Together Vassilios and I share our experiences and opinions on all things pre-workouts, weight loss drugs, and workout performance (both good and bad).  We discuss the truth behind weight loss drugs, how they work, and a statistic that will make your eyeballs pop out when you hear it!  We discuss the psychology behind getting a good workout in, and supplements and protocols we believe actually work for long term success with your fitness and bodybuilding goals.  Share away! Post in your groups and on your socials to spread knowledge. Want to chat about everything I discussed in this episode? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an OCB or NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW Class on Sundays for Women’s Figure & Men’s Physique (Class #3)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW Class on Thursdays for Bikini & Wellness Competitors (Class #4) http://www.weeklyposing.com  -FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Our experiences with pre-workouts (4:00)*Our opinion on Creatine (13:00)*How consuming Salt, electrolyte, and energy based supplements changed our workout performance - good and bad (15:00)*How the “miracle weight loss drugs” like Ozempic work & their side effects (24:25)*Suggestions on how to have weight loss & competition prep success without extreme protocols (28:00)  

A couple months ago I woke up with an overwhelming feeling to grab my notebook and write down the words, “United States Posing Clinic Tour.” Tune in to find out how this idea all came about, where we will be heading this year, who has endorsed the tour, and all the things you will learn when you attend a clinic. Want to chat about everything I discussed in this episode? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-2024 USA In Person & Virtual Posing Clinic Tour Dates, Info, & Registration: http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW Class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Posing Mechanics)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*The moment I knew I was going to be a bodybuilder (2:43)*Why posing and stage presence became my focus (4:07)*The challenges of being a posing coach today (6:08)*How I discovered my virtual posing clinics and classes for all divisions and federations (7:55)*The birth of my collaboration with the OCB (10:33)*What you learn when you attend a clinic (13:02)*2024 USA posing clinic tour dates and locations (13:48) ---TRANSCRIPT--- There have been many times in my life when an idea pops in my head followed by a strong feeling to do something with this idea.  It becomes overwhelming.  I can’t stop thinking of this idea and what I can create with it.  An outpouring of thoughts and feelings keep coming and coming as if a dam just broke loose.  When this happens you can tell me all kinds of reasons why the idea isn’t going to work and I will still feel the strong need to pursue it.  Often I do not have a clue how it’s all going to work out, but I just know I have to keep the faith and put things in motion.  My latest idea that I have an overwhelming need to pursue is my United States Posing Clinic Tour this year.  But first, let me give you some background on how it all came about. It first started over 20 years ago when I went to my first bodybuilding competition to support my friend Shelley at her first show. At the time the only divisions were fitness and bodybuilding and Shelley was a bodybuilder. I remember that overwhelming feeling coming over me while in the audience watching her on stage. The feeling told me that I absolutely was going to be a bodybuilder starting right then. I was 20 years young and bodybuilding at the time didn’t have the appeal to as many people as it does today because there weren’t all the different categories that there are today. In fact, after my first show I brought a picture of me with a thank you note written on it to the gym I worked out at and gave it to the staff at the front desk who always seemed so supportive of me while I was there training for my show. The next day, I noticed the picture was missing, so I asked the people at the front desk what happened to it. They said they were told to remove my picture because they didn’t want to promote “that type of stuff” here at this gym.  I’ll never forget how that made me feel. But I had that overwhelming feeling that told me to keep going regardless of how other people thought or treated me. There will be judgement by others for anything you want to do, no matter what it is.  But, we wake up with our thoughts and live with ourselves all day long.  I’d rather be inspired by myself than repressed to please others. And now today over 20 years later bodybuilding is still a major part of my life, including here with this

Together Vassilios and I share stories and insight on our experience over the years with nutrition, training, and bodybuilding. We discuss things we know now that we wish we knew when we started.  Hear about that one time I passed out in the gym too. Tune in for some real talk and some laughs too.  Share away! Post in your groups and on your socials to spread knowledge.Want to chat about everything I discussed in this episode? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” ...and come join the conversation! Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an OCB or NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW Class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Posing Mechanics)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com-Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*How long it takes to make a significant body composition change (2:25)*Weight loss vs Bodybuilding (6:50)*That time Michele passed out at the gym (16:25)*Food before workouts (18:00)*Deload weeks (22:15)*The hip thrust (28:50)

