I get asked frequently.. Are you not ‘into’ competing anymore?

I understand why people ask, I’ve not competed in over a year, and every second person seems to be doing it.

The reason I haven’t been on stage in so long is, well, there are lots of reasons;

Time- I work long hours 5am to 7pm and in reverse on nightshift. That means I’m training as much as I can fit in and I’m not resting enough as it is.

Money- Competing is expensive, suit, hair, tan, makeup, fees, travel, accommodation, coaching fees.

Study- I recently just finished my CERT 3 & 4 in fitness, which needed to be a priority as study for my future is important. I’ve got more study to come!

See my page here for updates.

Vanessa Jane Carley / FB
Coaching- I’ve never had a coach, but I am serious about bodybuilding, it’s so important to me, and I want to go all the way. I will be working with an amazing IFBB Pro and coach once I finish up in mining to help me be successful.

In saying all this, am I not ‘into’ it? No, it’s the opposite! I am so serious about bodybuilding and competing that I haven’t been on stage because I refuse to do so until I am 100% ready. 

Last time I competed I really wasn’t ready, and let myself down. 

Here is a link to my last show.

IFBB Bikini Comp Day
And my first show…

My First Comp
Bodybuilding is a serious sport, just like marathon running, pole vaulting, gymnastics. I don’t compete to challenge myself, just to experience it or whatever. Everyone has their own reasons. Mine is to win, to represent my country, and go internationally to compete with the professionals.

I still train 9 sessions a week. I still track my diet everyday. I live the lifestyle and it’s not a sacrifice, it’s what I love. The bodybuilding lifestyle is just what fits with me.

I’ve got some things working against me, cortisol issues, thyroid problems, long work hours, lack of sleep. That makes it harder, but many people have it MUCH harder than me. Parents to begin with!

I will be on stage again and when I do, myself, my supporters and the industry will be blown away.

Getting Dolled Up Fitness Model Style – Tanning

A spray tan is essential. For comps and shoots it just makes everything look better.

Even for non ‘models’ it can make you feel a million bucks, for weddings, girls nights out or any event!

I get a base tan, also by Celebrity Style and then a stage tan on top. You really need a good base because you are judged as a whole package, including grooming and that means you need a great tan!

For photo shoots I just get the one tan, my favorite Original solution spray. But they also do a 2 hour and even a 1 hour tan! These really come in handy because I am usually disorganized and running late for everything! My Mum always tells me I’ll ‘Be late for my own funeral’.

How many times have you had an orange tan? I have… Many times!

But luckily, one day when putting in an order for my hair, I bought a bottle of CS tanning solution. Never again will I be orange! You know what? Even your parent/housemate/partner can spray you! My boyfriend does mine (when I’m desperate)…

Just remember the essentials of spray tanning;
Exfoliate &
Moisturize !!!

I like to exfoliate really well and put heaps of miosturizer on from a few days before so my skin is really smooth and acts as a good base for the tan.

Before your tan exfoliate really well and don’t wear makeup, deodorant or moisturizer.

After tanning, relax, and don’t get any water on you for as long as needed (1,2, 6+ hours) before rinsing without body wash or soap.

Use a soap free body wash each day, and heaps of moisturizer to keep your tan preserved and glowing. Lightly exfoliate if you see any patches of tan coming away as your skin cells die and rejuvenate.

Spray tanning makes you look thinner, more defined and feel better!

So for that glowing feeling get a tan and feel a million bucks. 🙂 xxx