MOTHER'S DAY SERIES: SHAYLA HUBBARD; Pro Card to Pregnancy, Is it Time to Start a Family?, Infertility, Making the Most of Goal Setting, Calming the Mind

Celeste kicks off the Mother’s Day series talking to Shayla Hubbard, an IFBB Bikini Professional who has a mission to inspire others to be happy and healthy, loves to teach others how to eat out is possible while sticking to their goals, and is currently 35 weeks pregnant with her first child! 

Celeste starts off the episode by asking Shayla about her pre-stage ritual and before diving into the topic of pregnancy, Celeste asks Shayla about her experience with thyroid cancer. Shayla shares what led her to find out she even had cancer to begin with and how that inspired her to decide to pursue competing and the effect that her cancer recovery had on her competing career over time. 

Next, Celeste asks Shayla about her strategies and tips for eating out while staying on track with her health and fitness goals. Shayla goes into how the “If It Fits Your Macros” approach has helped her and how to go about incorporating that into your lifestyle even during a diet period. 

Shayla talks about the importance goal setting has in her day to day and how she uses those goal setting practices to help her succeed and not feel overwhelmed or compare herself to others. 

Celeste then asks Shayla about how her priorities and expectations of her circumstances have changed since becoming pregnant. Shayla shares what drove her decision to start family planning and becoming pregnant shortly after earning her pro card and the journey and experiences she and her husband went through with infertility, discussing the mental and emotional tolls it took on the both of them. 

Shayla opens the conversation to the topic of her menstrual cycle and how her experiences with losing it because of competing could have affected her ability to get pregnant. From there, Celeste and Shayla dive into a vulnerable dialogue of each individual’s experiences with the loss of a period or continuous bleeds and the steps they took to get it back, the emotions involved and the mental work they had to do to stay positive and assure themselves they were making the best decisions for their health. 

Shayla discusses how she uses the strategy of goal setting and affirmations to help keep her calm and focused on what she can control to have the best possible outcome during uncertain situations. 

Celeste then asks Shayla about her feelings of being pregnant while dealing with the coronavirus situation. Shayla concludes the episode by sharing with listeners her best advice for newbie competitors and girls on their road to pro.
CONNECT WITH SHAYLA: https://www.instagram.com/shayhubfit/
CONNECT WITH CELESTE: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/

Episode Time Stamps:
[1:30] Shayla shares with us her pre-stage ritual.

[2:30] Celeste asks Shayla to share how her experience with thyroid cancer inspired her to pursue competing.

[8:10] Celeste asks Shayla about how her practices and habits since cancer recovery affected her bodybuilding career over time.

[11:40] Shayla gives her insight as to the importance of a proper reverse diet and off season.

[13:30] Celeste has Shayla dive into the topic of IIFYM and eating out while adhering to your fitness & nutrition goals.

[15:25] Shayla dives into goal setting and shares her best tips and strategies she uses.

[19:00] Celeste reiterates important points Shayla mentions about goal setting as well as shares important insights on habits and the affect they have on our lives.

[23:00] Shayla talks about how she’s adjusted her expectations based on her circumstances during her pregnancy.

[24:30] Celeste asks how Shayla’s training and nutrition has changed or been impacted because of her pregnancy.

[28:00] Shayla talks about what made her decide to start family planning instead of continuing competing shortly after becoming a pro.

[34:10] Shayla shares her experiences dealing with infertility and the steps her & her husband took to get pregnant.

[38:20] Celeste asks about the emotional and mental toll of both Shayla and her husband while dealing with the infertility.

[44:00] Shayla talks about how her fitness and competing goals have shifted or changed since becoming pregnant.

[48:00] Shayla opens the conversation about her menstrual cycle and competing, the possible effects it could have had on her getting pregnant.

[51:00] Celeste and Shayla dive into a deep and vulnerable conversation about hormonal changes, the loss & regain of a period, emotions attached to their experiences with that and competing in terms of how it could affect their future fertility.

[55:00] Shayla asks Celeste to share her experiences with the loss of her period and the steps she took to get it back.

[59:06] Shayla shares her plans of how she will approach body love and steer away from feelings of self loathing.

[65:15] Celeste asks if Shayla has any practices she is currently using to stay calm and mentally prepare herself for the future.

[72:20] Celeste and Shayla talk about Shayla’s experiences being pregnant during this time with the Coronavirus.

[76:24] Shayla gives her best advice for new competitors and for girls on their road to pro.

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