Welcome to 2024! Thank you for listening to the show and sharing it with others. 2023 was an incredible year and I’m excited for what’s to come in 2024. But first…to kick off the first episode of the new year, I’m going to do a 2023 recap and review some of the biggest shows of the year in bodybuilding across a few of the larger organizations. So tune in and get ready for an honest assessment of all of them.  Want to chat about everything I discussed in this episode? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” and come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an OCB or NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly posing class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Class #3 on Sundays)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com-Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Updates including the new Strut in Heels program (2:00)*Thoughts and observations on the IFBB Olympia (3:45)*Thoughts and observations PNBA Natural Olympia (11:35)*Thoughts and observations on the OCB Yorton Cup (13:05)*Thoughts and observations on the WNBF World Championships (15:55)*The mass exodus of athletes from The WBFF and rise of a new organization (18:35)*OCB and NPC virtual posing clinics coming up (21:25)  

In this week's episode Vassilios and I talk about how we position our nutrition in and around our workouts. We discuss the various nutrition protocols we have tried, the difference between food timing in the off season vs when cutting for a show, and our experience with pre-workouts. Even hear about Vassilios' experience with the raw food diet! Want to chat with us about the episodes? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for a NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at https://learntopose.com/NPC-Getting ready for an OCB show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next *OFFICIAL* virtual posing clinic at https://learntopose.com/OCB-New to competing and want to learn how to pose correctly from the start? Join my Posing Mechanics Class HERE ! http://www.weeklyposing.com-Know how to pose but aren’t sure how to bring your best package to the stage? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com-Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Vassilios’ food timing and workout protocol (5:00)*The body’s ability to adapt and how it affects gains (7:00)*Vassilios’ experience with various nutrition protocols and how it affected his workouts (9:45)*How nutrition in the off season vs cutting phases affects our training (15:05)*Our experience with pre-workouts (21:50)*Vassilios’ raw meat diet story (27:40)*How time of day affects our workouts (31:25)  

The #1 thing you need to do on stage at a bodybuilding show is present yourself to a judging panel for consideration on how well you meet the judging criteria for the category and organization. You aren’t doing a workout for the judges. You aren’t food prepping for the judges. You are 100% performing on stage. Making this connection from the beginning and preparing for the expectations of the show day itself will ensure that you avoid scoring lower than you should and instead you receive your highest possible placement at your show. Tune in as I elaborate more on what it takes to prepare your posing and stage performance for show day in part 3 of my new 10 part series, "10 Tips For Your First Prep." Want to chat about the episodes with other listeners? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an OCB show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com/ocb -Getting ready for a NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com/npc-Ready for the next level? Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-Justing starting to learn how to pose? Come to my beginner posing class on Sundays on Zoom (called Posing Mechaincs)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Posing is an add-on service (3:08)*Watching Posing tutorials vs creating the poses yourself (4:30)*Standards in bodybuilding versus other sports (6:00)*Four common posing and stage presence skills people want to learn and an estimated timeline on how long it takes to achieve these goals (7:20)*Upcoming posing clinics (11:45) --Transcript-- Welcome back guys! Today is part 3 of my new series called 10 Tips for your first prep and it’s all about the #1 thing you need to do on stage on show day…and that is to pose and perform in front of a judging panel for consideration on how well you meet the judging criteria for the category and organization.  Most people focus on the training and nutrition component to get their physique ready. And then underestimate the importance of presentation on show day. When people first learn about bodybuilding and are encouraged to give it a try, it’s likely because they have a great physique or had a really great body transformation.  It’s not because they randomly hit a front double bicep and someone said, man that front double was awesome man, you should give bodybuilding a try. Or you were standing in line at Starbucks holding a bikini back pose with your feet apart, glutes high, and ordering a triple grande mocha loca frappacino latte and someone tapped you on the shoulder and said, man you have amazing mobility in your lower back, you should give bikini competitions a try. When you were introduced to bodybuilding it had nothing to do with posing and everything to do with your physique. In addition, if you are going to hire someone to help you prepare for a show, you are likely going to hire a nutrition and training coach first. Posing is the afterthought.  Your training and nutrition coach might offer some posing assistance too as an add on as well. Like the last minute impulse purchase you made but didn’t know you needed after waiting for 15 minutes in the check out aisle at the TJ MAXX store. For me just the other day I grabbed socks that I didn’t know I needed. The time before it was chocolate with hazelnut pieces from Belgium that I never hear

