In today’s episode, Kara and Kylie differentiate between bodybuilding and lifestyle fitness goals. A lot of aspects from bodybuilding can be applied to your general health and fitness goals, but it is important to remember that it is an extreme sport. In bodybuilding, “contest prep” is a specific period of weeks/months leading up to your show. In prep, a competitor must be 100% on track with every variable 24/7. On average, most competition preps are 12-24 weeks long.

It is important to remember that everyone is vastly different, and that plans are tailored to the individual and their end goal. Remember that a bodybuilder’s plan is going to be way different from a long-term lifestyle plan. You don’t want to push your body too hard in a direction that won’t be beneficial in the long term; it’s all about having a sustainable routine.

Bodybuilders have a timeline, and they are pushing themselves to the limit every day for up to six months. They are also working extremely hard, and stay on top of their goals outside of their prep/in “off-season” as well. Consistency is key in reaching your goals, and so is being realistic with your timelines and expectations of results.

Kylie competes in the bikini division of the NPC (National Physique Committee) competitions. The criteria for judging includes muscularity, conditioning, symmetry and balance, as well as overall presentation (posing, beauty appearance, etc).

Bodybuilding is a practice that requires incredible dedication and hard work. It can be an outlet for those with struggles you can’t see and help them build healthier coping strategies. Even if you just have generalized health/fitness goals, there is a lot you can learn from the mindset of a bodybuilder.