Then we're getting into a topic that comes around EVERY year: navigating food, fitness and body image over the holiday season. 🎄

Do you need to track your food on Christmas Day? Should you be restricting before a holiday so you can enjoy yourself? Do you really need to “lock in” before summer? And are you going to lose all your progress if you take a week off the gym?

Spoiler alert: absolutely not.

We're chatting about finding balance around Christmas parties, family dinners, buffets, cocktails and holiday treats without the guilt, restriction or all-or-nothing mindset. Plus, how to enjoy your holidays and make choices that help you feel good.

We're also getting into training on holidays, why consistency doesn't mean being perfect 365 days a year, and how building sustainable habits now can make future holidays feel a whole lot less stressful, because life is supposed to be enjoyed.

As always, we're just two girls chatting about real life, fitness, food and everything in between. 💗

Follow The Stage Code on Instagram, send us your questions, and let us know who you'd love to hear on the podcast!

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode @alignedcoachingco @paris.beth1 

We’re back and this week we’re keeping it fun with a little Stage Code game night — Would You Rather: Bodybuilding & Prep Edition.

But first, we have to talk about the Olympia.

We recap the results, Jazzy taking the win, Maureen in second, our predictions being… well, mostly VERY wrong 😂, Ashley K missing the first call-out, and the thing we love most about watching the best in the world compete: how tiny the differences can be between the girls at the top.

We chat conditioning, fullness, posing, stage presence and why some competitors just have that “I could watch you all day” quality on stage.

Then we get into the main event: Would You Rather — bodybuilding edition.

Would you rather never train legs again or never train upper body?
Perfect conditioning but flat muscles or full but slightly softer?
Calories cut or cardio doubled?
Forget your posing routine or fall over on stage?
Perfect glutes or perfect shoulders?
Awful tan or awful makeup?
Bikini malfunction or broken heel? 👀

And it gets progressively more ridiculous from there.

Basically, another week of us chatting shit, justifying our choices and giving you a little insight into what actually goes through our heads as competitors and coaches.

Send us your best Would You Rather questions and maybe we’ll do another round next week. 💕

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode @alignedcoachingco @paris.beth1

We get into all the life updates: upcoming trips, clients show day and being on the other side for a change.

We also chat about stepping back from structured coaching post-show, finding more flexibility with food, what bodybuilding has actually taught us long-term, and why we don’t necessarily agree with the idea that “bodybuilding ruined me.”

Plus… the big question: are we competing again? 👀

And finally, it wouldn’t be The Stage Code without a little bodybuilding chat — we’re giving our bikini Olympia predictions and discussing just how ridiculously close the top girls can be when the smallest details can make a difference.

So settle in for a good old-fashioned Stage Code ramble. 💕

This week on The Stage Code, we’re getting brutally honest about posing — the mistakes we see all the time, the things that make us cringe from the judges’ table, and why sometimes less is WAY more.

We’re talking about why you need to nail the basics before trying to create an elaborate routine, why copying someone else’s posing can completely work against your physique, and why that fancy spin you saw on Instagram might actually be doing you more harm than good.

We get into:

• The biggest posing mistakes we see from newer competitors
• Why your mandatory poses should come before transitions and “personality”
• Copying routines from other competitors
• Trying movements that simply don’t suit your body
• The difference between posing across different federations
• Why you need to know the rules and stage format for YOUR show
• Our biggest posing “icks” 😂
• Stiff fingers, floppy hands and the infamous “teapot arm”
• Touching your bum… please stop 😂
• Overcomplicated transitions
• Walking to the rear WAY too slowly
• Why looking effortless matters
• Practising for every possible stage scenario
• Why learning posing entirely from Instagram isn’t enough
• Finding the right posing coach for YOU
• And why getting feedback from someone who can actually see your physique from the outside can completely change your presentation

Plus, we talk about starting posing early, getting the right heels, why first-time competitors should NEVER underestimate the importance of a strap, and our plans to expose just how bad our first posing attempts actually were. 😂

Whether you're preparing for your first show or you've been competing for years, there might be a few things in here that make you go… “Yep, I probably need to fix that.”