In today's episode Vassilios and I discuss what it takes to increase your confidence when you are new, after situations when results do not meet your expectations, or coming back from self perceived failure.   Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for a NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at https://learntopose.com/NPC-Getting ready for an OCB show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next *OFFICIAL* virtual posing clinic at https://learntopose.com/OCB-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Posing Mechanics)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways: *Internal vs external validation (4:34)*Vassilios experience with Battle of the Bands in LA for the Ozzfest (6:45)*Michele’s parent’s 50th wedding anniversary grand entrance (10:15)*New competitors hyper focus on details to feel more confident (13:45)*Your WHY dictates your attitude (18:50)*Practice builds a knowing which builds a confidence (22:15)*How self imposed pressure affects confidence (27:28)  

My guest today is IFBB Pro League Head Judge, and Mr Olympia & Arnold Classic Judge, Becky Clawson, who chats with me about the NPC and IFBB organization as a whole, each of the men and women divisions, the judging for each of the divisions, pro cards, drug testing, and so much more! Today’s episode continues the series that spotlights each of the organizations in bodybuilding and what makes them special and unique. Tune in for a full well, rounded picture of the NPC and IFBB! Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at https://learntopose.com/npc-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Posing Mechanics)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Meet Becky Clawson (2:32)*Is the judging process the same for the NPC and IFBB locally and internationally? (8:20)*Why Becky thinks you should compete with the NPC/IFBB (11:55)*What do “natural” vs. “not natural” shows mean in NPC and IFBB (14:14)*How to get your pro card (16:40)*Why doesn’t the NPC and IFBB drug test all of their shows? (23:04)*A breakdown of each of the different men and women divisions (27:23)*Biggest change Becky has seen in the sport (43:56)*Why is the IFBB pro card so sought after and does Does Becky believe it gives an advantage in life (47:41)*Does the IFBB have standards, expectations, and certain “looks” they go for and want to see on stage (posing, suits, hair, stage walks, etc)? (52:25)*How does the NPC and IFBB score their athletes in each of the divisions (and do the scores change?) (53:47)*How do you become an NPC and IfBB Judge and learn how to judge? (1:04:30)*Does the NPC and IFBB require you to use certain coaches, suit designers, makeup, wear specific hair, etc.? (1:09:57)*What division does Becky think is the most difficult to judge and least difficult to judge? (1:16:45)*Becky’s favorite competitor of all time across all divisions (1:18:03)*Will there be any new divisions added to the NPC and IfBB coming up? (1:20:10)*What’s next for Becky? (1:21:08)  

Bodybuilding is about sculpting our bodies into muscular works of art. Instead of a tangible sculpting tool, to unveil our masterpiece for a contest, we prioritize losing body fat and preserving as much muscle as possible. Bodybuilding is far beyond general weight loss and the expectations surrounding preparing for a show should be set accordingly from the beginning for best results.  Tune in as I elaborate more on getting lean in part 2 of my new 10 part series, "10 Tips For Your First Prep." Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an OCB or NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW Class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Posing Mechanics)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Bodybuilding often means being hungry (2:50)*There are those who struggle to keep weight on (3:38)*The "sorority of suffering" (5:00)*The new weight loss pills (7:15)*What is "bodybuilding lean" (8:13)*The process of getting lean for a bodybuilding show. (9:18) --Transcript-- What’s up guys! I’m back again with part 2 of my new series where I break down in detail 10 tips for your first prep. If you listened to part 1 you are well versed on the different categories there are in bodybuilding and now know how important it is to choose the right one since what you are being scored on will differ depending on the category. Today I’m going to talk about what it means to get lean for a show and how hunger is often confused with leanness. Food, including excess food, or the opposite, hunger, are a major part of what makes bodybuilding unique. For the average person, if you are preparing for a bodybuilding show, there will come a time when you are going to have to just be hungry.   But there is a difference between being hungry and actually starving. We are not starving when doing a bodybuilding show. Everything we are doing is our own doing and choice. There is a fridge with food in it, even if it’s not for you, it’s still there. You can still eat it. There is choice. Starving would mean you have no food and limited access to it. There is this sorority of suffering out there that loves to be overly dramatic about how hungry they are in their prep. Hunger when preparing for a show is your own will. And it’s part of being a bodybuilder for many, and it’s part of what it takes for many to get really lean.  And in my opinion most of the people complaining about how hungry they are, don’t look lean or very close to contest ready.  More on this in a minute. First let me put in perspective that there is also a group of people who can’t keep weight on and in order to grow muscle they have to eat excess food beyond what their hunger tells them in order keep the weight on. We all know people like that, and it may be you too. They are always lean and struggling to put on size, and never do cardio.  So again, they are lean, but they aren’t complaining about being starving. In order for them to be lean and muscular, they have to eat more food and be mindful of calorie expenditure. The extreme to this is with the IFBB open men’s bodybuilding division. Their struggle in bodybuilding is that they have to eat an extreme amount of food in order to keep the mass on. 4x Mr Olympia,

