The Backstage Bikini Podcast

For EP 49, we had the pleasure of welcoming one of the UK’s leading prep coaches, @amplified_nutrition head coach @jakewatts_ampJake has a wealth of knowledge and a huge roster of both professional and amateur bikini athletes, this was an episode that was long overdue.In this episode we cover:- How Jake built the business he stands so proudly at the forefront of now, his commitments beyond bodybuilding and how he juggles this;- His approach to coaching and peaking athletes at different levels, how has this changed over the years, if at all;- Managing athlete mindsets, what does he do to prepare an athlete for stage psychologically and why does this make a difference;- The biggest challenges facing bikini athletes now vs then, his views on how the sport is accelerating and whether this is impacting decision making by coaches and athletes;- Is bikini still an entry level division? His thoughts on why bikini is so hard to nail, manipulations to consider and where his athletes need him the most.This really was an incredible discussion, with so much food for thought. Jake advocates so highly for his athletes and you can truly see his passion shine through the way he talks about his commitment to them. As always, please like, comment and share! We love to hear your feedback and whether you’re taking value forward.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 48 1 Bro Pro & 10x Ben Weider Review with @paulrevelia is now live on all platforms.It was a pleasure to have Paul return to the podcast for the second time and having spent the weekend in the UK to watch the show, we couldn’t wait to hear his insight. The standard across the whole show was something to be incredibly proud of and in this episode we talk through results, placings, Paul’s first impressions of how European shows differ from the USA and all the bits in between.It was an incredible moment for Paul to not only be here to support his client @ottavia_mazza_ifbbpro  with @stephenbeaugrand but to then watch her secure her Olympia qualification. ⭕️ 🏆 He discusses her feedback, their approaches from show to show, how he manipulated her look from the Arnold’s to the 1 Bro Pro Show and her plans going forward into the year. As always, these are our opinions only. We do not purport to be, nor are we, IFBB judges and our opinions are not shared to contend or question judges decisions and feedback, only to celebrate and discuss the criteria and the standard that is being set by these incredible athletes. Make sure you tune in, and let us know your thoughts about the show. What did you think of the placings? Did it meet your expectations? Let us know! Huge congratulations to your newest IFBB Bikini Pro @celina.schlz at the incredible age of just 21. A huge future in the sport and undoubtedly the clear winner on the day. Congratulations to all of the ladies who competed, both at an amateur and professional level.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 47 Arnold Classic Bikini International Results and Review is now live on all platforms and we had the pleasure of discussing the results with our fave North East lass and bikini competitor @charl_emilyyAs always, a highly anticipated show which undoubtedly sets the standard for the rest of the competitive year! This show didn’t disappoint at all; from the physiques displayed to the showmanship each of the ladies showed and continue to demonstrate, it truly was a pleasure to watch! Charlotte sat up until all hours committing herself to seeing who took the title and we couldn’t wait to have her on to discuss her thoughts! This week we talk through the top 6 placings and athletes individually and provide our own views about the results and why we think athletes placed where they did. We saw the return of @angelicaht and a close battle between @fitnessbyaims and @lauraliechap got the title. As always, these are our opinions only. We do not purport to be, nor are we, IFBB judges and our opinions are not shared to contend or question judges decisions and feedback, only to celebrate and discuss the criteria and the standard that is being set by these incredible athletes. Make sure you tune in, and let us know your thoughts about the show. What did you think of the placings? Did it meet your expectations? Let us know! Nothing but admiration for these athletes, they bring an incredible show and set a fantastic standard for the sport. Huge congratulations to your 3x Miss Bikini International @lauraliechap and all of the other beautiful ladies that competed. Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 46 is now live on all platforms and these guests truly need little introduction: 2x Miss Bikini international, Lauralie Chapados and owner of Iron University, Aldo Parades.Pinch us!!!!This was a once in lifetime conversation and we will remain eternally grateful for the time and transparency both Lauralie and Aldo offered up during this conversation. We cover:- Lauralie’s background, what brought her to bodybuilding and her career to date;- “Balance” , what lessons has Lauralie learned over the years, how have those affected jer priorities and values now, what if anything would she change about her journey?