Confessions of a Bikini Pro

Today's guest is Kelly Poteet an IFBB Bikini Pro, high school English teacher of 29 years, a wife of 26 years, and a proud mom of two grown children. She started competing in 2023 and a month into her competition journey she placed top 5 at her first national show. After years of competing at the national level, this athlete earned her pro card at the 2025 North American Championships when she placed 1st in her 45 and up class. In 2026, she stepped onto the professional stage, winning Masters 50+ classes at the Indy Supershow, Chicago Pro, and Tampa Pro. Now, she has her sights set on qualifying for the Masters Olympia. But behind those placings is a much deeper story involving family, faith, grief, confidence, and learning to properly fuel and care for her body after years of undereating. She's also preparing to take her passion for fitness into a new chapter, launching her own coaching business for lifestyle and competition clients. Today, we're talking about what it means to keep growing, challenge the stories we've told ourselves about our bodies, and pursue something meaningful at any stage of life. Teacher's Journey to Bikini Pro Celeste interviewed Kelly Poteet, a 29-year high school English teacher who became an IFBB bikini pro and earned her pro card at the 2025 North American Championships. Kelly discussed her pre-stage rituals, revealing she experiences significant nervousness despite her successful competition history, including top 5 placement at her first national show and winning Masters 15 Up classes at multiple pro events. She explained that while she can mentally prepare and perform well once on stage, she still struggles with the performance aspect, attributing this to her 30-year career in education where she was always modestly dressed in front of students. Diet Culture and Body Image Celeste and Kelly discussed Kelly's experiences with body image and diet culture growing up in the 1990s. Kelly shared how media messaging around appearance affected her self-perception, particularly regarding cellulite, and described how her college experience led to weight gain due to unhealthy habits like eating fast food and drinking alcohol. The conversation touched on how diet culture in the 90s focused on fat-free products as healthy options, and ended with Celeste asking about Kelly's eating habits during college, though the question was left incomplete in the transcript. Nutrition Journey and Parenting Approach Kelly discussed her experience with under-eating for about 15 years after graduating college, where she consumed around 1,200 calories daily without realizing it was insufficient. She explained that in 2018, at age 47 with children aged 17 and 15, she began focusing on building muscle and proper nutrition, hiring someone to teach her about macros. Kelly shared that she raised her children to have a positive body image, never discussing diets around them and allowing them to make their own food choices while maintaining a healthy home environment. Body Positivity and Fitness Journey Kelly shared her experiences raising children with body positivity and self-acceptance, including how she avoided judgmental behavior and provided healthy food options while allowing her children to make their own choices. She discussed how bodybuilding transformed her physically at age 47 by eliminating cellulite and improving her confidence, leading to positive feedback from judges about her lean hamstrings. Kelly emphasized the importance of keeping promises to oneself and following through with commitments, particularly in maintaining a fitness routine while balancing family and work responsibilities. Bodybuilding as Grief Coping Mechanism Kelly discussed how bodybuilding has helped her cope with the loss of her father, who died in a stunt piloting accident. She explained that her father was a "larger than life" person who encouraged risk-taking and living boldly, which inspired her to pursue bodybuilding competitions as a way to honor his memory and live with "no fear." Kelly described how the structured routine of bodybuilding provides grounding and helps her process difficult emotions during her workouts. Bodybuilding Journey After Loss Kelly discussed her decision to pursue bodybuilding as a way to honor her late father, who she wishes she could have said goodbye to. She revealed that she kept her first bodybuilding show a secret from everyone except her immediate family, as she was afraid she might not be able to complete it. Kelly explained that while she initially approached fitness with short-term goals, the competitive nature of bodybuilding became addictive after she placed at her first show and was encouraged to compete at nationals. Balancing Fitness Competition Pressure Kelly and Celeste discussed the pressure and expectations associated with competitive fitness, particularly at the professional level. Celeste shared her personal experience of reducing pressure after losing her mother and becoming more involved in mental health counseling, which helped her realize the importance of enjoying the sport rather than just competing. They agreed that maintaining balance in fitness competitions is possible with the right coach and open communication about personal boundaries and priorities. Fitness Program Communication Challenges Kelly discussed her experience with a fitness program, describing the challenges she faced including difficult workout schedules, learning to follow a structured eating plan, and dealing with late nights at the gym. She emphasized the importance of communication with her coach, noting how personal factors like grief could affect her progress