Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

SUZANNE FARGO; Osteopenia, Being Great v Being the Greatist, Overcoming Illnesses & Injuries, Never too Old & Never too Late

7/31/2020

In this episode Celeste speaks with Suzanne Fargo, an athlete who has overcome major adversities through her two regional and two nationals shows to achieve the success she has today and who is a true representation that age is not a limiting factor in the sport of bodybuilding.

As always, Celeste kicks off the episode by asking Suzanne about her pre-stage ritual. Next, Suzanne goes on to describe her experiences at her national show, where the morning of her competition did not go as expected. With the make up artist running late and a mix up of when her class was being called, Suzanne explains the anxiety she felt as she rushed to get ready, only to find out that she was ready early as the Pro class for her age group was being called instead of the amateurs.

From there, Celeste asks Suzanne to recount her experiences and journey to that national stage, including the show where the two women were able to meet in person, Gold Coast Classic, which was Suzanne’s first show. Suzanne shares what her feedback was from the judges and what she worked on to improve her physique for the national stage.

Before diving into the challenges and obstacles Suzanne has dealt with throughout her journey, Celeste asks Suzanne what inspired her to get into the gym to start lifting. Suzanne shares that she was diagnosed in December 2016 with Osteopenia, early osteoporosis, meaning that she had weak bones, which was a condition she was unaware of having. She explains that for four years before her diagnosis she experienced various broken bones, which led her to get a bone density scan.

Suzanne’s doctor recommended she start weight resistance training to prevent more serious problems in the following years and she found out that her Osteopenia was genetic given that was not deficient in Vitamin D or Calcium.

Being that she is half Taiwanese, Suzanne also learned that both osteopenia and osteoporosis are common conditions throughout the Asian community. With her doctors advice in mind, Suzanne sought out a trainer at a local gym and after a few months she really began to see her body change. It was then that her trainer at the time suggested she try prepping for a bikini competition. Celeste asks Suzanne about if she ever had any pain in her bones when she began lifting weights, as it was something her body was not used to and had broken so many bones in the past.

Next, Celeste opens the conversation to the topic of age. Celeste asks Suzanne to share her thoughts on getting into competing at her age and if she ever felt she was too old, which leads to Suzanne revealing her age. Suzanne shares that she has never felt that her age has been something to hold her back from going after her goals. Celeste asks Suzanne if she knew she would want to turn pro after her first experience on stage. Suzanne reflects on her experiences as a collegiate athlete and states that she knew that if she wanted to reach the next level she would have to reign in the necessary discipline and mentality to do so.

Since Suzanne first started training in the gym and getting into competing she has had the opportunity to work with more than one coach. Celeste has Suzanne share the different approaches and techniques each coach has taken, how her preps have differed, and if Suzanne prefers one particular training method or style over another. Suzanne notes that each coach has served a particular purpose in her journey and talks about if she had any doubts or fears while transitioning between coaches. She then shares how she likes working with her current coach, Shane, and what she likes most about working with him.

Celeste asks about the influence Shane’s belief in Suzanne and her abilities has had on her journey to achieving her pro card. Suzanne shares that her coach never once doubted her potential to go pro and the importance of strategic planning they discussed when it came to competing at the national level. Celeste has Suzanne share her favorite part of her road to pro between the experiences with her different coaches, the methods she personally liked most, and what she’s learned along the way.

Suzanne talks about Shane’s “old school bodybuilding” approach when it comes to training, using the same workout plan over years yet progressing in each individual movement. From there, the two women further discuss that strategy and its benefits instead of constantly switching up ones workout routine.

After discussing training Celeste and Suzanne talk nutrition. Suzanne explains her reasoning behind eating a pure plant based diet for a portion of the week along with her meat based meals. The two women talk about their favorite preferred animal proteins yet that they can appreciate and enjoy fully plant based meals from time to time.

Celeste discusses the psychology between positive and negative reinforcement with behaviors and how that translates to nutrition and bodybuilding and seeing the physical results one desires. They then discuss the difference between actual cravings and perceived cravings and the perceived norms associated with post show treats.

Switching gears, Celeste asks Suzanne about her career prior to competing. Suzanne dives into her 25-year career in retail fashion and how she fell into that industry after majoring in Sociology, a degree she decided on after not feeling called study subjects she did not enjoy, such as math. She shares that now she would love to become more involved in the health and fitness industry and focus on working with women over 40, encouraging them to believe in themselves and break the belief that age is a limiting factor on ones goals.

