Why WBFF?

The past few months the number of who people have approached me asking why I was choosing to compete with The WBFF have been countless. My immediate response to those individuals was that it was the organization that best fit my goals and dreams within the fitness industry.  Before even the competition day itself I knew Paul Dillett’s stage would be like no other. The first thing that attracted me to the WBFF was the large amount of stage time given to the athletes to showcase their hard work. I have just spent weeks, months, hours working my butt off literally to get my body in great shape. I want more than 30 seconds to merely strike one front and back pose and then shoved to a line and merely remembered as a number.  Paul gives us time to really own the stage and show off our work while also having The MC give introductions of ourselves while we try and impress the judges.

The show day itself was unbelievably organized it blew my mind. As I entered the casino surprisingly there to greet me into the event and hold the door for me was Paul Dillett himself. I got to exchange a few shorts words with him about my excitement and how I was really looking forward to the big day. I mean I was about to compete with The Best of The Best- how could I not be excited? Not to mention I was a little giddy I had just met the man himself Mr. Dillett (IFBB PRO)- if only I had asked for an autograph. I figured walking in to the event and finding things would be a nightmare but The WBFF Team was at every single corner guiding myself and the other competitors in the right direction, on stage for the show, touching up our tans, you name it- the WBFF Team was there to make everything run as smooth as possible in order to make our day stress free. I must say this is something they executed extremely well in comparison to other shows I have done.

At the athlete’s meeting I remembered Paul & Allison really stressing they did not want any caddy athletes’ and for everyone to be open and kind to one another. The WBFF ladies and men were far from caddy. Downstairs all of us ladies helped each other out from tans, hair, suits and even sharing treats. The conversations were pleasant and most of us made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Disappointed I had not asked Paul for his autograph while also too shy to ask, to my surprise I would be walking away with his signature. I ended the night of the WBFF Quebec Championships with my WBFF Pro Card in the Diva Fitness Model category and but of course the famous Mr. Dillett’s signature. The whole experience was mind blowing being surrounded by so many great people and even meeting some great pro's themselves such as Michelle Price, Sara Solomon, Andrea Smith, Amer The Hammer and the list goes on.

Words to describe the WBFF and their shows are professional, organized, extravagant, real and like no other. The WBFF really is not like any other organization and I can say this from personal experience it really is the Best of the Best. If your looking for an organization that is real, will promote and reward you either amateur or pro, give you tones of exposure opportunities as well as sponsorships than this is the organization for you. Make that commitment to the WBFF and sign up for a WBFF Show at www.wbffshows.com, you won't regret it.

I will be continuing my fitness journey to the WBFF Worlds Stage as I make my debut on the Pro Stage in Mississauga, ON in August at the Arts Living Center. I gave 110%  in my last show and I can promiise I will be pushing ten times harder knowing I will be standing beside some of the fiercest women in the fitness industry. It is all or nothing, no pain no gain, the best of the best, THE WBFF! Are you Ready? I AM!!!! 

 Your newest and proud WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model,

Caitlin Cooke <3

A Little Q & A

So here I am 11 Weeks out from Paul Dillett's WBFF Quebec Championships and I am so extremely excited to step on stage!! To my surprise, prep has still been somewhat "easy", I know I may regret saying this a few weeks down the road but workouts are being destroyed and foods eaten that are ONLY on my meal plan.

www.wbffshows.com

The month of January flew by and I cannot believe we are mid way through February! I put on a lot of muscle the last month and now its time for me to CUT and SHRED up my body. My co-workers are beginning to think I am a little bit crazy spending my days, nights and weekends ALWAYS at the gym. Any competitor knows this is what it takes in order to bring the total package onstage. I really think they should get me a small cot or bed for when I am too tired to go home or want to take naps. Wishful thinking!! Sadly I did bring my Magic Bullet to work though. We have a juice bar that makes fantastic shakes downstairs although it can get pricey when your drinking 3-4 shakes daily. The bullet has been quite handy the past week making me some yummy shakes and has been a treat compared to plain protein and water. Ice cubes make all the difference in thickening up your shake! 