The Stage Code — raw, real conversations about bodybuilding, competing, posing, coaching and everything that happens behind the scenes.

This week on The Stage Code, we’re joined by Mia for a very honest conversation about something we don’t hear talked about nearly enough — breast reduction surgery.

From developing a large bust seemingly overnight as a teenager, struggling with body confidence, finding clothes that fit, back pain, bra indentations and feeling uncomfortable in her own skin, Mia opens up about what it was really like living with a larger chest for years.

She takes us through the whole process — from deciding she wanted a reduction, finding a surgeon, private health insurance and the long wait, to the cost, surgery itself, recovery, body image struggles and finally feeling comfortable in her body.

We also chat about the contrast between breast reductions and breast augmentations, particularly within the bodybuilding world, where implants and breast enhancements are so common.

Mia gets real about the moments after surgery when she questioned whether she'd made the right decision, the swelling and bruising, getting back into training, intimacy and confidence, and how dramatically something as simple as being able to wear a crop top or go braless has changed her everyday life.

If you've ever considered a breast reduction, struggled with your body image, or simply want to hear what the process is actually like from someone who's been through it — this one is for you.

And yes… we get VERY honest about boobs. 😂

The Stage Code Podcast — raw, real conversations about bodybuilding, bodies, confidence, life and everything in between.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

@alignedcoachingco

@paris.beth1

In this episode of The Stage Code Podcast, we’re getting raw and real about the things that can quietly keep you stuck — constantly falling off track, setting unrealistic expectations, relying on motivation, and convincing yourself that you’ll “start again” when the timing is right.

We chat about why trying to change everything overnight usually backfires, how setting the bar too high can create a cycle of failure and self-sabotage, and why sometimes doing less is actually the thing that helps you stay consistent.

From dropping training from five days to four, learning to have chocolate in the house without feeling like you need to eat the whole bag, figuring out meal prep that actually fits your life, and learning to train even when motivation isn't there — we break down what sustainable progress really looks like.

We also dive into the influence of friends and family, setting boundaries when people don't support your goals, knowing when it's time to invest in a coach, and why education and individualisation matter so much when it comes to your health and fitness.

Raw, honest and full of the conversations we have with our own clients every single day — this one is all about breaking the cycle and finding a way of doing things that actually works for you.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

@alignedcoachingco

@paris.beth1

This week on The Stage Code, we’re getting into the things that make prep, peak week and show day just that little bit easier — from the absolute essentials to the weirdly specific things that only a bodybuilder would understand.

Whether you're currently in prep, thinking about competing, heading into peak week, or just want to hear about the random little things that make bodybuilding life easier, this one's for you.

Plus, we want to hear from you: what are your weird, niche, non-negotiable prep or show-day essentials? You know… the things that make absolutely no sense to anyone who hasn't prepped. 👀

🎧 Listen now and let us know what we’ve forgotten!

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode @alignedcoachingco @paris.beth1

After Paris recently received feedback that she has a strong structure for Fit Model, the girls unpack what went into making that decision, why Bikini and Fit Model can be so different, and how federation criteria can completely change the way you approach your physique.

They chat about:

• How to assess which category best suits your current physique
• Why your dream category might not necessarily be your best category right now
• The differences between Bikini, Fit Model, Wellness and Fitness
• How your genetics, proportions and muscle development influence category selection
• Why building the right amount of muscle can take years, especially as a natural athlete
• Why your off-season should really be your improvement season
• How posing can help bring out your strengths and minimise areas that don't fit a category
• Why you shouldn't judge your physique based on how you look in an off-season
• How feedback from judges can help guide your next season
• Why different federations can make category selection even more confusing
• And why sometimes you simply have to get on stage and see what happens!

Plus, the girls share some very honest thoughts on staying too lean in the off-season, comparing yourself to athletes who have been bodybuilding for years, and why there is so much more to competing than simply getting lean enough to step on stage.

If you're considering competing, currently deciding between categories, or just trying to understand where your physique fits — this one is for you.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

In this episode of The Stage Code Podcast, we’re getting real about what happens after the competition is over — the weight gain, the changing body, the food guilt, the loss of structure, and the mental battle that can come with transitioning out of prep.

