The Secret Life of a Bikini Competitor

The Secret Life of a Bikini Competitor

By Robyn ChallandsHealth & FitnessFitness
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The Secret Life of a Bikini Competitor episodes

  • PREP FILES EP 16: getting COVID, weight gain struggles, is my period coming back? & listener Q&A!

    WELCOME BACK AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! After a *spicy* false start to the year… I’m back with another episode of Prep Files. 

    Despite being locked in my house for two weeks, there’s so much to talk about! The holidays were incredible and I’ve been having so much fun with all my friends.But it hasn’t been without it’s challenges as I navigate post comp and weight gain. So tune in to hear all about it!

    This is also the last instalment of this series for the time being. As mention in the podcast, I’m taking some time off to hang with my mum who is coming out for two months and also reset and refocus and think about where I want to take this podcast in future. I’d like to give it some new life this year so will be taking the time to plan how that looks so that it continues to provide you all with the most value possible!

    In this episode I I run through:

    • Xmas/NYE recap
    • Getting COVID
    • Struggling with my weight gain
    • Signs my period is returning!!
    • Macro/calorie breakdown and body weight trends
    • Also wins, lessons, challenges etc.

    Listener Q:&:

    • How is your dating life? (lol)
    • Thoughts on protein bars during prep?Do you feel a bit lost and lacking purpose now prep and the show is done, if so any advice?
    • How do you stop comparing your physique to others?
    • Do you think you’ll compete again and if so which federation?
    • How have you coped post comp? Did you feel more in control this time with nutrition?
    • How do you balance a prep with your work
    • If you started you entire fitness journey again from the start what would you do differently
    • What do competitors do when they get pregnant, workouts, nutrition?

    And plenty more weird and wonderful things as usual!

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr 10 min
  • PREP FILES EP 15: How to set up for a good reverse, preparing for xmas, going viral on TikTok, listener Q&A!

    It’s the final epi for the year!!! Another year done and dusted (can you believe it!?).  

    Dropping one last episode for 2021 to give you an update of how my reverse is going, what I’ve been doing/eating/feeling and some (hopefully helpful) reverse diet tips I’ve learned along the way! 

    In this episode I I run through:

    • Deleted from IG but viral on TikTok?!
    • Reverse diet update, including weight, calories, training, wins, challenges, learnings
    • Biggest reverse challenge
    • Importance of ‘self coaching’ mindset work
    • Managing social occasions while reversing + finding balance
    • Give yourself a break and permission to relax
    • Managing scale weight / body fat changes
    • How I’m planning to tackle the xmas break & my reverse
    • Things I did to set me up for a good reverse

    And that’s a wrap for 2021!! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has supported me and SLBC this year. It’s been another insane year but I’ve learned and grown so much, and it’s been awesome having you all along for the ride!

    Have the happiest of holidays and here’s to continuing to smash our goals in 2022!!!!

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr 1 min
  • PREP FILES EP 14: We did it! Show day recap, results and reverse plans!

    WE FINALLY DID IT! After two years, I go on that bloody stage and got to show off my hard work. 

    It’s been a wild ride and I am soooo grateful to every single human who has followed along. Thank you to everyone who sent me beautiful messages too, your kind words have truly brought tears to my eyes. 

    In this episode I I run through:

    • Show day recap
    • My thoughts on results
    • Post show food tour!
    • My reverse diet and training plans
    • My biggest wins, challenges and lessons of this prep
    • My goals for the future

    I will endeavour to keep this Prep Files series going as I reverse for the next few weeks too - I know reverse is a crucial time and something a lot of people struggle with, so any help I can provide through my own journey I will!

    Again, thank you so much for your support on this journey. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without you! But never fear.... we're not done yet, no way!!

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    39 min
  • PREP FILES EP 13: 2 weeks out! Peak week protocols, photoshoot tips, overcoming nerves

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my prep journey to the ICN Victoria stage!

    2 weeks out… what the hell!! I’m trying my hardest not to get too philosophical (we’ll save that for next week ;) ) but I can’t believe we’re so close! 