Next, Celeste asks Suzanne to share some of the setbacks and obstacles she experienced throughout her competing career. Suzanne shares that her first national show experience was delayed because of a surgery her doctor refused to let her put off after fighting through a hernia to step on stage at her two regional shows. Suzanne walks us through her journey of fighting through various injuries and sicknesses while doing everything in her power to step on those national stages and achieve her pro card.

Suzanne shares the impact her coach had while she was going through these tough times and how, no matter what, he encouraged her “not to let anyone beat her” and to push through the struggles. While on the topic of all things competing, Celeste asks Suzanne about her plans to step on stage for her pro debut, which leads Suzanne to share her plans and setbacks she is currently working through. Concluding the episode, Suzanne shares her best advice for new competitors and girls on their road to pro.
Connect with Suzanne: https://www.instagram.com/suzannefargo_ifbbpro/
Connect with Celeste: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/

Episode Time Stamps:
[1:40] Suzanne shares her pre-stage ritual with listeners.

[3:00] Celeste asks Suzanne about the morning of her national show and what happened that made it such a crazy experience.

[8:30] Suzanne shares the feedback she received from the various judges she competed in front before hitting the national stage.

[10:50] Celeste asks Suzanne to share what inspired her to start lifting.

[12:00] Suzanne explains what Osteopenia is and how she came to be diagnosed.

[15:35] Celeste asks if Suzanne had any pain in her bones when she started lifting due to her Osteopenia.

[17:15] Suzanne talks about feelings she had regarding her age; did she feel she was too old when she got started in competing?

[18:15] Celeste has Suzanne share her age with listeners.

[19:45] Suzanne shares her original thoughts on whether or not she would become an IFBB pro.

[25:00] Celeste asks Suzanne to share her experiences and approaches to preps with the different coaches she’s had throughout her career and if she’s found more enjoyment with one method in particular.

[28:40] Celeste asks Suzanne about her experiences switching coaches and if she had any doubts or difficulties leaving one to work with another.

[30:40] Suzanne shares how her coach, Shane, had an influence on her because of his strong belief in her abilities.

[32:00] Celeste and Suzanne discuss the importance of strategic planning with ones coach, especially while on the road to pro.

[34:15] Celeste asks Suzanne about what aspects she has enjoyed most about the approach she’s taken with her various coaches during her preps while on her road to pro and now starting her pro career.

[40:00] Suzanne talks about her nutrition and her method of taking half the week to eat a fully plant based diet.

[43:00] Suzanne talks about how she’s not one to crave sweets; her and Celeste talk about honoring your body’s cravings and not stressing over what to eat, especially post show.

[46:40] Celeste asks Suzanne about her career prior to finding competing.

[50:00] Suzanne talks about wanting to help women over 40 not let age be a deterring factor from them competing and her hopes that one day there will be a Masters Arnold & Olympia.

[54:00] Celeste has Suzanne share some adversities and difficulties she overcame while on her road to pro.

[56:30] Suzanne talks about how a hernia surgery impacted her post show plans after her second competition.

[60:00] Suzanne shares how she got ready for North Americans despite not being able to do any cardio due to bronchitis.

[63:15] Celeste asks Suzanne about her recovery after North Americans.

[64:40] Celeste asks Suzanne if she’s currently in prep for her pro debut and Suzanne shares what setbacks she’s been working through.

[70:30] Celeste has Suzanne share if there's anything else she’d like to tell listeners.

[71:30] Suzanne gives her best advice for first time competitors and girls on their road to pro.

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CAROLINE OFENSTEIN; Overcoming Binging, Self-Advocacy, Periodization, Visualizing, Committing to the Little Habits, and Having a Polar Opposite Partner

7/24/2020

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In this week’s episode IFBB Bikini Pro, wife and online coach Caroline Ofenstein talks with host Celeste Rains-Turk about her journey not only to her pro card but to the best version of herself.

After winning her pro status after just two shows, one of which was international in Columbia, Caroline shares her story of struggling with her relationship with food.

In a powerful turn of events, Caroline talks about the thought process that led to hiring Celeste as a mindset coach and the food freedom she found while working with Celeste. Caroline stresses the importance of slowing down, journaling and being as real as possible on her journey towards overcoming a negative food relationship.

