BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -
Months after intense training and dieting, health enthusiasts are ready to take center stage this weekend for the second annual muscle, fitness and physique championship. Athletes say it takes more than just time and dedication to win top prize.
When it comes to tough workouts, Fabian Garcia gets though it knowing all his sacrifice will soon pay off.
“I always have that push to always keep going; to always better myself so I feel like I’m very self-motivate to do it,” he said.
Garcia has been hitting the gym since high school, but his hobby turned serious not too long ago.
“At first, you just kind of get into the rhythm of things and then afterwards you start noticing a change in your body. Once you get to that competition level, I mean you have to be a bodybuilder to get up on that stage,” said Garcia.
And the price to compete doesn’t come cheap.
Athletes competing at the Harvey Auditorium spent months preparing to show off their physiques which not only consists of meal plans, supplements, protein shakes, and plenty of time, which at the end all adds up.
“It does get expensive. Everything has to be custom from the tips of your toes that have to pedicure to your stage hair, to your stage make up, to your spray tan to your custom suit, to your posing coach to your nutritionist to your weight trainer to your entry fees to your membership fees,” said Erica Silva, who plans to compete this weekend.
Some athletes spend up to four hundred dollars a month getting ripped, and prepping for a show can be more than twice as much leaving many competitors seeking sponsorships from those willing to support their journey.
“It is hard work. It is a lifestyle. Anybody can do it, I’ve seen single moms with three kids become national qualifiers, I’ve seen couples who are severely overweight become masters of their own bodies,” said Silva.
People preparing to show off their muscles stick to a strict diet all the way up to competition. They rely on social media, and loved ones to help encourage them as bodybuilding takes dedication and the will to win.
“Don’t think about what everyone else is doing. Think about yourself, and you’re only competition is you,” said Garcia
–
Carlos is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carloscorrea23abc
Read original article: