This past weekend was the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation (CBBF) Nationals held in Toronto, Ontario.

This is a huge event and I was so excited that for the first time I would get the chance to see it! It was also great for my client, Meaghan Terzis, and all the other local competitors, who would not have to worry about the costs and potential stress of competing in another province.

What an amazing day! The physiques were unbelievable! It was also super exciting for those onstage and everyone in the crowd, because IFBB Pro Cards were to be handed out at the evening show to the overall winners of the Fitness, Figure and Bikini categories.

It was really interesting to hear from the competitors about the different prep methods: carb depleting, carb loading, carb/fat loading, fat loading, cutting water, etc. Some haven’t had such great results with different methods. Some examples include feeling flat (lacking muscle fullness) and/or appearing smoothed over (water held between the skin and the muscle which may limit visible muscle separation).

These competitors seem to have learned a lot from their different pre-contest experiences and from the different methods that they have tried. Sometimes it takes things going wrong to really learn how your body reacts and with everyone being so different, it may take some trial and error. Now, after a few contests under their belt, a lot of these competitors have a great idea of what the best methods are for them and which ones may not work so well.

Contest prep is like turning yourself into a little science experiment (some to a larger extent than others).

The stage presence of a lot of the competitors was so amazing. Appearing relaxed, one pose easily and naturally flowing to the next with confident, exited smiles.

The fitness routines were awesome! Various backgrounds of dance, gymnastics and/or cheerleading, etc. combined into routines showing ridiculous amounts of strength and talent.

In short, the stage overflowed with hard work, dedication and determination.

Here are the overall winners from each category:

• Mens Bodybuilding Overall Winner: Christopher White (ON) (Mens Masters Heavy)
• Womens Bodybuilding Overall Winner: Jody Wald (AB) (Womens Masters Heavy)
• Overall Fitness Winner: Jodi Boam (ON) (Womens Fitness Short) Canada’s Newest IFBB Fitness Pro
• Overall Figure Winner: Maria Morrone (BC) (Womens Figure Medium) Canda’s Newest IFBB Figure Pro
• Overall Bikini Winner: Justine Munro (ON) (Womens Bikini Tall) Canada’s Newest IFBB Bikini Pro

Meaghan ended up placing 5^th in her class!

When the trophies were passed out it, was great to hear the excited family members/friends of the competitors in the crowd. Of course, among the happiness you may also hear some objections/disappointment, but not everyone can win. And in competitive sports, especially one as subjective as a physique competition, not everyone may be pleased with the outcome.

If you bring your best to the stage and you know personally that you’ve done your best work in the gym and in the kitchen, you have the right to enjoy your day regardless of how things may turn out placing-wise. You’ve already done everything possible on your end and you should be very, very proud of that.

Congratulations to every single competitor. I hope you enjoyed some sweet deliciousness after YOUR day and are now getting a chance to recharge.

For those moving onto the North Americans, the best of luck to you!

Photography by Glen E. Grant

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Tags: bodybuilding, figure competition, prep

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