What happens when your ambition to build muscle meets a body that won’t always cooperate?In this raw and illuminating episode, we step into the grey area between willpower and physiology: where chronic illness collides with the demands of bodybuilding. Our guest shares her deeply personal journey navigating autoimmune conditions, energy crashes, unpredictable flares, and the mental weight of prepping for stage with a body that runs on a different operating system.We break open the textbook rules of fitness: progressive overload, clean eating, “no excuses” and rebuild a more inclusive, adaptive, science-informed framework that speaks to the millions of lifters, athletes, and everyday warriors who live with invisible conditions.Inside:How chronic illness became both the obstacle and the co-coachThe neuroscience of pain and how resistance training can rewire itWhat “rest as strategy” really means when your nervous system doesn’t play by standard periodization rulesReal-world tools: Daily training capacity assessments, HRV-informed protocols, adaptive nutrition planningThe emotional toll of post-show crashes when internal dysfunction hides behind external “readiness”The enhancement dilemma: When “natural” isn’t ideological, it’s necessary for survivalThis is not a story about excuses. It’s a story about adaptation, resilience, and redefinition. Whether you're a competitor, coach, or someone managing a chronic condition who’s been told to sit on the sidelines, this conversation is for you.You don’t need a perfect body to be relentless. You need a framework that honors both your ambition and your biology..Find Me on IG: ⁠⁠@noamccabe_ifbbpro⁠⁠.BEcoming Relentless IG: ⁠@becomingrelentless_⁠.If you are interested in working with me, I am looking for new athletes, general lifestyle clients, and contest prep competitors. Schedule a call using the link below!Work With Me: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/elenoa-mccabe/30min⁠⁠Inquires/Questions: [email protected]: Ryze HRT + Bloodwork "NOA"Purefactor Formulations "NOA10"Free Spirit Outlet "NOA"The Shoe Fairy "ELENOA"More from me: patreon.com/Elenoa#BEcomingRelentless #stayrelentless #ifbbpro #ifbb #becomingrelentless #podcast #contestprep #bodybuilding #FitnessQandA #FatLossTips #WorkoutSplits #BingeEatingHelp #FitnessMindset #MuscleBuilding #HealthAndWellness #WomensFitness #SelfImprovement #BalancedLiving