Atlas Podcast #27 | IFBB Pro Sabra Young & James Ayotte
Description
In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by IFBB Bikini Pro and Team Atlas coach Sabra Young for a brutally honest—and funny—conversation on everything from glute development and judging trends to the harsh realities of contest prep.
We start with a recap of the 2025 New York Pro, breaking down why glute density is becoming the dominant factor at the top level—and what that means for shorter versus taller athletes going into the Olympia. Sabra and I also talk about coaching dynamics, athlete psychology, and the challenge of managing body image and self-doubt during prep.
We dive deep into the case of Ariana Brothers. We also share insights from Ivi’s rapid rise in the ranks, and how access to top-tier judging feedback is giving her a massive competitive edge over other European athletes.
Other topics include: the difference between suffering and smart prep, how cultural differences impact coaching, and why every peak and plan must be tailored to the athlete—not cookie-cutter.
If you're a competitor, coach, or just someone looking to better understand the complexity behind stage conditioning and high-level decision making, this episode is packed with insight. We hope you enjoy it!
The Atlas Podcast is available on:
YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
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