In this episode, host Celeste Rains-Turk, speaks with Lauren Adams, who won first place and turned pro at NPC USA’s in 2019 after 5 years of competing and doing 6 national shows! She has competed 13 times, is a posing coach for bikini and wellness division and does bikini competition prep online coaching and lifestyle training. Tune in to hear Lauren and Celeste get into all sorts of 'swept under the rug' topics that even writing about them here would be questionable. Lauren shares how she got into competing, what horrible experience she had with a coach that made her sickly and emaciated, how she gave up weighing her food and it hasn't made her any less intense or competitive, and what she did to overcome lingering health issues including getting off thyroid meds. Lauren gets real about her perspective on bodybuilding and the awareness required coming into the sport of the potential risks and mental shifts that will be demanded. She also talks about how she learned from her mistakes and now is able to listen to her body's cues much more, communicate her needs and expectations with her coaches now, and what she does to determine if she is really giving her all.  Celeste shares some of the tools she gives her clients for decision making and body image. Lauren reflects on how she has been able to gain more acceptance with her body and the desire to build more muscle meaning putting on some fat tissue too. Lauren even shares how she has never been able to fully stick to a reverse diet but that she has her own ways that work for her to achieve her goals.  Lauren answers listener questions like her most memorable stage experience and if she is ever going to switch divisions. She also talks about what it feels like to be so close you can taste it and taking in the now without becoming hyper-focused on the end goals. With her experience in posing and coaching Lauren's presence at NPC and IFBB meetings has allowed her to gain an understanding of the wellness division and talks about what girls need to consider before thinking abut switching divisions.  This episode covered SOOO much and both Lauren and Celeste went into great depth together in a conversation you won't want to miss.  To see the post Lauren references in regard to her poor coaching experience and falling to emaciation can be found here:  https://www.instagram.com/p/BlbGyPzhTmS/?igshid=1g3tozvx0dr3s To connect with Lauren on Instagram, find her sponsor codes, and inquire to work with her: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_elizabeth_fit/ Posing Services- bikini and wellness (FaceTime or in person) DM or email me [email protected] Single sessions or 3 packs available....Coaching services - lifestyle or bikini competition prep, DM or email To Connect with Celeste on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ To learn more about and register for the next Build More than Just a Body Live Event visit: http://www.celestial.fit/liveevents.html