and how important it was to share all relevant information with her coach. Celeste agreed about the value of open communication with coaches, sharing her own example about how revealing her salt intake habits helped her coach better understand her situation. Salt and Athletic Performance Discussion Kelly and Celeste discussed their experiences with salt consumption and its impact on athletic performance. Kelly shared how she developed a strong preference for salt and the challenges of balancing support from her husband during competition preparation. They also talked about their respective relationships and how their partners have been supportive, particularly during competitive seasons. Fitness Journey and Competition Plans Kelly discussed how her children have been supportive of her fitness journey, particularly her son who encouraged her to continue pursuing her pro card after achieving second place wins. She explained that her teaching schedule has limited her competition to summer shows, but she plans to compete again in November on her birthday. When asked about what she brings to the stage now that she couldn't in her 20s or 30s, Kelly reflected on developing greater self-belief and learning to listen to her inner voice that tells her she can achieve her goals and inspire others. Performance Anxiety Management Strategies Kelly shared her experience of performing in her first pro show, describing how she became physically ill with anxiety the night before due to pressure and travel requirements. She explained how this experience helped her understand that her body physically reacts to stress, and she's learning to manage these reactions better. Celeste offered to share information about polyvagal exercises that could help Kelly feel more grounded during performances. Kelly's Bodybuilding and Coaching Plans Celeste and Kelly discussed Kelly's journey in bodybuilding, including her recent wins and her motivation to qualify for the Olympia to inspire women of all ages. Kelly shared her plans to retire from teaching in 2028 and potentially start her coaching business in 2027, emphasizing the challenge of balancing both roles. They also briefly touched on the importance of confidence and self-discovery in personal growth. Educational Consequences and Teacher Support Kelly and Celeste discussed the importance of implementing consequences in both homes and schools to help children learn and succeed. Kelly expressed concern about the current educational system's lack of support for teachers and discipline for students, which may deter new teachers from entering the profession. They also talked about the benefits of clear consequences and rewards in education, sharing personal experiences of being disciplined as students. The conversation concluded with Kelly sharing advice for aspiring competitors and information on how to connect with her on Instagram.   CONNECT WITH KELLY: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kcpoteetfit_ifbbpro/ CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html

Today's guest is Kassie Enriquez, IFBB Fit Model Pro, online fitness coach, former in-person trainer, and someone who has been involved in competitive sports from a young age She grew up playing soccer and doing gymnastics before finding the gym at 16, eventually becoming an in-person trainer at 20 and later transitioning into online coaching with Team Fitbliss. Her bodybuilding journey started in 2022 when she stepped onstage for the first time at Wasatch Warrior, winning her Novice class and taking second in Open in the bikini division. She followed that with her first national experience at USA's, which she describes as a humbling experience that only made her want to work harder But In 2024, while preparing for a competition, this competitor was diagnosed with her second blood clot, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. She underwent surgery to have her first rib removed and was unable to train for several months. Two weeks before competing in 2025 at Cydney Gillon's Peach Classic she decided to give Fit Model a shot despite thinking she was going to do bikini She won her Open class, took runner-up overall, went to Jr. Nationals, won her class—and earned the Pro Card she'd been dreaming about proving that it was a great change for her. She's since completed her first Pro season, taking every piece of feedback, refining her physique and posing, and ultimately ending the season with her best look and best placing at the Gold's Gym Classic where she received a top 5 placing.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/h3_SgWyfFKQ   Competitive Experience and Preparation Rituals Celeste interviewed Kassie Enriquez about her competitive experience and preparation rituals. Kassie described her approach of "locking in" before competing and shifting from nerves to excitement, noting that more stage experience this year helped her refine her physique, posing, and overall performance. Kassie attributed her growth to practicing more frequently and using her own experiences to better coach her athletes in the fit model division. Fit Model vs Bikini Division Celeste and Kassie discussed the balance between attaining an attainable physique and promoting growth in the fit model division compared to bikini. Kassie shared her experience transitioning from bikini to fit model, noting that the fit model division allows for more achievable improvements without the same level of discomfort required in bikini. They acknowledged that while fit model may not require the same extreme leanness as bikini, it still demands significant effort and muscle development, with Kassie citing examples like