitors send much love while awaiting the flood of pics and video. But once their appetites have been satisfied, no one cares about us anymore. :(

So NOW you all know the reason why it takes me months to send out photo CDs - I'm trying to keep the love flowing in! lol

[Gerri]

Gymdiva - Hang in there girl! We've all gone through this, and I think it's the worst when you're first starting out. Trust me, it gets better sweetie! Like Michelle, I've been at this a long time (18 years), and her advice is right on. And that lady never lets herself get to far off contest shape. Granted you have to have some goodies - enjoy them, you worked hard! The water retention will even out and is temporary. Something that might help balance your fluids is dandelion root - you might give it try. And you can always call on your "sisters in iron" - stay in touch with us! We're here if you need us - send me an email with your number and I'll give you a call. Always happy to give a pep talk if needed or just provide some support! :)

[ibarramedia]

Gee, I never knew this side of the sport. Would the feeling be similar if you were the heavyweight champion of the world in boxing then you lose the title and all of a sudden you are a forgotten man, a has been? Or the euphoria of winning the superbowl then realizing free agency and contracts being up will tear the team apartm, then wondering if you can repeat as champions? I dunno. All i can say is hang in there. If you feel down, think how Melissa will deal with it. She is always fun.

[bigbrother]

thank you for the responses thus far...I'm trying to get back on a better schedule and get much more particular about foods and activity...honestly, I almost feel embarrassed to go to they gym...talk about feeling silly for that one...but it is good know that this is certainly not isolated to my mind...thanks!!! :)

I am a guy and i have been dealing with this feeling for the last 25 years. But all fbb i know had the same problem too. As Michelle said, keep your off season weight close to your contest weight (i try 10%, for me 20-25 lbs), don't care to much about the early water retention, it ll fade away quickly.
up to the next show, yes!!!!!
good luck

[gymdiva1222]

Gymdiva - Hang in there girl! We've all gone through this, and I think it's the worst when you're first starting out. Trust me, it gets better sweetie! Like Michelle, I've been at this a long time (18 years), and her advice is right on. And that lady never lets herself get to far off contest shape. Granted you have to have some goodies - enjoy them, you worked hard! The water retention will even out and is temporary. Something that might help balance your fluids is dandelion root - you might give it try. And you can always call on your "sisters in iron" - stay in touch with us! We're here if you need us - send me an email with your number and I'll give you a call. Always happy to give a pep talk if needed or just provide some support! :)


thank you so much!!! I'll do that right now!!!


and thank you again for the responses...I knew it would be coming but as hard as I tried I didn't prep myself too well for it...I cleaned up my diet trmendously just in the last couple of days and already I'm seeing my forearm veins again so maybe I can bounce back better than I think!

[Anne Sheehan]

I cried for 48 hours straight after the USA's. The only way I can deal with it is to start preparing for the next competition right away.

I've never taken time off from the gym (except when I was on bed rest w/ my son).

As far as the weight gain..I actually enjoy the strength that comes along with it. I weighed 192 lbs this past offseason. lol At 5'3" trust me I got A LOT more attention being that big than I do dieted. lol I did get knocked down comp time though..they said I was "too extreme". I had to give some of it up.

I also keep my cardio in in the offseason...just 20 min post weight training 3 days a week. I play a lot w/ my kids too..basketball, soccer, stuff like that.

I've been dieting now for 33 straight weeks. I have 3 more to go till Nationals. I may be right back here next month asking all of you for a shoulder to cry on. LOL

[Ze_Artist]

33 straight weeks?! Wow. Well good luck with your diet and competition Anne.

And Gymdiva, you're a very nice person and I"m sorry about yoru post comp depression. You're strong, I'm sure you'll get over it and move on to compete again looking and doing even better! :-)

Jon

[hans]

Great thread. This is definitely something a lot of women seem to suffer from after a show. Great to see other competitors being supportive on here.

Hans

[gymdiva1222]

I agree Hans...I emailed Gerri and one of the first things I said was that I was so surprised and happy to see how open and accessible the FBBers are to each others and to newcomers...it's amazing how down to earth everyone is...I love it! I can't wait to meet some of y'all in Atlanta!!!

