Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

SHARON HALPIN; Does it Truly Matter?, Macro Mistakes, Fostering Life & Love, Growing up with 10 Siblings

4/30/2021

TITLE: SHARON HALPIN; Does it Truly Matter?, Macro Mistakes, Fostering Life & Love, Growing up with 10 Siblings

In this episode, Celeste speaks with Sharon Halpin, a full-time hair stylist who started her competing journey back in 2014, earning pro status at North Americans in 2019 and who attributes her competitive spirit to having grown up with nine siblings.

Celeste starts off the episode by asking Sharon if she has any rituals or routines she performs before her heel hits the stage. Sharon shares her first experiences with competing, what caused her to take a step back, and ultimately, what made her decide to return to the sport. While discussing taking a macro approach on prep, Celeste asks Sharon if there are any mistakes she has made or that she see other athletes making while implementing this technique.

Shifting the conversation from Sharon’s approach to training and nutrition, Celeste asks about how Sharon’s life looks while in prep and during an improvement season. She also shares how her husband, being her high school sweetheart, has seen her progress and evolve over the years and through various sports. Sharon talks about the friendships she’s gained through the sport and how she supports and fosters those friendships that she makes on show day.

Next, Celeste has Sharon share more about her pro debut. Sharon emphasizes that while every competitors goal is to win their show, the biggest reward is in the constant improvement and progression that the sport requires. Next, Celeste asks Sharon how she kept herself motivated and focused on her goal of achieving her pro card, despite having a long season with multiple national shows.

Celeste asks Sharon more about her job as a hair stylist, wondering how Sharon’s work schedule affects or impacts her energy during prep. Celeste asks Sharon about her decision to offer coaching and Sharon explains that while she loves to coach and sees it as a teaching opportunity.

After talking competing and coaching, Celeste asks Sharon more about her personal life. Sharon discusses how growing up poor and having to compete for her parents attention encouraged and influenced her to take on the mentality to set herself apart and strive for more in her life; something she found within bodybuilding. After opening up and sharing more about her family history and personal life, Celeste asks Sharon to give her best advice to first time competitors and for the girls on their road to pro.
CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
website: http://www.celestial.fit
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
all links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH SHARON:
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonhalpin_ifbbpro/

Time Stamps:
[0:45] Celeste introduces Sharon

[1:30] Celeste asks Sharon about her pre stage rituals.

[2:45] Celeste asks Sharon if she ever envisioned herself at her pro debut despite her long journey to the pro stage.

[4:40] Sharon discusses what brought her back to bodybuilding.

[8:20] Celeste asks Sharon about her training style & what her training looks like.

[11:30] Sharon talks about how she’s approached her reverse diets and mindset to best support growth between shows.

[14:15] Celeste asks Sharon about her food choices within her IIFYM approach when getting close to a show.

[18:45] Celeste asks Sharon about mistakes with the IIFYM approach, both with personal experiences and what she sees other girls doing.

[22:50] Sharon shares what her life looks like in prep & during an improvement season.

[25:25] Celeste asks Sharon about her husband and the impact her athletics have had on their relationship over the years.

[30:35] Sharon shares how she’s fostered the friendships she’s made at shows and within the sport.

[36:45] Celeste asks Sharon to share details about her pro debut.

[42:50] Celeste asks Sharon about her long off season and the feedback she received after her performance at her pro debut.

[48:15] Sharon talks about the mindset she maintained during her road to pro.

[56:10] Celeste asks Sharon how her work as a hair stylist impacts her energy and schedule while on prep.

[59:25] Celeste asks Sharon when she decided to start offering coaching given her already busy schedule.

[63:30] Sharon talks about what it was like having 9 siblings and the influence it has had on her behaviors.

[70:50] Sharon gives her best advice for novice competitors and to girls on their road to pro.

[73:45] Sharon shares where listeners can find and connect with her further.

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BELINDA RIVERA; Pep Talks, Eye on Your Why, Impact of Bodybuilding on Family

4/23/2021

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In this week’s episode, host Celeste Rains-Turk has the pleasure of interviewing IFBB Bikini Pro Belinda Rivera. This cheeky pro started competing in 2015 and won her Pro Card at the 2018 North Americans in the 40 and over category. She is a coach for Lifestyle Physiques and is a loving mother to her two beautiful daughters.

To begin, Celeste questions Belinda about her late start in bodybuilding and her opinions on being older than most of the girls. Belinda never expected to start her hobby at age 39 and winning her IFBB Bikini Pro Card one year later. She admits to being physically active throughout her whole life, but her passion for fitness began after the birth of her second child. She gives credit to her fitness background and sports for her transition to intense dieting for competitions. Belinda does enforce that this sport is personal and requires intense discipline rather than a team dynamic.

