I need some help... I have been weightlifting for 6 years, taking brief periods of time off to have three kids (not all at once!!). Recently a few people at the gym have been telling me I should enter a local contest (in April 04). I am actually kind of interested in doing this. My friends think I am nuts, but I am excited. I just love to lift and think it is great to have the opportunity to show it off, especially since I am always covered up by hospital scrubs. I don't even care if I win. I just don't want to make an ass of myself or embarass myself.

The problem...I don't know where to begin. The men at the gym compete and all seem willing to help me out, but they are MEN and I am only guessing here, but aren't there some differences in posing routines for men and women. Also, I need some SPECIFIC diet advice. I eat very healthy already. And I have a good basic general knowledge of diet due to my Nursing studies and profession, but I know there are "tricks" to pre show dieting. If anyone can point this girl in the right direction I would be ever so grateful!!!