May 2008
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Updates
Some Tips on the Subject of Feedback
 This year was my second year sitting at the judge's table as a test
judge at the New England's . The task at hand was much easier
this year due to a new system and more experience placing the
individuals who worked their butts off for several weeks in order to
come into their best shape at this show. This year's New
England's was certainly a great competition, thanks to those behind
the scenes that make things appear so smooth and put together.
But not everyone leaves happy. Often times competitors,
whether it be bodybuilding or figure, leave the competition
confused, even angry and annoyed, at the judges' decisions.
Even though I mentioned earlier that for me it was easier to judge
this year, it is certainly not an easy task, especially when you are
looking at so many variables that can make you or break you
the day you stand on that stage.
One of the best ways to improve yourself is to ask the judges for
feedback. I learned the art of giving and receiving feedback
thoughtfully while in graduate school. Feedback was a
crucial component of my facilitation and supervisory experiences.
It does suck to hear something negative, but it's useful to not look
at it that way and perhaps think of it as "areas of improvement".
I spoke with Dave Follansbee, Head Judge at this past New England's
Championship about some steps competitors can take in order to ask
and receive feedback. Here are some things we came up with:
- Be open to what is being said and even though it's about your
body, try not to take it personal. If a judge says, "you have
to work on your ham/glute tie-in", don't think of it as "my hams
suck" or "damit I worked hard and this is what I get" but rather
think of it as "okay, so now I should work on developing my hams/glutes
more and hopefully will come in better shape next year".
Remember, judges know when you listen to them!
- Ask questions/suggestions. If, for example, you are a figure
competitor, and a judge says "that suit did not quite work for you",
ask ask ask. Don't just walk away knowing that your suit did
not work without knowing why! Was it the color? The
design? Get more information! Dig deeper!
- If you want feedback, be sure to approach the judges in advance
during check-in, and give them your competitor number. It is
nearly impossible for every judge to give specific feedback to
everyone, especially at national shows when the numbers reach above
300!
- Be aware of what type of feedback you are asking for - one that
tells you what you need to work on specifically on your body, or
what things you could do to improve your placing at a particular show.
- If you did not get a chance to talk to the judges, please email
them for feedback. Dave Follansbee says that it's very helpful
when the competitor sends photos of the day of the show, while on
stage, rather than candids.
- Be patient with the judges. Most have 9 - 5 jobs!!! Yes,
really! Very few are fortunate to do this for a living (and
loving it) so you must be understanding and realize that they will
not get back to you right away and the more information you provide
before hand, the easier it will be to get what you need!
That's all I can think of for now. If you are a judge, or a
competitor and have any questions or suggestions, please email them
to me at
amanda@sweetcapri.com
But needless to say, the New England's, now known as the Jay Cutler
Classic, was a great show! Maggie Fit followed this past
weekend in, from what I've heard, an amazing venue. Please
check out PICS of the New England's
here,
as well as a video by Will
Brink here.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Announcements
*** If you need your makeup professionally done for an
upcoming competition, please email me
contestprep@sweetcapri.com for
details and pricing. My upcoming events schedule can be found
here. More information on the services I offer can be found
here.***
*** Thank you to Jim, owner of Absolute Nutrition for his sponsorship
support ***
*** I will now be using
Maggie Blanchard as my new suit designer. I am very grateful
for everything she's doing for me, even at the very last minute!
Please check out her site!
*** IFBB Pro Roc Shabazz and his beautiful wife Gina, will be
promoting their first NPC show in Alabama! For more
information, please visit
www.SoutheasternClassic.com ***
*** Please check out
Siouxcountry.com, one of the best
boards around for female bodybuilding, fitness and figure
competitors! It's a great supportive and helpful community.
*** As usual, In Shape Online is offering Sweet Capri visitors the
coupon code below! Please put it to use! ***
*** I'm selling my 2 piece suits!!! Please email me
if you are interested in more detailed information ***
Until next time and happy training! And don't
forget to check me out on myspace at
www.myspace/sweet_capri
amanda@sweetcapri.com!
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