Belinda states she only competed in one show a year to get back in shape when she was an amateur. She made the decision to move to the National stage after placing top 5 in an open and master division. Even though she was incredibly nervous and self-conscious, Belinda went on to win her Pro Card at her first National show! She thanks her coach, Ray from Lifestyle Physiques, for taking her competition to the next level by aligning with her core values of professionalism and sportsmanship.
Celeste and Belinda discuss the value of having a quality coach and provides an inside perspective of the coach-client relationship. Belinda tries to be reasonable with her clients and would rather motivate her team rather than tear them down when they do not complete their plan. Furthermore, Celeste and Belinda have an open-ended conversation about the nutritional and mental approach to dieting.
Belinda is happy to share her knowledge and experience within the community regarding growing muscle and improving posing. She explains that everything she does as a coach should be expected in the athlete. Belinda relies on her team for group posing, one-on-one sessions, and is open to advice from other coaching.
Belinda details her journey of a fitness hobby turned career. She admits that her children being older helped with the personal and financial obligations and felt comfortable leaving the home to accomplish her aspirations. In addition, Belinda feels that her experience in life made her a more competitive and goal-oriented individual.

Finally, Celeste and Belinda discuss all things improvement season, balance, and daily habits for success. Belinda tells viewers to “always remember your why” and to embrace the lifestyle. Furthermore, she also details her daughter’s opinion of her bodybuilding career. Spoiler alert – her daughter is one of her posing coaches!

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
website: http://www.celestial.fit
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
all links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
CONNECT WITH BELINDA:
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzybel_ifbbpro/
coaching: https://www.instagram.com/sharksportstucson/

Time Stamps:
[1:14] Celeste asks Belinda her stage ritual.
[2:01] Belinda shares her late start in bodybuilding.
[3:25] Celeste asks Belinda if her fitness background helped with her mindset in bodybuilding.
[5:40] Belinda shares her thoughts on competing in the open division.
[7:45] Belinda discusses her strategies on registering for classes/journey to the Pro stage.
[17:44] Celeste and Belinda discuss the importance of having a supportive coach.
[19:12] Belinda talks about her experiences as a coach/approach to competition prep.
[25:02] Belinda opens up about her growth in the sport to include building muscle and posing.
[27:16] The girls discuss their regimen on and off season.
[28:55] How Belinda turned a hobby into a career.
[32:32] Celeste asks Belinda how she is able to balance her career/when to step away from the stage.
[41:41] Belinda shares her daily habits that contribute to her success.
[45:29] How competing has affected her relationship with her daughters.
[52:33] Belinda gives her best advice to amateurs and competitors on their road to pro.

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INGRID ROMERO; Building an Empire from Nothing, Adversities are Opportunities, Pregnant on Prep, Owning the Journey

4/16/2021

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Today, Celeste is speaking with one of her coaches and best friends. Ingrid Romero grew up in Barcelona, Spain. She left the country to pursue modeling, eventually arriving in the USA. She became an IFBB Pro in 2010 and mother to twin boys in 2012. She and her husband own Team Edge Global. Celeste has been working with Ingrid and her husband, Joe, since 2017.

Celeste breaks the ice by asking Ingrid what she did before stepping on stage. Ingrid admits that she always needed to be alone and kept to herself. Now as a coach, she recognizes bodybuilding is a team sport. As soon as she stepped on stage, the nerves went away.

Ingrid talks about the challenges and adversity she had growing up and how it gave her the strength to become the person she is today. She always knew she was different and would do something with her life. When she was living in London, she struggled with binge eating, partying, and drinking. This led her to try all of the fad diets, which all failed. When she found competing, she realized that food was meant to serve her body.

Celeste asks Ingrid how she balances competing with other aspects of life. Ingrid admits she doesn’t think she has balance figured out completely. When she is involved in on aspect, he gives it 100% and maybe that is her idea of balance.

Ingrid tells how at her last show, she was 2 months pregnant and didn’t know it. The morning after the show, she took a pregnancy test and as shocked to learn she was pregnant. When she learned she was pregnant with twins, she couldn’t believe it but was so happy. This is when she knew she would start her own team. Her boys were born premature and and spent two months in the NICU. She built Team Edge during all of this.

