The Confessions of a Bikini Pro Podcast was established in May of 2018 as the first and only place where IFBB Bikini Pros share their struggles, strategies, stories, insights, and advice in a real, raw, and vulnerable setting. Host, Celeste Rains-Turk, dives into the parts of these professionals' lives that aren't always openly discussed in the public eye or on social media (You know, the stuff we tend to wonder about the most).
The goal of this podcast is to educate, inspire, and remind other competitors, athletes, or the average gym goer that even the most elite professionals face hardships, health problems, mental obstacles, and other adversities.
There are a wide range of topics discussed including, but DEFINITELY NOT limited to; post-show rebound, health complications, eating disorders, mental illnesses, winning mindset, dealing with losses, judges feedback, approaches to the stage, life outside of competing, money, relationships, philosophy, pursuing passions, and SO MUCH MORE!
All show notes, episode time stamps, links, and information can be found on www.celestial.fit/podcast
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MICHELLE FERDINAND-JACQUES; How Natural Pros Qualify for the Olympia, Start Late, Competing through Loss
In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Michelle Ferdinand-Jacques, a 43-year-old working mom of four, nurse practitioner, and founder of MLJ Aesthetics. Michelle began competing in June 2023 and quickly made her mark in the sport. She earned her Pro card at her second national show, the 2024 Ben Weider Naturals, and made her Pro debut at the DC Pro/Am, where she placed second in the Natural division.
Michelle shares how she balances motherhood, running a business, and bodybuilding, all while proudly competing as a natural and Masters athlete. We talk about her mindset during prep, her commitment to posing practice, and how she’s stayed mentally strong through personal loss and life’s many challenges. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start, and that with discipline and belief in yourself, anything is possible.
TOPICS COVERED
-Being a natural and Masters athlete
-Trusting your coach and the process
-The importance of posing practice
-Navigating show day stress
-Balancing family, work, and prep
-Overcoming loss and staying mentally strong
CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website: http://www.celestial.fit
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CONNECT WITH MICHELLE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missy_loves_fitness/
TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:20 competing at her Pro debut
8:02 proud to be a natural athlete
10:15 entering the sport as an older athlete
15:01 mission for the season
22:33 navigating a stressful show day
24:41 working on improvements
28:08 life before bodybuilding
32:20 family and bodybuilding
37:57 overcoming challenges in prep
45:40 a day in the life
48:57 advice for competitors
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