From Sags to Riches
By Sandy Dickerson
Bodybuilding World No Nonsense Newsletter
Summer 1997
From Sags to Riches
By Sandy Dickerson Bodybuilding World No Nonsense Newsletter Summer 1997 |
At the age of 37 I still consider myself a newcomer to the sport of bodybuilding. Although working out has now become an integral part of my life, it wasn't always. In fact, I really didn't begin a structured exercise program until last summer when I glanced, well actually, took a double look in the mirror and noticed the unmistakable fact gravity was taking over. I was beginning to look my age! There were sags where I once had curves. Then and there I became determined to take drastic measures and recover my shape.
My first attempt at firming up was to try aerobics. The only problem was I didn't, still don't, and never will like jumping around in an aerobic class or doing an hour of boring cardio each day. (By the way, I was thrilled to learn from Roger and Sandy I would not have to include any type of cardio in my contest training.) One evening after my aerobic class I followed my husband to the basement to watch him workout with weights. He was more than eager to show me the ropes and together we began to pump iron. Besides training at my home in Sandy Hook, I also began training at Fitness World in Grayson, Kentucky.
My interest in bodybuilding quickly became an obsession. I loved the feeling of being strong and healthy and the sense of accomplishment it gave me. As I became more serious, I asked Dick, my husband, to take me to the 1996 Tri-State Bodybuilding competition. As each competitor took the posing stage my interest grew. Suddenly the thought that maybe I could compete ran through my mind. In reality, I didn't know the first thing about preparing for a show.
At intermission, we met Sandy and Roger at the Beverly International booth. After speaking with Sandy for only a few minutes, my confidence was boosted Motivated, I was now ready for the challenge. I set a goal to look my best and compete in the 1997 Northern Kentucky Championships.
January was the start of my contest preparation. I visited the Beverly International Nutrition Center where Roger set me up with a diet. He kept my protein high and switched my carbs to those with a lower glycemic index. Roger then formulated a supplement program customized to allow me to rapidly gain lean muscle mass while reducing my bodyfat. Next, Sandy showed me muscle building tips for my weak points which I incorporated into my workout routine.
Not knowing what a significan't transformation I would make over the next few weeks, I was in store for an incredible surprise. The diet and training program were amazing! I could see results in the very first week!
Three weeks later I returned to the Beverly International Nutrition Center. Sandy calculated a 3% decrease in body fat. My nutrition program had accelerated fat loss while stimulating muscle growth. What and when to eat proved the ultimate difference in this sudden physical transformation as I made more gains in one month than I had in the previous six. The diet and custom supplement program worked hand in hand with my workouts. My energy never decreased and I always felt terrific. Furthermore, with each passing week I continued to look better. My increased muscularity resulted in not only size gains but new indentations and bulges were now exploding into view. My veins were becoming more visible as well. They seemed to be bursting out everywhere.
Another visit to the Beverly International Nutrition Center brought me a clinic in posing and tanning. New to the sport, I was in dire need of all the help I could obtain when it came to posing. Sandy and Roger taught me what was needed to produce winning results on stage. I can't imagine what it would have been like to be on stage if I hadn't had their professional help in posing. I am grateful and appreciate the fact they always insisted on perfect posing.
Here is the diet Roger and Sandy formulated. I followed this diet throughout the contest preparation period. My weight remained constant as I lost fat and gained lean mass. Since Roger said I was ready one week in advance of the contest, he suggested the addition of a complex carb at each meal during the week leading up to the show.
| Meal 1 |
4 egg whites - 1 yolk 6 oz. lean beef 1 serving starch carb (wheat bread, oatmeal, black beans & rice, potato, sweet potato) or 1 piece fruit (grapefruit, apple, orange, apple sauce) |
| Meal 2 |
1 cup cottage cheese or 6 oz. can tuna |
| Meal 3 |
2 cups salad containing choice of salad vegetables w/ 2 tsp oil + 1 tbs vinegar or 2 cups vegetables (green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower) 6.5 ounces tuna or other lean protein (lean beef, 2 chicken breasts, turkey) 1 small carrot or 1 piece fruit |
| Meal 4 |
8 oz water, 10 frozen strawberries or frozen peaches, 1 egg or 1 oz. heavy cream, 2 scoops Muscle Provider |
| Meal 5 |
8 oz. lean beef 1 cup vegetables 1 T Flax Oil |
|
*Every Wednesday and Saturday
I ate the following meal in place of meal #5:
1 cup rice |
Supplements:
Ms Power Pak or Ultra 4 |
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