Vassilios and I discuss what it means to us to live a bodybuilding lifestyle and share our own personal fitness tips and tricks we utilize every day. Guess what.. we also went to <<< Dairy Queen.... >>> :)  Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for an OCB or NPC show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW Class for new people beginning to learn how to pose (Posing Mechanics)! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com   Key Takeaways:*Our gym obsession (4:00)*Our interpretation of a bodybuilding lifestyle (5:50)*Bodybuilding then and now (13:45)*We went to Dairy Queen (19:25)*Protein as a secret weapon? (25:30)*Additional Tips (30:00)*Getting Lean (36:25)    

Welcome back to the show! Today I’m starting a new series where I share 10 tips to help you better prepare for your first competition. The first tip I'm sharing today is to pick the right category. I break down each of the categories in detail to help you better understand what they are, the goal of each of the categories, and help you better determine which one fits you best. Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Want to learn how to pose for NPC, OCB, or Fitness Universe? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly posing class called “Posing Mechanics for all men and women divisions” now available on Sundays! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*The Bikini Category (3:15)*The Men’s Physique Category (4:30)*The Wellness Category (5:50)*The Figure Category (7:52)*The Women’s Physique Category (9:21)*The Classic Physique Category (12:30)*The Bodybuilding Category (16:05)*Pageant style shows and their categories (16:20) Welcome back guys! Just me here on the mic again today with a new podcast series I’m doing that breaks down my top 10 tips for all you new people thinking about doing shows. This is also a great refresher for you veterans too. A lot of you new people probably stumbled across this podcast after a lot of bumps and bruises while combing through all the nonsense out there trying to figure out this thing called bodybuilding.  My federation is better than yours. Our federation is better because we are natural. My federation is the most prestigious. My federation is the most glamourous. You will hear me say over and over that the best federation is the best option for YOU. This is the most exciting and one of the most expensive hobbies you will ever take part in. So regardless of which federation you choose, today, I’m going to talk about the first of my 10 tips to help you better prepare and feel more confident for your first prep. Starting with the different divisions. There are so many to choose from it can get confusing. You’ve got bikini, wellness, men’s physique, figure, classic physique, open bodybuilding, women’s physique, and then you have other divisions that are more glammy like fitness model, model, muscle model, and so on. Knowing where you best fit is important because it can be discouraging to spend all the time an money preparing for a show only to place really low in a category for no reason except your body was better suited for a different category.  So let’s start with the bikini, men’s physique, and the wellness divisions. Bikini is looking for an athletic amount of muscle and a proportionate physique. The amount of muscle required in the bikini division is the least amount you are going to see on a bodybuilding stage. This is usually where people start when they are new to training and bodybuilding, and especially after a weight loss transformation. You will see the bikini competitors in non drug tested federations leaner and more muscular than drug tested federations so if you are brand brand new you might want to make note of this. It can get confusing when you start looking at pictures. In fact, I saw a social media post recently of a side by side competitor photo from a coach who only works with clients training for NPC and IFBB shows, which are not drug tes

This week Vassilios and I discuss how to know when you are ready to do a show and how it relates to Vassilios’ experiences as a touring and signed artist. We discuss the different divisions, expectations, peak week, where to start if you are new, and a healthy mindset in and around competing. Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” on Facebook and come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for a OCB, NPC, or Fitness Universe show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW COMPETITORS - weekly posing class called “Posing Mechanics for all men and women divisions” that breaks down all the poses! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com -FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Expectations when competing (3:45)*Being ready for the Bikini division (10:05)*Being ready for the Figure and Men’s Physique divisions (15:19)*How Vassilios knew he was tour ready and how it relates to bodybuilding (16:25)*Being ready for the Bodybuilding, Classic, Women’s Physique, & Wellness divisions (22:10)*Peak week (26:15)*Where to start if you are new (28:25)*A healthy Mindset in and around competing (36:00)  

