COMP PREP 2024
My Comeback to the Men's Physique Stage: A Journey of Transformation and Resilience.
After a nine-year hiatus from competitive bodybuilding, stepping back onto the men's physique stage felt like both a homecoming and a daunting challenge. My journey back began with a 24-week preparation period filled with intense dieting, relentless cardio, and rigorous weight training. This blog chronicles my experience, the visual transformation, the hard work that fueled my comeback, and the lessons I learned along the way.
3 DAYS OUT - 2015
The Decision to Come Back
3 DAYS OUT - 2024
Life had taken me in various directions over the past nine years. However, the fire for bodybuilding never truly extinguished. The itch to compete again grew stronger, and I knew it was time to reclaim my passion. I set my sights on the stage, committed to pushing myself beyond my limits and bringing my best condition yet.
My girlfriend also started the 24 week prep with me for her bikini comp which was in the same show as mine, so it helped massively to stay on track as we was there for each other throughout the whole process.
The 24-Week Prep
The preparation was nothing short of grueling. I embarked on a strict diet that challenged not only my physical strength but also my mental fortitude. Each meal was meticulously planned, focusing on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel my body while shedding fat.
Cardio sessions became a staple of my routine. Mornings often started with fasted cardio sessions which throughout the weeks of prep the duration of the sessions started to increase. The deeper into prep I got the more my legs felt like they wasn’t attached to my body due to the demand of the output I was doing. I also had a step target for the day which my cardio minutes didn’t count towards, hitting a average of 21,000-24,000 steps per day! Coupled with heavy weight training, I was determined to sculpt my physique into the best shape it had ever seen.
Visual Transformation
As the weeks went by, I witnessed a remarkable transformation. Each workout and meal brought me closer to my goal. I documented my progress through photos, capturing the evolution of my physique. From a more relaxed frame to defined muscles and improved symmetry, I was thrilled with the results.
Friends and family started to notice the changes, offering support and encouragement. The sense of community and shared passion for bodybuilding reignited my motivation, reminding me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.
The Day of the Show
Finally, the day of the competition arrived. I didn’t have much sleep through excitement and manifesting the day. I got up out bed and went into the apartments lounge to take my morning visual shots and made myself a black coffee to sit down and prepare myself mentally for the day. I felt calm, composed and was very confident in how I looked and what I could bring to the stage!
The atmosphere backstage was really calm as competitors prepared for their moment in the spotlight. I was proud to step onto the stage, showcasing not only my physical transformation but also the years of hard work and dedication behind it.
However, as the competition unfolded, an unexpected twist occurred. Just ten minutes before stepping on stage, a competitor from the masters physique category was moved to my class. This decision shifted the dynamics of the competition significantly. Despite the challenges, I focused on giving my best performance, believing in the work I had put in. I was still composed and I didn’t let this get to me as at the end of the day we are all here to compete against one another…..was just a shame as I should have won my class and gone into the overall to compete against the others.
But it was my time to shine and I brought the best mid-section on stage!
TIME FOR THE STAGE!
Reflections on the Journey
When the results were announced, I was awarded second place. While I felt a mixture of pride and disappointment, I knew I had brought my best condition yet. The athlete who won the overall title was undoubtedly impressive, and I recognized the strength in competing against enhanced athletes as a natural athlete.
This comeback journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, dedication, and the importance of believing in oneself. Competing again after nine years wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about the personal growth and the joy of challenging myself physically and mentally.
As I reflect on this journey, I am motivated to continue pursuing my passion for bodybuilding. While I may not have walked away with gold this time, the experience reignited my love for the sport and solidified my commitment to self-improvement.
Moving Forward
With this competition behind me, I am more inspired than ever to keep training hard, refine my approach, and prepare for future shows. I’m ready to embrace whatever comes next, knowing that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this process. Here’s to the next chapter—one that promises even more growth, challenges, and triumphs. Until next time, let’s keep pushing our limits!
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