- Feedback from this years Olympia and her experience this year compared to previous Olympia appearances: What adaptations have they made to her approach in readiness for the Arnold Ohio?- Training considerations and how she has had to adapt over time, to refine her physique? - Their opinion of the development of the class over the years? What if anything has changed?- Off season and her approach to ensuring she pours into her life beyond the stage.- Challenges along the way; has she ever encountered self doubt? - Advice for athletes; the importance of remaining present, absorbing the process and embracing all that comes with it.The takeaways from this episode are invaluable. Lauralie is an icon of the sport and her insight is not something to be disregarded. She continues to inspire us and the community we love and we can’t wait to see her up on stage in 2 weeks time!You can follow both Lauralie and Aldo at:@lauraliechap@ironuniversity Where you can find links to their services and keep up to date with them both!Please make sure you tune in, share and let us have your feedback!Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 45 is now live on all platforms and we had the pleasure of inviting IFBB Bikini Pro, and Posing Portal Coach Beatriz Biscaia @biscaiapro ​​Beatriz turned pro at 17, and qualified for and competed at the prestigious @mrolympiallp twice, all before turning 20. She has excelled in the sport at such a pivotal age, with her whole life ahead of her and we couldn’t wait to chat with her to discuss how she navigated that at such an early age.​In this episode we discuss: Beatriz’s journey to stage, her training background, her IFBB pro card win and competing at the Olympia at just 18 years old; Her mindset throughout; dealing with the pressure of turning pro at such a young age, juggling life, competing and studying; Her reasons for stepping away from competing; what contributed to her decision to take a break away from the stage, binge eating, body image, losing her identity; How she dealt with this period of her life; the impact on how she identified with herself, lessons and boundaries that arose as a result; Returning to stage; her non-negotiables in relation to protecting her net.​And so much more. ​​This conversation was like a free therapy session. It is incredibly important to ensure that as athletes, we take responsibility not only for our conduct as athletes, but for all of the other things that feed into who we are as people too.  Beatriz’ mindset and application to herself and the sport is, and always has been, beyond her years ​and it was a pleasure to hear her share her thoughts and experiences.​You can follow Beatriz and her return to stage on Instagram at @biscaiapro and you can find her at @theposingportal for all your posing enquiries.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 44 is now live on all platforms and we’re kicking off 2024 with an industry known Coach - The Glute Guy and Inventor of the Hip Thrust, none other than @bretcontreras1! ​​Bret is a pioneer, with a wealth of knowledge and experience - very few come close to his expertise, so we couldn’t wait a second longer to sit down and pick his brains on all things glute development.​​In this episode we discuss:- Bret’s background, how he became involved in the industry and his career to date;- How female training has evolved over the years, his approaches and beliefs now vs then;- Optimising glute development, considerations for programming and exercise selection; - Compound vs accessory movements for glute growth and why it’s important to do the “fluff”’work;- Camp mentality in relation to programming female bikini/wellness athletes, misogyny and bias relating to programming for female/bikini athletes;- Genetics in bodybuilding and the bikini division, how much do they play a part;- Sumo stance vs conventional movement patterns and his views on efficiency for glute growth- Common mistakes he sees frequently which may be contributing to your lack of progress​​And so much more. ​​For all our bikinis girls, coaches looking to level up their knowledge or anyone interested in maximising their glute training. This is a must listen.​​There a few episodes that will top this one and we’re extremely grateful to Bret for dedicating his precious time to sharing his thoughts.​​You can follow Bret at @bretcontreras1 and keep up with all of his work and follow his athletes too.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Our final episode of the year is live and it was a perfect opportunity to reflect on our year, to celebrate the success of the podcast and thank everyone for help make our dream a reality.It’s been a transformative year for us both and we are incredibly grateful for the year we’ve had. The highs, the lows and everything in between.Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.Jade and Grace The Backstage Bikini Podcast xMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