Welcome back guys! Just me on the mic today addressing the question I get all the time about what the rules are on competing in multiple organizations.  Can you? What happens if you do? Tune in to find out. Want to chat about the episodes and be a part of our weekly podcast group gatherings? Search for the group called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” And come join the conversation. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for a OCB, NPC, or Fitness Universe show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly posing class called “Posing Mechanics for all men and women divisions” now available on Sundays! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*My background on this subject (3:40)*Why people want to switch between organizations (6:30)*An overview of the rules on switching organizations (11:10)*Why some of my virtual posing clinics are official and some aren’t (13:15)*Why where you hold your Pro card status matters if you want to switch organizations (14:55)*Virtual posing clinics at learntopose.com (17:33) --TRANSCRIPT-- Welcome back to the show guys! I hope you have been enjoying listening to the men’s perspective on bodybuilding and fitness with the addition of my new weekly discussion episodes with my husband Vassilios hosting with me.  He and I will be back again later this week with another episode. We also record these live every week in the Everything Else in bodybuilding podcast insiders Facebook group in case you want to watch these episodes and participate in the discussion in real time. But today it’s just me here sharing some of my thoughts on a topic that I think is very important for those who wish to compete in more than one federation.  Over the years the bodybuilding industry has changed a lot and more and more federations have popped up giving people new opportunities to compete in their local area. There are also the federations that have grown into empires with a large pool of participants and a large number of shows around the country and world.  With this many organizations and opportunities to compete, I’ve had many people ask me what are the rules on changing federations? I’ve mentioned it before that many coaches will align with a particular federation and only coach athletes for shows within that federation. Some coaches will only coach athletes for drug tested federations because of their strong belief in natural bodybuilding. Some coaches will only coach for NPC because they believe that their federation is the only one of value in the bodybuilding industry. And some don’t care where you compete and will coach you anywhere you wish to go. This is relevant for posing coaches too. Many stay in their lane and coach for the division they competed in themselves. Some will only coach for the federation they competed with. There is nothing wrong with specializing in one area. For example, when I was searching for an orthopedic for an injury, I had to weed through the orthopedics on the office roster to find a doctor that worked on the area of the body I needed help with. Just like in bodybuilding there are specialists within specialists.  This is very common. I consider what I personally do uncommon because because my speciality is posing for ALL bodybuilding federations and all men and women divisions. I work with hundreds of athletes a year and this year alone I’ve taught posing for athletes in over 10 federat

This week my husband Vassilios and I discuss coaches in bodybuilding and now to best weed through all the noise and confusion when it comes to choosing or parting ways with one. Come join the conversation and be a part of these weekly LIVE episodes in the group:  “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!”. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for a NPC or OCB show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly posing class called “Posing Mechanics for all men and women divisions” now available on Sundays! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com -FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways: *Professionalism in the music industry vs bodybuilding industry (3:20)*Expectations in the music and bodybuilding industries (9:00)*Tips when shopping for a coach (13:58)*When to fire your coach (21:35)*Red flags to watch out for (30:45)*Final thoughts (42:00)  

Welcome to my new weekly podcast series that includes discussions on various topics in and around bodybuilding with my husband Vassilios Metropoulos. These topics were chosen from suggestions made by the listeners in the "Everything Else" in Bodybuilding Facebook group.  Come join the conversation and be a part of these weekly LIVE episodes in our group! The group is called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!”. Additional Resources:-Getting ready for a NPC or OCB show and want to learn how to pose? Register for the next virtual posing clinic at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Join my weekly posing classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly posing class called “Posing Mechanics for all men and women divisions” now available on Sundays! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com -FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways: *Welcome to our weekly discussions! (2:15)*Meet Vassilos (4:15)*Post tour blues vs post show blues (10:00)*Preventing post show blues: goals (18:00)*Preventing post sow blues: nutrition (24:20)*Preventing post show blues: mindset shifts (38:00)*Listener responses to why they are competing (49:00)