[srblan]

Gee, I never knew this side of the sport. Would the feeling be similar if you were the heavyweight champion of the world in boxing then you lose the title and all of a sudden you are a forgotten man, a has been? Or the euphoria of winning the superbowl then realizing free agency and contracts being up will tear the team apartm, then wondering if you can repeat as champions? I dunno. All i can say is hang in there. If you feel down, think how Melissa will deal with it. She is always fun.

It's probably some of that, but more that you are in this awesome shape and all dry and dieted down, and when you start eating and drinking water again, it all comes back and you feel pretty bloated and crappy. Paired with the strain of having all of your flaws analyzed under a microscope and then pointed out to you, it can be very overwhelming, i'm sure.

[gymdiva1222]

yep that pretty much sums it up! :D

but I did get into the gym last night for my first really hardcore back workout and it felt great...tonight I'm hittng arms :)

[fitkim]

I always take a week off from training and dieting and spend that time setting my goals for off season and jump into the mass building stage which I love. So my post comp depression only lasts a couple of days. I don't much care for the extra weight but luckily this seems to fall in the winter months and I can cover up more.

[gymdiva1222]

hey I think I know you Kim...you're on IBB, right? and I think you had a suit made by sensational designs...that's who did my evening two piece!

oddly enough, I think the passing of my grandfather yesterday has helped me snap out of it...he loved that I lifted and always liked my stockier build...he used to have me flex for him and say look, baby's got muscles...so now I lift in his memory in addition to wanting to meet my goals...

[ibarramedia]

hey I think I know you Kim...you're on IBB, right? and I think you had a suit made by sensational designs...that's who did my evening two piece!

oddly enough, I think the passing of my grandfather yesterday has helped me snap out of it...he loved that I lifted and always liked my stockier build...he used to have me flex for him and say look, baby's got muscles...so now I lift in his memory in addition to wanting to meet my goals...

I'm so sorry to hear that.

[gymdiva1222]

thank you...funeral is sunday...but you know, it was peaceful and he was not sick...I just constantly remember him loving my bicep and quad muscles even as a little girl and while it does bring tears to my eyes it does bring a smile...and my training and diet were right on today...so he gave me a reason to care again :)

[Gerri]

Gymdiva!

Got your email - little sis! :D I will give you a call this week and check in with you! I see Anne Sheehan replied to your post - she's an awesome lady too! Had the good fortune of meeting her and competing with her at the 04 USA's and again at the '05 USA's - she's one BIG girl and a sweetheart - Anne, it's great to see you here!

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather passing away - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hang in there gal!

[Star Blaylock]

how did each of you deal with postcomp depression, especially after your first one? I'm having a rough time dealing with it and the adjustments and the sudden weight and I thought I'd come to where the pros are to ask for advice...thanks!

I try to focus on what I get out of competing that is positive...that's easier said than done, at times. I love to read inspirational quotes, emails...etc. Here's one I've posted on another board that I hope helps you smile after you bust your butt to compete on stage and before, what seems to be, a blink of an eye, it's over. Here's the short version...

The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now. If not, then when? Your life will always be full of challenges. It is better to admit as much and to decide to happy in spite of it all.
For the longest time, it seemed that life was about to start. Real life. But there was always some obstacle along the way, an ordeal to get through, some work to be finished, some time to be given, a bill to be paid. Then life would start.
I finally came to understand that those obstacles were life. That point of view helped me see that there isn't any road to happiness. Happiness IS the road. So, enjoy every moment.
Stop waiting for school to end , for a return to school, to lose ten pounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening, for Sunday morning, waiting for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off, for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter, for the first of fifteenth of the month, for your song to be played on the radio, to die, to be reborn...before deciding to be happy.<<<(the author forgot to mention waiting for your pro card!)

Happiness is a voyage, not a destination-There is no better time to be happy than...NOW! Live and enjoy the moment. Try to think of the answer to these questions:

1. Name the 5 richest people in the world.
2. Name the last 5 Miss Universe winners.
3. Name the last 10 Nobel Prize winners.
4. name the last 10 winners of the Best Actor Oscar.

Can't do it? Rather difficult, isn't it? Don't worry, no body remembers that. Applause dies away! Trophies gather dust! Winners are soon forgotten.

Now answer these questions:

1. Name 3 teachers who contributed to your education.
2. Name 3 friends who helped you in your hour of need.
3. Think of a few people that you would like to spend time with.