This week we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Bikini Olympian, @allisontestu on the podcast.Allison has been nothing but an inspiration to both Grace and Jade and we have each followed Alison’s competitive career from back when she was an amateur athlete, so to have the opportunity to sit with her and discuss her career, her recent decisions surrounding which division she felt she belonged in, was such an honour.In this episode we discuss:How Allison came to be an IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete, her background and what led her to competitive bodybuildingHer experiences in competing for different federations and why she chose the NPC/IFBBHer biggest struggles since becoming a professional athleteBikini vs wellness, where she belongs, considerations surrounding choices to pursue a career in wellnessOff season vs prep, how does this differ for her?Posing for the bikini criteria, feedback she has received and how she manipulates her lookHer future plans and upcoming competitive seasonAnd so much more.It was an incredible chat and in particular Allison’s values and passion for her health and for the sport truly shon through! We are so grateful to have spoken with her and look forward to following her career!You can follow Allison at @allisontestu and you can also submit enquiries for posing with her via Instagram as well.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 41 is now live on all platforms and this week we got to sit down and talk all things glam with @daniellespencer_makeupDanielle has been a leading MUA and stylist in the bodybuilding industry for as long as Grace and I have been competing.In this episode we cover DIY make up looks, dos and don’ts, tips, tricks and lots of recommendations to armour you with all you could possibly need to choose your stage glam. Danielle has a wealth of knowledge and with the limited time us ladies get to truly shine on stage, it’s so important we get the look right, so that we’re bringing the very best version of ourselves as athletes, and individuals, to stage.You can follow Danielle at @daniellespencer_makeup and enquire all about her showday services with her too!If you do enjoy this episode please be sure to share and tag us on social media!Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 40 is now live and we welcome Supplement Needs formulator, educator and pharmacologist @deanstm on the podcast.​​We have been dying to open up the floor for you all, to discuss the impact this sport can have on your hormonal health and fertility and we could think of no one better than Dean to throw ours, and more importantly our listeners, questions out for open discussion.​​In this episode we discuss:​​- What is meant by hormonal replacement therapy, what is it’s objective and how do the mechanics differ between male and female athletes;- What are the impacts of competing on overall hormonal health, what can we come to expect by pushing our bodies to this extreme;- Considerations prior to the introduction of hormone replacement; knee jerk reactions and common mistakes when it comes to introducing replacement therapies;- The importance and role of blood work and how this can help make educated and informed decisions;- Fertility and the impact of prolonged exposure to the sport, what considerations need to be made if having a family is a long term goal;- Femtest, what is its role and why are we seeing a rise in administrations to female athletes;- Performance enhancement and hormonal implications, what differs when managing an enhanced athlete’s health, vs an athlete that competes naturally;​​And so much more.​​This episode is by no means meant to be prescriptive and all decisions in relation to the introduction of any therapy or performance enhancement shouldn’t be made without consultation with a registered medical professional and with appropriate education around the topic, your coach.​​An incredibly valuable conversation and one we hope will equip our listeners with the tools to ask pertinent questions when it comes to their health in the sport.​​You can access further in depth information on www.sneducation.co.uk.You can explore Supplement Needs female range, and all your supplementation needs at www.supplementneeds.co.uk​​Follow Dean at @deanstm @sn_education_@supplement_needsMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Our Bikini Olympia 2023 review is now live across all platforms, and Jade and I are sitting down to unpack the aftermath and all the electrifying moments from the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding!We're diving deep into the best physiques in the world, exploring their stage presence and the remarkable improvements showcased by the athletes.Also celebrating our 2023 Olympia Champ, Jennifer Dorie, who clinched the prestigious title for the second time!Our honest thoughts on each athlete, coupled with our personal favourite looks and standout moments.As always, our opinions are unfiltered and entirely our own.Whether you're a seasoned competitor or simply a fan of watching the best of the best within the sport, this episode is a must watch.Tune in, relive the triumphs, and join the discussion.Did the athletes exceed expectations, or did some bring unexpected surprises?Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

