The Backstage Bikini Podcast

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Episode 33 is now live and it was nothing short of an honour to have Team Elite Physique founder, global bikini prep coach, Adam Bonilla on the podcast this week.

Adam truly has been a pioneer in representing the bikini division. He dedicates his time not only to applying that knowledge and passion to his athletes and practice, but to sharing information to a worldwide audience, all to make the division better understood and to ensure the division stays true to what it represents; an entry into female competitive bodybuilding.

Adam covers :-

- The bikini division then and now; evolution of the look;
- Common mistakes and misconceptions he sees when it comes to coaching bikini athletes;
- The artistry required to master the bikini look;
- Disparity in judging; UK vs USA, does he think the judging is consistent worldwide? 
- How he as a coach manages judges feedback with his athletes;
- Obstacles in relation to the current bikini standard, specifically for first time competitors but also those wanting to progress in the sport;
- His take on where he thinks bikini is heading, how will the criteria evolve from here;
- His predictions for the remainder of the year, who’s stirring the Miss Bikini Olympia pot?

Anybody aspiring to involve themselves in the sport, whether it’s at a competitive level or you’re a coach wanting to gain a better understanding of what is required, this episode is for you.

We would love to hear your feedback on this one!

Like, comment and subscribe and as always share us on your stories let us know what you think.

You can follow Adam and the team at @teamelitephysique
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TeamElitePhysique?feature=sharec

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

For EP 32 we had the privilege of chatting to IFBB Bikini Pro and Olympian, Aimee Delgado. 
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Aimee has had incredible success since turning pro in 2020, rocketing to the top taking top 6 in her first ever @olympiallc in 2022. So far in 2023 she has taken the champion titles of the prestigious NY Pro and Pittsburgh Pro as well as the Wasatch Warrior & Klash Series. All qualifying her for the 2023 Olympia.
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It’s been an upward trajectory ever since she started competing and we couldn’t wait to sit down with her and chat about what this journey meant to her and how she’s manoeuvred home life, her mindset and everything in between, whilst competing at the highest level.
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In this episode Aimee covers:
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- Her background, previous athletic endeavours and how that shaped her as a bikini athlete
- Mastering her mindset, self discovery and how much bodybuilding has given back;
- Her experiences being coached by @jamidebernard at @fitbodyfusion, and how that coaching relationship has shaped her as an athlete;
- Her competitive accolades and journey, turning pro, competing at the pro level and her journey to the Olympia stage;
- Her struggles and set backs, has she had times during her journey where she has questioned her success or ability?
- Life on and off season, how she manages her family life, her approach to achieving a balance that suits her;
- Training development over her years, the gruelling reality of how she built her physique;
- Feedback she has received, when and what feedback is important to her development as an athlete and how she applies that from show to show;
- What’s next, when is she prepping, future shows and her Olympia game plan;
- Advice for competitors, first timers, mums who want to compete and anybody wanting to take that top spot. 
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And so much more.
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This conversation was so profound. To understand the dedication, commitment and discipline Aimee embodies truly does spark a lot of admiration. This is a way of life for her and her success is a byproduct of her commitment to bringing nothing but 150% to anything she does. 
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If you do enjoy this episode, please be sure to share and tag us on your stories. We would love to also hear your feedback!
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Book your Posing Session with Aimee at:
www.fitnessbyaims.com 
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Follow Aimee’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@fitnessbyaims
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Follow Aimee on Instagram @fitnessbyaims

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

EP 31 is now live and we had the pleasure of speaking to PCA Pro Bikini Athlete and Hyrox queen, Jess Garrington. 

If you have followed Jess’s journey like we have, you’ll have observed her incredible success as a bikini athlete across multiple federations and recently noticed her current switch to Hyrox style of training. We were extremely excited to talk to Jess about this new interest and how she is finding making room for a new approach to training. 

In this episode we cover:

- How Jess got into competing, her motivations out of the gate and initial goals;
- Her experience competing in multiple federations, how she manipulated her physique to fit each criteria and the lessons she learned along the way;
- Food relationships and how those have been affected throughout her competitive career, how did she address those and at what stage did she identify a need for support;
- What her training looks like now; Hyrox, her focus on performance, has that impacted her relationship with herself in any way?
- Jess’s priorities and goals now, how does competing slot in? Cycle related concerns and considerations she has made in relation to her priorities as they are now;
- Top tips for first timers or new competitors…

And all the chat we love in between! 

It was an honour to chat to Jess and much of her mindset and approach to competing as a bikini athlete is something to be admired. 