Courtney King to illustrate the division's difficulty. Fitness Division Transition Discussion Kassie explained her decision to transition from the bikini division to fit model, citing her genetic physique that better suited fit model competition and the feedback she received about her muscle mass. She described the mental challenge of switching divisions after being committed to bikini, but found the transition validating as it allowed her to compete at a higher level while maintaining her natural physique. Celeste acknowledged the difficulty of admitting challenges while experiencing success, noting that many competitors face similar decisions about transitioning between divisions. Model Competition Switch Decision Kassie explained her decision to switch from bikini to fit model competition at the last minute, citing feedback from her team and her own assessment that she wasn't muscular enough for national bikini competition. She described her experience at USAs as humbling, noting she was smaller than competitors and placed in the last call-outs, which led her to take a couple of years off to intentionally build more muscle before returning to competition. Bodybuilding Journey and Transition Kassie discussed her journey into bodybuilding, starting as a college student who began competing during her final year while working as a personal trainer. She described how her first prep with coach Carrie Hennessy introduced her to the intensive nature of the sport, and how she later transitioned from client to coach with FitBliss. Kassie explained how she managed competing while getting married and moving across country by taking strategic time away from the stage, emphasizing that the sport can be integrated into life rather than taking over it completely. Blood Clot Recovery and Coaching Kassie discussed experiencing a second blood clot in 2024 during a bodybuilding prep, which required surgery to remove her first right rib due to thoracic outlet syndrome. The condition caused her to miss her competition that year, but she recovered within 6-8 months and returned to training with precautions. Kassie explained how she used the setback as an opportunity to focus more on coaching and exploring her new city, maintaining a positive mindset while continuing to prepare for future competitions. Athlete Timeline and Competition Adjustments Kassie discussed how she had to adjust her original timeline for competing as a pro athlete due to her body's response to PrEP and the need for more time to lean out properly. She explained how taking two months off between shows allowed her to recover, reverse, and come in tighter for her final competition where she achieved a top five placement. Kassie shared her current focus on growth and health while aiming to qualify for the Olympia next year, and offered advice for new competitors to be flexible with timelines and trust their coaches, while pro candidates should focus on delivering consistent improvements and enjoying the journey. CONNECT WITH KASSIE: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesskass22 https://fitblissfitness.com/apply YOUTUBE CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html

Today's guest is Jamie Arick, IFBB Bikini Pro, mom, wife, businesswoman, and someone whose life has taken her through some pretty unexpected chapters. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Management and 15 years of experience in sales and sales leadership, but she sees her most important roles as the ones she holds at home—as a mom to her 14-year-old son, Connor, and her 6-year-old stepdaughter, Oaklynn, and as a wife. She grew up playing volleyball and has always had an athletic side, but her bodybuilding journey didn't begin until 2023 when she stepped onstage for the first time at the Dexter Jackson Classic. Since then, she's experienced wins, setbacks, an offseason, a wedding, changes in coaching, motherhood, and the challenge of balancing a career and family with the demands of bodybuilding. And this year, after winning her Masters class and overall at the Nevada State, she headed to Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh after being one placing away from her pro card at universe and took it home in Pittsburgh . But there's a lot more to Jamie's story than bodybuilding. She's been open about navigating divorce as a young woman, being a single mom, aspects of her childhood, as well as more recently being diagnosed with depression.   Quick recap This was a podcast interview between Celeste and Jamie Eric, an IFBB Bikini Pro who recently won her pro card at Master's Nationals in Pittsburgh after placing one spot away from her pro card at Universe. Jamie shared her journey from a single mother in her 20s to becoming a competitive bodybuilder, discussing how her athletic background in volleyball helped transition her mindset to competing. She explained how bodybuilding transformed her relationship with food and nutrition, moving from casual drinking and eating to a structured approach that improved her overall health. Jamie also discussed the impact on her family, particularly her husband who provides extensive support during competitions, and how her parents' initial skepticism about her chosen sport eventually turned into support after she achieved her goals. They discussed Jamie's journey from her childhood growing up in a Baptist preacher household to becoming a professional bodybuilder. Jamie shared how her parents' divorce and addiction issues didn't derail her successful career in sales and bodybuilding, explaining that both parents were intelligent and influential in positive ways despite the challenging circumstances. They