In this episode of SRP, I sit down with Joe Franco to talk about what contest prep should and should not cost you. We get into relationships during prep, social media comparison, unrealistic timelines, intuitive eating, peak week mistakes, and why the truly hardcore part of bodybuilding is consistency, not needless extremes. If you want a more balanced, sustainable way to think about natural bodybuilding, this one is worth your time.

What really happens to your body and mind during contest prep?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Fitschen, Pro Natural Bodybuilder, PhD in Nutritional Sciences, contest prep coach, and one of the leading researchers studying physique athletes.

We go beyond macros and training plans to talk about the real experience of contest preparation, including the physiological stress, psychological challenges, and practical strategies athletes can use to succeed without losing themselves in the process.

If you compete, coach competitors, or are simply curious about the science behind bodybuilding prep, this conversation breaks down what actually matters.

In this SRP episode, I sit down with Alec Armstrong to discuss his pro-card win, contest preparation, placing second at his pro-debut to a legend, and some of the psychological strategies he utilized.

Coach Whittney shares her experiences working with athletes and competing herself, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of the sport. She discusses how to identify individuals who will thrive under pressure and those who might struggle, emphasizing the importance of mental strength. Here's some practical advice for self improvement and fostering personal growth within the competitive natural bodybuilding world.

Craig Yarnell is a seasoned coach in bodybuilding and natural powerlifting. We explore the intricacies of leg training, injury recovery, and the art of peak performance. We jump into the debate on whether you can build pro-level legs without squats and the role of powerlifting principles in physique training. Craig shares his personal journey through knee surgery recovery and how it shaped his approach to training. We also discuss the importance of individualized training programs, regardless of whether you're a bikini competitor or a bodybuilder, and how genetics play a crucial role in shaping your physique.

In this episode, we discuss common posing mistakes made by first time competitors. Josh Mata is THE Pro Posing Coach and breaks down essential tips for how to pose effectively, ensuring you how to look good in photos and on stage. Learn some key posing hacks to elevate your presentation in any bodybuilding competition.