Follow her journey at @jessgarrington and make sure you send us your feedback, share the episode and the love for this amazing conversation.

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

Ep 30, yes 30!! Is now live and we had the pleasure of speaking with founder of @physiquecollective UK educator and coach, Joe Jeffrey.


We were particularly excited to have Joe on the podcast not only because his work is known widely among competitors and coaches in the bodybuilding space, but also as he is renowned for his fluidity when it comes to coaching approaches.His focus is results, based on evidence and findings and he by no means sits in one camp. Quite the opposite, so we couldn’t wait to pick his brains.


In this episode we cover:


-Joe’s background: How did he get involved in bodybuilding and coaching competitors? 

-The ever evolving bikini criteria; how has coaching a bikini athlete evolved over the years, how does it differ to other categories, notable shifts and considerations that have to be made when coaching female bikini athletes.

-Criteria nuances between federations, how does one federation compare to another?
-The secret sauce, or not of “Peaking” a bikini athlete.

-PEDs and managing a long show season/peaking from show to show. Preferred compounds leading into show; diuretics, necessary or not for bikini? 

-Implications for athletes who are assisted and those who are natural; considerations in relation to diet, training, peaking and reversing out from show.  

-Recovery and managing fatigue for bikini athletes; more or less challenging?

-PED red flags for the division: are there any compounds Joe would strictly avoid when it comes to female bikini athletes? Considerations in relation to duration and amount of exposure to compounds, research in relation to thyroid recovery post thyroid therapies etc
-Reversing out from a show; primary objectives when it comes to reversing for bath assisted and natural athletes? 


This one will have your brain buzzing! We could have spoken to Joe for hours and will undoubtedly have him back on for a future episode. 


You can learn more about some of the topics covered, and endless other topics by subscribing to @physiquecollective app.


Don’t forget to follow Joe and his team and all of their athletes too.

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

EP 29 is now live and this weeks episode is an unscheduled but highly requested podcast this week about competing for the very first time. 

Grace and Jade both have incredibly fond memories of their first preps but it undoubtedly came with its challenges. 

In this episode we strip it right back. We discuss all of the small steps we believe, collectively, amount to a successful prep.

We cover:
- hiring the right coach for you, dos and donts in terms of what to look for when hiring a coach to help you navigate your bodybuilding journey;—Why you should “off-season”, pros to approaching a building phase, understanding your start point and setting yourself up for success;
- risks in relation to pre existing concerns or issues, food relationships, restriction, body image and training and eating habits. 
- prep, is it for you? best practice and ways to test the water when it comes to the demands of a prep diet, photoshoots, testing your tolerance, enjoyment, adherence and dedication.  
- relationships, sacrifices and acknowledging your responsibilities and limitations when it comes to socialising.
- finances -and budgeting, costs associated with prepping, competing abroad and tricks to save a few pennies along the way. 
- the mental impact of competing, managing new emotions, dealing with self-doubt, pressure and the ever evolving presence of social media
 - expectations as a first time competitor, positioning yourself to make the most out of your competing journey, tips on remaining present.
- the long awaited show day, how to familiarise yourself with what to expect on the day, glam, placings, emerging yourself in the community and not missing a photo op; and
- handling post show, managing expectations in relation to weight gain, removing the shame and taking each day as it comes.

This was an incredibly important topic, one which Grace and Jade really enjoyed unpicking. 

Head over to our IG @thebackstagebikinipodcast and click on the link in the bio for links to the resources we mention throughout the podcast!

Let us know your thoughts and if you’re a first time competitor, let us know how you’re finding your first experience of prep!

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

For EP 28 we had the privilege of chatting to IFBB Bikini Pro and your 2022 Miss Bikini Olympia, Maureen Blanquisco. 

To put it plainly, this was a dream come true for Grace and Jade. Maureen won the prestigious @mrolympia in 2022 and is your reigning champ and Miss Bikini Olympia and she graciously took some time to sit down with us both to share her journey.

In this episode Maureen covers:

- Her background, life before competing and what and who exposed her to the sport;
- Her competitive accolades and journey, turning pro, competing at the pro level and her journey to the Olympia stage;
- Her culture, mindset and life experiences and how they have shaped the athlete she is today;
- Life on and off season, how she manages both, her approach to achieving a balance that suits her;
- The secret weapon to becoming Miss Bikini Olympia;
- Training protocols for both off season and prep, how she approaches both;
- Obstacles she may have faced, how she deals with adversity or negativity within the sport;
- Her future goals, following her success at the Olympia, what’s next, when is she prepping, what’s her priority over the next few years;
- Advice for competitors wanting to compete at the highest level…

And so much more.

