With less than a month until 2011 AFC Auditions, some of you may be wondering what we are up to or how to prepare to join us on the sidelines. Well, I'll tell you this first — from a fitness standpoint, this is not the time to go to unhealthy extremes, but rather the time to build confidence in your physique, try new workouts to increase your stamina and present yourself at your 100 percent best to the organization and judges.
Before the audition music begins, your body will be the first thing the judges see. It goes back to the old adage of first impressions being the most important! Before you stress yourself out about one day, use auditions as an opportunity to change your life. Being physically fit is a lifestyle change and a major commitment. It should become as important to you as brushing your teeth in the morning.
This will be my fourth tryout (I made it to finals at my first AFC audition). I have to remind myself and my teammates that this is the time to focus on health and overall fitness, not to rush to unhealthy extremes just for one or two days.
The truth is, no matter how skinny you are on March 20 (or March 24), 70,000-plus fans will see the real you come game time. My friend says it best: "It's like putting in 20 hours of work and expecting 40 hours of pay."
Don't cheat yourself. If you're auditioning, then you intend to make the team, which means you must maintain your level of fitness throughout the entire season. Decide now whether your fitness goal will be permanent change for you.
I won't go into specifics of what the "right" things to do to prepare are — it's different for everyone. What I do know is that you should stay active and use this as an opportunity to try something new and switch up your diet. This is a way to shock your body and get out of your plateau. I do this year-round. It's fun to try new workouts and recipes!
Regardless of where you are in achieving your goal, the most important message that I'd like to share is this process is all about you! Transforming your body is only 1/4 of the benefit of living a healthy lifestyle. You gain a sense of accomplishment, you extend your days, and studies show individuals who are active are more positive and energetic!
To recap:
- Auditions are a snapshot of you! You have your whole life to commit to being fit.
- Shake up your workout and diet for a change in routine and results.
- Pace yourself. It's a life change so it will take time!
- Have fun! You will be proud of yourself for the hard work you put in.
- If all else fails, smile! No, it won't make you have a six pack, but it shows you have confidence as though you do!
Love yourself and the whole process will be a piece of cake!
Smiles,
Denita
