Dr. Marieta Buse, ND — Competing in her first bodybuilding show in 2025!
Nine weeks ago, I started on my goal to compete in my first bodybuilding show. Since then, I’ve received a lot of questions, so I wanted to answer a few of the most common ones.
Q1: What prompted you to do this?
I’ve always wanted to try bodybuilding, but for the last 10 years, I was deeply involved in climbing. A few months ago, I felt stagnant in my climbing and decided to commit to this goal. The idea of starting a new sport and pushing myself in a different way was incredibly inspiring.
Q2: What’s the hardest part of bodybuilding?
Without a doubt, the meal prep. The only times I’ve felt like breaking down or giving up were during food prep. I currently spend 6-10 hours twice a week prepping meals. This isn’t just about hitting my macros; it’s also about ensuring I have a variety of protein sources and vegetables, which means trying new recipes each week for diversity.
Q3: Isn’t bodybuilding counterproductive to climbing goals?
Initially, I wasn’t sure, and I was prepared to set aside my climbing goals. But surprisingly, I’m climbing better than ever!
Benefits I’ve found so far:
1. Well-rounded training: My overall strength has increased significantly allowing for better core tension on the wall.
2. Targeted shoulder training: The focus on building strong anterior, middle & posterior deltoids has dramatically improved my shoulder stability for lock-offs.
3. Glute and hamstring development: This targeted training has greatly enhanced my heel & toe hook strength as well as my hip mobility.
4. Increased work capacity: Both physically and mentally, which translates into trying harder for longer on the wall.
5. Nutritional understanding: I’ve revamped how I eat and now better understand what my body needs when training like an athlete.
6. Accountability & progress tracking: With a coach and measurable markers (reps, sets, weights, calories, macros), I’m more committed to my training program and pushing hard week after week.
This journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see where it takes me! 💪
Huge thank you to @cailean_teamfflex for coaching me through 🙏🏻