After making the difficult decision to switch coaches, Caroline talks about the self-advocacy she developed in her own prep. She shares how important it was for her to tell her new coach exactly what she needed and why she needed it, such as explaining why a certain change was made to her plan.

Through this process and through obtaining her Precision Nutrition certification, Caroline shares the importance of periodizing her nutrition throughout the year to account for not only a prep, but the necessary improvement season that comes with it. She talks about how she really focuses her attention on her relationship with her friends, family and husband in the improvement season and how it helps when prep comes along and energy levels may not be what they once were.

Another tactic Caroline stresses the importance of is visualization throughout the whole process. Caroline shares how she visualized the entire day she won her pro card the night before from simple things like where she would put her things to the big picture, like receiving her trophy. She shares the knowledge that the body doesn’t know the difference between what is existing in the mind and what is happening outside and how that visualization helped her to manifest her pro card victory.

Caroline shares about the little habits that she does every day, whether she is in prep or not, that help her mindset in the sport. Habits such as meditation and journaling in the morning, taking an early bed time and staying off social media in the morning have helped her to come into the best version of herself.

She passionately discusses the importance of “turning off” work at a certain time of the day to separate her “work from home” life from her home life. She talks about how she doesn’t feel weighed down with work at the end of the night and the importance of remembering that there will always be “just one more thing” to do before bed, most of which are fine to wait until the next day.

Unlike a lot of competitors, Caroline shares how she and her husband are polar opposites when it comes to fitness. As described by Caroline, her husband has “naturally lean physique and an active job”, so fitness was never a big priority for him. When she made the decision to compete in a show, Caroline talks about how she sought her husband input on the decision. She shares how she sat him down to talk about the reality of prep and what he could expect when she got closer to her show.

As the episode concludes, Caroline shares some of her favorite exercises that targets the glutes, hamstrings and shoulders, and follows that with advice for the newbie competitor and one who is on the road to pro.

In this insightful and not too “hippie” episode, Caroline shares a mountain of helpful tips for the competitor at any stage in her journey to the stage.
CONNECT WITH CAROLINE HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/carolineofenstein_tcm/
and
https://linktr.ee/carolineofenstein_tcm
CONNECT WITH CELESTE HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
and
www.celestial.fit

EPISODE TIME STAMPS:
[2:28] Pre Stage Rituals
[3:25] Competition Journey
[4:36] Pushing calories to observe physique changes
[7:44] Choosing to discontinue CrossFit
[8:40] Sweeping all her classes in her first show and deciding to chase the pro card
[11:28] Competing in Columbia
[13:58] The importance of being specific in visualization
[17:19] Unconditional Self Worth
[20:46] Not basing self worth on success in bodybuilding
[24:56] Feedback after earning her pro card
[28:18] Developing a new plan with cancelled shows
[22:04] INSTAGRAM IS NOT REAL
[24:03] Positive Comparisons
[31:27] Caroline’s journey to improve her relationship with food
[34:45] Her inspiration to commit to the food freedom journey
[39:30] Adapting nutrition to meet the demands of prep or improvement season
[45:18] Committing to little habits in developing a daily routine
[51:43] Adding up the little routines over time
[53:49] Breaking up with your coach
[57:45] Determining what you need for your own long term success
[58:47] Self Advocacy
[1:00:42] Hormone Health
[1:04:09] The importance of addressing your personal demons revolving around your health situations
[1:09:21] The importance of improvement season in regards to overall health
[1:09:56] Making sacrifices in prep
[1:11:42] Investing more energy in personal relationships during improvement season
[1:10:32] Having a polar opposite partner
[1:12:32] Seeking her husbands input on her decision to compete
[1:13:24] The cause of hanger
[1:16:22] Long term competition plans
[1:20:17] Plans to start a family
[1:20:49] Favorite glute, hamstring and shoulder exercises
[1:26:27] Advice for new competitors
[1:27:29] Advice for competitors on the road to pro

LEARN MORE & APPLY FOR THE
FOOD RELATIONSHIP
HEALING AND DISCOVERY
COACHING PROGRAM HERE

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ALEJANDRA BALLESTEROS; Inner Champion, One Point Away, Heavy Lifting, and Fate

7/17/2020

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In this episode, Celeste has the pleasure of speaking with Alejandra Ballesteros, an IFBB Bikini pro who won her pro card at North Americans in 2018, who has overcome many adversities and hardships in her life to get to where she is today.

