April 2004
Emmanuela's next competition?
When should I expect Emmanuela to be in her next comp?
Danni
Well, I get this question a lot. The truth is that I
really don't know. I've been doing at least one competition each year for the past few
years, and just need to take a break. After my last competition, at first I was saying,
"Never again!" -- because the last time I competed I was also in school and in
exams, and it was really difficult.
I'll be finishing school this summer, so I might decide
to compete again in the near future. Right now, though, I'm just focusing on school,
studying, working, training, and, best of all, eating. It is so nice to not have to diet
-- not that I'm eating like crazy, but I do eat what I want, when I want, within reason of
course -- everything in moderation.
So, if I decide anything, I'll be sure to let you all
know. Thanks for asking!!
Emmanuela
Cardio or diet?
Hi Emmanuela,
You're a total inspiration! I'm new to the bodybuilding
scene. I'm entering my second fitness competition in June. I've started my diet (keeping
my protein high, drinking lots of water...the usual) and I'm training hard. I'm tall and
pretty thin -- almost 5' 10" and about 135lbs. I don't do much cardio but I'm
wondering if I should. How do you get that very lean look? Is it all cardio or is diet a
big part?
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Nikki
Hi Nikki,
Thanks so much for writing.
The way I see it, if you're training for a fitness
competition, you should be doing cardio to help your endurance for the routine. You have
the added advantage of not having to worry about losing weight, so you can take this
opportunity to increase your calories a bit. That will help you with stamina as you are
training and practicing.
Cardio has many other benefits other than just to lose
body fat. It helps your heart becomes more efficient, your diaphragm grows stronger,
recovery after exercise is quicker, and the more you sweat the more your body is able to
get rid of metabolites and waste from the lymph system.
Diet is the most important thing, though. Don't do too
much cardio without taking in enough carbs, proteins, and fats. If you find yourself
getting too thin, increase your essential fats (e.g., flaxseed oil) and take in a little
extra complex carbs (e.g., oatmeal). Keep tabs on your progress week by week. You may need
to keep changing your portions to get the look you're striving for.
Good luck in your competition. Let me know how you do!
Emmanuela
