Confessions of a Bikini Pro

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

Today's guest is Jennifer Capozzi, an IFBB Bikini Pro, wife, mom of two, certified personal trainer, and Bombshell Fitness coach who has been coaching for more than 13 years. Originally from Queens, New York, she now calls the East End of Long Island home. Fitness has been a constant throughout her life, and she has built a career around helping both everyday women and competitive athletes become stronger, build muscle, and create sustainable lifestyles. Her competitive bodybuilding journey began more than a decade ago at the 2013 Brooklyn Grand Prix, and she has competed extensively across the NPC, including numerous Masters and Open competitions never placing out of top 5. After years of competing, multiple national-level placings, and coming close to the top of her divisions, she ultimately earned her IFBB Pro Card at the 2024 Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh, winning the Masters 40+ division. She made her professional debut in 2025 at the GRL PWR Pro, competing in Masters 40+. She is passionate about bodybuilding as an art form and believes that strength, discipline, and consistency can help women build not only their physiques, but also their confidence.   QUICK RECAP: The episode featured a conversation between Celeste and IFBB Bikini Pro Jennifer Capozzi, who shared her journey from starting bodybuilding in 2013 to earning her pro card in 2024. Jennifer discussed the challenges of balancing competition with motherhood, the evolution of the bikini division, and the importance of discipline and consistency. She emphasized the role of support systems, communication, and self-talk in overcoming doubts and achieving long-term goals. Jennifer also spoke about her coaching philosophy, which focuses on listening and meeting clients where they are, and encouraged women to pursue competition if they feel the calling. The conversation covered her experiences backstage, the changes in the sport, and her future aspirations, including competing at the Masters Olympia.   Celeste interviewed Jennifer Capozzi, an IFBB Bikini Pro and personal trainer, discussing her competitive bodybuilding journey spanning over a decade. Jennifer shared her pre-stage routine, which involves breathwork to manage nerves and focus on the hard work already completed. She explained how her approach to competition has evolved over time, learning to transform anxiety into positive energy and use feedback from placements to drive continuous improvement rather than get discouraged by consistent second-place finishes. Jennifer's Bodybuilding Journey Jennifer discussed how she discovered bodybuilding after growing up in a very active family with three brothers, where she was the only girl and participated in all their sports and activities. She began bodybuilding in 2013 after her brother-in-law, an Olympic and IFBB pro bodybuilder, encouraged her to try it, and she won her first show, which motivated her to continue. Jennifer managed to balance training with being a mother of two young children by preparing family meals together and incorporating healthy eating habits for everyone. Bodybuilding Division Evolution Discussion Jennifer discussed the evolution of bodybuilding, particularly in the bikini division, noting how competitors have become larger over time. She explained how the introduction of the Fit Model division created more opportunities for athletes, allowing them to focus on building muscle while maintaining an artistic approach without the extreme demands of traditional bikini competition. Jennifer emphasized that both divisions require significant dedication and commitment, with the goal of continuous improvement rather than maintaining a specific body standard. Competitor's Journey to Professional Success Jennifer shared her journey from her first nervous competition to becoming a professional competitor, describing how she overcame initial anxiety and developed discipline through structured training and diet. She explained that seeing herself on stage successfully motivated her to pursue professional competition, and she eventually joined the Bombshell team where she now coaches others. Jennifer described her personal mission as helping women find their strength and voice while balancing life responsibilities, noting how her own journey has prepared her to mentor other competitors. Balancing Bodybuilding with Motherhood Jennifer discussed her journey balancing bodybuilding with motherhood, emphasizing the importance of communication and support from her family. She shared how she overcame initial mom guilt by explaining her passion to her children and husband, who accommodated her schedule by planning around her competitions and providing emotional support. Jennifer noted that her children now understand the dedication required in competitive sports through their own dance training, which involves similar time commitments and physical demands. Bodybuilding Family Support Discussion Jennifer discussed how her daughters help with posing and guidance during her bodybuilding competitions, though they sometimes get frustrated when she doesn't pick up techniques as quickly as they do. She explained that her daughters specialize in lyrical and contemporary dance rather than ballet or tap. Jennifer also shared that her husband has been a strong support throughout their 22-year marriage, helping with meal preparation and maintaining open communication, which they both consider essential for their relationship. Managing Competitive Goals Strategically Jennifer discussed strategies for managing social relationships while pursuing a competitive goal, emphasizing the importance