“I completely fell in love with the sport and the people around. I would say everything good in my life has come because of bodybuilding.” —Ted Finkelman

For those who pursue this sport at its highest levels, it is much more than just lifting weights in the gym - it is an all-consuming lifestyle. The psychological strength required is just as demanding as the physical toll of intense training. Only those who can manage both aspects will find their way to the top. But for those who reach their goals, few victories can surpass the thrill of seeing years of commitment realized on competition day.

Ted Finkelman has transformed his physique over a decade of bodybuilding through immense physical dedication in the gym and kitchen. However, his success also stems from cultivating the mental strength needed to overcome self-doubt, unsupportive family, injuries, and periods of falling off track in his training. Ted's story exemplifies the balance of physical progress and safeguarding of mental fortitude required for sustained success in the demanding world of competitive bodybuilding.

Tune in as Sherrie and Ted discuss the importance of learning to handle the cyclic nature of the bulking and cutting phases, understanding the physical and mental demands of the sport, having a solid support system, embracing setbacks as opportunities for improvements, and more.

Connect with Sherrie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243

Email: skapach40@gmail.com

Episode Highlights:

01:25 From a Gamer to National-Level Competitor

07:56 Training and Competition Challenges

12:00 Building a Strong Mind to Overcome Setbacks

16:03 Beyond the Changes in the Mirror

Connect with Ted:

The Hebrew Hulk's transformation began when Ted, a Medicine Hat local born and raised, once glued to his computer and devouring a whole pizza; looked in the mirror and realized his sedentary lifestyle was unfit for a 20-year-old. Faced with a lack of guidance and inundated with "get fit fast" advice, he embarked on a journey of self-improvement.

Through extensive research, basement workouts, numerous setbacks, and failed attempts, Ted persevered. Trying other coaches, he eventually understood that he had to take charge himself, allowing him to master his passion and guide others toward success effectively.

This realization, born from his personal transformation and acquired wisdom, inspired him to share his knowledge, knowing how profoundly it could benefit others striving for greatness.

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“Bodybuilding is sexy.” —Ashley Sproat

For too long, women have been constrained by narrow gender stereotypes that define femininity solely by appearances. However, through natural bodybuilding competitions, women find an empowering platform to proudly express their strength, dedication, and multidimensional selves. By challenging conventions and redefining beauty on their own terms, these athletes encourage all women to embrace self-confidence, break barriers, and own their power.

Ashley Sproat is a natural bodybuilder who was first drawn to the sport to help overcome postpartum depression through renewed goal-setting in the gym. After seeing success in transforming her physique and mindset, she was encouraged by friends to compete naturally, an experience that has allowed her to redefine her relationship with food and fitness while empowering other women to embrace their multifaceted selves. She now looks forward to continuing her competitive journey to bring an even stronger package to the stage in the coming year.

Tune in as Sherrie and Ashley talk about the misconceptions about bodybuilding and femininity, how bodybuilding provides an opportunity for self-expression, the importance of proper nutrition coaching, the role of discipline and routine in achieving goals, and not letting setbacks derail progress.

Connect with Sherrie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243

Email: skapach40@gmail.com

Episode Highlights:

03:09 Bodybuilding and Femininity

07:09 Fitness Competition and Preparation

14:04 Self-Expression at Pageants

18:35 The Power of Mindset and Discipline

23:07 Do It For Yourself

“Just because you're in the gym does not mean that you have to compete. It's not for everybody, and that's okay. It doesn't mean that just because you're not competing, all of a sudden you're not a bodybuilder.” —Cristina Rifo

While bodybuilding requires intense physical training and discipline, the mental demands of the sport are often overlooked. Preparing for a competition brings tremendous stress as competitors push their bodies to the limit with strict diets and grueling workouts over an extended period. This type of lifestyle can negatively impact mental well-being if proper care is not taken. Thus, making self-care a priority helps bodybuilders sustain their passion for the sport over the long term.

Before becoming a bodybuilding coach and professional competitor, Cristina Rifo struggled with disordered eating and body image issues. After using the sport to help cope with a difficult divorce, she now focuses on educating others about balancing physical training with mental well-being.

Listen in as Sherrie and Cristina discuss why mental health issues like anxiety and body dysmorphia are common in bodybuilding but often overlooked, the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset alongside physical training, the challenges of handling struggles with family members who may not support your lifestyle choice, the importance of setting the right reasons for pursuing bodybuilding, and more.

Connect with Sherrie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243

Email: skapach40@gmail.com

Episode Highlights:

01:19 Struggles with Nutrition and Mindset

05:26 Bodybuilding is NOT a Fad

09:46 What the Journey Looks Like