In this episode, Celeste speaks with Stephanie Fournier, an IFBB Bikini Pro who started competing in 2017, turning pro at her 12th show. Stephanie is also a mother, trainer, and posing and prep coach.  Celeste starts off the episode by asking Stephanie about her pre stage ritual, to which Stephanie shares how affirmations are her favorite go to practice. Next, Celeste asks Stephanie how she first got into fitness and Stephanie explains how she found competing “on a fluke” when deciding to sign up for boot camp classes to simply just get in shape. Stephanie shares that before signing up at this gym, she was a total stranger to the world of fitness and didn’t have any knowledge of weight training. Celeste then asks Stephanie what inspired her to take part in uplifting and inspiring other women both in fitness and with their lifestyles. Stephanie shares how her experiences through competing and encouragement from her coaches led her to take the leap into becoming a coach herself. Stephanie also shares how she feels that family should always comes first and how she adjusts her prep schedule accordingly. 

Stephanie walks listeners through her experiences at both regional and national shows, and what ultimately led her to achieve her pro card. She shares her beginnings with Kim Oddo and the feedback she received throughout her shows, yet notes that she turned pro under Shane Heugly’s guidance. After sharing the reasoning behind her coaching switch, Celeste breaks down Stephanie’s show and placing history, asking Stephanie what changes were made that led to her winning her pro card. Celeste also asks Stephanie what kept her motivated on her goal of turning pro, and with her response Stephanie also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to slow down and take a break from the stage. Stephanie talks about her time off and how her break from competing allowed her to enjoy time with her family without having a strict training or cardio schedule. Stephanie shares that there were many times she was just a “tired mom,” especially when she was closer to show and Celeste asks if she tried to hide those feelings from her children or if she let them see the affect prep had on her. 

 

From there, Celeste asks Stephanie how her training changes during prep versus in her improvement seasons and how she feels now that she is back in prep for her pro debut. Stephanie talks about her plans for competing at the pro level and expresses her indecision of whether or not she will compete in the both the open and masters categories. While on the subject of competing, Celeste asks Stephanie about her decision to compete with her bright blonde hair. Stephanie talks about the feedback she’s received from Sandy from her shows and shares that regardless of the comments or opinions of others, she feels most confident rocking her bold blonde hair. Next, Celeste asks Stephanie how she chooses which classes she competes in and how she budgets accordingly. 

 

Celeste acknowledges that Stephanie has a solid foundation of muscle and asks how she retains her muscle during a cut. Stephanie talks about the cardio methods she feels has helped her both build and retain muscle in her legs and which she prefers during prep. Celeste and Stephanie then transition into discussing Stephanie’s experiences working with a trainer. Stephanie shares how she and her trainer met, how the two of them worked together to execute Stephanie’s prep plan, and how she eventually became more independent and confident in her capabilities in the gym before becoming a trainer herself. Then, Stephanie shares how her coaching style is unique and how her approach differs from other trainers and coaches. After sharing her insights from a coaching perspective, Stephanie gives her best advice to for first time competitors and for the girls on their road to pro.

CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifbb_pro_stephanie/

Time Stamps:

[1:00] Celeste introduces Stephanie.

[1:35] Stephanie shares her pre stage ritual.

[2:15] Celeste asks Stephanie how she got into fitness.

[3:40] Stephanie shares what she did before finding her boot camp classes.

[5:20] Celeste asks Stephanie what inspired her to take part in uplifting and inspiring others.

[8:00] Celeste asks Stephanie what advice she’d give other moms who think they don’t have time to compete.

[11:00] Stephanie talks about the impacts, if any, her lifestyle changes had on her family.

[15:20] Celeste asks Stephanie to walk us through her evolution as an athlete.

[17:10] Celeste asks Stephanie what inspired her coaching switch.

[19:55] Stephanie shares what kept her going to achieve her pro card.

[23:45] Celeste asks Stephanie her opinion on showing her kids the toll prep took on her or if she tried to hide it and power through.

[27:00] Celeste asks how Stephanie’s training during her preps and improvement seasons differ.

[31:20] Celeste asks Stephanie about always competing with bright blonde hair.

[33:15] Stephanie shares how she decides what classes to compete in and how she budgets for her shows.

[35:55] Stephanie talks about strategies she’s used to retain her muscle.

[41:00] Celeste asks Stephanie more about her experiences working with a trainer.

[46:00] Stephanie shares how her coaching style is unique when working with her competitors

[52:00] Stephanie gives her best advice for novice competitors and girls on their road to pro.

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