of clear communication with supportive friends and family about her vision. She advised finding alternative social activities beyond traditional dining and drinking, and suggested focusing on appreciation rather than demanding more sacrifices from loved ones. Jennifer also shared her approach to overcoming doubts and emotional exhaustion during her long-term competitive efforts, describing how morning self-talk and meditation helped her maintain motivation and focus on her goals. Bodybuilding Life Skills Transfer Celeste and Jennifer discussed how the discipline and structure developed through bodybuilding transfers to other areas of life, including work and parenting. Jennifer explained how maintaining routines and proper nutrition has helped her children excel in activities like dance and school. They also discussed how bodybuilding taught Jennifer the importance of patience and proper nutrition, which she applies to daily life and considers a form of self-care. Bodybuilding Competition Experience Jennifer described her experience winning a pro card at a bodybuilding competition in Pittsburgh, where she was called out on stage multiple times and ultimately achieved her goal. After winning her pro card, she competed in the Girl Power show where she placed 8th, receiving feedback to come back bigger. Jennifer expressed interest in competing at the Girl Power show again in 2027, citing the all-female atmosphere, supportive team environment, and positive experience at the Orlando venue as reasons for wanting to return. Pro Competition Training and Goals Jennifer shared her experience transitioning from amateur to professional competition, describing how the longer stage time in the pro division allowed her to enjoy the moment more and connect with judges. She outlined her current training approach with Jessica, focusing on a 5-day split routine and consistent nutrition, while working to develop her glutes and shoulders for future bikini competition success. Jennifer expressed her long-term goal of qualifying for the Masters Olympia and her passion for coaching other women toward their fitness and competition goals, emphasizing the importance of building daily habits and mental toughness. Competitor Challenges and Coaching Strategies Jennifer discussed the challenges competitors face, particularly issues with family support and making excuses to avoid following through with their fitness goals. She emphasized the importance of maintaining some structure and discipline, even if it's just 10 minutes of activity. Jennifer identified listening as the key difference between good and great coaching, and shared her approach to having difficult conversations with clients about realistic goals and timelines. Aspiring Competitors Coaching Advice Jennifer shared advice for aspiring competitors, emphasizing the importance of following through on visions, finding a good coach, and starting with local competitions. She discussed her preference for training core and glutes, and mentioned her memorable first competition and pro win experience. Jennifer also provided her social media handles for people to connect with her and learn more about her coaching services. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jennifercapozzi_ifbbpro/?hl=en WEBSITE WITH ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/Jenncapozzi CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.htm

Today's guest is Ragan Collins, an ex collegiate volleyball player turned IFBB Bikini Pro who was born and raised in North Carolina but currently lives in California with her husband as not just a military spouse but also , online coach, and dog mom of two who has had an incredible path in this sport. She stepped onstage for the very first time in April 2024 after a short prep that included a coaching switch and there she swept the whole show winning True Novice, Novice, Open, and the Overall. After taking an offseason, she returned to the stage in 2025, winning her height class at her local show before heading to Junior Nationals where, in only her third time ever competing and first ever national show, she won her IFBB Pro Card. She now runs her online lifestyle coaching business, Fuel For Fitness, where she helps others pursue their own health and fitness goals while continuing to navigate her own journey as an athlete.     Ragan's Athletic Journey Transition Ragan discussed her current lifestyle, including traveling and spending time with family while maintaining her health goals. She shared her pre-stage routine, which involves chatting with other competitors to calm nerves and saying a quick prayer. Ragan explained her transition from competitive swimming to volleyball in high school and college, and how she eventually moved into bodybuilding after retiring from volleyball due to ankle injuries. Bodybuilding Competition Preparation Journey Ragan shared their journey into weightlifting and bodybuilding, starting with a goal to bench press their body weight and eventually transitioning to competitive bodybuilding under a coach's guidance. They described their first preparation for a competition, which began in January 2024 with a short 10-12 week prep leading up to an April show. Ragan explained the significant calorie and diet changes they experienced during the preparation process, including the challenges of adjusting to a much lower calorie intake and dealing with brain fog while working full-time. Bodybuilding Coaching Challenges and Solutions Ragan shared her experience of struggling during bodybuilding prep with her original coach, who provided inadequate support and failed to address her concerns. She ultimately switched coaches after reaching out to a contact in the