IFBB Figure Pro Pauline Nordin has graciously given us a few guest blogs that I will add over the coming months. Pauline not only looks utterly stupendous but she also writes total sense and is an expert in how to get into, and stay in, unbelievable condition. The fact that someone is an IFBB Figure Pro means that she knows how to get herself in great shape, but it doesn’t automatically mean that she can get others to replicate that success. Trust me, I have worked as a personal trainer with big name IFBB pro bodybuilders who have no clue how they do what they do, and give the worst possible advice to aspiring muscle heads seeking to emulate them. This is most definitely not the case with Pauline, so read on and enjoy!

Pauline Nordin (on the left) on the IFBB Pro stage

I know I tend to ramble out in space here on my blog, I talk a lot about mindset, inner mantras, visualization, goal orientation, focus, dedication. So we know all that huh! I am glad this is my own little anarchy here, I can go ahead and write whatever I want off my chest. Tonight I’ve been thinking a lot about the desire of having a “perfect” body. It’s totally normal, totally fine and even somewhat more health promoting than not caring at all about one’s appearance. As long as you nurture your intellect as well, go ahead and get that dream body of yours!!! Because NOTHING beats feeling good about yourself! I know, many find us who are into sculpting our bodies vain and narcissistic, but remember the ancient greeks, they were into perfect proportions too. All sculptures of gorgeous bodies… well it aint anything new to want it!

I believe working on your body’s looks is good for your soul. Why? Because it teaches you patience, dedication and persistence. You learn to go do what you gotta do, you learn to sacrifice for a higher cause, you learn to see beyond the moment, you learn to have faith in payback further down the road.

When it comes to the health aspect, being vain is good because you are less prone to get fat. And that is a good thing. I hate those commercials where the people say “diabetes 2 runs in the family”. Yeah it does, but it is because your food is OFF the hook! When I see parents feed their kids cereal, coco puffs, rice krispies bars or something off the mc Donalds menu, I get all worked up! hey, parents, you wanna make your kids fat, miserable and incapable of moving freely? Don’t tell me it is out of love you feed them when they cry! Kids cry, so deal with it! Show them how to live a healthy life for god’s sake, don’t stick a lollipop in their mouth because the crying is horrible, get some good ear plugs instead!

Ooops, I rambled away again, cannot help it. hahaha… So, here are my tips to get the results you earn:

* Get someone to show you the best exercises for gaining maximum amount of muscle
* Never pop ibuprofen to soothe soreness or nagging joint paint: work on it with the right prehab exercises instead so you can keep on lifting heavy and hard. Heavy, hard and intense is what builds muscle.
* If you are a woman, step away from the isolation machines for the butt. It will NOT create the thickness needed for a round firm behind.
* If you are a man, start working your legs too. Skinny legs look bad with a buff upper body.
* Adhere to a diet you enjoy. Of course I think my FD concept is the best.:-)
* Train intensely when you do cardio. Ditch the stupid fatburning zone. What kind of cardio YOU want to perform is up to you, here is what I do: My routine.
* Track your progress. what weights do you use, how many reps, how do you feel? what is your mental outlook?
* Keep a food diary. Do not censor it. Keep yourself committed to be truthful to yourself.
* Don’t expect dramatic results in ONE week. If you want to keep your results for the long run, let it take some time people.
* Extreme results come from extreme dedication. You either got it or you learn it.
* Remember that nothing stops you from reaching your goal except for you yourself. If you want it you can have it, the question is how much you want it and how much you are willing to put in for it.
* Don’t be lazy. Lazy people never look like a million dollars.
* Keep a positive look on yourself. Stop saying you’re fat even if you are fat. Telling you negative things become true things about you, so keep on reminding yourself you are a piece of art work in progress!
* Love your body. Treat it nicely. Be kind to yourself. Your body did not get out of shape on its own, it is truly innocent. YOU did whatever you did to it, so now go work it, work it, work it.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF. ENJOY THE PROCESS.

Nick here again – Pauline has lots of great posts like this at her excellent blog fighterdiet.com.