“Part of me is to set an example and tell them that there are people out there with PKU on stage.” —Aiden Young Every athlete faces challenges on their journey, but few overcome obstacles as formidable as their own genetics.  Aiden Young was born with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare disorder preventing his body from breaking down protein— an essential macronutrient for building muscle mass. Yet through creativity, perseverance, and a refusal to accept limitations, Aiden has shattered...

“Becoming a mom is hard, especially when your little ones want you and only you. Don't be hard on yourself. Take your time.” —Margarita Vailas For many busy mothers, the challenge of balancing career, family responsibilities, and personal health goals can seem insurmountable. Between shuttling kids to activities, long workdays, and endless household tasks, finding even an hour for exercise often falls by the wayside. However, with a growth mindset and support system in place, women can...

“Enjoy every second of it whether it's the offseason where you're building to get to your first prep to start your cut. Don't feel like it's a chore because it’s a huge commitment. It's time, it's body, it's everything. It's all of you.” —Renee Gareau Undergoing bodybuilding prep requires pushing our physical and mental limits. While the desire to improve and compete is motivating, truly listening to our body's needs is crucial for long-term success and well-being. Sometimes, we may have to...

“The community of people that do this are all like-minded. And we all actually genuinely want the best for everyone.” —Hali Lawrence Pushing through plateaus is tough, but it's what truly separates the contenders from the pretenders. It's easy to keep training hard when you're seeing results, but when things slow down it takes real guts to stick with it. Only the bodybuilders willing to push just a little more each session, even on those days they aren't feeling it, will be the ones standing...

 “I want to thank you all. Without you, this would not be a success. It's been a great experience. I'm loving it, and I'm hoping to continue it for many seasons to come.” —Sherrie Kapach  Season one of Beyond the Prep was a major success! We want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our beloved guests and listeners from the bottom of our hearts for joining us on this wild podcast ride. Your support, feedback, and love have truly blown us away.  But our beloved host, Sherrie, isn't resting...

 “Make your goal a reality. It's amazing what's out there for you when you step outside your comfort zone.” —Sherrie Kapach  Beyond the glitz and glamour lies the grit of competitive bodybuilding. From meticulous meal prep to grueling workouts, contenders must push their bodies to the limit to achieve peak physiques. Hear firsthand what it truly takes to succeed from those who have stood on stage and conquered the competition. In this episode, Master Coach Tanya turns the tables and...

 “When you see your body change and your progress is made, you get excited to see it.” —Laila Lanteigne “Ask yourself why you're doing it. And if you're not doing it for the right reasons, it's not for you.” —Jordan Long  Whether you're a seasoned bodybuilder or a fresh-faced newbie, the principles, mindsets, and values that fuel success remain the same. Consistent effort, unwavering discipline, and the will to push through any obstacle are the hallmarks of a true bodybuilder. The path...

“Enjoy the process. Enjoy yourself improving.” —Caroline Johnson Unlocking the secrets to bodybuilding success isn't just about what happens on the stage; it's about what goes on behind the scenes. The post-show routine is where gains turn into victories, where muscles meet their moment, and where the true bodybuilding champions emerge.  From replenishing nutrients to relishing well-earned indulgences, it's the journey from prep to party that defines true bodybuilding excellence. Caroline...

“Take it day by day. Even little changes do add up.” —Savannah Silver Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your fitness journey, the dedication required to get competition-ready is no small feat.  In this episode, Sherrie and bikini competitor, Savannah Silver, dig into some of the real nitty-gritty aspects of prep that competitors face, from navigating social situations to managing moods on a strict diet. Savannah fell in love with the sport after seeing the transformation of a...

“You can still have a social life, just be disciplined about it and stick to your goal.” —Cleo Wayway Maintaining balance and discipline is a cornerstone of a successful bodybuilding journey, whether during competition season or the offseason. During competition season, discipline is vital for achieving the desired physique, while in the offseason, it's about managing recovery and controlling body composition. Consistency and balance throughout both phases are key to sustained progress and...

“It's good to let your body know that it can have those foods too. It's important. And it's good to treat yourself.” —Avril Stead Bodybuilding is a rigorous sport that requires discipline, dedication, and strict adherence to a well-balanced diet. Many bodybuilders face challenges when it comes to satisfying cravings while staying on track with their nutrition plan.  The diet struggle is real, but knowing how to satisfy our cravings without compromising our diet is key to achieving our goals...

“To really take yourself to the next level, you need to think about somehow you're inspiring other people.” —John Mark Nicolet While bodybuilding and powerlifting share some similarities such as building strength and muscle mass, they differ in their training methods and ultimate goals. By striking the right balance between these two disciplines and incorporating strategies that support both goals, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve their desired results.  Therefore,...