In this episode we welcome @rachelvsymons to predict this years Bikini Olympia placings!It was an honour to have Rachel host this podcast with us. She follows the division avidly and has been a die hard listener and supporter of the podcast ever since it launched, so it was a pleasure to share the mic with her this week.With 52 athletes qualifying this year, the show will certainly not disappoint. It’s an incredibly competitive line up, made up of our most beloved icons but also some new pro athletes emerging and well and truly making their mark this year qualifying to stand on the prestigious @mrolympiallc stage.This week we talk through our predicted placings  and provide our own views about why we think there is all to play for at this years Olympia.We want to hear your predictions! Let us know your views, whether you agree or disagree with the predictions and who is your Miss Bikini Olympia Champ ahead of the weekend? As always these are our views only and we have nothing but admiration for ladies stepping on stage, each one is worthy of being celebrated and supported no matter the opinion shared.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

WERE BACK! And we have the pleasure of introducing EP 37 with former bikini competitor, Nutritionist, CBT therapist and one half of @theflourishing.society Charlotte Pickstock @charlypfit.We’re entering the latter end of the competitive year and with that comes a lot of challenges that a lot of competitors will undoubtedly face, so it was an invaluable opportunity to get Charly on to discuss not only her own experiences and the work she’s currently doing with competitors.In this episode we cover- Charly’s competing journey, her history in the sport and what contributed to her decision to step away from stage;- The Flourishing Society; what motivated you to create this community and what support they provide;- Common issues which arise for her clients and how common are these in the industry right now? - How can an athlete separate what is “normal”, post show struggles versus those that are more chronic and may require more intensive support;- Red flags when it comes to someone’s relationship with food and their body, steps you can take to overcome these;- Is it possible to address issues surrounding bodybuilding and relationships and return to stage? - Addressing your identity beyond bodybuilding; struggles people face and how to overcome them;- Others opinions, the community and the message which is being received externally and impact that has on post show, stepping away from stage;- Coaching and client responsibilities to manage an athletes exposure to the sport and their journey from start to finish;And so much more.This conversation really brought home the importance of addressing and supporting an athletes experience in the sport beyond just the physique.We hope you loved this just as much as we did.You can find Charly, and the Flourishing Society at: @charlypfit & @theflourishing.societyMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 36 is now live and we had the sincere pleasure of chatting to 2x Miss Olympia and 4x Arnold Classic Bikini Champion, Angelica Teixeira.Yet another surreal moment for Grace and Jade; Angelica embodies everything that a true champion and icon of the sport should, and despite stepping away from competing since her last season in 2020, she remains to many, the bikini standard!In this episode we discuss:-  Angelica’s background, how she got into competing, her competitive career to date and what her aspirations were when she entered the sport; - Bikini now vs then, what’s changed? The evolving standard and how she thinks that has impacted the accessibility of the sport;- Setbacks and success, what were her greatest challenges along the way?- Mindset, managing losses and how that impacted her?- Angelica is still considered to be the standard of the bikini division; how does that make her feel and how did she manage the pressures that came with carrying that mantle?- Becoming a mum; how did she navigate that process from an identity standpoint?-What the future holds for her;And so much more. This is probably one of the most inspiring conversations Grace and Jade have had and one that will stay with us forever. You can follow Angelica on Instagram: @angelicaht and all coaching enquiries can be found via @fitbodyfusionMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

In today’s episode we are hosting a Sheru Classic UK Results and Review podcast and we had the pleasure of discussing the results with none other than Hannah Wares.  This was a highly anticipated pro/AM show with amateur athletes competing for not only the pro card, but a chance to compete in a pro bikini line up the same day! We had some huge names from the European and UK bikini scene and we couldn’t wait to see which of the 24 beautiful athletes were going to take the ticket to the Olympia.  Hannah has years of experience in the sport and is present at 99% of the shows hosted in the UK, constantly immersing herself in the bodybuilding space,  so we could think of no one else to hop on the podcast and share their views. This week we talk through the top 6 placings and athletes individually and provide our own views about the results and why we think athletes placed where they did.As always, these are our opinions only. We do not purport to be, nor are we, IFBB judges and our opinions are not shared to contend or question judges decisions and feedback, only to celebrate and discuss the criteria and the standard that is being set by these incredible athletes. Make sure you tune in, and let us know your thoughts about the show. What did you think of the placings? Did it meet your expectations? Let us know! Nothing but admiration for these athletes, they bring an incredible show and set a fantastic standard for the sport. Huge congratulations to them all.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

