Thoughts from the Paw
by Beth Adair
So why a bikini fitness contest, or anything of the sort at 50+? Because it’s a positive focus. In a nutshell, that’s why I’ve got the wheels in motion to do one.
Over the course of the last several years, I’ve met so many who have competed, & most have talked so positively about it. Usually any negative comments have come from athletes that are just plain burned out on it, & have succeeded in their fitness goals. Whether it’s getting published, growing their brands, or increasing their clientele in training, they all did something of the sort.
I first heard about bikini fitness contests from one of the fitness magazines I’ve read & noticed the information about the SAFCompetitions.com in a recent Strong Fitness Magazine. I’m no stranger to a gym, & a vast majority of my “athletic career” has been in running. No, I’m not a pro athlete, yes I love to eat, & yes I typically surround myself with upbeat people. No matter where I’ve traveled, I always manage to come in contact with people in the fitness world. Was I ever published? Once, in the very fabulous , Oxygen Magazine AU, in 2015. I hope to get to Australia someday, as the people I’ve met online from there are so incredibly nice
Through the course of this pandemic, I’ve seen more of family, cleaned house constantly, volunteered, & all of which I’ve enjoyed. I did take a voluntary leave of absence for 2 mos. & it taught me I’m not ready to retire for another 10 years. I enjoy my job too much, & I enjoy my side projects in fitness or modeling, too. I do a lot of things free on gratis, like helping international contacts, or helping a novice. I’m grateful to still have the energy and “gung ho” to do it.
For the contest, I’m unsure which category I’ll be entering, & will enter closer to the date. I noticed you get marked down on one category for being too ripped or vascular. I don’t care so much if I place, as this is my first competition, and I have so much to learn. My cardio will have to be cut at some point as with the pandemic, I’ve taken to daily 17 mile bike rides which usually take 85 minutes or so. I’ve really enjoyed it. Cardio training needs to be capped at 45 minutes a session, from what I’ve read. My weight training took a hit too, with the gym being closed, I lifted less and can tell in how I look (less toned). I put on 7 pounds since January & that’ll need to come off, too. To get rolling again, I got a few books to change my training and contacted Lyn Lichty, a radical trainer I knew as a kid. I’ve worked 1 session a week in the budget, and will do the rest solo. She’s tough!
What’s your next goal? Are you surrounding yourself with positive things? If your job is gone or money is tight, do you have a plan for the future? Will you look back on your life in 15 years and say, “man, I really kicked some butt that year”? Whatever your case, don’t give up and don’t allow any back logs with bills stress you out. The worse is behind us, and it’s time to focus on recovery and keep vigilant about staying healthy and getting a positive cash flow. The bills will still get paid, albeit some sooner than others, & just keep positive. I’ve met landlords cutting slack to those affected and have seen such kindness in other areas. For my own general well being, I’ve cut out a few toxic people in my life (by this I mean, not toxic to others, but toxic for me), taken to listening to upbeat music, & re-read a few chapters in the book “The Psychology of Winning”, by Denis Waitly.
Stay focused on your own path. Work hard, laugh harder, and remember, I’m always laughing with ya.
@bethadair13, insta and twitter