In order to make sure I am dialing in properly my co-worker, David Bateman, Veteran Trainer and Strength Coach has been keeping track of my bf percentage and body transformations in preparation for the WBFF show April 28th and decided to sit me down for a little Q & A. 

Q: Tell us about yourself – how long have you been training and competing?

1.      A: I have always been an active person my entire life playing on every sports team you could name but only started weight lifting about 4 years ago. I became a serious “gym rat” in the summer of 2010 when I decided to compete in my very first fitness competition SAF (Serious About Fitness)in the fall.  

SAF Fall 2010

 

Q: What got you interested first in competing?  How did you get started? 

1.      A: A good friend of mine and fellow co-worker Andrea Morissette inspired me and also started me off with my training after she competed in her first competition and took home first place. She inspired me to get in the best shape of my life while competing up against dozens of other girls and anyone who knows me knows how much I thrive off of competitions. 

Q: Why did you choose the bikini division over fitness or figure? 

1.      A: I love bikini because it has the entire diva aspect to it. I love and respect the women who get absolutely cut and gain unbelievable muscle but as a personal preference I like the softer look of a bikini competitor versus figure. I also enjoy the less strict posing routines for bikini competitors being able to really show off your personality and poise to the judges on stage.  I am open to fitness model as well with a bit more muscle definition while still enjoying a fun posing routine.

OPA April 2011

Q: What is your philosophy towards your contest preparation?   
A: All or nothing!! When it comes to contest prep my life literally revolves around me and my show. Everyday the most important things to me are getting my workouts in (which I never miss), eating my meals and NOT cheating, getting a solid 8 hours of sleep and pushing a 110% EVERY SINGLE DAY. It does not leave much time to myself and the time I do have is spent prepping meals, cleaning, laundry or writing client programs.
 

Q: How important do you think training and diet are?  50/50?  Or one more than the other? 

A: In my persona l experience diet is definitely more important than workouts. I am not saying just diet and don’t workout because both should come hand in hand in order to look your best. I am saying that without proper nutrition it will take you much longer to attain your goals. As an example I remember I use to train my abs almost every single day and my coach told me “Caitlin just follow your meal plan, train your abs when I told you and everything will come together”. On that program I only trained abs once a week and surprise four weeks later Caitlin had a solid 4 pack. It is true when they say ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN

Q: Does your prep change a lot when you get closer to contest time?  What changes do you make to dial in your prep? 

1.      A: My prep constantly changes every 4-6 weeks based on the gains I have made the month prior. The closer I get to my comp the more strict food starts to get eliminating carbs, sugars and sadly sodium. Workouts tend to be similar usually with a little bit more cardio added in the last month to really lean out and tighten up your body on stage.

 

1.     Q: Who is part of your coaching team, trainers and sponsors?  How did you find them? 

1.    A: I am part of an amazing team, Team Stirling Athletes (TSA) coached by Emily & Matt Stirling both WBFF Pro’s . Emily has always been someone who has inspired me and I think its important to find a coach that suits your specific needs and goals. Emily has definitely been killing me on my workouts and has been very supportive when ever I need her help. She is really pushing me hard to reach the goals I have set out for myself which is extremely important for any serious athlete. I was also lucky enough to get a sponsorship opportunity with Catalyst Supplements last spring who have been supplying me with all my supplements for my contest prep. They have been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to represent Catalyst Supplements and Team Stirling Athletes this 2012 Year. 

 

Q: How do you manage to work busy hours along with training and dieting properly? 

1.      A: This is definitely a hard aspect for myself being a personal trainer with a hectic work schedule. I try to arrange my clients around my workouts and prep all my meals on Sunday’s so when I am done work during the week I can get home to bed to ensure a solid 8 hours rest. I can’t say that some days I am not drained but I know it is all worth it in the end.

Q: What is your favourite part of the process?

1.      A: I would have to say my favorite part of the process is the competition day itself. Being able to showcase your transformation, hard work, and dedication is the best feeling in the world.

