I admit I don't know much about what men do to get ready for competitions. I would point out that people who want to compete comprise a VERY small percentage of people who build their bodies. Therefore I don't really take into consideration "what pro's do". After all the average trainer doesn't do any of the extreme manipulations that pro's go through before a comp. I'll leave that to people who know about it.
What I was responding to, however, was what you said about hardness and tone. I'm sure you have your reasons for what you advise your women clients to do...but I'm curious...how much time have you spent looking at women's forums? Also I was responding to the fact that SO many trainers tell women to do ultra high reps for no other reason but "that'll make you toned and not big".
I was giving advise that I felt would help in her goals. Therfore cardio plus low to moderate reps to produce a "toned" look. But as you say it would be useful to know what Laur is doing. It's up to you how you advize your clients
. That doesn't mean I'm going to always agree
.
So Laur, why don't you post what you do?