Beyond The Prep Podcast

013: Beyond the Mirror: Developing Non-Physical Strengths Through Competition with Ted Finkelman

“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 [https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach]  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist [https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243]  Email: skapach40@gmail.com [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. Website [https://hebrewhulkfitness.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Hebrewhulk] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hulkhut/]

012: More Than a Pretty Face: How Bodybuilding Allows Women to Show Off Their Strength, Dedication, and Inner Beauty with Ashley Sproat

“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 [https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach]  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist [https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243]  Email: skapach40@gmail.com [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

011: Stronger Within: Using Mindfulness to Build Both Muscle and Resilience with Cristina Rifo

“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 [https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach]  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist [https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243]  Email: skapach40@gmail.com [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

010: Nourish, Not Punish: Cultivating a Healthy Food Mindset with Correna Barthel

“The mindset is the hardest part. You can do anything with your mind so don't doubt yourself.” —Correna Barthel Having a positive relationship with food is vital for overall well-being and sustainable fitness goals. Learning to make balanced choices and listen to hunger/fullness cues helps cultivate a healthy mindset around nutrition that supports long-term health and wellness. Correna Barthel is a competitive bodybuilder who found her passion for the sport after seeing women on stage at her first show. Inspired to transform her physique and lifestyle, she embarked on a weight loss journey under her coach that resulted in her losing 70 pounds over three years through dedication to training and nutrition. However, Correna experienced a setback after her first competition where she overindulged in treats instead of properly fueling her body in recovery, which negatively impacted her digestion and relationship with food— a lesson she now passionately shares to help others gain a better understanding of their body’s needs.  Listen in as Sherrie and Correna talk about the importance of having a positive relationship with food, why it is challenging, and how to overcome setbacks. They also discuss the transformative power of bodybuilding, how being involved with the community can help boost motivation, and how competition empowers one toward self-improvement.  Connect with Sherrie:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach [https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach]  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist [https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243]  Email: skapach40@gmail.com [skapach40@gmail.com]  Episode Highlights: 01:17 Fitness Journey: From Weightloss to Stage 06:15 Learning to Have a Positive Relationship with Food 13:12 Overcoming Setbacks: The Power of Community Support  Connect with Correna:  Correna is a passionate bodybuilder dedicated to her fitness journey and inspiring others. Married to her supportive husband Reece, and a proud pet parent to two fur babies, Luke and Lily, Correna found her calling in bodybuilding after watching Reece compete in November 2021. With a blend of tomboy strength and feminine grace, she embarked on a transformative path with her wellness coach Brett Riffel, shedding 45 pounds and then another 25-30 pounds during her first competition prep. Now, with three stage appearances under her belt, she aims to continue her growth and compete again in 2024. Active on social media, Correna motivates others through her journey, sharing "Sweaty Selfies" and her progress to keep herself accountable and inspire her followers. Alongside her fitness journey, she runs a successful business as an Independent Representative for Zyia Active, fostering a community of support and fashion. Correna aspires to continue competing as long as possible and, eventually, to mentor others in the bodybuilding world, embodying resilience and determination in all her endeavors. Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/correna.barthel] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/correnakiki/] TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@correnakiki] Canadian & American shopping site [https://new.myzyia.com/CORRENAKIKI]  Australian shopping site [https://myzyia.com.au/CORRENAKIKI/]

009: Level Up for Life— The Mindset Secrets to Transforming Your Routine Forever with Sara Denyer

“There was more to getting healthy than going to the gym. It had to start with nutrition and working on mental health.” —Sara While the gym is where many see visible progress through strength gains and physical changes, true fitness begins from within. Our mental, emotional, and nutritional well-being lay the foundation for any physical activity to take root and blossom. Only by addressing underlying issues can we empower our bodies to perform at their best.  Sara knows better than most that the journey to better health is a lifelong marathon, not a sprint. After receiving a life-changing breast cancer scare in 2018, she decided to fully commit to her health and wellness. She has lost over 100 pounds through lifestyle changes over the past three years. While she is not competing herself just yet, her goal is to feel confident enough to step on stage by 2025.  Don't miss this empowering conversation with Sarah as she discusses the importance of whole-body wellness and insights on making lifestyle changes that last. Connect with Sherrie:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach [https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.massiakapach]  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist [https://instagram.com/mindbodysoul_hypnothetapist]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-kapach-b5bb26243]  Email: skapach40@gmail.com [skapach40@gmail.com]  Episode Highlights: 01:29 Navigating Weight Loss Journey 03:36 No Two Stages are the Same  05:00 Lifestyle Changes DO NOT Start at the Gym 06:43 The Importance of Confronting Personal Issues Connect with Sara: Sara is an avid fitness enthusiast and supporter of bodybuilding. After a breast cancer scare led her to lose over 100 pounds through lifestyle changes over the past three years, she found inspiration in her friends who compete in bodybuilding events.  While she currently observes and cheers on her friends as they train and compete, Sara's goal is to be competing on stage herself by 2025. When she's not in the gym working towards her fitness goals, Sarah enjoys learning from the journeys of others and providing encouragement to those starting their own wellness transformations.