    Here’s what’s been happening!:

    • Update on my photoshoot last week
    • Peak week protocol breakdown (it’s real!)
    • Digestive issues
    • Managing weight fluctuations
    • FULL macro/calorie breakdown and body weight trends
    • Also wins, lessons, challenges etc.
    • Tip of the week!!

    Listener Q:&:

    • Were you nervous for your photoshoot?
    • Tips for overcoming nerves for first time photoshooters
    • Melbourne based photographer recommendations
    • What do you do to cultivate confidence and stage presence?
       

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr
  • PREP FILES EP 12: Hardest week so far, digging phase, FULL macro/body weight breakdown

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my prep journey to the ICN Victoria stage!

    3 weeks out and this was the HARDEST week of prep so far - I have been exhausted and really had to dig deep this week. It was a long episode this week - I delved deeper into the details of my macros, body weight trends and plan of attack for the week ahead.

    Here’s what’s been happening!:

    • Being EXHAUSTED and really struggling
    • Cutting out anything non prep related
    • Monitoring sodium
    • FULL macro/calorie breakdown and body weight trends
    • Also wins, lessons, challenges etc.
    • Tip of the week!!

    Listener Q:&:

    • What to expect from a first show prep
    • How to get over the feeling of not being good enough
    • My biggest wins so far
    • Plans for reverse 
    • Tips for someone struggling with binge eating post show

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head here to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr 16 min
  • PREP FILES EP 11: GYMS ARE BACK BABY, fluid retention, injuries, social FOMO (again)

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my prep journey… now the ICN Victoria stage!

    This week we had VERY good news in Victoria with the announcement that restrictions will be easing further next week which means… gyms are back next week baby! Let’s get it!

    Another week down and only 5 more to go - here’s what’s been happening!:

    • A small injury I’m dealing with
    • What restrictions easing means for my prep
    • Dealing with fluid retention
    • Social FOMO!
    • Current stats: weeks out, weight, training, wins, lessons, challenges etc.

    Listener Q:&:

    • If you win, will you keep going in 2022?
    • Are you planning on competing in the early wbff shows next year
    • Where do you find low cal recipe inspo?
    • Pre show hair removal tips
    • How on earth do I pick photoshoot clothes?
    • First alcoholic drink post show
    • Have you lost your period yet
    • Daily rituals schedule on prep
    • How many house a day do you workout and what does your home training mostly consist of

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    47 min
  • PREP FILES EP 10: resting, starting my post-show food mindset work now, advice for beginners

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my prep journey… now the ICN Victoria stage!

    I promised it would now only be a week between episodes and you know I’m a woman of my word, so here we are mates! Another week down and only 6 more to go - here’s what’s been happening!:

    • Importance of noticing unhelpful/harmful eating patterns now ahead of post show
    • Getting over my training funk
    • Why trusting your coach is vital
    • Coming out of lockdown nerves
    • Focusing on resting and stress management
    • Current stats: weeks out, weight, training, wins, lessons, challenges etc.

    Listener Q:&:

    • Advice for beginners: Where do i start to compete / how to know when you’re ready to start your first prep?
    • Your go to meals/day on a plate at the moment
    • What category will you be competing in?
    • Tips, tricks and ideas for keeping stress down during peak week
    • When do you order your bikini?
    • Tips for cancelled competition
    • How do you get your water in?
    • What’s your reverse plans into Christmas?
    • What would you do if your boyfriend didn’t support you or approve of you competing?
       

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr 3 min
  • PREP FILES EP 9: being objective with your body, magical calories, training struggles

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my prep journey… now the ICN Victoria stage!

    It’s been a while and I apologise! But it really is crunch time now so I promise I’ll be around a lot more and really take you on this last part of the journey, let’s go!

    As always I also answer all your fantastic questions at the end (my fave bit!)

    Some of the things I cover off in this episode:

    • Why I no longer wish to be a homeowner… lol
    • Gratitude a competitors best friend
    • Being able to be objective with my body
    • Magical calories fixing everything 
    • Struggling with not enjoying training
    • Current stats: weeks out, weight, training, wins, lessons, challenges etc.