Welcome back guys!  I had a thought today that I really felt the need to put out there for you all to consider. Not everyone wins a show but no one should feel like a loser. Tune in to hear my thoughts on this and come join the conversation in my Podcast Facebook group! The group is called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” to discuss episodes and follow the podcast tour as we travel the USA promoting the show. Additional Resources:-Want to feel fully prepared on stage at your competition? Jump on my weekly posing practice classes at http://www.weeklyposing.com-NEW weekly posing class called “Posing Mechanics for all men and women divisions” now available on Sundays! http://www.weeklyposing.com-FREE posing tutorials for Figure, Bikini, Wellness, and Men's Physique competitors at www.learntopose.com -FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at shop.killitwithdrive.com -Want to WIN your next competition? I can help! Learn more at: www.posingwinsshows.com Key Takeaways:*Why are you doing a show (2:47)*Our existence is 100% in our head (3:52)*There can only be 1 winner (5:50)*There is more to celebrate than a trophy (7:15)*Examples of attaching to the transformation not the trophy (10:46)*My weekly virtual posing practice classes (13:15) —Transcript— Welcome back! It feels really great to be here. Its been a minute, huh? Well there is so much to still talk about so plan for more episodes coming. I’m also going to start bringing my husband on here for the male perspective of things which I think is going to add a really great layer to the show. Let me start this episode by saying.. Bodybuilders are really hard on themselves. I talk about this to my posing students all the time how there is a switch that happens at about the 4 week mark from show. You all get freaking crazy. You start mentally stacking all kinds of nonsense. “I’m not lean enough.” “I don’t think I’ll be ready.” “I’m not this, I’m not that.”  This kind of self sabotage happens all the time. It’s very common in new people to bodybuilding because you don’t know what to expect from competing and you are putting yourself out there in public in a way that you likely have never done before. The truth is you are never going to feel like you are ready if you hyper focus on being ready. Let’s talk about why you are doing this show in the first place? Maybe you had a really awesome body composition change and decided to make a bodybuilding show your next goal. Maybe you have been thinking about doing a show for 20 years and finally got the courage to go for it. I’m meeting a lot of people who are coming to me for posing assistance in their late 50s which is really awesome. Maybe you were an athlete and you want a new goal to keep you motivated in the gym. Or maybe you were encouraged by the people at your gym to try a show and you figure what the heck you’ll try it out. Regardless of why you decided in the first place to do a show, at some point you will realize you are about to be on stage in your underwear wearing orange paint and posing in front of a live audience for a group of 5-7 people to then analyze your appearance. As you get closer to the show day, the anticipation becomes greater and greater. It’s almost as if the long process to the stage is a slow peel of a bandaid. Like if you were physically ready the minute you decided to do a show you might run out on stage and be much more confident than you do when you have months of time to obsessively think about the show day and sink further and further into your head. Do you realize that this existence is something you have created in your head?  That you are stressing your own freaking self out?  I’ve had people reach out to me and say that they are thinking about a show but their cortisol levels are high. First off what does that even mean. What barometer was used

