FELICIA CHANG- Fit Model Pro; How Can I Make this Sustainable?, Musical Theater to Bodybuilding, Loving Support

Today’s guest is one of the newest IFBB Fit Model Pros, and her story is such a great reminder that sometimes one random moment can completely change the direction of your life.

As a college student majoring in musical theatre, she wasn’t even sure what path she wanted to take. Then one day, while scrolling Instagram with her roommate, she stumbled across bodybuilding—and thought, “I want to do that.”

What started as curiosity quickly became a passion that transformed her discipline, confidence, community, and ultimately her career. She went on to earn her IFBB Pro card by winning the overall at NPC JR USAs before making her professional debut at the St. Pete Pro.

Today we’re talking about finding your passion unexpectedly, learning through both victories and setbacks, and why this most recent prep has felt so different from her very first one.

Welcome to the show, Felicia Chang

Felicia's Personal Journey

Felicia, one of the newest IFBB fit model pros, shared her journey from studying musical theater to discovering bodybuilding through Instagram, which led to her earning an IFBB Pro Card and winning the overall at the NPC USA Championships before making her Pro debut at the St. Pete Pro. The discussion focused on how a random moment changed Felicia's career direction and would explore themes of finding passion unexpectedly, learning from victories and setbacks, and why her most recent preparation was different.

Bikini to Fit Model Transition

Celeste interviewed Felicia Chang about her transition from bikini competitor to fit model. Felicia shared that after placing fifth in her first bikini show, she took a break and later successfully transitioned to fit model, where she found the expectations more manageable as it's a new division. Felicia explained that her coach initially thought she was too muscular for fit model but later confirmed she could compete in the division after a successful show in April.

Bodybuilding Prep Experience Comparison

Felicia discussed her experience comparing her first prep to her current prep, noting that her first prep was much more challenging as she had no prior training or knowledge about cutting. She explained that her current prep has been easier due to her increased knowledge and better understanding of how to train and maintain a deficit. Felicia also mentioned that her initial weight loss in February was achieved through a less structured approach, which helped set her up for success in her current prep.

Bodybuilding Perceptions and Experiences

Celeste and Felicia discussed Felicia's initial perceptions of bodybuilding and how they changed after seeing a post about Laura Lee. Felicia explained that she previously thought bodybuilding involved getting as big as possible without knowing about different divisions, but the post showed her a more elegant and beautiful version of the sport. They also discussed how Felicia's stage experience from musical theater may have helped her overcome stage fright in bodybuilding competitions.

Career Transition to Bodybuilding

Felicia discussed how her transition from musical theater to bodybuilding transformed her daily routine and sense of purpose. She explained that while she had been passionate about musical theater since childhood, attending a conservatory program at Carnegie Mellon made her realize it wasn't the right fit for her long-term career goals. After switching to a liberal arts program, Felicia found that her interest in pursuing musical theater professionally had diminished, leading her to discover bodybuilding as a new passion that consumed her attention and time, requiring an early morning schedule of 4 AM wake-ups and gym sessions.

Bodybuilding and Life Balance Discussion

Celeste and Felicia discussed Felicia's background in dance, particularly hip hop and musical theater, including her experience performing as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Felicia shared how her approach to bodybuilding has evolved, moving from a highly meticulous first prep to a more intuitive and sustainable lifestyle that allows her to maintain better quality of life and enjoy activities like traveling with family. Both participants agreed on the importance of maintaining balance between competition goals and life experiences, with Celeste sharing her own experience of having a successful prep while getting married and traveling.

Sustainable Fitness and Coaching Strategies

Celeste and Felicia discussed sustainable fitness approaches and coaching strategies, with Felicia sharing how she helps clients maintain flexibility while traveling by encouraging estimated portion control and allowing treats rather than strict perfection. Felicia described her own competitive experience, noting she placed overall at Junior USA's but received feedback at St. Petersburg about being too bubbly and muscular in her posing, which she is now addressing by adjusting her approach for upcoming competitions.

Competitive Posing Technique Adjustments

Felicia discussed her adjustments to her physique and posing technique following feedback from the St. Petersburg competition, where she did not place as expected. She has lost about two pounds since the event and is refining her front and back poses to appear leaner and less glute-dominant, with positive feedback from her coach on a new front pose she practiced with Liz Trampas. Despite initial disappointment, Felicia recognized her strong physical presentation and is committed to making improvements for future competitions.

Vancouver Show Prep Updates

Felicia discussed her upcoming show in Vancouver in July and mentioned she's working with her coach on macros to come in slightly leaner. She shared how moving to Las Vegas in January has significantly improved her fitness journey by surrounding herself with a supportive bodybuilding community at Cult Fitness, where she trains alongside other competitors like Ashley Kay. Felicia noted that her husband has been very supportive, attending her shows and eating a similar diet, while also observing that she has developed better mental resilience during this prep compared to her previous competition.

Bodybuilding Competition Success Story

Felicia discussed her recent success in winning a pro card at a bodybuilding competition, describing the shock and joy of the moment. She shared how her supportive family, particularly her parents, have been instrumental in her bodybuilding journey, even attending shows and following her progress closely. Felicia expressed gratitude for the Colt Fitness community and offered advice to aspiring competitors, emphasizing the importance of hard work and maintaining a positive mindset regardless of results.

CONNECT WITH FELICIA:

Websites: https://linktr.ee/feliciadabeast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feliciathebeast/

CONNECT WITH CELESTE:

Website:http://www.celestial.fit

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/

• All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html