Get on Stage

It’s Not Just Another Diet

Step backstage with Bonnie Lefrak as she kicks off a new season of Get on Stage! In this episode, Bonnie opens up about the realities and perceptions of getting on stage as a bodybuilder—from first-timers to seasoned pros. She tackles the misunderstandings that people might have about the world of bodybuilding and shares what really drives women to take on this unique challenge. Whether you’re curious about starting your own stage journey or just want to know what it’s really like behind the scenes, Bonnie’s honest reflections and supportive advice will inspire and inform. Join us for a conversation about health, confidence, and forging your own path—no matter what others might think. Connect & Learn More:  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw [https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw] YouTube: The Fitness Asylum - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thefitnessasylum2530] Website: The Bikini Competition Team - The Fitness Asylum [https://fitness-asylum.com/the-bikini-competition-team/] Facebook: (3) The Fitness Asylum Community [Free Health & Fitness Everyday] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/385575208237802]

Two Seasons to Pro Card: The Power of Finding Your Fit with Mikayla Cusson

This episode features an engaging conversation between podcast host and coach Bonnie Lefrak and her client, Mikayla Cusson. Mikayla shares her journey through competitive sports and bodybuilding, detailing how she transitioned from being a long-time athlete in lacrosse, powerlifting, and CrossFit to entering the world of bodybuilding with The Fitness Asylum. She discusses her initial hesitancy, the impact of being referred by a friend, and the evolution from competing in the transformation and bikini categories to finding her ideal fit in the “wellness” division—a newer category in natural bodybuilding that aligns with her physique and athletic background. The episode touches on common misconceptions about bodybuilding (like unhealthy dieting and the stigma of individualism), the supportive community she found in The Fitness Asylum, and the importance of positive coaching and team culture. Mikayla highlights how the process has helped her gain confidence both on and off stage, how her approach to personal health and hormone balance shaped her competition prep, and offers advice to anyone considering taking the leap into competition: “If your finger is hovering over the sign-up button, you’re already in it—just do it!” There’s lots of energetic, practical encouragement, and both women emphasize the personal empowerment and team support available in the world of natural bodybuilding—making it accessible to athletes at all levels. Connect & Learn More: Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw [https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw]YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thefitnessasylum2530⁩ [https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thefitnessasylum2530⁩ ]Website: https://fitness-asylum.com/the-bikini-competition-team/ [https://fitness-asylum.com/the-bikini-competition-team/]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385575208237802 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/385575208237802]

Never Played a Sport. Now She’s a Pro with Ann Marie McCormick

In this episode of "So You Want To Get On Stage," host Bonnie Lefrak chats with the inspiring Ann Marie McCormick, a self-described non-athlete who discovered the thrill of competing in fitness competitions at age 48. Anne Marie opens up about what led her to finally hit "the button" and join The Fitness Asylum stage program after years of hesitation, and how her journey has transformed her body, mindset, and social life.  From initial fears and self-doubt to earning not one, but two pro cards in highly competitive categories, Ann Marie shares honest insights on overcoming nerves, building grit, and finding a supportive community of women later in life. Whether you’re thinking about getting on stage or just need a push to try something new, Ann Marie’s story is proof that it’s never too late to chase your goals. Connect & Learn More:  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw [https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw] YouTube: The Fitness Asylum - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thefitnessasylum2530] Website: The Bikini Competition Team - The Fitness Asylum [https://fitness-asylum.com/the-bikini-competition-team/] Facebook: (3) The Fitness Asylum Community [Free Health & Fitness Everyday] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/385575208237802]

From Day One to Pro Card: The OG of Competition is Here with Kelly Woodring

In this episode, Bonnie sits down with Kelly Woodring, one of the OG members of The Fitness Asylum’s first-ever bikini team and a Fitness Asylum success story. Kelly opens up about how her fitness journey began as a young mom who just wanted to feel healthier and more confident—and ended up taking her all the way to earning her pro card and competing on the world stage! Bonnie and Kelly reminisce about the early, slightly chaotic (hello, Target swimsuits!) days of the team, the power of community, and what it’s really like to take that first bold leap—especially as a woman investing in yourself for the first time. If you’re wondering what it takes to get on stage—physically AND mentally—or how the support of a like-minded crew makes all the difference, you’ll love this convo. Kelly also shares her transition from competitor to coach, and why joining the Fitness Asylum family just might be the best thing you do for yourself. Connect & Learn More:  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw [https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw] YouTube: The Fitness Asylum - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thefitnessasylum2530] Website: The Bikini Competition Team - The Fitness Asylum [https://fitness-asylum.com/the-bikini-competition-team/] Facebook: (3) The Fitness Asylum Community [Free Health & Fitness Everyday] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/385575208237802]

From COVID Quarantine to Competition Stage with Kristy Coache

In this episode of “So You Want To Get On Stage” with host Bonnie Lefrak from The Fitness Asylum, we sit down with Kristy Coache, a full-time mom, nurse, and seasoned competitor who started her stage journey in 2022 at age 41. Kristy shares what first drew her to the world of fitness competitions, the challenges (and FOMO!) of taking a season off, and how her perspective and friendship circle has evolved through multiple seasons on stage. From sparkly bikinis to overcoming self-doubt, Kristy opens up about juggling family life, building confidence, managing expectations, and how the backstage community is much more supportive than she ever imagined. Whether you’re curious about transformation categories, what really happens at your first show, or how this journey can change your identity, this candid conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and real talk about the ups and downs of getting on stage. If you’ve ever thought about competing or just want to hear the honest truth from someone who’s been there, this episode is for you! Connect & Learn More:  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw [https://open.spotify.com/show/0pU2RASyOnMak9Bh2MG9a9?si=HlStCGa-SEq22YBlDxcKWw] YouTube: The Fitness Asylum - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thefitnessasylum2530] Website: The Bikini Competition Team - The Fitness Asylum [https://fitness-asylum.com/the-bikini-competition-team/] Facebook: (3) The Fitness Asylum Community [Free Health & Fitness Everyday] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/385575208237802]