Hey guys! In this episode, I offer some guidance to the loved ones that will be putting up with you during your contest prep so they are better prepared for the process. Be sure to have them give this episode a listen!  As always, like/subscribe/and share! And come join the conversation in the private Facebook group for listeners to talk about show topics. The Facebook group is called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” so head on over there and request to join! Additional Resources:-FREE posing assessment and road mapping call at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to learn skills that will help you look and feel more confident in your posing and transitions from pose to pose? Learn more at:http://www.weeklyposing.com-Interested in posing courses and custom made tools? Shop Here: https://learntopose.podia.com-Want to WIN your next competition? Learn more at: http://www.posingwinsshows.com-FREE posing tutorials for Wellness, Figure, Bikini, and Men's Physique competitors at http://www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at http://www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at https://shop.killitwithdrive.com/ Key Takeaways:*An invitation to your loved ones (3:40)*Gaining an understanding on the overall goal (4:45)*Red flags to look out for (7:20)*Various costs involved with competing (9:25)*How bodybuilding shows are judged and the importance of being prepared for the stage (11:20)*Stage attire requirements (14:37)*Heightened Emotions (17:16)*Who you affiliate with will determine your experience (18:07)*Drug tested Vs non drug tested federations (19:34)*Why do people compete in the extreme sport of bodybuilding (22:25) --TRANSCRIPTION-- Welcome back to the show guys! This episode I hope brings up great conversations between you and your loved ones regarding all things to expect with contest prep. I think the effect of contest prep on loved ones is underestimated and a lot of confusion and unnecessary tension can be avoided with better preparation and setting of expectations.  I can still remember the last time I told my ex husband I wanted to compete again after a long layoff. We were sitting at dinner at a restaurant and he was drinking beer and I was drinking a glass of wine. The look on his face turned to annoyed and he in short he said he didn’t want to be in a relationship with me if I was going to compete again. He didn’t really mean he wanted a divorce, he was expressing his level of frustration towards life living with a bodybuilder in contest prep mode.  Contest prep isn’t easy for a competitor and I think it’s often overlooked or underestimated how much contest prep affects the loved ones around you. Depending on how structured you stay on your plan year round, the added focus you will have during contest prep and the additional precision needed with nutrition and overall movement will change the entire 24/7 dynamic of your household. If you are in a division like bodybuilding, classic physique, women’s physique, and even the Figure division, your level of leanness will need to be that much greater, which will require a longer, and more precise prep for your show. The leaner you get, the longer your prep, and the more hyper focused you become, the greater the effect on those around you.  I think it’s important to prepare your loved ones for what to expect while you are preparing for a show and for you to also stay conscious about your attitude and actions during this time.  There is no need to be obnoxious to the people around you for any reason. So today I want to offer some guidance to those loved ones that will be putting up with you during your contest prep so they are better prepared for the process.  Hello, loved ones. My name is Michele and I have even competing, coaching, and judging bodybuilding shows for over 20 years. I’m going to be your tour guide today taking you through the proc

Hey guys! After a little time off I am back on the mic today with a brief update on all that I have been up to since my last episode. I also share some insight on some of the things that bodybuilding has taught me over the years and how these lessons and skills have had a positive transfer into my every day life.  As always, like/subscribe/and share! And come join the conversation in the private Facebook group for listeners to talk about show topics. The Facebook group is called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” so head on over there and request to join! Additional Resources:-FREE posing assessment and road mapping call at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to learn skills that will help you look and feel more confident in your posing and transitions from pose to pose? Learn more at:http://www.weeklyposing.com-Interested in posing courses and custom made tools? Shop Here: https://learntopose.podia.com-Want to WIN your next competition? Learn more at: http://www.posingwinsshows.com-FREE posing tutorials for Wellness, Figure, Bikini, and Men's Physique competitors at http://www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at http://www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at https://shop.killitwithdrive.com/ Key Takeaways*Update on what I have been up to for the past month (1:50)*Bodybuilding teaches you courage (5:00)*Bodybuilding teaches you self improvement (5:58)*Bodybuilding teaches you work ethic (6:44)*Bodybuilding will change how you look at the human body (8:07)*The skills you learn in your off season (10:08)*The power of finding and learning your weaknesses (11:20)*How learning performance skills will reshape you and your confidence (12:10)*Go to weeklyposing.com and let my classes be your secret weapon (13:55)   --TRANSCRIPTION-- What’s up guys and welcome back to the show. It’s been a minute since I published one of my solo episodes so thanks for the patience. A lot of changes have been going o n since January and it actually sparked my thoughts for this episode. As you know if you have been listening to the show that my husband and I toured the USA last year and drove over 20,000 miles promoting my podcast. Our living conditions were quite challenging and it didn’t make for the best environment for consistent workouts, sleep, or teaching my online clients. Since we got back to the east coast in late December we have settled in and really capitalized on all the networking we did last year.  Many new opportunities surfaced for my posing business.  A year ago I created a new way of teaching posing and stage presence that is unlike anything in th e industry. I’ve been fine tuning the structure and processes for the past year and have now really hit a groove.   It’s pretty cool to see my students transforming in ways I don’t think THEY every imagined. And, get this, it’s all virtual.  After making new connections and from networking over the past year, a couple of industry professionals and owners of federations agreed to offer and promote my custom programs to their athletes. What an incredible opportunity!  I mean really. Think about how much trust and faith it takes for a federation to offer my programs to all of their athletes. I don’t take this opportunity lightly. So for the last couple months I have been customizing my programs to each federation that is on board with me. The programs are different for every federation because the federations are different from each other. The athletes have different needs from one federation to another, the judging is different, and there are different divisions in each federation too.  I still have my classes for all athletes at weeklyposing.com that emphasize the fundamentals of posing and help people build better skills so they can overall become better at posing.  These classes have people across all federations which is cool.  It makes for a unique dynam