For Episode 34, we had the pleasure of speaking to IFBB Bikini Pro Emily Olivia.​​As a lifetime natural athlete, Emily is incredibly passionate about exhausting her natural potential in this sport, which is a message we feel has been lost over recent years in the pursuit of fast success.​​In this episode Emily covers:​ - Her competing background; her experience of competing in multiple federations and finding her home in the IFBB;- Her success leading up to her Pro win and the challenges she faced with her mindset along the way;- Competing as a natural athlete and the importance of off season; her scale progress, different approaches, things she has learned with each approach;- Post show experiences; food relationships, ​ learning how her body and mind responds and managing the impact of poor decisions; - Managing competing year on year; has that had an impact on her physiologically, how she manages her prep and time away from stage. - Pressures and the stigma of performance enhancement; her experiences within the sport- Current and future competing plans in the Pro League;- Advice for competitors who are new to the sport and contemplating their potential success as a natural athlete​​It was an incredibly important conversation to have and Emily doesn’t hold back in sharing her experiences. Her transparency and honesty is something Grace and I truly admire and we hope her passion for competing naturally, reaches those athletes that are still finding their feet in this sport, and helps athletes make educated decisions beyond this podcast.​​You can follow Emily’s career, hit up for posing and coaching at @emilyoliviaifbbproMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Episode 33 is now live and it was nothing short of an honour to have Team Elite Physique founder, global bikini prep coach, Adam Bonilla on the podcast this week.Adam truly has been a pioneer in representing the bikini division. He dedicates his time not only to applying that knowledge and passion to his athletes and practice, but to sharing information to a worldwide audience, all to make the division better understood and to ensure the division stays true to what it represents; an entry into female competitive bodybuilding.Adam covers :-- The bikini division then and now; evolution of the look;- Common mistakes and misconceptions he sees when it comes to coaching bikini athletes;- The artistry required to master the bikini look;- Disparity in judging; UK vs USA, does he think the judging is consistent worldwide? - How he as a coach manages judges feedback with his athletes;- Obstacles in relation to the current bikini standard, specifically for first time competitors but also those wanting to progress in the sport;- His take on where he thinks bikini is heading, how will the criteria evolve from here;- His predictions for the remainder of the year, who’s stirring the Miss Bikini Olympia pot?Anybody aspiring to involve themselves in the sport, whether it’s at a competitive level or you’re a coach wanting to gain a better understanding of what is required, this episode is for you.We would love to hear your feedback on this one!Like, comment and subscribe and as always share us on your stories let us know what you think.You can follow Adam and the team at @teamelitephysiqueYouTube: https://youtube.com/@TeamElitePhysique?feature=sharecMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

For EP 32 we had the privilege of chatting to IFBB Bikini Pro and Olympian, Aimee Delgado. ​​Aimee has had incredible success since turning pro in 2020, rocketing to the top taking top 6 in her first ever @olympiallc in 2022. So far in 2023 she has taken the champion titles of the prestigious NY Pro and Pittsburgh Pro as well as the Wasatch Warrior & Klash Series. All qualifying her for the 2023 Olympia.​​It’s been an upward trajectory ever since she started competing and we couldn’t wait to sit down with her and chat about what this journey meant to her and how she’s manoeuvred home life, her mindset and everything in between, whilst competing at the highest level.​​In this episode Aimee covers:​​- Her background, previous athletic endeavours and how that shaped her as a bikini athlete- Mastering her mindset, self discovery and how much bodybuilding has given back;- Her experiences being coached by @jamidebernard at @fitbodyfusion, and how that coaching relationship has shaped her as an athlete;- Her competitive accolades and journey, turning pro, competing at the pro level and her journey to the Olympia stage;- Her struggles and set backs, has she had times during her journey where she has questioned her success or ability?