Maureen embodies all that a champion is. Her humility, tenacity, can do attitude and kindness shon through and above all else, her passion lies not only within this sport but in sharing information that will help others love the sport, just as much as she does.

We probably won’t stop listening to this one ourselves.

Grab a notepad, and take note. This is how to become a champion.

You can find Maureen at @maureenblanquisco.pro and follow her journey on YouTube and TikTok!

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

This week's episode is a catch up with none other than IFBB Bikini Pro Kerry Sexton

Kerry has been competing for almost a decade, transitioning from the old IFBB, competing in multiple federations, being the first PCA Pro bikini athlete, all the way through to obtaining her IFBB Pro Card in 2019.

She has not been shy in sharing her journey with those that keep up to date with her, but we wanted to dig into where her competing interests came from, her background and what experiences she has had during her time competing, the value she has gained working with some of the industries leading coaches, and any challenges she has faced along the way. 

Get a cuppa for this one, or make sure your cardio session is a decent one 👌🏼

You can contact Kerry for all your coaching and posing needs  @kerrysexton_ifbbpro and to keep up  with her journey!

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

EP 26 IFBB New York Pro Results and Review is now live on all platforms!

Only a week after the Pittsburgh pro and a notoriously high calibre show, we were blessed to watch some of the best in the bikini pro league, do their thing. We had a different line up this week, despite the vicinity to the Pittsburgh Pro and it was a great opportunity for the athletes to be compared against a new line up. 

This week we talk through the placings and athletes individually and provide our own views about the results and why we think athletes placed where they did.

As always, these are our opinions only. We do not purport to be, nor are we, IFBB judges and our opinions are not shared to contend or question judges decisions and feedback, only to celebrate and discuss the criteria and the standard that is being set by these incredible athletes. 

As always, make sure you tune in, and let us know your thoughts about the show. What did you think of the placings? Did it meet your expectations? Let us know! 

It was an absolute pleasure watching this show. Congratulations to all of the ladies who competed!

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

EP 25 Pittsburgh Pro Results and Review is now live on all platforms!

One of the most prestigious pro shows in the calendar, the representations from the Bikini Pro League did not disappoint. This show is a mini Olympia, stacked with Olympia qualified and former Miss Olympia athletes so we knew it would be a tough one! And my god it was! 

This week we talk through the placings and athletes individually and provide our own views about the results and why we think athletes placed where they did.

As always, these are our opinions only. We do not purport to be, nor are we, IFBB judges and our opinions are not shared to contend or question judges decisions and feedback, only to celebrate and discuss the criteria and the standard that is being set by these incredible athletes. 

As always, make sure you tune in, and let us know your thoughts about the show. What did you think of the placings? Did it meet your expectations? Let us know! 

Nothing but admiration for these athletes, they bring an incredible show and set a fantastic standard for the sport. Huge congratulations to them all.

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.

Got some feedback? Drop us a message!

In this episode we have returning podcast royalty, Ross Byrne, discussing the impact of stress on athletes and the physical manifestations we all experience during both a prep and off season. 

We wanted to get Ross back on the podcast because he has an extensive amount of knowledge in relation to the physiological responses to stress but also has experience in dealing with athletes who react very differently to stress; he has seen both the negative and positive impacts stress can have during an athletes prep and had lots to share on what to consider when managing stress during the athlete journey. 

We cover:

• Stress, what is it, what is its function within the body, why do we produce it?
• The main drivers of stress during a prep?
• The impact of stress; considerations for managing stress in a prep setting;
• Common symptomology; how much is too much and where would he draw the line when it comes to identifying when stress becomes too much;
• Distinguishing between “normal” or accepted levels of stress within a prep and chronic stress; what symptoms should we be looking out for.
• Effects of stress on the overall look, managing peak week stress.
• External stressors; social media, life and the impact external stress can have on the physique.

And much more.

Stress is an inevitable byproduct of being an athlete but it’s important you’re able to identify what is necessary, vs levels of stress which may take away from the overall process.

As always, we would love to hear your feedback on the episode. Be sure to like, share and subscribe on all platforms.

If you have any questions for Ross, you can find him at @ross_teamprocoach 

Make sure you keep up with the podcast on social media for previews and details about upcoming guest speakers.

Instagram: @thebackstagebikinipodcast
Host: @jadeleahegarty

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube and Amazon Music.