This episode continues part 3 the podcast series I am doing called "Meet the Federations." My goal is for you to learn first-hand all the different options there are in the sport of bodybuilding by highlighting people in the different federations and having honest conversations about the federation they know best. Today we are talking all about the WBFF federation and how it differs from all other federations. My guest today, Holly Baxter, has claimed 2 World Championship-level wins in the Natural Fitness Division. She has been competing with the WBFF as a Professional Diva Fitness Model and achieved runner up in the Pro World Championships. In addition, Holly is also a registered dietitian and the co-founder and director of a number of health and fitness related businesses. Expect some golden fitness nuggets dropped during the show.  As always, like/subscribe/and share! And come join the conversation in the private Facebook group for listeners to talk about show topics. The Facebook group is called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” so head on over there and request to join! Additional Resources:-FREE posing assessment and road mapping call at http://www.learntopose.com-Want to learn skills that will help you look and feel more confident in your posing and transitions from pose to pose? Learn more at:http://www.weeklyposing.com-Want to learn how to pose for your show? Start Here:http://www.learntopose.com/virtualclinic-Want to WIN your next competition? Learn more at: http://www.posingwinsshows.com-FREE posing tutorials for Wellness, Figure, Bikini, and Men's Physique competitors at http://www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at http://www.eeinbb.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at https://shop.killitwithdrive.com/ Key Takeaways: *Meet Holly Baxter (3:14)*Dietician education versus contest prep (10:55)*What it is like to compete in Dubai (14:40)*How Holly’s experience in the WBFF differs from her experience in the INBA/PNBA and NPC/IFBB (18:04)*Diva Bikini Model (29:30)*Men and Women Transformation (31:00)*Male Fitness Model (32:00)*Attire and presentation requirements for each of the divisions (33:00)*Diva Fitness Model (36:40)*Holly breaks down her show expenses (38:00)*The different divisions in the WBFF -  Diva Wellness and Diva Figure Model (47:50)*The judging criteria for all the divisions (56:50)*The Men’s Divisions (1:06:00)*The WBFF and PEDs (1:09:06)*The negative consequences of dieting (1:32:50)*How Holly coaches people how to handle the challenges of dieting for shows (1:46:25)*How Holly manages realistic expectations with her coaching clients (1:49:47)*Does competing in the WBFF provide the most opportunities in the industry (1:54:00)*Holly’s upcoming competition and business plans (1:58:04) Find Holly on instagram as Hollytbaxter and YouTube as Holly T Baxter and online at hbnutrition.com.au

A recent conversation I had sparked my thoughts for today's episode on where I would suggest a teenager consider competing for the FIRST time. Find out why my answer isn't black or white and how if I competed again myself, why my decision would be different than you might expect. As always, like/subscribe/and share! And come join the conversation in the private Facebook group for listeners to talk about show topics. The Facebook group is called “The ‘Everything Else’ in Bodybuilding Podcast Insiders!” so head on over there and request to join! Additional Resources:-Want to learn skills that will help you look and feel more confident in your posing and transitions from pose to pose? Learn more at:http://www.weeklyposing.com-Want to learn how to pose for your show? Start Here:http://www.learntopose.com/virtualclinic-Want to WIN your next competition? Learn more at: http://www.posingwinsshows.com-1 on 1 Training and Nutrition at http://www.killitwithdrive.com-FREE posing tutorials for Wellness, Figure, Bikini, and Men's Physique competitors at http://www.learntopose.com-FREE ebook “5 Things Every Bodybuilding and Fitness Competitor Needs To Know Before Preparing For A Show” at http://www.eeinbb.com-FREE posing assessment and road mapping call at http://www.learntopose.com-Grab your “My Own Motivation” tank top at https://shop.killitwithdrive.com/ Key Takeaways:*What I told a friend whose teenager wants to do her first show (2:10)*What it means to drink the Kool-aid (4:55)*How federations fuel the narrative (5:45)*Social media and PEDs changed bodybuilding (10:10)*PEDs in the bikini division (13:08)*Other ideas for competition goals (19:10)*How factoring in psychology affects my recommendation on where someone should first compete (20:44)*Where I personally would consider competing today and why it might surprise you (24:22)