49 and Still Competing You might have contemplated quitting competing after a certain age…or you might have felt it’s too late to start. But you know what? Age is just but a number. Yeah, heard me right. Even at retirement, there’s no limit as long as you are strong and comfortable enough to flaunt your own physique on stage.  Well, sweet 16 ship might have long sailed for you, but that does not mean you abandon your dreams of ever competing in this sport. As a matter of fact, there is no perfect time to get started than now. And you know me – I only share what has been tried and tested. Want a prove?  At 49, Geri Berger is still competing and has no plans of stopping any time soon whatsoever. And just in case you think she started at her 20s, you are wrong. She started at 43 – an age most of us would consider unrealistic.    Geri Berger is an IFBB Bikini Pro, who earned her PRO Card at Masters Nationals in 2015. Geri is currently a Health, fitness, Lifestyle and Competition Prep Coach. Despite being a competition coach for over 20 years, Geri began competing just in 2013, at age 43 and has been at it for six years. Her love for the sport has seen her compete at the Olympia as well as win several other titles. Geri is a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman. In this episode, Geri will address those questions that most of us have been seeking answers to, such as, is it too late to compete? When is the perfect time to start getting on stage? Am I even going to be competitive at this age? Brace yourself for relief because the answers you have been looking for are right in this episode. All you have to do is listen to the end.  Let’s go!   Takeaways It's the lifestyle that keeps us young Be disciplined and persistent Have control of your health Until you believe in yourself, you can't get to that goal You must find enough time to rest Always listen to what your body is telling you If you plateau, the best thing is to back off. Make sure you're just as healthy during prep season as you were in the offseason Be patient with your body, it takes time Everybody's body is different and respond differently As you get older, you have to make adjustments Make sure you ask your "why"    Important question [00:06:30] How many years have you been competing? [00:09:48] Why exactly do you compete? [00:16:16] What got you into fitness?  [00:17:52] Being a coach, and especially a lifestyle coach, did you ever have a second thought about competing because of how intense it is? [00:19:04] As you started diving into Bikini competitions at 43, what are some of the setbacks that you actually experienced? [00:20:34] Did you ever feel like you ever had any setbacks when it came to your training as far as not being able to recover fast enough or maybe just setbacks on the stage? [00:23:42] How often would you say you plateau, and do you think it has anything to do with getting older?  [00:25:10] How did menopause affect your training? [00:31:24] Explain to everyone how inflammation will hinder your results when you're trying to train for competition? [00:38:50] What would you say are your staple supplements? [00:40:55] What are some of the things that happens to athletes when they get older that we should be made aware of? [00:42:15] What are some methods that you've used in the past that have helped you rev up your metabolism? [00:43:41] Do you ever feel like there is an age that you shouldn't be competing?  [00:48:28] As a Master's competitor, do you recommend competing in only Master’s Division or do you think that being a Master’s competitor you should compete in the open as well? [00:53:47] What would you say has been the biggest impact that bodybuilding has brought to your life? [00:57:19] How long do you see yourself competing? [00:59:44] What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a professional in this sport?   FOLLOW GERI  Instagram: @gerilaraberger_ifbbpro Website: gerilaraberger.com   ----->Head HERE for your FREEBIES, coupon code