In this raw, reflective episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen—IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective—is joined by licensed mental health counselor and fellow competitor Claudia Mayes to explore a topic that’s rarely discussed in the fitness world, but deeply felt: when control, discipline, and “doing everything right” become your way of avoiding what hurts. 🧠🏋️‍♀️

If you’ve ever said, “I’m fine” while silently unraveling…

If your structure, tracking, or strict routines bring both comfort and chaos…

If you’ve wondered whether your healthiest habits are helping—or just hiding your pain…

This one’s for you.

Together, Maddy and Claudia unpack:

• What coping really means—and how it often disguises itself as “success”
• Why fitness can become a trauma response in high-functioning women
• The warning signs that your structure is actually self-protection
• How to shift from numbing or overcontrolling into genuine healing
• Practical tools to regulate, reconnect, and rebuild with compassion

From thought traps to trauma-informed strategies, this episode doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or everyday woman trying to hold it all together—this is your invitation to pause, feel, and heal. 💛

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

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📲 DM Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find her on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

💻 Feeling called to work together? Apply now for 1:1 coaching here or connect with Claudia at @claudia_gotgoals

Healing and high performance can coexist.

In this heartfelt and practical episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy Michielssen, IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective, is joined by two-time overall bikini champ and longtime athlete Alexa Sotere. Together, they peel back the layers on a topic that hits home for so many: the fear of losing progress while on vacation. 🌴💪

If you’ve ever stressed about food, fitness, or falling off track while traveling—this one’s for you. Maddy and Alexa dive into:

• Where fear of vacation weight gain really comes from (hint: it’s not just the food)
• How to mentally prime yourself before a trip for success and freedom
• Real talk on body confidence, food freedom vs food control, and staying grounded away from your routine
• Tangible tools to stay connected to your goals without guilt, overthinking, or all-or-nothing spirals

Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or just trying to survive your in-laws’ beach rental food choices—this episode will remind you that your progress isn’t fragile, and your health doesn’t go on hold just because you’re out of town.

Love what you heard today?

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💻 Want to take your mindset, health, and physique to the next level this summer? Apply now for our Spring Cleanup 8-week program – only ONE spot left! We start May 1st. Winner gets 90 days FREE 1:1 coaching. 👏

Let’s leave behind the burnout and build confidence that travels with you. ✈️💛

💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching Collective

Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :

Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

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 fear—and where true growth often begins.

🎧 Listen in for:

• Signs your body (or mind) is craving an offseason
• How to find joy in prep without burning out
• Why “season neutrality” is the ultimate flex
• Unpacking the hidden pressure of needing to look the part
• How to emotionally navigate post-show body changes with grace

💌 Loved today’s conversation? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow athlete or competitor who needs to hear this message.

💡 Want coaching support? Apply to work with the MPowered Coaching Collective

Whether it’s holistic health, lifestyle coaching, or stepping on stage for your first (or next) competition, our team at MPowered Coaching Collective is here to guide you. Apply for 1:1 coaching today—let’s build the blueprint that works for YOU!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

📲 Follow us on Instagram & YT :

Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness | YT: @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with MPowered Coaching Collective here

💬 Want to work with Celeste or explore her self-guided programs? Find all her offerings at celestial.fit and follow her on IG @celestial_fit.