CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE CPA NOVEMBER ISSUE | Page 59

having games and practices to keep
improving. In physique sports, athletes
can be doing 4-7 weight training weekly
workouts on top of cardio sessions that
can be up to twice a day. This level of
commitment along with a full-time job,
kids, family, and other life responsibilities
can be very demanding. Other athletes
will often devote a lot of energy and effort
but will refuel and rest plenty to keep
performance up. This oftentimes allows
you to still maintain good energy levels
and leaves you able to devote full effort
into other aspects of life. When you are
cutting calories and getting ready for a
show, your energy levels plummet at
certain times. If you have to drive long
hours, have to be alert for your work, or
even want to show attention to your
loved ones, this can be a real struggle.
Another aspect that you must take into
account is the financial burden of this
sport. It is a sport that can become very
expensive if you want to do it correctly.
From buying large amounts of high-
quality foods to operate at your best to an
extensive list of pricey supplements to
the potential coach you might hire, to all
the registration and fees required the
actual weekend of your competition. All
these fees can add up and add another
stressor to your life. 
Speaking of stress, the strain it can put on
your personal, professional and self-
relationships can be quite harsh. Family
members and friends may not
understand why you cannot go out with
them as often, why you are prioritizing
the gym over them, and why you are not
as lively with them. At work, your boss
might notice that you are a bit more
tired, that you are not as