individual that is already an experienced lifter like our first example and knows exactly what works well for them . They are intuitive with how their body responds to things and are able to be fluid with their nutrition and training based off specific needs . This approach is better utilized by the person that is a large bodybuilder and uses extra supplements . This is due to the nature of having a greater metabolic rate allowing for higher volumes of dense foods allowing for them to be properly partitioned .
You can take the approach of maintaining your condition until the next time you compete ( many months from now ) that way you only have to make minor changes for next time you get on stage .
Who can benefit from this approach ?
The very experienced dieter who had a fantastic showing and who has gotten feedback from the judges about very minor improvements to be made . This perhaps applies to athlete ’ s in divisions that require smaller physiques or that have a weight cap . As long as health markers are okay and mentally the athlete can handle being strict on their diet with rare deviations from it , this can work well .
The athlete who knows their body so well that they know the difference between the body needing rest and just being plain lazy .
With this approach , progress can be less than ideal for most people and it becomes challenging getting back to the good habits that bodybuilding requires . Oftentimes when people take time off the gym , they also are less motivated to stay on top of their diet and their supplements .
We see that there are many different approaches to take post shows so you can improve and come back to the stage better than ever . There is no one “ correct ” approach and it comes down to what specifically the individual needs and wants . One thing is certain though , as the great IFBB Pro Zane Watson told me nearly a decade ago , “ the most important part is that you have a plan !”
You can take the approach of taking a long break from the gym ( 2 + weeks or more ) and focusing more on mental and physical recovery . Sometimes athletes will push so hard to get ready for the stage , that they are extremely burnt out or have injuries that require complete time off the gym .
Who can benefit from this approach ?