More manageable? It's easier, isn't it? The people who mean something to your life are not rated "the best", don't have the most money, haven't wont the greatest awards...They are the ones who, no matter what, stay close by...think about it for a moment. Life is very short! And you, in which list are you? Don't know? You are not the most famous but among those who someone remembered to send this message. Deep down inside us, we all know that the most important thing in life is much more than winning for ourselves. The most important thing in life is to help others to win. Even if it means slowing down, or changing our own race. Change your heart, perhaps someone else's heart, as well...."A candle loses nothing if it is used to light another one."

Take care all! Be happy, gymdiva1222! :)

[Canadian chick]

I deal with postcomp depression year round...only time i dont have it is right before a contest!! Its so hard to start to feel good about yourself and then WAMB put on 30 pounds and have to but all new bigger clothes. You just have to remeber that what we think is fat is pretty "in shape" to the general public....and just think about how much healthier you are for working out and being dedicated to a program...not many people can do that, let alone compete in bb contests. We all deal with it somewhat, some of us more than others if that tends to be your personality before hand....like before i ever started working out i would get dpressed i wasnt as "skinny" as "this", now its i wish i could be "leaner and bigger" lol. Its never ending battle for us girls! Never satisfied. Just remeber that weight your putting on its gonna help ya look better at your next contest ;) TIME TO GROW

[gymdiva1222]

WOW! Cindy and Star, those are excellent responses...thank you so much! :D

and thank you for the email Gerri! :)

[vegasfire]

I think it's fantastic that we all have each other to call on when we get those post-comp blues. I get a little uncomfortable with my physical appearance after a show, especially if I have done really well in it. Other than that, I am in a very happy place. Look back and appreciate the road behind you. Realize that you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to! Girl- you are an amzing human being. You belong to a very small percentage of people on a very big planet that can do what we do. Raise up your head and feel good about how you look- on stage and off-season! I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather, but it looks like you are drawing from your internal strength--atta girl!
As for you Star- I've read several things that you have put together in your profiles, and must say--you are very insightful and uplifting! Keep up the good work!
Gerri knows her business and is an awesome friend. She's done more for me than she knows. I luv ya Gerri!!
We're all here for you, one for all and all for one!

Holly
rsqme1@aol.com

[hans]

You just have to remeber that what we think is fat is pretty "in shape" to the general public....

Great to see so many great replies... This is definitely something that most fbbers go through. I always have fbbers telling me they feel fat in the off-season (and then in contest shape they tell me they feel small lol). The reality is, they are leaner even in the off-season than 99% of us.

Hans

[pict]

Very sorry to hear of your granddad's passing but got a real kick out of his "baby's got muscles" quote. I am sure that though you'll miss him, you will be just fine and will likely feel his loving/admiring presence when you're in the gym pumping those muscles.

jeff

[gymdiva1222]

thanks so much everyone! I am enjoying the being able to pump way more weight than before feeling for sure...I still feel so wide and not so cute but it has gotten better...now I just need some color back in me! ;)

[Ze_Artist]

Awww...you're cute GymDiva regardless of what time of year! :-)

Jon

[eviltemptress]

woman!!!!

i'm here for ya too.....it's time to re-focus, set some goals, make a list of priorities....and get to the gym!!! trust me, and you have already figured this out-you'll feel better.......our minds play tricks on us as we both know now during and post comp...i have yet to experience the post comp depression, but then again, it's only been what, now, 10 days? maybe the way i dieted has something to do with it, not for sure.....

i'm glad to see all the 'big sisters' here contribute....you are all beautiful and appreciated.....it's a wonderous thing what we can make our bodies do and then to go through the 'mental/emotional' issues too....very confusing.....

diva you can pm me anytime.....and hey, by the way.....while you're re-focusing, given any thought to doing the jr usa's? it's in your neck of the woods, april 29th!!!

maybe a goal you can set for yourself-get ready for the next show? anne suggested that i believe....i also have to say that hopefully, the way i've planned out the next 18 weeks will stave off any major bouts of depression.....next show march 18th!! a goal to work for and to keep me on track

remember sweetie we love you....love yourself, smile, and as star pointed out, live happy now!!!
xoxo