While some people become paralyzed when they scared, Ingrid will do whatever it takes to make her goals happen. Ingrid says working on mindset is the first key to having success. You have to believe your services are needed and clients will come your way. When you have a set back, you need to stop and think of the steps you need to take to overcome it. You always have to be ready to learn and take action.

Ingrid knew if she took action everyday and kept moving forward, she would stay on the right path. She speaks to the power of imperfect action. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you act.

After experiencing burnout, Ingrid realized the importance of boundaries and clear communication. She knows she cannot be at every show every weekend and still be able to serve her clients and herself fully. Ingrid tells how Celeste has helped her put systems in place to streamline her work.

Celeste asks Ingrid what clients should look for when looking for a coach. Ingrid says getting on the phone and talking to a prospective coach is the most important way to see if you have a good feeling about a coach. You need to have chemistry with your coach.

Ingrid talks about the launch of her mastermind program, She’s Got Brand. It’s a membership program to help women find and retain clients. She wants to help people do what she’s done. You don’t have to have a pro card to be a successful coach, but you have to show up authentically.

Celeste asks Ingrid how she sees the bikini division evolving. Posing is one of the biggest factors of your presentation. It not just about getting shredded. Ingrid recommends hiring a position coach and being open to change. Practice is the best thing you can do to showcase your charisma.

Using mindfulness from the beginning of the competition process is so important to help you deal with any adversity you may meet. Don’t compare yourself to other, focus on yourself and your personal growth.

Ingrid speaks to using show results and judges’ feedback in her coaching decisions. You have to focus on what each competitor can bring to the table. It takes time to get results and you can’t rush things.

Celeste asks what Ingrid wanted to accomplish by creating her own bikinis. It started with her and her husband making them in their living room. She really wanted to give the full package to their clients. She also rents suits to her team to help them keep costs low.

Celeste closes out the interview with Ingrid by talking about protecting your energy with your actions. Ingrid will also help anyone who is having issues with their health an encourages anyone to message her on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH INGRID:
website: https://www.teamedgefam.com/get-started
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingridromero1/
all links: https://linktr.ee/ingridromero1
Bully Fam: https://www.instagram.com/thebully.fam/
CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
website: http://www.celestial.fit
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
all links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html

Time Stamps:
[0:44] Celeste introduces Ingrid Romero
[3:41] Ingrid talks about how she felt before stepping on stage.
[5:50] Celeste asks Ingrid about life before she met Joe.
[9:00] Ingrid talks about her past depression and struggles with food.
[12:00] Balance competing with other aspects of life
[14:35] Competing while pregnant
[17:30] Building Team Edge
[19:12] Adversity as opportunity
[21:18] Advice for new entrepreneurs
[25:45] Ingrid talks about what’s missing in coaching
[28:00] The importance of imperfect action
[30:32] preventing burnout
[33:40] What to look for in a coach
[41:50] Ingrid talks about her program She’s Got Brand
[47:08] How the bikini division is evolving and the importance of posing
[53:45] Recommendations for beginning competitions
[1:00:13] How show results and judges’ feedback play into coaching
[1:06:00] Pursuing passion and finding fulfillment
[1:09:00] Ingrid talks about making bikinis
[1:17:13] Protecting your energy
[1:22:21] Celeste closes out the show

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Using Code 'Celeste' will give you 5% off of any of your She's Got Brand or Team Edge Purchases. Visit Shesgotbrand.coto learn more about Ingrid's business program or Teamedgefam.com to learn more about their lifestyle and prep programs. Please note Celeste is not affiliated with/responsible for your experience or results in any programs or products referred.

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WHITNEY WISER; Making Your Stamp on the Industry, Strong Stage Presence through a Judge's Eyes, Finding Passion and Purpose through Pain

4/9/2021

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In this episode, Celeste speaks with Whitney Wiser, an IFBB Bikini Pro who has competed in 31 shows, is now a posing coach, show judge, and promoter who has built her brand by supporting other women to live their best life through fitness.

Celeste starts off the episode by asking Whitney if she has any routines or rituals she performs before stepping on stage. Touching on the fact that Whitney hasn’t competed since 2018, Celeste asks Whitney if she has any future plans to return to the stage. Next, Celeste mentions Whitney’s transition from athlete to show expeditor, promoter and coach, and asks how her role and presence in the sport has evolved over the years. Whitney shares her experiences as a test judge and how those experiences sparked the desire to become a promoter and hold her own show.

Celeste then dives deeper, asking Whitney more about the process to become a test judge and asks Whitney what mistakes she sees girls making on stage. Whitney emphasizes the importance of posing and shares trends that she feels will become the “new normal” in the bikini routines. Whitney talks about how the course she created, titled Amateur Advantage, goes over what new competitors should know before starting a contest prep, which talks about how girls know if they are working with the right posing coach.

