Getting ready for a photoshoot is a lot like getting ready for shows. It takes determination, proper diet at all times, and, most of all, great workouts at the gym. I get asked all the time how I stay so lean during the year. The “secret” to competing and doing photoshoots is staying lean throughout the year so your show prep and photoshoot prep are not as painful, long, or wasteful of your time. I feel so bad for the girls who have months of prep for these events. Not only is this stressful, but it’s stressful on your body too. My secret is revealed at the end of this journal.

The one thing I have learnt recently is that your prep should only be 3-6 weeks at the most for these events. Staying in shape and lean should be something that you consistently do throughout the year, though. I do not believe in an off-season, so there is simply no off-season in my books. Being a fitness competitor is a way of life. It’s a passion and it’s a lifestyle; it’s not seasonal.

Your show prep should be focused on dialing in your nutrition to being 100% clean and perfecting your body in the gym, not trying to lose excessive weight/fat you put on. I find that some girls will deprive themselves so much before shows that they binge afterwards and gain up to 30 pounds during their off-season! Not only is this stressful on your body and hormones, but also your willpower. It’s very unhealthy to constantly play a gain-and-lose battle of the bulge. If you eat clean throughout the year and stay on top of your workouts, you are almost photoshoot ready all year. (Make sure to read my older journal entry about helpful tips for staying on track!)

One thing I find that is very helpful with staying on track for the 3-6-week prep is taking progress pictures. It’s very hard to tell how you are progressing without them. Also, monitoring your body-fat percentage and measurements. When you see numbers change and your pictures are looking good, it helps you stay on track and gives you the drive and push you need. Fitness modeling is not a life for all; it takes hard work, drive, and love for competing and looking good all the time.

I am excited to say that on April 15, I will be shooting with Paul Buceta for SAF and couldn’t be prouder! Also, we are now 12 weeks out from the SAF Summer Spectacular where I get to hit the stage for the second time, but now as a SAF Elite Pro. Here is my advice for you and my secret revealed: “Eat Clean, Train Mean, and Achieve your Biggest Dreams.” Come compete with SAF – it changed my life, let it change yours!

That’s it, that’s all. Until next time, train insane or remain the same!!!

Michelle Manoll

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