Besides being an IFBB Pro coached by Ryan Hinton, Alejandra is also an in-person & online trainer for both lifestyle and competition clients. As always, Celeste kicks off the episode by asking Alejandra if she has a special routine or ritual she runs through right before her heel hits the stage.

Alejandra shares her perspective on channeling her inner performer and the energy she brings and exudes when she hits the stage. From there, Celeste asks Alejandra to share, in her own words, her life’s mission.

Alejandra dives into how exactly she wants to use her platform as an IFBB Pro to help inspire others to prioritize health and discover and channel their inner champion. She then goes on to explain how she represents and embodies an inner champion on a day to day basis and the significance that role has in her own life.

Next, Celeste asks Alejandra to share her experiences with being bullied and how she used that as a motivator in the gym. The two briefly touch on the importance of self efficacy and how it translates to self confidence both in bodybuilding and life. Then, Celeste goes back to Alejandra’s experiences with bullying and asks Alejandra if it ever caused her to struggle with body image.

Alejandra shares many details about the bad habits she developed when she first wanted to get in shape, yet she really started to educate herself once she found the weight room and the gym. She also shares that along with the physical and mental changes fitness became more of a safe haven and representation of commitment instead of solely being something for her physical body.

Celeste then asks Alejandra if she feels she would have the success she has today in both competing and her career had it not been for her humble beginnings. Celeste asks Alejandra to elaborate more on her commitment to growth when it came to her career in fitness and Alejandra shares how her original job as a front desk worker at the gym evolved into pursuing a career in personal training.

She explains how the first few opportunities came her way before she felt fully ready to explore the world of personal training, yet after her experiences and relationships she built at the 6th Street Gold’s Gym, while still in college, she finally decided to open the door the next time that opportunity came knocking.

Alejandra shares the struggles she faced while pursuing personal training, something she found she had a passion for, while studying government at University of Texas. She talks about the depression she fell into while learning how to manage her conflicting feelings on her educational path.

After hearing more about her beginnings in the professional side of fitness, Celeste asks Alejandra what inspired her to make the decision to compete. Alejandra then goes on to tell listeners about how she met her current hair stylist who encouraged her to compete and reach out to a local trainer on Instagram, Lauren Flodquist, who through winning a giveaway, ended up becoming Ale’s mentor and role model.

Through the mentorship she met coach and Texas bodybuilding legend Dave Shockterly and worked with him up to her first competition where she competed in both figure and bikini. After competing for the first time she fell in love with the finesse of bikini, deciding that would be the division she pursued.

Although falling in love with competing after her first show, Alejandra found herself in a tough financial situation yet at the same time yearned for the stage and to continue progressing. Feeling lost and unsure of where to go, she reached out to her friend, Lauren, her former mentor, and Lauren encouraged Alejandra to reach out to a few different coaches.

Alejandra then got in touch with Team Legacy coach, Ryan Hinton, and she was immediately impressed with how invested Ryan was in helping her grow not only as an athlete physically but also mentally. Celeste asks Alejandra about the positive influence that Ryan had on her mentality and how that contributed to her success on her journey stepping on various national stages and ultimately earning her pro card. Next, Alejandra shares her experiences at her first national show and what it was like to meet JM Manion and Angelica Teixeira.

After her first national show she felt she had good momentum and following her gut, signed up for her second national show. Unfortunately, Alejandra didn’t realize the financial and mental toll doing back to back shows would have, and found herself stuck between sticking to social commitments she’d made with her boyfriend, or going all out to pursue her dream of becoming a pro. She decided that she felt the need to fearlessly chase her dream yet ended up losing her job while being only 10 days out from her second national show.

Alejandra takes listeners through what exactly happened at USAs and the lessons and takeaways she gained from that experience. Bouncing back from taking 3rd place at USAs and losing her job a week and a half before her show, Alejandra shares how she regained a job at Lifetime Fitness. From there, she recounts her journey to and experiences at North Americans, her third national show, and what obstacles she had to overcome to get there.