After sharing details of her coaching strategies and her reasoning behind creating her programs, Celeste asks Whitney what she finds herself looking at and scoring the most while judging, while still adhering to the established criteria. While talking about judging, Whitney shares insights on the importance of stage presence and confidence and how competitors can really stand out to the judges. Whitney mentions the importance of “staying true to yourself” instead of trying to be someone else on stage.

Next, Celeste asks Whitney about what types of investments girls should prepare for and expect before finally deciding to commit to a contest prep. Whitney references the first module of her course and how she outlines the commitments and expenses that are required in every aspect of prep. Celeste reiterates the importance of being aware of all the responsibilities that come with competing but also mentions the decision that every athlete ultimately has to make: when is the right time to step away from the stage.

Celeste asks Whitney how she approaches her training, nutrition, and mindset since making the decision to hang up her heels. Whitney shares how her role shifted from competitor to show promoter and also discusses what comes with that role, as well as the pressures she feels as a female athlete representative. Whitney emphasizes the challenges that came along with finding balance without maintaining the “expected competitor look” or stage-lean physique all year round.

From there, Celeste mentions Whitney’s success via internal reflection but also asks about the driving force that yields the growth and success of her brand. Whitney vulnerably shares a story about her past abusive relationship and how her ex ran her over by a car right as she was gaining momentum in her competing career.

Despite doctors telling her she might not be able to walk or compete again, Whitney took those words and decided her life was not over just because someone else tried to take everything from her. Whitney tells her story of resilience and how she had to rebuild her body, sharing any doubts or fears she had over what her future would have in store for her.

Whitney explains how she combats doubt and how her connection with her faith comes into play when those feelings arise. Celeste and Whitney discuss how its important for one to be in touch with their emotions and how to channel them in a positive way to be able to fuel growth in times of difficulty.

Next, Celeste asks Whitney to share her best advice for someone that wants to leave their mark on the industry. Once again, Whitney emphasizes the importance of finding your purpose, how to go about doing so, and how that can lead oneself to making a lasting impact. Finally, Celeste concludes the episode by asking Whitney to share her best advice for the novice competitor as well as for girls on their road to pro.

CONNECT WITH WHITNEY:
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/whitneywiserfit/
WEBSITE: linktr.ee/Wiserfit

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/celestial_fit
WEBSITE & RESOURCES: www.celestial.fit/links

Episode Time Stamps:

[0:45] Celeste introduces Whitney

[1:50] Celeste asks Whitney about her pre stage ritual.

[3:35] Celeste asks Whitney if she plans on returning to the stage.

[5:40] Whitney shares the evolution of her involvement in the sport aside from being an athlete.

[10:10] Whitney describes the process to become a test judge.

[12:05] Celeste asks Whitney to share some things she sees girls doing wrong.

[13:40] Whitney shares any trends she feels will become the “new normal” with posing.

[15:45] Celeste asks Whitney how a competitor knows if they are working with the right posing coach.

[20:10] Whitney shares what she finds herself looking at most when she judges competitors while sticking to the criteria.

[21:45] Celeste asks Whitney how girls can stand out at the national level.

[26:00] Celeste asks Whitney what investments girls need to prepare for before deciding to prep for a show.

[30:00] Whitney discusses her approach to training and nutrition now that she has decided to hang up her heels.

[32:50] Celeste asks Whitney what comes with being a female athlete representative and if she feels any pressure from that role.

[36:35] Celeste asks Whitney what fuels her drive.

[41:50] Whitney shares if she had any doubts of what her future would look like.

[47:15] Celeste asks Whitney for advice for someone who wants to make a stamp on the industry.

[50:50] Celeste asks Whitney to share her best advice for the novice competitor and for girls on their road to pro.

[53:20] Whitney shares where listeners can find and connect with her on social media.

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NADIA SZYMANOWICZ; Maximize Your Potential, Enhanced Approach, How to Find Homeostasis Post Show

4/2/2021

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In today’s episode, host Celeste Rains-Turk interviews IFBB Professional Nadia Szymanowicz. Currently, Nadia is a lifestyle and contest coach with Camp Jansen.

Nadia started competing in 2017 and has done 6 shows with her 6th being 2020 National Championships where she won her pro card and the overall. She has a love for travel but has settled in Florida with her boyfriend and their two Frenchies.

