If you are an athlete, many times you may be asked why you compete. I have been asked this many times myself. In fact, just today, someone said they just didn't get it and often wondered why I would do the strenuous diet plans, crazy exercise regimens, and endure what is more or less some physical pain, sacrifice and suffering that most would never purposely inflict upon themselves! I can honestly say that the dedication I have to being a figure competitor has developed over several years and I stick to it for a number of reasons, but it is only a very small piece of my passion for fitness�

Motivation and supporting a healthy, active lifestyle �

Competing feeds my love for working out, being physical, and feeling fit. I was never athletic as a younger/adolescent person. Today, in my mid-thirties, I am more fit than I have ever been; inside and out. The extreme standards of a figure competition are not the bar I keep my year-round physique at, but having to occasionally show up in great shape, on stage in front of hundreds of people, against several competitors that are as fit or more so than you are, is a tremendous motivator to stick with fitness goals on and off-season!!

A constant challenge �

With weightlifting or "gym" fitness, you always have another goal to meet with weights, cardio, stamina, etc. Your body also changes constantly depending on what you do to/for it whether that be a leaner, stronger, or more massive physique or meeting new cardio times and distances. It is truly fascinating.

For the sport of it �

Let�s not forget that some of us just love competing! There are many athletic and non-athletic competitions that many of us fall into because, quite simply, we want to achieve that #1 status, being the best at what we know and love. Something that really resonates with us, defines us, and drives us. Figure competitors are sacrificing no more than a tri-athlete, marathon runner, gymnast, dancer, entertainer, or any number of other individuals that are trying to be the �best in show� and at the top of their niche.

With all that in mind, I would say, go for your goals! Find self motivation to pursue a competitive outlet whether it be competing for a personal best or finding other enthusiasts to compete against. Strike a healthy balance with raising the bar and doing what you love on a regular basis.

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