discussed her brief marriage at 21 and subsequent divorce by 24, which she attributed to immaturity rather than her family background affecting her marriage outlook. Jamie described her role as a stepmom to her husband's 18-month-old daughter and later his 8-9 year old son, finding the transition seamless due to her previous experience with the younger child. The conversation covered Jamie's recent diagnosis of depression and how medication has significantly improved her mental health, leading her to publicly share her experience to help others recognize similar symptoms. They discussed her viral Instagram story about leaving a job due to her employer's wife being uncomfortable with her fitness content, where Jamie refused to make her account private, ultimately leading to her resignation. Jamie detailed her bodybuilding career progression, including her decision to leave her previous coach and join Fit Body Fusion, working with coach Drew for her pro preparation. She described her recent pro card win at Masters Nats after coming second at Universe, explaining how she used a "what if" mindset to convince herself to compete again despite her disappointment. The interview concluded with Jamie's current training focusing on glute development and her goals for pro competition, including potentially competing at the Tampa Pro show, while maintaining her active sponsorships with Global Formulas, Toxic Angels Bikinis, and Rogers Rice.   Stage Preparation and Performance Routine Celeste interviewed Jamie Eric about her stage preparation routine. Jamie shared that her husband texts her encouraging messages before her shows, reminding her to think of performing as if it's just for him, which helps with her stage nerves. Jamie explained that her husband handles all aspects of her DIY protein routine and show logistics, reflecting his entrepreneurial mindset of striving to be the best at whatever endeavor they pursue. Evolution of Success Definition Jamie explained that her definition of success has evolved to focus on being able to share knowledge and learnings with others, particularly after achieving her pro card. She described how a specific Instagram post of figure competitor Lauren Calderoni inspired her decision to start competing in 2022, leading her to call her then-boyfriend (now husband) about pursuing the goal. The conversation ended with Celeste sharing her own experience playing volleyball as a setter. Volleyball to Bodybuilding Transition Insights Jamie discussed their seven-year volleyball career, including middle school, high school, and recreational play, before transitioning to bodybuilding. Both Celeste and Jamie reflected on how volleyball skills and mindset transferred to their current sports, including accountability, working with coaches, and handling feedback. They also discussed how volleyball experiences, like dealing with line judges, parallel the challenges in bodybuilding competitions. Bodybuilding Competition Life Changes Jamie discussed how her life changed after starting to compete in bodybuilding. She explained that before competing, she had an unstructured lifestyle with casual drinking and eating habits, often spending time socializing without a clear focus on health or fitness. After competing, Jamie developed a more structured approach to nutrition and fitness, finding that competition actually improved her relationship with food rather than harming it. She noted that competing taught her to view food strategically for specific goals and helped her adopt healthier habits even during off-season periods. Bodybuilding Career Family Impact Jamie discussed the impact of her bodybuilding career on her family, noting that while her immediate family adjusted easily, extended family members took longer to understand and accept her lifestyle. She specifically mentioned how her mother initially struggled with the concept due to their conservative background but has now become a strong supporter, even following live streams and texting during events. Jamie explained to her children that bodybuilding is about discipline and life focus rather than just competition, and her family is now generally supportive of her career. Bodybuilding Career and Family Challenges Jamie discussed how people's attitudes toward her bodybuilding career shifted after she achieved her pro card, noting that proving oneself to others is common when pursuing ambitious goals. She shared details about her challenging upbringing in a Southern Baptist family, including her parents' divorce and her father's struggles with addiction, while emphasizing that despite the difficulties, she always felt loved and supported by family members. The conversation was interrupted when Celeste's baby started crying, and they agreed to continue the discussion in a follow-up meeting. Jamie's Childhood and Background Celeste and Jamie resumed their conversation about Jamie's childhood, picking up where they left off discussing Jamie's upbringing in a family affected by divorce and addiction. Jamie reflected on how despite challenging circumstances, including growing up with a father who was a Southern Baptist pastor, he ended up having a successful career in sales and leadership, which his husband noted was unexpected given his background. The conversation ended mid-sentence as Celeste was asking about how these childhood experiences influenced Jamie's life, particularly regarding his early marriage at 21 and subsequent divorce at 24. Stepfamily Integration Experience Jamie shared that her childhood and parents' divorce did not significantly influence her outlook on marriage or relationships, and she never felt hesitant about getting