JACKSONVILLE FITNESS COMPETITION PHOTOGRAPHER | STACYCI

Stayci’s Fitness Photos

Stayci and I met a few years ago when we did a shoot together. From there, we’ve been a part of her wedding day and hopefully now a photographer for life. Stayci reached out a few months ago to say she had signed up for a bikini competition and wanted to schedule photos for show week to document her journey. I have a very dear friend who also does show prep so I’ve seen first hand just how much dedication and discipline this takes..

It’s so inspirational, and Stayci’s personality is perfect for it. She’s very regimented and driven so I had no doubt she would CRUSH it. And she did. You can read her story below where she explains her journey of meal prep and lifting weights. It takes such intention and drive, and as you can see…she nailed it.

I’m so proud of her journey, and I hope to see her again and again for shows to come. Congrats girlie, so proud of you!

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1. Why began your very first show prep and competition?

My first attempt at competing was in 2016. I was 8 weeks into prep and I broke down- ate a white pizza from Al’s and ugly cried asi vowed “I AM DONE!”. I did not have the right mind set at the time. This time around, I decided if this is something I want to do, I better do it now, before time passes me by. So I restarted my bikini competition journey in May 2022. Knowing the struggles I was coming up against, and getting my head in the game, I felt somewhat more equipped to take on the challenge this time around!

2. What is a typical day of prep in terms of dedication to meal prep and lifting.

Everyone’s meal plan and training are different. I was lucky enough to continue to consume carbs daily, and a cheat meal once a week up until 2-3 weeks out from show. Most days were lift days, and a “rest day” isn’t so much rest- it’s probably cardio and some touch up exercises. And everyday consists of 10,000 steps minimum- so you stay on your toes (literally)-LOL. All meals were self prepped for 3-4 days at a time. I had to make sure work days were ready since I work 12hr shifts and need to stay on track/schedule (you eat every 2-3hrs). I had alarms set to remind me to eat when I was at work- I got so busy I lost track of time. You want to stay on schedule with meals since you eat 6x/day.

3. What type of dedication does it require to prep for a show?

It takes everything! Your time, your energy, your emotions, your relationships. Everything you do and think revolves around prep. “When do I need to eat again?” “Did I pack enough food?” “Where did I put my water jug?” You eat/sleep/breath prep. If you have a partner, they have to be dedicated to this journey as well. It affects their life too!!

4. What type of emotional and physical reward can you describe as the pay off?

For me the reward was seeing how far I could push myself. I didn’t succeed the first attempt (2016), so I had that fear I would fail again. There were some tough times that I contemplated quitting, but quickly snapped out of it and got back to work! The ultimate payoff was hitting the stage. I know it sounds crazy to stand in front of STRANGERS and have them JUDGE YOUR BODY. The thing most women fear- I DID IT!!!! Judge me! I felt awesome on that stage! I was prepared physically and mentally. I knew I looked amazing, and I was proud of myself for getting there. Winning is a whole other emotion. Placing in anything was all I wanted. I placed in everything I competed in and won in one division <3 It’s an amazing feeling and more than anything I am proud of myself for pushing through all the hard parts and knowing I was 100% all in and gave 110% to being stage ready!!

5. What motivated you to do a photo session like this?

I wanted to document the progress I made. To be able to look back and remember that time in my life when I did something most people would never do. I pushed my mind and my body to limits (and beyond) I didn’t even know I was capable of. I achieved what I set out to achieve, and I think I overshot the target and did better than I ever expected. When you surprise yourself- now that’s WILD!!

6. Looking back at the photos, are you happy you did this shoot?

ABSOLUTELY!!! 100%!!!

7. What kind of advice can you give other women who are contemplating a competition?

Make sure your head is in the right place before you start. You have to be 100% dedicated and outside forces will try to distract you- you have to be stronger than those forces!!
Make sure your partner is all-in, you can’t do it without them! If they aren’t going to support you, they will 100% sabotage you (maybe not on purpose), but their actions and words will have an impact on your outcome!
Make sure you have a good coach/team- search on IG and see what Team people locally are using- ask the girls on the team how things are going and how they feel about their coaches. You want people with experience and people who will guide you every step of the way. They will be your new family throughout this journey-LOL, but seriously, you will see them more than you see your parents!

8. Where can people follow you on social for your future journeys?

IG: Stayci_Carrigan

FB: Stayci Carrigan

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