Alejandra shares the advice she received from head judge Sandy Williamson after her second national show and what she did to bring the physique the judges were looking for at North Americans. While reminiscing on the experience at North Americans, Alejandra shares some advice that she received from both JM Manion and Angelica Teixeira and Celeste asks that if, in retrospect, she understands why JM and Angelica encouraged her to do that specific show.

Next, the conversation transitions into Alejandra’s plans and focus as a new pro. Celeste asks Alejandra about the feedback she received after winning her pro card and what her plans are for her pro debut.

Celeste and Alejandra talk strategy, opening the floor for Alejandra to share how she approaches an improvement season and if she continues to work with her coach during that time. From there, Celeste and Alejandra discuss the topic of heavy lifting and Celeste asks Alejandra how incorporating that into her training has helped attribute to her success on stage.

Alejandra then shares insight on how she maintains her focus on heavy lifting while in prep and she tells listeners her favorite exercises for glutes, hamstrings, and shoulders. The conversation shifts into the benefits of experimenting with other forms of training and how to implement those into ones training to grow in the ways they hope. For example, the girls discuss what benefits come from seeking training advice from a power lifter to maximize gains in their biggest lifts thus seeing the necessary growth and improvement they desire for the stage.

After talking training, Alejandra opens up about some regrets she does have during her journey through her national shows yet she also shares the valuable lessons she learned from her experiences. She shares that winning her pro card was not what she expected and shares what she felt was the true prize. As always, concluding the episode Celeste asks Alejandra to give her best advice for first time competitors as well as the girls on their road to pro.

CONNECT WITH ALEJANDRA:
https://www.instagram.com/alejandra.ifbbpro/

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
WWW.CELESTIAL.FIT

EPISODE TIME STAMPS:
[2:40] Alejandra shares her pre-stage ritual.

[6:30] Celeste asks Alejandra to share what she feels is her life’s mission.

[8:00] Celeste has Alejandra explain the concept of an “inner champion,” and what that looks like to Alejandra on a day to day basis.

[8:52] Alejandra talks about how she channeled bullying she experienced as a motivator in the gym.

[12:25] Celeste asks Alejandra if she’s ever struggled with body image.

[16:50] Celeste asks Alejandra to expand on how she found fitness as more a safe haven & representation of commitment as opposed to just something for her body.

[18:30] Celeste asks Alejandra if she thought she would end up where she is today in terms of success in competing and her career while coming from such humble beginnings.

[20:30] Alejandra explains how working at the front desk evolved into her pursuing a job as a personal trainer.

[25:00] Ale shares her beginnings in personal training career while still being a student at University of Texas.

[26:10] Ale shares how she fell into a depression while struggling to find her true passion while studying & working full time.

[29:10] Celeste asks Alejandra what made her finally decide to compete.

[33:00] Ale talks about how her mentor ship opportunity was the sign she needed to finally pursue bodybuilding.

[40:30] Ale shares how she found her coach, Ryan Hinton, and how she came to be one of his athletes on Team Legacy.

[43:15] Celeste asks Ale about how her coach Ryan helps her grow mentally.

[44:00] Ale explains how after meeting her coach in person, she knew her and Ryan were meant to work together.

[46:10] Alejandra shares how her experiences with such positive influence from her coach impacted her journey through the various national shows while on her road to pro.

[54:00] Alejandra discusses the unexpected toll and consequences competing took on her personal and professional life while chasing her competition dreams.

[59:30] Alejandra shares how she bounced back from losing her job being only 10 days out from her next national show.

[63:30] Ale shares what she learned from her experience at USAs, coming up short of her pro card taking 3rd.

[69:00] Ale shares what she overcame and her experience at North Americans in Pittsburgh.

[73:15] Celeste asks Ale that, if in retrospect, she understands why Angelica and JM Manion told her to compete at North Americans when she had met them at her first national show.

[74:50] Celeste asks about the feedback Alejandra received from North Americans and her plans for stepping on stage for her pro debut.

[76:15] Alejandra shares if she has continued to work with her coach during this time given all the uncertainty with shows.

[77:28] Celeste asks how Alejandra’s strategy of incorporating heavy lifting has attributed to her success on stage.

[79:05] Alejandra shares insight to her strategy of maintaining her heavy lifts during prep.

[80:00] Alejandra answers the fun question of what her favorite exercises are for hamstrings, glutes, and shoulders.