married. She discussed her experience becoming a stepmom to her husband's daughter, noting how seamless the blending of families has been since she met her stepdaughter when she was 18 months old. Jamie described how her experience with her stepdaughter helped make it easier to care for her son Oakland when they met, and mentioned that her laid-back son has always gotten along well with his stepsister. Journey with Depression Diagnosis Jamie discussed her journey with depression, explaining that she initially experienced what she thought were ADHD symptoms like brain fog, difficulty focusing, and fatigue. After consulting a doctor, Jamie learned she had a family history of depression and was diagnosed with the condition rather than ADHD. She emphasized the importance of seeking help and being willing to ask for support, particularly for single mothers who may lack resources or privileges to access assistance. Mental Health Journey Discussion Jamie shared her experience with mental health challenges, including being diagnosed with a mood disorder and subsequently starting low-dose Zoloft, which she described as life-changing in helping her manage intense emotions. She discussed how sharing her story on social media has helped others recognize similar symptoms in themselves and consider seeking medical advice. When asked about bodybuilding's impact on mental health, Jamie acknowledged some challenges with social media comparisons but noted her ability to maintain perspective and protect her mental state by controlling what she shares online. Professional Bodybuilder Career Discussion Jamie shared her experience of leaving a job due to a request to make her Instagram private, which she refused as it would compromise her authenticity and bodybuilding career. She discussed her journey to becoming

This podcast episode featured Celeste and Andria discussing Andria's recent mental health crisis and hospitalization due to a manic episode related to her bipolar disorder. Andria shared how she experienced symptoms including insomnia, rapid speech, and loss of control, but was initially dismissed by healthcare providers who told her she wasn't "crazy enough" for a bipolar diagnosis. After seven days of escalating symptoms, she was hospitalized where she received proper treatment and was prescribed mood stabilizers, which she described as life-changing. Celeste, who has bipolar disorder type 2, provided professional insights about diagnosis processes, medication management, and the importance of advocating for oneself in mental health treatment. They discussed how bipolar disorder can present with both manic and depressive episodes, the challenges of managing medication while bodybuilding, and the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. The conversation emphasized that proper treatment and medication can significantly improve quality of life, though recovery is a ongoing journey that requires patience and self-compassion. Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis Experience Andria shared her experience with a manic episode that led to hospitalization, describing how she initially sought help from doctors who dismissed her concerns about bipolar disorder. Celeste, who has bipolar disorder herself, explained the differences between bipolar one and bipolar two, noting that Andria's experience with a full manic episode fits the diagnosis of bipolar one. Celeste also shared her own experience of how starting antidepressant medication triggered her hypomanic symptoms, which led to her bipolar diagnosis. Healthcare System Access Challenges Andria discussed feeling let down by the healthcare system when she was unable to get timely psychiatric care despite experiencing manic episodes and seeking help from doctors. She explained that while she received a psychiatric referral, she faced a 90-day wait time for appointments, which proved too late as she had already had a manic episode. Andria noted that being on a mood stabilizer has been life-changing for her, and she is now focusing on stabilizing other aspects of her life to address her mental health needs. Bipolar Disorder Experience Sharing Celeste and Andria discussed their experiences with bipolar disorder, sharing how they initially struggled to recognize and seek help for their condition due to societal misconceptions about how someone with bipolar should behave. Andria emphasized that bipolar is more common than people realize and can lead to brain damage and other serious health issues. Both women described how they had to recalibrate their motivation and approach to life after experiencing the negative effects of untreated bipolar, with Celeste noting that learning about family history helped her recognize the genetic component of the disorder and seek proper treatment. Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis Approaches Andria shared her experience of struggling with bipolar disorder from ages 18 to 23, describing how she "white knuckled" through manic episodes by telling herself she could manage the next day, but eventually needed hospitalization. Celeste discussed therapeutic approaches to diagnosis, explaining that therapists often start with the "least restrictive" diagnosis that allows for broad treatment options before narrowing down specific conditions. Celeste emphasized that diagnoses should focus on treatment rather than identity, noting that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria can sometimes prioritize statistics over individual symptoms and experiences. Mental Health Advocacy Discussion Celeste and Andria discussed the importance of advocating for oneself in mental health care, emphasizing that