Prep vs. Pause: The Psychology of Knowing When to Push and When to Pull Back

Explicit

In this full-circle episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, IFBB Bikini Pro and MPowered Coaching Collective Founder Maddy Michielssen is joined by the one and only Celeste Rains-Turk—mental health counselor, author, and the voice behind Confessions of a Bikini Pro.

Together, they dive deep into what it really looks like to enjoy a prep, how to know when it’s time for an offseason, and how to hold space for your evolving identity as an athlete outside of show day.

Whether you’re in a prep, in a pause, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge the “all or nothing” mindset and help you build a more sustainable, compassionate approach to competing. You’ll hear honest reflections, mindset shifts, and tangible tools to help you navigate the gray area that so many athletes f ...