fitness industry, and with her new coach Sammy, was able to reverse some progress and learn bikini posing in just 6 weeks before winning her show. Ragan identified several red flags in coaching relationships, including coaches not respecting natural competition boundaries, not providing safe spaces for discussion, and not being knowledgeable about what constitutes natural competition rules. Bodybuilding Competition Experience Discussion Ragan discussed her experience competing in bodybuilding, describing how she unexpectedly won her first show despite initial concerns about finishing last. She explained that after her first competition, she took time off to heal her hormones and remove her IUD before starting her next prep in February 2025. Ragan shared that her first reverse dieting phase was challenging due to binging issues and unexpected physical symptoms like hair loss, though she found the process of gaining weight back difficult and awkward, particularly the initial post-show phase before regaining feminine curves. Bodybuilding Preparation Challenges Ragan discussed her challenging experience with bodybuilding preparation, particularly the mental and physical demands of getting leaner for competitions. She shared how she had to drop 6 pounds within two weeks before Junior Nats and described struggling with food cravings during the off-season. Ragan acknowledged learning important lessons about social media's impact on her mental state during preparation, particularly about avoiding food-related content on Instagram, which she plans to avoid in future preparations. Competition Lessons and Health Insights Ragan discussed lessons learned from her competition experience, including the need to avoid food-focused social media and better menu planning. She identified issues with overeating post-show and how this contributed to binge eating challenges. Ragan also shared her experience with hormonal changes related to endometriosis and removing her Mirena IUD, noting how this affected her menstrual cycle after competition. Bodybuilding and Mental Health Challenges Ragan discussed her experience with hormone fluctuations and mental health challenges during her bodybuilding preparation, including losing her period for over a year and struggling with a negative mental headspace. She expressed regret about being selfish during the preparation period while her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, questioning whether bodybuilding was the right sport for her. Ragan concluded that she wants to prioritize family and friends in future preparations, committing to self-evaluate regularly to ensure the sport doesn't interfere with important life moments. Bodybuilding Preparation and Mental Approach Ragan discussed her experience with bodybuilding preparation and competition, sharing how she plans to better balance her training with other life commitments by waking up earlier and making schedule adjustments. She reflected on earning her pro card at her third show and the subsequent imposter syndrome that developed, particularly after hearing comments about her small class size being insufficient for a legitimate pro card. Ragan acknowledged how external opinions and self-doubt affected her mental state during the post-show period, and she expressed determination to improve her mental approach for future preparations by not letting outside opinions impact her confidence. Ragan's Figure Competition Transition Celeste and Ragan discussed Ragan's transition into figure wellness competition, with Ragan revealing she hadn't researched the division before competing but had gained perspective through local posing seminars and observing other competitors at her gym. Ragan explained that after her first season, she began following other competitors on social media and building connections within the bodybuilding community, particularly through her gym in Oklahoma which had a strong bodybuilding presence. Ragan described how bodybuilding provided her with routine and stability during her frequent relocations due to her husband's military service, allowing her to maintain control over one aspect of her life despite the uncertainty of constant moving. Fuel for Fitness Business Interview Celeste interviewed Ragan about her fitness business Fuel for Fitness, which Ragan started in August 2025 after transitioning from social work to fitness coaching. Ragan explained how her background in psychology led her to pursue social work, but she became disillusioned with the field and found her passion for helping people through fitness coaching after completing her personal training certification. Ragan currently teaches group fitness and provides online coaching, with one of her earliest clients inspiring her to start the business, and she noted that her personal experiences with food relationships make her more relatable as a coach. Ragan's Training and Location Insights Celeste and Ragan discussed Ragan's experience living between North Carolina and California, with Ragan expressing love for both locations while noting the high costs in California. Ragan shared that her favorite gym is Stoic in California due to its supportive community and experienced ownership. When asked about alternative sports, Ragan expressed interest in future powerlifting competition or marathon running. Ragan provided advice for new competitors, emphasizing not to compare themselves to others on social media and to ask questions of their coaches, while also cautioning against comparing timelines to others' progress in the sport. CONNECT WITH RAGAN: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ragansfitness_fuel/ WORK W/ RAGAN CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html