diagnoses can take time and encouraging individuals to persist in seeking appropriate treatment. Andria shared her personal experience with PTSD and depression, highlighting how she initially attributed symptoms to her existing diagnoses without seeking help from a psychiatrist. Both speakers stressed the value of seeking higher-level care, getting second opinions, and recognizing when additional support is needed, with Celeste noting that there is no shame in struggling with mental health challenges in today's demanding world. Bodybuilding Lifestyle and Mental Health Celeste and Andria discussed the importance of evaluating the sustainability of a bodybuilding lifestyle and addressing mental health challenges, including the impact of diagnoses and medication. Andria emphasized the value of seeking support, being vulnerable, and considering second opinions when dealing with health professionals. Celeste shared her experience with medication and its side effects, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers. Mental Health in Bodybuilding Celeste and Andria discussed the challenges of managing mental health while pursuing competitive bodybuilding. Andria shared her personal experience with bipolar disorder, including struggles with medication side effects and the decision to withdraw from fall competitions to prioritize her health. They explored how mental health stigma can create barriers to seeking help, with Andria emphasizing the importance of taking practical steps toward treatment rather than dismissing symptoms as "dramatic." The conversation highlighted how mental health treatment can have unexpected positive effects, like improved digestion, while acknowledging that recovery is a ongoing journey. CONNECT WITH ANDRIA: https://www.instagram.com/andria.ifbbpro/ https://www.instagram.com/fitmodelnofilter/   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html

Today's guest, IFBB Fit Model Pro Sami Clements, has spent more than a decade immersed in the fitness industry not only as an athlete, but as a coach, mentor, business owner, and mom. She began her career as an elementary school teacher while simultaneously building her career in fitness, eventually making the transition into coaching full-time. Today, she serves as the COO of Team Fitbliss and has spent years coaching women through lifestyle changes, competition prep, and pregnancy and postpartum. Her own bodybuilding journey began in 2016 in bikini, where she competed across several seasons while also navigating some of the biggest transitions of her life including becoming a mother. After stepping away from the stage following her final bikini season in 2022, she eventually found her way back when the Fit Model division was introduced. In 2025, she jumped back into competition and worked her way through an incredibly busy season competing across regional and national stages before ultimately earning her IFBB Pro Card in fit model at Masters Nationals. But I think what makes her story especially interesting isn't the placings or the Pro Card It's the perspective she's developed through years of competing and coaching I'm excited to get into with her today     Quick recap The episode featured a conversation between Celeste and Sami, focusing on Sami's journey in the fitness industry, her transition from bikini to fit model divisions, and her experiences as a competitor, coach, and mother. Sami shared insights into her motivations for competing, the importance of enjoying the process over focusing solely on placings, and how motherhood has influenced her approach to bodybuilding. She discussed the challenges and rewards of balancing family, work, and competition, emphasizing the value of sustainability, flexibility, and grace in both training and life. Sami also reflected on her recent success in earning her pro card in fit model, the emotions tied to that achievement, and her plans for future growth in the sport. The conversation highlighted the significance of mindset, support systems, and the lifestyle habits that contribute to long-term success and fulfillment in bodybuilding. Fitness Competitor Interview Insights Celeste interviewed Sammy Clements, who has over a decade of experience in the fitness industry as an athlete, coach, and mother. Sammy discussed her pre-stage routine, emphasizing the importance of letting her "light shine" and channeling the hard work and passion she puts into competing. She noted the difference in atmosphere between pre-judging and finals, explaining that after pre-judging, competitors become more relaxed and enjoy the experience more. Bodybuilding Competition Journey Begin Sami began competing in 2016 after hiring a bodybuilding coach who had helped a friend transform her body. She initially had no interest in competing but decided to take on the challenge as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone. After placing 5th in her first competition, Sami fell in love with the experience and found the motivation to continue competing. Bodybuilding Mindset and Competition Celeste and Sami discussed the mindset required for bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of loving the process over focusing solely on placings. Sami explained how understanding the competitive nature of the sport helps shift focus to personal improvement rather than outcomes. They explored why some competitors become overly focused on results, attributing it to expectations from linear success in other areas and the difficulty of competing against more experienced athletes. The conversation concluded with Celeste asking Sami for perspective on knowing when to push harder versus when to pull back and