Show notes
I spent nearly 15 years in bodybuilding, competed almost 20 times, became an IFBB Pro, and coached other women through contest prep. So why did I eventually walk away?
In this episode, I'm getting brutally honest about the side of women's bodybuilding that nobody really talks about - steroids and performance-enhancing drugs, post-show rebound, body image, genetics, the insane cost of competing, judging, coaching, posing, and what happens when bodybuilding becomes your entire identity.
I'm sharing what I wish someone had told me before I stepped on that first stage, including the reality of contest prep, what happens to your body after a show, and why "just stick to the plan" isn't always enough.
And this is only Part 1. Next week, we're getting into perimenopause, your cycle, fat burners, GLP-1s, and how bodybuilding can affect your relationships.
#Bodybuilding #WomensBodybuilding #BodybuildingWomen
Key Takeaways:
00:13 Why I Stayed for So Long
01:45 What Happened After My First Show
03:39 How Bodybuilding Became My Identity
06:07 Becoming the Go-To Bodybuilding Girl
10:15 When I Started Seeing the Cracks
12:14 My Biggest Backstage Wake-Up Call
14:48 The Reality of Post-Show Rebound
17:46 The Biggest Post-Show Danger Zones
20:06 Why You Never Really Come Out Ahead
22:00 How Much Does Bodybuilding Actually Cost?
24:43 The Real Cost of Competing
26:22 Can You Actually Make Money Competing?
28:11 The Ego Trap of Bodybuilding
28:45 You're the Product, Not the Customer
29:47 Why the Goalpost Keeps Moving
33:06 Where's the Protection for Athletes?
34:45 Red Flags to Watch for in a Coach
36:54 The Reality of Life After a Show
39:55 Why Posing Can Make or Break You
43:09 Steroids, Drugs & The Genetics Factor
47:54 The Health Risks You Can't Undo
48:47 I Literally Passed Out Trying to Win
50:58 What's Coming in Part 2 + Share This Episode
Links mentioned:
Listen to last week's episode here: https://bossbitchradio.libsyn.com/is-bodybuilding-actually-healthy-a-pros-honest-answer
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Website: https://www.bossbitchradio.com/
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View my portfolio and let's talk: https://buffbunny.my.canva.site/diane-flores-ugc-portfolio
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