Q: How should you workout during the weeks leading up to shoot?

The best time to workout is in the morning on an empty stomach, like a competition training.

There are several different opinions when it comes to training. For example, some say repetitions should be increased while using a lighter weight. Others recommend lifting heavy up until the day before the shoot.

Obviously, both of these methods work. Some benefit from using light weight and high reps, while others win shows using extremely heavy weights leading up until competition day. If you're uncertain of what to do, try using a combination of both methods or just stick to your normal routine. You can't go wrong there! In my opinion, a combination of heavy weight, low reps and light weight, high reps are needed for maximum results.

There are several ways you can go about executing this type of training. After a thorough warm up session, try using heavy weights at the beginning of each workout. Toward the end of the workout, try going for the burn using a light weight. The only time I would spend and entire workout using light weights is probably 1 or 2 weeks before a shoot. Why? When models get this close to a shoot, high reps cause the muscles to respond quickly.

The quick response I'm referring to is known as the pump. In other words, it's really the high reps that give you the better and quicker pump. Below is a sample pre-shoot workout:

Monday: Legs
Leg Extensions | 4 Sets | 15 - 20 Reps
Leg Curls | 4 Sets | 15 - 20 Reps
Leg Press | 3 Sets | 10 Reps
Hack Squats | 3 Sets | 10 Reps
Squats | 3 Sets | 10 Reps
Stiff-legged Deadlifts | 3 Sets | 20 Reps
Leg Extensions | 3 Sets | Failure
Leg Curls | 3 Sets | Failure

Tuesday: Chest/Abs
Flat Bench Press | 4 Sets | 12 Reps
Incline Bench Press | 4 Sets | 12 Reps
Decline Bench Press | 4 Sets | 12 Reps
Incline Dumbbell Press | 3 Sets | 15 Reps
Flat Bench Dumbbell Press | 3 Sets | 15 Reps
Cable Crossovers | 4 Sets | 20 Reps
Hanging Knee-ins | 3 Sets | Failure
Crunches | 3 Sets | Failure
Dumbbell Side Bends | 3 Sets| Failure
Lying Leg Lifts | 3 Sets | Failure

Wednesday: Back
Lat Pulldowns | 4 Sets | 12 - 15 Reps
Bent Rows | 3 Sets | 12 Reps
Dumbbell Rows | 4 Sets | 12 Reps
Seated Cable Rows | 3 Sets | 20 Reps

Thursday: Triceps
Pressdowns (various grips) | 5 Sets | 15 Reps
Dumbbel Triceps Press | 5 Sets | 15 Reps
Dips | 3 Sets | Failure

Friday: Shoulders
Side Laterals | 4 Sets | 12- 15 Reps
Bent Laterals | 4 Sets | 12 - 15 Reps
Dumbbell Press | 3 Sets | 10 Reps
Cable Lateral Raise | 3 Sets | Failure

Saturday: Abs
Crunches | 6 Sets | Failure
Side Crunches | 4 Sets | Failure

Sunday: Biceps
Cable Curls | 4 Sets | 15 Reps
EZ Bar Curls | 4 Sets | 15 Reps
Alternating Dumbbel Curls | 3 Sets | 20 (10 each arm)
Reverse Grip Curls | 3 Sets | 15 Reps
Concentration Curls | 2 Sets | Failure

Q: Are there any off days for recuperation during competition training?

Off days can either be taken as needed or scheduled on certain days.

If you decide to go with a routine similar to the one above but using fewer days per week, modify it so that a primary muscle group and a secondary muscle group are worked together. For example, train chest and triceps or back and biceps. For some this may be a more beneficial option.

Each muscle group should have its own day because this allows you to put more focus on each. Experiment with both methods and see what works the best for your body!

Q: What about cardio? How much should you do?

It varies depending on individual body type.

Some people have extremely high metabolisms and may only require cardiovascular exercise 1 day per week or once every 2 weeks. Others may not be as genetically gifted and require a cardio session everyday during competition training.

The important thing to note is that the body must constantly be monitored. For example, you may be performing cardio 3 days a week starting off. Over time, you might notice that you're losing too much muscle mass. In this case, you'll probably want to ease back on the cardio sessions by a day or two until the body meets your expectations.

Q: What type of workout should you do the last week of the shoot?

The answer to this question is light weights and lots of reps. Burn all you can.

Listed are some of the most common methods for optimizing the physique during the week of the shoot:

Don't change your current training regiment.

All of these techniques work for someone, somewhere. The two most popular techniques are (1) workout light the whole week and (2) not to change your current workout regiment. Training light for the entire week of the shoot with additional posing seems to work best for most models.

Many models make their last day of training 2 days before the shoot. The next to days are used for posing to enhance muscle definition.

If you look phenomenal the week of the shoot, don't do anything that could cause you to lose peak condition! Don't change anything, and end all workouts one or two days before the shoot.

Stay with your normal diet, workout, and daily schedule the entire week. Many models don't change a single part of their diet or training style during the last week of the shoot. Again, the best way to make wise decisions is through constant body monitoring.

Always ensure you are constantly in tune with your body. For example, some may notice a hard, but not defined look after eating chicken as their primary source of protein. They then switch protein sources from chicken to fish in the form of strained tuna and notice a big difference in muscle definition. The only way you can spot changes like this is through constant body monitoring.


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