[84:00] Celeste and Alejandra discuss the importance of seeking out training advice or strategies from others, for example powerlifters, to optimize strength gains and progressive overload in the gym.

[87:02] Alejandra shares a regret she has from her decisions yet the important lessons she learned from those experiences.

[89:40] Alejandra gives her best advice for first time competitors and for girls on their road to pro.

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ELIZABETH YISRAEL; 3 Best Takeaways for Life Learned in the Military, Scheduling for Success, Prioritizing Growth in and out of Competing, and Prepping Postpartum

7/10/2020

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In this episode Celeste talks with Liz Yisrael, a 3x Bikini Pro Champion who has competed on both the Arnold and Olympia stages, a mother, an army veteran, and a current logistics senior manager who has her Master’s Degree from West Point.

Celeste starts off the episode by having Liz share with listeners her pre stage ritual. From there, Celeste first asks Liz about her history in the military and what inspired her to join the army originally.

Liz shares that she not only wanted to serve the country but saw the military as a means to help pay for her education, as she grew up in a household raised by a hard-working single mom. She ended up extending her original five year commitment in the military from feeling so inspired by the people she was leading and serving.

The conversation then transitions to the most important things Liz learned during her time in the military and Celeste asks Liz about time management skills and how she incorporates discipline into her daily routine. Liz explains that commitment and attention to detail in her schedule is important for her to maintain the consistency with her priorities and leave no room for the excuse that something can’t get done.

Celeste shifts the focus to Liz’s role as a mother and asks Liz how her daily structures and priorities have changed since having her daughter, Madison. Liz mentions how she made an effort post-partum to take time for herself away from her daughter without any feelings of guilt and explains how she got back into training post-partum, what that process looked like, as well as the approach she took during her pregnancy in regards to monitoring training and diet.

Liz shares that she approached her pregnancy diet similarly to how she would an off season, yet allowed more leniency with “going over her macros” if she found herself hungry at the end of the day. Celeste then asks Liz about the difference between her preps and off seasons and Liz explains why she prefers macros over meal plans and why that method works best for her.

Next, Celeste brings up a topic that is not typically mentioned or talk about openly by competitors - the decision Liz made to drop her sponsorships during her time off. Liz explains the reasoning behind why she likes working with the sponsors she has and what brought about the decision to drop her sponsors while taking a break from competing.

From there, Liz dives into what drove her decision to take time away from the stage and Celeste asks Liz to share whether or not she felt she made improvements to her physique during her pregnancy. Liz then gives listeners some insight as to her competition plans for the 2020 season, as well as the goals she has for returning to either the Olympia or Arnold stages. Also, having stepped foot on both prestigious stages, Celeste has Liz talk about her experiences as well as the differences she’s noticed between the two competitions themselves.

After sharing insight and perspective on competing as a pro, Liz shares how she found bodybuilding and what motivated her to dive into the world of competing. Liz shares her early successes taking the overall in her first amateur competitions which led her to pursue nationals, yet that her road to pro was not an easy one. She explains how she had to climb the placings in various national shows, what she learned along the way, and what changes she had to make that finally led to her achieve the top spot and earn the coveted pro status.

Next, Celeste asks Liz about her preps: the approach she takes, what she endures during prep, and how she transitions from lifestyle lean to competition lean. Celeste also asks Liz how she maintains her health while in a prep and Liz mentions what she has changed or added to her routine over the years. Liz then answers a question from the listeners of whether she had noticed a difference between her preps pre- and post-baby. Since currently being in her improvement phase, Liz shares with listeners her favorite exercises for glutes, hamstrings and shoulders.

Switching the focus of conversation to a more personal note, Liz shares more about her husband and the transition he had to make when they were still dating and she started to lead a more “competitor lifestyle.” Aside from competing, Liz pursued other personal and career goals as well. Celeste asks Liz about those goals and how it felt to accomplish those goals, both personal and competition related.

Although she had to juggle long distance with her husband while trying to sell one of their houses, Liz was glad she took on a promotion at her job at Target Headquarters and Liz shares how she ended up at her current job being that she received her Masters Degree in Environmental Management. Wrapping up the episode as always, Liz shares her best advice for newbie competitors and girls on their road to pro.