Q: What do you think is your best feature on stage?  Anything you are working on improving?

1.      A: I think my best feature on stage would definitely be my legs, which have a lot to do with my past and all the competitive sports I have played my entire life. This season I am working on improving my shoulders and glutes.

     
Q: Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry?   
A: There are so many inspiring women in the industry some of the big names that always cross my mind are; Emily Stirling, Chady Dunmore, Ingrid Romero, Julie Bonnett, Justine Munro, Nicole Nagrani, Leigh Brandt and Vanda Hadarean. 

Q: What is the best tip you can give to a first time competitor?  Any secrets ?  

A: Never cheat and practice posing every single day.  

 

Q: After doing the show for the WBFF, what is next for you? 

1.      A: I have a few shows planned for 2012 which I am not announcing quite yet. Right now the focus is on Paul Dillett’s WBFF Quebec Championships which you can all go and watch at The Casino Lac Leamy April 28^th, 2012.

Q: How can people get a hold of you for questions or help preparing for a show?

1.       A: Feel free to visit my fanpage Caitlin Cooke Bikini Competitor on Facebook where I give tones of tips, tricks and recipes for everyone to lead a healthy lifestyles, follow me on Twitter @ccooke11 or e-mail me any questions at ccooke11@hotmail.com. 

         

      I want to thank David for taking the time out of his busy schedule as well to interview me. You can follow David on Twitter @ wise_of_fitness or follow his blogs at www.ottawatraining.wordpress.com. 

      Thanks to everyone for following my blogs and keep yours eyes peeled for more blogs, pictures and videos as I prep for April. WBFF HERE I COME!!

     Lotsa Love,

     Caitlin Cooke # 11

      x0x0

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Back To The Grind

Hey Everyone!!
It has been a while since I wrote up something on here so I figured I would continue my tradition from last season in keeping you all updated every few days on my competition preparation.  A few updates I have been training full force again since the beginning of January for my NEXT competition! I will announce shortly so keep up with my blogs to find out when and where I will be hitting the BIG stage ;)

Emily Stirling WBFF Figure Pro

I have joined Team Stirling Athletes with the amazing WBFF Pro Emily Stirling and I must say the last 4 weeks have been extremely challenging. Emily takes a completely different approach to training and nutrition and one work "INSANE"! If you are looking for a glute kicking this is there girl for you!!


As challenging as these weeks have been I know its only going to get harder (diet as well as workouts) but in the end it will all be worth it and that's what motivates me. I've said it before- the end result is what motivates me!! The only competition I have is myself and I am out to beat my own physique in every competition I put my heart into. Of course there are athletes I would love to look like and are inspiring to me but in the end the only person you have to beat it yourself.

I must say though mentally I have been SO INVOLVED this time, cheats have not even crossed my mind. Yes I admit I have had a few extra almonds or greens here and there but nothing substantial and has only been done 3-4 times! For myself, diet is always the hardest part- I could bust through any workouts and push myself above and beyond my limits but when it comes to eating the same thing day in day out it tends to mess with your head a little. I HAVE CONQUERED YOU THIS TIME FOOD- MUAHHAHA!! 

As for my workouts I have consistently been going up in my weights weekly by anywhere from 5-10Ibs while even doing cardio on my OFF days. I could not be more focused :) I can't say that I haven't had awkward walks or hard time doing my hair the next day but I can deal with that- merely means I am pushing my body to great limits EVERY TIME.

The only challenge I have come across so far as a personal trainer myself is getting in enough sleep and my meals consistently every 3 hours. With long hours from 8am-8pm with workouts jammed in before and in the middle of clients- the minute I get home at night I hit the bed hard. It is key for me on weekends to do ALL my weeks worth of meal prep along with laundry- sigh :(

On another note my BF% has dropped 4% since January 6th and am more than happy with the changes that are occurring with my body. YAHOO :)

Here are some prep pictures for you all- enjoy!!

Till next time bloggers,
Caitlin Cooke #11