- Life on and off season, how she manages her family life, her approach to achieving a balance that suits her;- Training development over her years, the gruelling reality of how she built her physique;- Feedback she has received, when and what feedback is important to her development as an athlete and how she applies that from show to show;- What’s next, when is she prepping, future shows and her Olympia game plan;- Advice for competitors, first timers, mums who want to compete and anybody wanting to take that top spot. ​​And so much more.​​This conversation was so profound. To understand the dedication, commitment and discipline Aimee embodies truly does spark a lot of admiration. This is a way of life for her and her success is a byproduct of her commitment to bringing nothing but 150% to anything she does. ​​If you do enjoy this episode, please be sure to share and tag us on your stories. We would love to also hear your feedback!​​Book your Posing Session with Aimee at:www.fitnessbyaims.com ​Follow Aimee’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@fitnessbyaims​Follow Aimee on Instagram @fitnessbyaimsMake sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

EP 31 is now live and we had the pleasure of speaking to PCA Pro Bikini Athlete and Hyrox queen, Jess Garrington. If you have followed Jess’s journey like we have, you’ll have observed her incredible success as a bikini athlete across multiple federations and recently noticed her current switch to Hyrox style of training. We were extremely excited to talk to Jess about this new interest and how she is finding making room for a new approach to training. In this episode we cover:- How Jess got into competing, her motivations out of the gate and initial goals;- Her experience competing in multiple federations, how she manipulated her physique to fit each criteria and the lessons she learned along the way;- Food relationships and how those have been affected throughout her competitive career, how did she address those and at what stage did she identify a need for support;- What her training looks like now; Hyrox, her focus on performance, has that impacted her relationship with herself in any way?- Jess’s priorities and goals now, how does competing slot in? Cycle related concerns and considerations she has made in relation to her priorities as they are now;- Top tips for first timers or new competitors…And all the chat we love in between! It was an honour to chat to Jess and much of her mindset and approach to competing as a bikini athlete is something to be admired. Follow her journey at @jessgarrington and make sure you send us your feedback, share the episode and the love for this amazing conversation.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Ep 30, yes 30!! Is now live and we had the pleasure of speaking with founder of @physiquecollective UK educator and coach, Joe Jeffrey.We were particularly excited to have Joe on the podcast not only because his work is known widely among competitors and coaches in the bodybuilding space, but also as he is renowned for his fluidity when it comes to coaching approaches.His focus is results, based on evidence and findings and he by no means sits in one camp. Quite the opposite, so we couldn’t wait to pick his brains.In this episode we cover:-Joe’s background: How did he get involved in bodybuilding and coaching competitors? -The ever evolving bikini criteria; how has coaching a bikini athlete evolved over the years, how does it differ to other categories, notable shifts and considerations that have to be made when coaching female bikini athletes.-Criteria nuances between federations, how does one federation compare to another? -The secret sauce, or not of “Peaking” a bikini athlete.-PEDs and managing a long show season/peaking from show to show. Preferred compounds leading into show; diuretics, necessary or not for bikini? -Implications for athletes who are assisted and those who are natural; considerations in relation to diet, training, peaking and reversing out from show.  -Recovery and managing fatigue for bikini athletes; more or less challenging?-PED red flags for the division: are there any compounds Joe would strictly avoid when it comes to female bikini athletes? Considerations in relation to duration and amount of exposure to compounds, research in relation to thyroid recovery post thyroid therapies etc-Reversing out from a show; primary objectives when it comes to reversing for bath assisted and natural athletes? This one will have your brain buzzing! We could have spoken to Joe for hours and will undoubtedly have him back on for a future episode. You can learn more about some of the topics covered, and endless other topics by subscribing to @physiquecollective app.Don’t forget to follow Joe and his team and all of their athletes too.Make sure you keep up with us on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcastHosts: @gracemannion_ | @jadeleahegartyAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.