After talking about pre-stage rituals, Nadia gives insight to her overall mood and mindset backstage before her big moment. Nadia also goes into detail describing her lifestyle before competing, and how it has helped her to shape the competitor she is today. Celeste and Nadia discuss the various ways athletes can choose to follow a plan, whether that be a meal plan or macro dieting. Nadia shares various ways that macro dieting has helped her with flexibility in her current meal plan based lifestyle.

   Nadia sheds light on a somewhat taboo subject of the competing industry: Performance enhanced drugs. She gives listeners great advice through openly sharing her experiences and reasons for becoming a PED enhanced athlete. Nadia shares invaluable information about making the decision to begin using PEDs, and the importance of trusting ones coach throughout this process.

   Throughout the interview, Celeste and Nadia talk about the importance of being patient, trusting the Universe and all of its plans in store. Nadia emphasizes that we should never fear waiting, but rather trust the time and use it to our benefit. She continues to share the ways waiting has helped her in life and in competing, and has ultimately given her much success.

   A true student of the sport, Nadia explains how the most important aspect of competition prep is the relationship we develop with ourselves. She wants listeners to know that it is important to sign up for the journey, not the destination. This episode is packed with fruitful bits of advice and knowledge, and Nadia shares them willingly, openly, and unapologetically. Truly an episode you will want to hear again and again!

CONNECT WITH NADIA:
Website: www.thecampjansen.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nadzzilla
All links: https://linktr.ee/nadzzilla

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: www.celestial.fit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/

Episode Time Stamps
00:44 Celeste introduces Nadia onto the podcast, highlighting her accomplishments and hobbies
1:35 Nadia talks about her pre-show ritual, and being present in the moment
5:28 Celeste asks if Nadia has felt a need to socialize with other competitors backstage
9:20 Nadia talks about her life before competing
11:40 Nadia elaborates on how her results improved after focusing on her nutrition
14:00 Nadia talks about the ways tracking macros has shifted her views of food
17:20 Celeste and Nadia elaborate on the idea of “maximizing” meal plans and swaps
18:25 Celeste asks if Nadia believes its possible to have a healthy relationship with food on/off prep
20:56 Nadia describes some of her “disordered” habits she has battled with
24:30 Nadia talks about some of the ways she works through tough cravings
28:01 Celeste inquires about when Nadia and her coach decided she was ready to compete at a national show
28:37 Nadia talks on the importance of setting micro goals in preparation for the national stage
34:50 Nadia talks about starting with her new coach, Matt and the adjustments they made
37:41 Celeste elaborates on the importance of taking adequate time to make improvements
38:45 Nadia describes several aspects competitors can look out for to track progress
43:05 Nadia continues and describes the ways we can asses biofeedback
47:06 Celeste inquires about Nadia's training in the off season vs in prep
51:06 Celeste asks about the ways Nadia's nutrition changes in off season vs prep
54:03 Nadia describes ways she learned to recognize signs/symptoms in her body and the different ways on how to take action
56:25 Celeste inquires about Nadia's decision to be a PED enhanced athlete
56:30 Nadia elaborates and discusses the various PEDs she has supplemented
62:19 Nadia talks about her decision to take her PED usage online
67:30 Celeste confirms Nadia’s statement that using PEDs does not define her as a competitor
70:18 Celeste asks about Nadia’s micro goals before her top goal of the Olympia
72:30 Nadia describes her decision to soak up her experience of winning the overall at nationals instead of jumping into another show
73:30 Nadia talks about Sandy’s feedback at nationals
75:45 Nadia talks about some of the ways she handled stress during her peak week
78:52 Nadia explains the ways she trusts her timing and enjoys the process
80:02 Celeste inquires about how Nadia approached her training after such a large win
82:50 Nadia talks the various ways she struggled post show physically and mentally
86:36 Nadia explains how she will continue to do what works for her, until it stops working
87:37 Celeste asks for advice for someone who has never competed and someone who is on their way to pro
97:00 Nadia shares her contact information

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES

LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM

FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

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SHARON HALPIN; Does it Truly Matter?, Macro Mistakes, Fostering Life & Love, Growing up with 10 Siblings

BELINDA RIVERA; Pep Talks, Eye on Your Why, Impact of Bodybuilding on Family

INGRID ROMERO; Building an Empire from Nothing, Adversities are Opportunities, Pregnant on Prep, Owning the Journey

WHITNEY WISER; Making Your Stamp on the Industry, Strong Stage Presence through a Judge's Eyes, Finding Passion and Purpose through Pain

NADIA SZYMANOWICZ; Maximize Your Potential, Enhanced Approach, How to Find Homeostasis Post Show

Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

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