reevaluate. Competitive Season Reevaluation Signs Sami discussed the signs that indicate it's time to reevaluate a competitive season, including when training becomes detrimental to daily life, hormonal disruptions occur, or when the process stops being enjoyable. She shared her personal experience from 2017-2018 when she continued competing despite physical and mental warning signs, which resulted in an unsatisfying experience on stage. Sami emphasized the importance of considering whether one can accept potential outcomes, including the possibility of not winning, when deciding whether to continue competing in additional shows. Bodybuilding Competition Journey Discussion Sami discussed her competitive journey in bodybuilding, reflecting on her performance at various shows including North Americans, Ben Wheater, and Nationals. She explained her strategic approach to choosing which shows to compete in, including deciding to attend NPC Universe to get feedback from judge Tyler, who had previously given her feedback at Nationals. Sami shared that Tyler's feedback at Universe was positive, suggesting she improve her front pose shape, which she was able to implement before her next competition. Fit Model Competition Benefits Sami discussed the benefits of competing in fit model compared to bikini competition, noting that fit model allows for a higher body fat percentage which is more sustainable over time. She explained that as a natural athlete, the fit model category better suits her goals and lifestyle, allowing her to maintain her cycle and make the competition more sustainable without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. Sami credited her supportive husband and established fitness habits for helping her maintain this lifestyle, particularly given her responsibilities as a mother of three children. Athlete Transition and Habit Development Sami and Celeste discussed the challenges athletes face when transitioning between being in and out of preparation mode for competitions. Sami emphasized the importance of developing healthy habits outside of prep to make the transition easier, noting that athletes who view these habits as beneficial to their daily life rather than just for competition tend to maintain them more successfully. Celeste agreed, adding that helping athletes understand the broader benefits of these habits beyond just competition performance is crucial for long-term success. Sami's Teaching to Coaching Transition Celeste and Sami discussed Sami's transition from teaching to full-time coaching. Sami explained that she taught 3rd and 5th grade while also coaching in the evenings and early mornings, but her decision to fully commit to coaching was influenced by the birth of her first son in 2018, which provided the flexibility to focus more on her growing coaching business. Sami expressed that becoming a mother allowed her to pursue her passion for coaching while being present with her children, a decision she has not regretted. Postpartum Bodybuilding Competition Experience Sami shared her experience of competing in bodybuilding while pregnant and postpartum, explaining how she initially felt pressure to maintain her fitness identity as a coach but now advises others not to rush their postpartum recovery. She competed 14 months postpartum with her first son and later included her husband in a competition, though noted the different challenges they faced due to their different preparation needs. Sami emphasized that postpartum recovery is an all-consuming phase that feels permanent in the moment but passes quickly, and she has learned to be more present during this time rather than pushing herself to return to fitness too soon. Motherhood and Bodybuilding Perspective Sami discussed how motherhood changed her approach to bodybuilding and competition, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and prioritizing family over strict routines. She shared that being a mom taught her to be more adaptable and that competing should enhance her life rather than be a drain. Sami also explained how she coaches clients through challenging times by encouraging them to focus on their best effort given the circumstances, rather than perfection, and stressed the importance of realistic goals that clients can actually maintain. Balancing Motherhood and Bodybuilding Sami discussed balancing her roles as a mother and professional bodybuilder, explaining how prioritizing self-care ultimately benefits her family. She described her current work routine with FitBliss, which includes dedicated client check-ins, training programming, and team meetings, while maintaining a separate morning routine for her own fitness needs. Sami emphasized the importance of setting a balanced example for her children by being fully present in both her professional and personal life. Pro Card Journey and Advice Sami shared her journey to achieving her pro card at the Masters Nats competition, where she placed first after previously earning second place at Pittsburgh and Universe shows. She explained her decision to take a break before competing on the pro stage, wanting to enjoy her win and focus on balance rather than rushing into pro competition. Sami advised aspiring competitors to focus on enjoying the process and building relationships along the way rather than just chasing a pro card, and she provided her contact information for those interested in following her journey or coaching services. CONNECT WITH SAMI: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sami.g.fit/ WEBSITE WITH ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/sami.g.fit CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html