Episode 420: Your Nervous System and the Power of Breath

In this episode Fatima and Danika are joined by Natalie Gianoglio, an Emotional Reguation Practitioner, Specialist Wellness Counselor and creator of The Anchored Self Method. Throughout this episode you will learn practical tools that will help you regulate and anchor your emotional self, draw better awareness to your emotions and learn ways YOU can personally express them productively. Natalie provides a wealth of knowledge about the nervous system and how we can better show up for this incredible part of our selves. Be prepared to take some good notes with this one! 

In this episode, our prep coaches dive into a topic they've been discussing frequently with athletes: how to know when it's the right time to make the switch from Bikini to Fit Model. As the Bikini division has evolved significantly over the past five years, many athletes who may have once been ideal Bikini competitors now align more closely with the Fit Model criteria. The coaches share how they navigate these conversations with their athletes, the factors they consider when making recommendations, and how to determine which division best suits an athlete's physique, goals, and long-term potential.

In this honest and impactful episode, our coaches discuss what happens when an athlete feels like they've "ruined" their post-show reverse diet. They dive into strategies they use with athletes, how to navigate setbacks, and practical ways to regain momentum when the reverse diet doesn't go according to plan.

Have you ever felt like everyone else is moving ahead while you're somehow falling behind? In this honest conversation, Fatima and Danika unpack the growing epidemic of feeling behind. We explore where these feelings may come from, the role comparison, social media, and societal expectations play, and how we can begin to challenge the timelines we've been taught to follow. We share where we personally feel we are behind and what we are doing to shift this mindset and use it as a tool for growth.  If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough, achieving enough, or becoming enough, this episode is for you. You may be more on track than you think.

In this informative episode, our hosts dive into one of the most important topics in bodybuilding: Peak Week. Paul, Evan, and Lexie break down potentially dangerous peaking protocols to avoid, while exploring the science behind key variables like water, sodium, and carbohydrates. They discuss how these factors can be strategically used to enhance physique presentation leading into show day.

This is an all about CARBS episode!  Carbs have been unfairly labeled as the bad guy for years, but in this episode, we're breaking down the myths, exploring where our beliefs about carbohydrates come from, and discussing why they play an important role in fueling our bodies. Rather than fearing carbs or following nutrition trends, we'll talk about creating awareness around how carbohydrates affect you and why nutrition should be individualized, not one-size-fits-all. Replacing food fear with curiosity, education, awareness and intention. 

In this episode, our hosts dive into what it truly means to earn a pro card and whether the pursuit of the title is really worth it. Evan, an IFBB Pro, shares his firsthand perspective as an athlete, while Paul and Lexie offer their observations from working closely with competitors throughout the journey. Together, they discuss the realities of chasing the dream, what can happen once the goal is achieved, and the mindset shifts that often come along with it. This episode offers plenty of thought-provoking conversation and valuable insight.

What if being "obsessed" isn't actually a bad thing all the time?  In this episode, Coach Fatima and Cooach Danika challenge the negative reputation around obsession and discuss how positive obsession can create discipline, consistency, confidence, and long-term success.  From fitness goals to mindset work, we explore how deeply committing to yourself can sometimes look extreme to people who don't understand the vision.  

In this episode, our hosts do a brief recap of their weekend in Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Natural Pro Qualifer and Pro show. Then, they dive into the main topic walking listeners through a typical show weekend, discussing everything from the day prior to show through actual show day.

In this episode Danika and Fatima sit down with the man himself, Paul Revelia. They dive into his roots, where he started, what drives him and what keeps his passion alive. This conversation has laughs, some tears and a lot of inspiration - a must listen!