Today, host Celeste Rains-Turk interviews Adam Atkinson of See You Later Leaner who has had a passion for fitness and health since he was young as his dad and he created their own home gym which sparked a passion for lifting much like his fathers passion. He has been a powerlifter and nationally qualified bodybuilder himself.  He turned his love of lifting into a career training at a local YMCA in 2002 with his issa certification. As his client base grew he founded SYLL in Columbus, Ohio to provide proper nutrition on top of training. He has been coined the diet doc of his town and works with people from all walks of life and of course competitors. His success in the NPC, IFBB, and other federations has led to many top placings, pro cards, and ultimately dream making which is his true passion   In this educational and informative episode, coach Adam discusses the personal and professional trials and tribulations he tackles as a contest prep coach.   Adam and Celeste dive deep into topics concerning Adam’s coaching philosophy, prioritizing the health of his clients, and ways to make sure the body is ready for the rigors of prep.  Adam elaborates on the attributes and separating factors between good athletes versus athletes that are truly exceptional.   He goes on to talk about the use of PEDs with amateur athletes, and sheds light on the rumors associated with “politics” in competing.  In the rapid-fire round, Celeste inquires about many hot topics in the realm of bikini prep; Adam answers, providing listeners with his honest and experience based input.   Adam’s level of commitment to his clients and passion for coaching radiates throughout this episode, as he provides touching and personal experiences during his time as a competition prep coach.   Of course, Adam provides ways for listeners to connect with him on social media, as well as his website.  This is certainly an episode you don’t want to miss! Connect with Adam Instagram: https://instagram.com/seeyoulaterleaner Website: https://www.seeyoulaterleaner.com Connect with Celeste:  Instagram: https://instagram.com/celestial_fit Website: http://www.celestial.fit Episode Time Stamps: [1:34] Celeste introduces Adam to the show  [2:20] Adam’s coaching philosophy  [3:45] Adam talks about how he prioritizes health with his athletes  [6:04] Talking about determining how far to push an athlete  [7:42] Hormones/panels to run to determine if someone is healthy for prep  [9:40] Adam explains a “sympathetic state”  [11:57] Adam shares what potential clients should look out for before seeking a coach [14:36] Attributes that make a good coach/athlete team  [17:17] Characteristic of good athletes vs phenomenal athletes  [19:37] Adam talks about the demands and struggles of coaching  [21:40] Adam describes how he prioritizes the needs of different IFBB Professionals  [25:45] Can natural athletes do well in the NPC if they are not genetically favored? [28:50] Politics in competing?  [32:45] Celeste gives various hypothetical competitor scenarios, Adam answers how he would address them accordingly  [37:03] Adam describes how he would help a struggling client post-show [38:40] Putting a competitor who has a great physique but struggles with posing on stage [41:38] Adam talks about benefits/risks of waist trainers  [42:50] Adams take on the “if it fits your macros” vs “meal plan” dieting  [46:25] Limiting water intake/cutting water [46:43] Steady state vs HIIT cardio workouts  [47:03] Best supplements/vitamins for competitors  [49:15] Adam talks about an experience where he had to fire a client  [50:10] Adam describes how to get the most out of steady-state cardio sessions