CONNECT WITH LIZ HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/liz.yisrael.ifbbpro/
CONNECT WITH CELESTE HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
Episode Time Stamps:
[1:30] Liz shares her pre stage ritual.

[2:45] Celeste asks Liz what inspired her to join the army.

[3:50] Liz shares what made her sign onto the military for another 3 years after finishing the initial 5 she had agreed to.

[5:40] Celeste asks Liz more about her background in gymnastics and cheer at West Point.

[7:00] Liz talks about how she manages her time and incorporates discipline into her daily schedule.

[8:50] Celeste asks Liz if caring for her daughter, Madison, has made her schedule more difficult or harder to manage with the structure that Liz likes to maintain.

[10:20] Liz shares why it was so important for her to take time for herself post-partum and explains her transition back into training.

[12:40] Celeste asks Liz how she monitored her training and macros throughout her pregnancy.

[14:15] Liz explains the difference between her off seasons and her preps.

[15:50] Celeste asks Liz why she decided to drop her sponsors when she took a break from competing and during her pregnancy.

[17:30] Liz shares her reasons behind taking time away from the stage after competing in the 2018 Olympia.

[19:00] Celeste asks Liz if she feels that she made any improvements during her pregnancy and about her 2020 competition plans.

[23:40] Celeste asks Liz about her different experiences between competing at the Arnold and competing at the Olympia.

[25:30] Liz talks about how she got started in the world of competing.

[29:00] Liz explains how she went from overall wins at her first few competitions to climbing the placings over various national shows and what finally got her to achieve that pro status.

[32:15] Celeste asks Liz about the process and approach she uses to get from lifestyle lean to competition lean.

[35:00] Liz discusses if there’s been differences between her preps pre- and post-baby.

[36:30] Liz shares her favorite exercises for glutes, hamstrings and shoulders.

[38:50] Celeste asks Liz if her husband had to make adjustments to his habits or lifestyle when Liz got into competing.

[40:20] Liz talks about other goals and ventures she’s pursued outside of just her competition goals.

[43:50] Celeste asks Liz how she ended up in her current job after getting her Master’s in Environmental Management.

[48:20] Liz shares her advice for new competitors and girls on their road to pro.

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EMILY PARRIS; When the Road to Pro Ends, Living Your Life, Respecting the Title, Earned Not Given

7/3/2020

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In this episode Celeste has the pleasure of speaking with Emily Parris, an IFBB bikini pro who started competing in 2017 and competed in seven national shows before earning her pro card. Emily has her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology and works as a Regional Director of Operations for Reliant Rehab as well as a coach for competition and lifestyle clients.

Celeste starts off the episode by asking Emily about her pre-stage ritual and from there the conversation transitions into how Emily ended up competing for the first time “on a whim.” She shares that she was ready for a new challenge in her fitness journey and was drawn in by the sparkly bikinis, the hair, makeup, etc., yet even after signing up for her first show, had no idea what the NPC was or exactly what competing entailed.

From there, Emily goes on to tell listeners about her experience living abroad in Asia; how long she was there, what she did while living abroad, what made her decide to do so, and why she chose Asia. After sharing her experiences using her skills in speech pathology abroad, Celeste asks Emily to share how she got into the medical field and ultimately chose speech pathology as her career.

Emily then talks about how she manages her time between competing, life, and her full time job and how she organizes her days. Next, Celeste and Emily discuss the importance of consistency and commitment and how that is such a vital aspect of making the lifestyle work, and Emily shares her experiences of a time she had a hectic schedule being on prep and traveling between California and Utah for work.

Next, Celeste opens the conversation to the topic of relationships and asks Emily about not only her current relationship, but experiences she’s had with people who may not have been supportive of her lifestyle as a competitor. Emily talks about how growing up in Atlanta her desire to train for and participate in a bikini competition wasn’t widely understood and accepted right off the bat. She also opens up and talks about her fiancé Jeff, and the impact her lifestyle as a competitor has on their relationship.

After getting personal, Emily answers the fun question of what her favorite exercises are for shoulders, hamstrings and glutes and why she loves those exercises. Emily also admits that she has a least favorite exercise that her coach includes in her training program, yet she does them anyways!

Celeste asks Emily to share more about her coach, how she chose him and why she decided to switch coaches before competing in Universe and earning her pro card. Emily also talks about her experience competing at Wings of Strength and what it was like standing next to pros she had admired for years on social media and during her journey to becoming a pro herself.

Celeste and Emily then talk training strategy and the approach Emily took in terms of her training and time off to really transform her physique and hit the national circuit and eventually turn pro.

From there, Celeste opens up the conversation to the mindset aspect of the sport and asks Emily to share with listeners about her struggles during her off season in terms of mindset and how she had to learn to switch her perspective from “prep mode” to “improvement season mentality.”

Also, Emily talks about a setback she had during her first off season and explains the changes she has made to have more successful off seasons in the future. Emily and Celeste discuss the importance of living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, no matter the goal, as long as there as passion and self fulfillment attached to that goal.

Next, Emily talks about what she learned about her body, herself and the sport during her journey competing in various national shows before finally achieving the coveted pro status. She mentions respecting the sport and respecting the process instead of just trusting it and how understanding that respect made a difference in her outlook on her journey.

Emily also shares why its so important to have love for the sport beyond just attaining the pro status and shares some goals that she has for this 2020 season, all while wanting to keep her expectations in a specific realm of where she feels personal success - whether that means making it to the Olympia stage or simply achieving callouts in her shows.

Emily then talks about posing and presenting her physique on stage and her experiences working with a male posing coach as opposed to a female posing coach. She mentions the distinction she makes between criticism and feedback and how she uses that to continue to make necessary adjustments to present her physique the best way possible, whether that be with a male or female posing coach. Finishing off the episode as always, Emily shares her advice for the first time competitor as well as her advice for girls who are on their road to pro.

CONNECT WITH EMILY HERE: https://www.instagram.com/eparrisfitness/
CONNECT WITH CELESTE HERE: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/

EPISODE TIME STAMPS
[1:40] Emily shares her pre-stage ritual.

[2:50] Celeste asks Emily to elaborate on how she ended up doing her first competition “on a whim.”

[8:00] Emily tells listeners all about her experience living abroad in Asia; why she decided to go and what she did while living there.

[12:20] Celeste asks Emily what led her to choose a career in speech pathology.

[16:00] Emily goes into detail about what exactly she does as a speech pathologist.

[20:30] Celeste has Emily share how she manages her time between work, competing, and life.

[23:30] Emily shares how consistency is so important to make this lifestyle work, regardless of how busy she is with work and training.

[26:40] Celeste and Emily talk significant others and Celeste asks Emily if she’s had experiences with people in her life who didn’t support her goals and visions.

[30:45] Emily tells listeners her favorite exercises for shoulders, hamstrings, and glutes.

[33:40] Emily shares when she decided to switch coaches and the reasoning behind it.

[34:40] Celeste asks Emily what it was like to stand on stage next to pros who she had looked up to before reaching that level.

[37:30] Celeste asks Emily to share what she felt made the biggest difference in terms of transforming her physique during her time away from the stage before finally earning her pro card.

[43:00] Emily shares insight as to how she shifted her mentality from a strict prep mode into a more relaxed off season/improvement season mindset.

[49:50] Celeste asks Emily how she overcame some setbacks from her initial post show experience to her current improvement season.

[54:15] Emily talks about what she learned about herself, her body, and the sport during her time between her various national shows before finally achieving the coveted pro status.

[59:00] Celeste and Emily discuss the importance of not just trusting the process but respecting the process and the sport.

[61:40] Emily mentions how this current off season has been her most successful and how it’s helped with her goals for this year.

[66:20] Celeste asks Emily about her experiences working with a male posing coach.

[70:00] Emily shares her advice for girls who want to get into competing and the competitors on their road to pro.

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SUZANNE FARGO; Osteopenia, Being Great v Being the Greatist, Overcoming Illnesses & Injuries, Never too Old & Never too Late

CAROLINE OFENSTEIN; Overcoming Binging, Self-Advocacy, Periodization, Visualizing, Committing to the Little Habits, and Having a Polar Opposite Partner

ALEJANDRA BALLESTEROS; Inner Champion, One Point Away, Heavy Lifting, and Fate

ELIZABETH YISRAEL; 3 Best Takeaways for Life Learned in the Military, Scheduling for Success, Prioritizing Growth in and out of Competing, and Prepping Postpartum

EMILY PARRIS; When the Road to Pro Ends, Living Your Life, Respecting the Title, Earned Not Given

Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast

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