    Listener Q:&:

    • How would you recommend dieting before using a diet break?
    • How have you found your prep focus given the situation with shows - has it made it easier or harder?
    • When you lost your period in prep, did you continue to get some of the symptoms, cramps bloating etc.?
    • How do you choose a coach when you are a first time competitor
    • How much coffee or caffeine are you currently consuming
    • Are there any dream brands youd love to work with, pick one for each; clothing, supplements, skincare/beauty
    • Am I crazy for doing a prep in winter in uk?
    • Have you ever had a lack of confidence in the bedroom as you’ve got shreddy?
    • Did you ever have doubts that you could make it to stage? (currently me)
    • How to stop the binge eating cycle post show, 

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    I mention an interview I recently did with Sarah Collier around mindful eating/binge eating which is Episode 53 if you want to check it out.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr 7 min
  • PREP FILES EP 8: My show was cancelled! Now what?!

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my prep journey… no longer to the WBFF stage!!

    That’s right! My show show has been CANCELLED due to COVID. So, now what? What’s the plan?!

    In this episode I reveal what my plan is now and more importantly WHY! As always I also answer all your fantastic questions at the end.

    Some of the things I cover off in this episode:

    • What my plan B (C/D/E….) is!
    • What I’m most proud of in my reaction to the show being cancelled
    • WHY I’m choosing to push on, despite uncertainty
    • Getting my AZ vaccine!
    • Another date attempt
    • My body love/confidence right now
    • Realising my ‘why’ has evolved
    • Current stats: weeks out, weight, training, wins, lessons, challenges etc.

    Listener Q:&:

    • What were you doing when you found out the news?
    • Biggest lesson from whole pre/show cancellation?
    • Would you have started your prep if you know this would be the outcome?
    • What’s the plans from here for you? Goals for 2021?
    • What would you do if you could never compete again?

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    I mention an interview I recently did with Anjuli Mack which you can listen to here as well as Apple etc.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    55 min
  • PREP FILES EP 7: Lockdown (again!), plan B? Weight plateaus, food cravings, honouring my emotions & listener Q&A!

    Hello friends -  I am back with the next instalment of PREP FILES where I take you with me on my journey to the WBFF stage in October. Currently 11 weeks out!

    Well, well, well. Back in lockdown again. Round 6. Getting pretty good at this lockdown business now. Not going to lie, this has been the hardest one to deal with mentally/emotionally so far. Really kicked me in the guts - but ever resilient (read: stubborn) I am still on track on kicking goals!

    As always I cover all things prep related and I answer all your fantastic questions at the end.

    Some of the things I cover off in this episode:

    • Advice for first time competitor who is most nervous about being on stage
    • What Cold World song you blasting for squats? (Most important question ever)
    • Best low calorie sauces?
    • Why WBFF over NPC?
    • How do you stay motivated in lockdown // get through the adversity in prep?
    • Do you have any off/plan/fun meals during prep?
    • Biggest cravings?
    • What are you most proud of yourself for so far this prep?
    • How are you finding posing?

    And PLENTY more weird and wonderful things as usual.

    You can subscribe so you never miss an episode and if you love the show feel free to leave a 5* review and/or share to your Instagram stories and tag me so I can see!

    And don't forget SLBC MERCH is STILL AVAILABLE! But not a lot left so if you've been thinking about grabbing a shirt now is the time! Head to https://thesecretlifeofabikinicompetitor.bigcartel.com/ to get yours now!

    You can find me and the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/secretlifeofabikinicompetitor/ and https://instagram.com/robynzimmy  

    Love you,

    R x

    #SLBC #prepfiles

    1 hr 3 min

About The Secret Life of a Bikini Competitor

From the publisher's feed

The Secret Life of a Bikini Competitor Podcast is a weekly show featuring unfiltered conversations with female bodybuilders. Speaking to both pros and amateurs from all different federations and…