“Make sure that you have a positive body image with yourself. Get that in order first before you start your journey.” —Rhonda Tennant Competitive bodybuilding is not without its challenges. From grueling training routines to strict dietary restrictions, athletes constantly face physical and mental obstacles. In such situations, an unwavering self-belief can be a powerful anchor.  Having a positive view of ourselves serves as a constant reminder that we are capable of conquering any obstacle...

“Think going in with a mindset of being an athlete, showing up like an athlete, and treating the sport seriously and just not double down.” —Melissa Corsiatto One common hesitation among athletes is the fear of failure. This can hinder their ability to take risks and explore their full potential. By reframing beliefs and instilling a positive mindset, athletes become more willing to step out of their comfort zones and push their boundaries. This newfound resilience allows them to stay...

“Just focus on yourself, that's all you can really do. You can't control anybody else… Don't overextend yourself because it's meant to be about personal growth and development.” —Dèvre Gibson Hard work is non-negotiable in bodybuilding. Whether it’s grueling gym sessions, unyielding cardio routines, or the disciplined exertion of self-control, the hard work required is relentless and rigorous. Yet, remember, it’s never about perfection, but progress; and never about external comparison, but...

It's a journey. You need to be willing to make sure that you have the ability to be dedicated. It's a huge sacrifice.” —Robert Craig  Bodybuilding’s addictive nature could make you a permanent resident on the stage. But, each step you take towards the spotlight is a measure of your dedication. It might mean missing outings for training sessions, foregoing late-night activities for a full night’s rest, or even skipping your favorite food to stay within your diet plan.  Dedication is not...

“Think of reverse diet as your prep.” —Sharly Graham Reverse dieting is a post-diet process where one gradually increases his/her calorie intake to avoid sudden weight gain while also optimizing metabolic health. But how does this fit into the bodybuilding journey?  Consistent control of calorie intake and expenditure facilitates muscle growth and efficient fat loss— two key objectives in bodybuilding. Reverse dieting plays a vital role in both of these processes.  In this episode,...

"Enjoy the journey. This is for yourself, not for others. So stick with your boundaries and what your goals are.” —Audrey LaFleur Being an athlete is not just about lifting weights or adhering strictly to a diet. It involves juggling personal responsibilities, and this can sometimes take a toll. Therefore, understanding how to balance time between these essential roles is vital.  A well-planned schedule is at the core of a successful bodybuilding journey. It allows you to avoid...

“I haven't even hit the stage yet this is so worth it.” —Taylor Baker Competing in bodybuilding is not a decision to be made lightly— it requires a significant investment of time, energy, and resources. However, the reward of seeing your hard work reflected back in the mirror, transformed into a symphony of perfectly chiseled symmetry, is worth every bead of sweat.  That’s how Taylor Baker, a character as feisty as they come, feels about starting her bodybuilding journey. Taylor has always...

“Great bodybuilders have all the knowledge to prep themselves. But accountability and sense of community— a lot of people need that to feel like everything’s coming together.”  —Corina Betournay Accountability is the missing link between wanting to accomplish your goals and actually working toward them. But it does stop at merely adhering to your training and diet plans consistently. It is a binding agreement to yourself to display a higher level of commitment irrespective of whether...

“When you're in the hardest, that's when you need to push the hardest.” —Cassandra Dean Bodybuilding is undoubtedly a grueling and challenging sport, testing our limits of strength, endurance, and willpower. Yet, despite its already tough nature, we still have to face the hardest of the hardest of trials. Continued improvement is a must, straddling the thin line between fulfilling progress and painful setbacks. We must remember that these circumstances are not a sign of failure, but an...

"You are more capable than you think you are. You just have to have the drive, you have to want it enough to really find it." —Devin Doyer Not having a professional coach doesn’t mean you can't achieve your fitness goals. You are the paint, the painter, and the canvas. All you need is a well-structured training program.  Be smart, don’t kick against the pricks. After all, the best part about being your coach is the freedom it entails. And remember, the best project you will ever work on is...

“The competitive nature of the game was actually as fun as it was until you get to really experience it.” —Ryan Cardinal In the world of fitness, bodybuilding stands as a giant. And in this high-stakes arena, every decision counts; a minor slip can mean drastic failure. But the grind in the gym forms only half the battle, the mind is an equally important battlefield. After all, the body and mind shape each other. Those who are capable of enduring the strain and getting up after a setback...

“Winners show up. They show what they got and they walk away with everything they deserve.” —Nick Arter Becoming a bodybuilding champion takes more than just hitting the weights and following a strict diet. It requires dedication, discipline, and determination. There will be days when you feel like giving up, when the weight feels too heavy, and when doubts start creeping in. But it's in those moments that you need to dig deep and find that inner strength to keep going. As you progress on...