Hi, I’m Lindsay!

For the last 10 years I’ve been a professional competitor, fitness model and coach. I’ve heard very question, conquered struggles, and most important, I’ve mastered how to bring out the best in my clients.

I’ve competed in multiple federations and categories, winning more than seven first place titles (the latest being 2012 and 2013 WBFF Bikini World Champion). I judge and coach, and I’ve worked with Oxygen Magazine for the last six years. I’ve been on seven different magazine and book covers, coached more than 100 girls, with multiple clients earning their Pro cards, and helped my clients brand their image and grow their careers.

Coaching is not just giving a competitor a diet and nutrition plan — that’s the easy part! A good coach helps you to master your strengths and overcome your weakness, helping you shine as an athlete and pushing you further then you could ever expect. A good coach also helps you learn every aspect of being a professional competitor.

I’m excited to be blogging for Oxygen Magazine about competing and everything that goes along with that. Helping others is my passion, and seeing my clients grow and become successful is what drives me everyday. I am looking forward to connecting with all of you.

Feel free to connect with me here and please leave me a message on specific topics you would like me to cover regarding competing or modeling. I’m excited to see you grow!

With Class & Sass,
Lindsay Messina

Here are four guidelines to follow before you step onstage.

Stay Focused: As athletes we talk about having great focus and drive. Being a competitor you completely narrow your focus with your eye on the end result. Every workout, meal and hour of sleep counts. Our sport doesn’t just empower you but brings another level of mental strength. This is the level of an athlete that no one can deny. Being an amateur or pro competitor requires balance and self-control. Get focused and have a goal! Who’s your motivation? Who drives you to work harder? Competitors are good – they will push your inner limits to be your best! Have a vision board – what triggers you to push harder at the gym?! Stay Focused!

Do Your Research: Before your step onstage, do your research. Everyone trains, diets and coaches differently, and there’s no right or wrong way. It just boils down to what works for you. Research different camps and workshops and find one that suits your goals, then sign up so you can learn, and meet other like-minded competitors. Research the different federations and decide which one is better suited to you. You can learn about posing on YouTube. Read the blogs of top competitors to see who they’re using for coaching, tanning, suits, and hair and make-up. Coaches can help you with all of the little details. I believe everyone needs a coach and someone to push them plus being a part of a team is always a great experience.

Have Realistic Goals: Give yourself time. We are our own worst critics. We want results yesterday, but it takes time to build muscle and to have the body of your dreams. Have a realistic time frameyou’re your transformation. Focus on getting stronger and getting your system down. You need to trust the process and give yourself weekly and monthly realistic goals. Practice in your heels everyday — this is a must! You can tell when a competitor has been practicing or just stepped into their shoes the day before show. Walking and posing is just as important as eating your meals and working out. Outline weekly goals and monthly goals — for your transformation as well as for walking and posing.

Be Determined: You’ll have days when you feel weak, tired or not in the mood to train. You have to be determined enough to break though that barrier. Be committed. This is where your mindset comes into play. Figure out when you have the most energy to train. Set aside time to plan all your meals and cook them in one big batch each week. Practice in your heels and have a friend videotape you. Stay motivated and determined. You’re going to have strong days and you’ll have weaker days but always stay focused why you started!

Being a fitness competitor is a tough sport. It’s physically and mentally taxing and our friends and family don’t always understand what we’re doing. It’s not easy being part of the small percentage of the population that’s willing to push their bodies to the max, and for that you’re already a winner!

Our sport is about inspiring others and challenging ourselves. Everything else is a bonus. Start with these important small rules and everything else will fall into place. So are you ready to be a competitor? – See more at: http://www.oxygenmag.com/blog/4-things-to-know-before-you-compete#sthash.ocPcaWzH.dpuf