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

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with licensed therapist, counselor, and Team Atlas posing coach, Lina Gharapetian, for an in-depth discussion on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face in bodybuilding.
We dive into the psychological side of competition, breaking down how to build emotional resilience, manage anxiety during prep, and shift from a perfectionist mindset to one that prioritizes progress and long-term success. Lina shares her expertise on how competitors can develop a strong, balanced mentality and avoid common mental pitfalls that derail their journey.
We also cover the importance of posing, what separates great posers from average ones, and how small details—like confidence, fluidity, and breathing—can make or break a competitor’s stage presence. Lina explains why posing should be treated as a skill developed year-round, not just something practiced before a show.
Beyond competing, we tackle body image struggles, disordered eating patterns, and the emotional highs and lows that come with extreme dieting and physique changes. Lina offers practical strategies to develop a healthy relationship with food and training, emphasizing why a sustainable mindset is key to longevity in the sport.
If you’re an athlete struggling with self-doubt, stress, or mindset hurdles, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the mental game of bodybuilding and elevate your performance.
Hope you enjoy it!
The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte.79
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Sabra and talk about the realities of coaching, building a business, and balancing life as a mom. We cover the challenges of starting from the ground up, staying accountable post-show, and why reverse dieting is crucial for both performance and health. Sabra shares the importance of connecting with clients, building trust, and handling setbacks without letting imposter syndrome take over. Plus, we chat about some of the wild side quests that come with running a business and navigating life as competitors and coaches. Expect laughs, lessons learned, and a lot of chaos along the way!
The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte.79
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with my long-time friend and renowned coach, Chris Gurunlian, to discuss the exciting new Fit Model division recently announced by Tyler Manion. We dive deep into the evolution of bodybuilding categories, exploring how this new division aims to provide a more attainable and entry-level option for aspiring competitors while growing the sport as a whole.
Chris shares his personal journey, from skepticism to full support, reflecting on how new divisions like Men’s Physique and Wellness initially faced criticism but ultimately flourished. Together, we analyze the potential impact of the Fit Model category on the industry, from offering athletes a more mainstream look to its potential for attracting new talent and even drawing back retired competitors.
We tackle some of the most pressing questions: Will this division hurt bikini? Does it lower the bar for competition? And how will it shape the future of bodybuilding? Chris and I also share strategies for athletes deciding whether to transition into this category and discuss the business opportunities it brings for coaches, posing specialists, and other industry professionals.
If you’ve been curious about the Fit Model division or the ever-evolving landscape of bodybuilding, this episode is packed with insights, debates, and actionable advice for athletes at all levels. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation about the sport's future and how you can adapt to thrive. Enjoy!
Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte.79
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with Bikini Olympia Champion Ariana Brothers to reflect on her post-Olympia thoughts and discuss what’s next in her competitive career. We dive into your questions, exploring topics like whether you should tell your coach if you’ve deviated from your plan, how to determine if you’re truly ready to compete, and when postponing a show might be the better option. Ariana and I highlight the importance of honesty in the coach-athlete relationship, explaining how withholding details—like untracked refeeds—can disrupt your prep and compromise your results.
We also address the challenges athletes face as they progress in the sport, sharing how we build trust with new clients and set clear expectations. Ariana offers a glimpse into her new posing business, emphasizing its value for competitors looking to refine their stage presence and stand out. This episode is packed with actionable insights on prep, peaking, and posing, providing an in-depth look at what it takes to thrive at the highest level. Don’t miss this honest and informative conversation with one of the sport’s elite athletes!
The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte...
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Bikini Olympia Champion Isa Pecini for an in-depth look at her final preparations leading into the 2024 Olympia. As we gear up for the big event, we share our insights on maintaining peak conditioning while managing stress, the challenges of peaking at the perfect time, and how she’s balancing her training and diet just two weeks out from the stage. We discuss the 'less is more' approach to peaking an athlete and the strategies we’ve implemented to ensure Isa’s physique is dialed in for the biggest competition of the year. For anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes process of preparing a champion for the Olympia, this episode is a must-watch. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte...
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Victoria's on Instagram: @posingvs & @schmidtvictoria_
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with top Olympian Ariana Brothers as she opens up about her journey in the bodybuilding world, the ups and downs, and what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level. Ariana shares her personal struggles, from feeling lost after tough competitions to making a pivotal decision to switch coaches in pursuit of winning the Bikini Olympia title.

We dive into her previous challenges with peaking, trusting the process, and how small changes completely transformed her look on stage. We also reflect on the importance of being coachable, the lessons learned from past experiences, and what helped her come back stronger than ever. Whether you're an athlete aiming to level up, a coach seeking to better understand how to guide your athletes, or someone facing tough decisions, this episode is for you. Enjoy! 
The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte...
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Victoria's on Instagram: @posingvs & @schmidtvictoria_
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro Prescilla Deschenes, an athlete I’ve had the privilege of coaching for nearly three years. Prescilla opens up about her journey from amateur to pro, sharing the discipline, mindset shifts, and personal challenges she faced along the way. We discuss what it really takes to act like a pro before you even earn the title, including the importance of posing practice, balancing aesthetics, and the mental game behind achieving success in bodybuilding.

Prescilla also reflects on overcoming an eating disorder and how competing helped her establish a healthier relationship with food. For anyone looking to step up their game or seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles, this episode is a must-watch. Hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte...
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Victoria's on Instagram: @posingvs & @schmidtvictoria_
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte

In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I’m joined by Claire for an insightful discussion on a variety of topics. We explore the logistics and challenges of in-person consultations during the busy competition season. We also dive into the intricacies of online check-ins, sharing how our team continues to produce top athletes year after year, even when managing multiple shows across different time zones.

Additionally, Claire and I talk about training and nutrition for athletes during pregnancy, highlighting the balance between staying active and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. We cover the importance of posing practice, flexibility, and how small details, like tanning, can significantly impact competition outcomes. Finally, we address the emotional highs and lows in competitive bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of self-worth beyond just placings. This episode is packed with valuable insights for competitors at all levels. We hope you enjoy it!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

Stay Connected:

In this episode of the Atlas Podcast, Victoria Schmidt and I discuss the Toronto Pro, highlighting our athlete Maxine Somov, who won the Pro Bikini class and qualified for the 2024 Olympia. We dive into why she will be a top bikini athlete, focusing on both her physical and mental attributes. Additionally, we cover various topics, including my plan to clone myself, lol. We hope you enjoy the discussion!

The Atlas Podcast is available on:

YouTube: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube
Spotify: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify
Apple Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple
Google Podcast: bit.ly/AtlasPodcastGoogle

Stay Connected:

Team Atlas Website: www.teamatlasfitness.com
James Ayotte's Website: www.jamesayotte.com
Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &
@teamatlaslifestyle
James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte...
James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas
Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx
Victoria's on Instagram: @posingvs & @schmidtvictoria_
Discount links: https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte