Posing Practice......ouch!

"What the hell is posing practice?!" is what I am sure some of you are thinking. I know, it sounds.....interesting. Some of you may even be wondering what this "Figure" competition I am in is really about. I suppose I have some holes to fill. :-)

A Figure competition is a class of physique-exhibition events for women that, although they bare a close resemblance to bodybuilding contests, they emphasize muscle tone over muscle size. In a Figure competition, women are judged based on muscular symmetry and tone. We are required to wear clear, high heeled shoes (high heels make the leg muscles contract and stand out) and a two-piece, barely there swimsuit. We are required to complete a series of quarter turns on stage and are compared from all sides on symmetry, presentation and other aesthetic qualities like skin tone, hair, and make-up. They also judge critically on conditioning, leanness, and how "athletic" or "feminine" the muscularity is. That all happens in the morning show. In the evening show, they judge on presentation, gracefulness, confidence, poise and professionalism.  It is essence, partly a pageant. *snort*

What have I got myself into?!

So, now you have some background on what I am really training for and what aspects I am trying to perfect.

Saturday was my first practice session with the group on posing requirements. The posing aspect of this competition is what has scared me the most. I have to learn how to isometrically contract all my muscles (specifically my lats, delts and quads) at the same time and look like it's effortless and relaxed at the same time. It takes a lot of practice, patience and concentration. And I have had to reteach my body  how to contract some muscles in completely different ways.

Practicing posing is hard work! You wouldn't necessarily think it would be, but I sweat during it! This is the what I have to repeat to myself when practicing: arms up, shoulders back, chest 0ut, lats flared, quads contracted, back arched and ass out! Now you try it. ;-) It's tough!

I hadn't realized that a full hour of practicing this would have made my body sore. But Saturday evening my lower back began to ache. At first I couldn't figure out why. Then it hit me. Posing practice! After thinking about it, I know the ache comes from the back arch, booty out part of the pose. I was holding my body in that contracted state for a minute or two at a time. I never figured I get a workout posing. Little did I know.

I'm looking forward to practice this week on my own. My coach told me to wear my heels whenever I am in my house - cooking, cleaning, whatever - to get used to wearing them and feeling comfortable walking in them. It is going to be a challenge, but I think I am up for it this week.

Wish  me luck!