BRIANNE: Well, I have actually been competing for the last 14 years now. And I think that sure, anyone can enter a competition if they choose to. However, actually being successful, competitive and having longevity in the sport, does not come easy. I definitely think that it is tougher than most people think. Everyone just sees the glitz and glamour of show day and maybe a few glimpses of a competitor’s workout routine or meal plan. But what they don’t see are the sacrifices made every minute of every day.

     When in competition prep, you can’t just mindlessly grab any snack or eat anything without weighing or tracking it. You can’t go out to dinner at a restaurant without having to make a complicated special order or without bringing your own condiments in your purse. You can’t drink alcohol when you go to a party or attend a special occasion. You can’t skip a day of working out because you don’t feel like doing it. To truly be successful in the sport, you have to give it your all and not cut any corners. It is what it is, and there is no sugarcoating it. There are very few people that have the kind of mental strength and self-control that bodybuilding and physique competitions demand. But that’s also what I think makes the sport so special.