Welcome back to the Self-Selecting Podcast! In Episode 28, I sit down with Chanel Collette to discuss her experiences as a competitive athlete navigating the challenges of both natural and enhanced bodybuilding. Chanel shares her journey, including the pivotal moments that shaped her decisions about using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), the importance of functional health, and the balance between maintaining femininity and achieving competitive success.

In this episode, we cover:

- Chanel’s transition from natural to enhanced competition

- The role of functional health in competitive sports

- Managing the balance between athletic goals and long-term health

- The importance of blood work and recovery in prep

- How Chanel’s views on femininity influenced her decisions about PEDs

Timestamps:

- [00:00] - Introduction and welcoming Chanel Collette to the podcast

- [01:30] - Chanel’s background and her start in competitive physique sports

- [04:00] - Early years competing naturally and challenges faced

- [06:15] - Transitioning from natural bodybuilding to NPC and what prompted the change

- [09:20] - The pressures and expectations in NPC competitions

- [12:05] - Chanel’s experience during the 2020 competitive season and its impact on athletes

- [15:30] - The mental and physical toll of the 2020 season on Chanel’s competitive journey

- [18:10] - Deciding to move towards enhanced competitions and the thought process behind it

- [21:40] - The initial hesitation and considerations around using PEDs

- [25:00] - Balancing the use of PEDs while maintaining a sense of femininity

- [28:30] - The importance of functional health and how it influenced Chanel's decisions

- [31:15] - Understanding the role of blood work in monitoring health during prep

- [33:45] - Chanel’s approach to recovery and managing stress as a natural athlete

- [36:20] - Transitioning to an enhanced athlete: What changed in her approach?

- [39:10] - Managing long-term health goals versus short-term competitive success

- [42:00] - The impact of PEDs on recovery and overall health

- [44:30] - Chanel’s reflections on the balance between competitive ambition and health

- [47:10] - The significance of maintaining femininity throughout her career

- [49:50] - How Chanel’s views on PEDs evolved over time

- [52:00] - The mental struggles associated with bodybuilding and PED use

- [55:30] - Deciding to retire from competitive bodybuilding and the factors involved

- [58:00] - Reflecting on her competitive career and lessons learned

- [01:00:20] - Advice for aspiring athletes on managing health and competitive goals

- [01:03:30] - Chanel’s thoughts on the future of bodybuilding and where she sees the sport heading

- [01:06:00] - Final thoughts from Chanel and encouragement for athletes to prioritize their health

Links and Resources:

Chanel Collette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelcollette/?hl=en

Connect With Chanel: https://www.chanelcollette.com/

Coaching: Let's Chat⁠

Consults: Book a Call⁠

For more content, follow along:

⁠Patreon⁠: