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• For the last few months, I’ve been preparing for an upcoming photography shoot.  It has been a long journey and I must admit, a very worthwhile experience.  I have both learned a lot about exercise, nutrition, and most importantly, I have learned a lot about people; both myself and others.

            “For this last week, you will need to adjust your diet again.  We will have to up your protein intake again.  We won’t have to play with your carb intake.  I wouldn’t want to do that, cause everyone reacts differently.  And, if we’re off a little, you may come in too flat and smooth.  And, chances are that may happen if we haven’t experimented with that yet.  Hold back on your sodium intake.  This means no more Habanero, or Tabasco sauces for the last week.  Even if a container of seasoning adds additional sodium, probably shouldn’t take it.  Take in the essentials, which comes with the foods, but don’t add any additional.  Just for this last week.  This should drain a lot of the water that may be left under the skin for shoot.  Remember to up your protein.  Keep an eye on yourself if you notice any flatness.  We’ll retake the body fat measure… maybe on Tuesday.  May also want to cut the workouts too before the last couple of days.  You need to rest up and make sure the joints are good.
       "We’ll have to eat up on the last night.  For that dinner, have yourself some steak, potatoes with butter, a side of veggies.  Treat yourself.  The next morning, have yourself a pancake and whole eggs.  Take in the yolks too.  And, put some syrup on the pancake too.  An hour before the shoot, have yourself a snickers bar.  You’re gonna come in full.  Your muscles will fill.  You’ll be ready.”
       “Yes. That’s true.  It does seem that a lot of people have an opinion on this.  We are involved in a cult sport; bodybuilding.  Most people will not understand.  We practice the healthiest nutritional habits, yet we will be ridiculed as though we were not.  We object to having hot fudge with ice cream, and they will look at us like there is something wrong with us.  Its like watching someone eat gristle off of a steak and asking us why we don’t want any.  Some people have comments.  Some people will try and knock us down.  But, you and I know that, as a result, it just comes down to us being true to ourselves.  And, when that day comes, whether its on stage, or at a shoot, you will be with yourself.  And, its good to know you did your best.  At that point, it will truly be…all you.”

  -Charlene Bohannon, 1995 NYS & Natural NE Women’s Bodybuilding Champion, Trainer at MUSCLE WORLD GYM, 82 E Main St., Webster, NY 14580

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