We also break down some of the biggest post-show mistakes to avoid, including:

• Ghosting your coach once you've stepped off stage
• Trying to stay stage lean for as long as possible
• Restricting food or increasing cardio to "make up" for eating
• Getting caught in the restrict → binge → guilt cycle
• Negative self-talk and constantly judging your changing body
• Completely changing your training without communicating with your coach
• Ignoring the signs that your body hasn't fully recovered yet
• Putting your entire identity and self-worth into how you look

Most importantly, we talk about why post-show isn't about being perfect. It's about gradually getting your body and mind back to a healthier place, learning to trust yourself around food again, communicating openly with your coach and the people around you, and remembering that you are so much more than your stage weight.

If you're currently post-show, thinking about competing, or struggling with the transition out of prep, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and come hang out with your gals at The Stage Code Podcast.

In this episode of The Stage Code Podcast, we chat about the reality of coming out of prep — from body changes, body checking and learning to navigate food again, to finally having the energy and freedom to actually LIVE.

We get honest about what post-show has looked like so far, including stepping away from the scales, not tracking every bite, dealing with the inevitable fluffiness, and recognising the difference between having a treat because you genuinely want it versus eating just because you can.

We also dive into the bigger conversation around why being lean isn't necessarily the goal we think it is. More energy, better sleep, relationships, social events, spontaneous plans and simply being present can be worth so much more than having visible abs.

Plus, we talk about what's next with training, rebuilding health, getting the menstrual cycle back, learning to enjoy food again, future competition plans (or lack thereof), and whether the stage might make a comeback somewhere down the track.

And, of course, we somehow spend a questionable amount of time talking about Thai food and the life-changing discovery that is an almond croissant. 😂

Prep is over. But the real work of finding balance starts now.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of Paris' final competition weekend in Melbourne—from delayed flights, tanning, peak week nerves, and show day, to the reality of stepping off stage and navigating life after prep.

We chat about:

• The full Melbourne competition weekend recap
• The highs, lows and surprises of show day
• First call-outs, judging, and our honest thoughts on the new Fit Model division
• Post-show food, cravings and finding balance again
• The mental side of finishing prep and losing that "next goal"
• Training in the off-season and building muscle with purpose
• Why post-show mindset matters more than your first cheat meal
• Health updates, recovery and what's next

Whether you're a competitor, thinking about stepping on stage, or you're simply curious about what really happens after the tan washes off, this episode is an honest conversation about the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.

As always, thank you for listening and being part of The Stage Code community. Don't forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and send us your questions or topics you'd love us to cover in future episodes.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

One of the biggest topics is the spontaneous decision to switch from Bikini to Fit Model just two weeks before Nationals. After reflecting on the previous show, both athlete and coach independently came to the same conclusion that Fit Model was a better fit. They share how they scrambled to find an approved bikini, learnt an entirely new posing routine in just two weeks, and adapted their peak week strategy to suit the different division.

The conversation also explores the physical and mental challenges of the final week of prep—from extended low-calorie days and food cravings to the excitement of carb loading and planning long-awaited post-show meals. They chat about everything they're looking forward to eating in Melbourne, including donuts, pasta, cookies, bagels, and hot chocolates, while also discussing the importance of approaching post-show nutrition with structure rather than falling into an all-or-nothing mindset.

Bec and Paris open up about the emotional side of finishing a competition prep, discussing the loss of routine and purpose many competitors experience once the show is over. They share honest insights into body image, post-show expectations, reverse dieting, and the importance of giving yourself grace during the transition back to normal life.

As always, the episode is filled with light-hearted stories and laughs—from Australian coffee versus American coffee, travel plans, tanning mishaps, and a hilarious childhood story involving an unforgettable pot of pea and ham soup.

Whether you're a competitor, coach, or simply curious about the realities of bodybuilding, this episode offers an honest look at the excitement, nerves, discipline, and emotions that come with stepping on stage for the final time this season.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

In this episode of The Stage Code, Paris takes us through the highs, lows and complete chaos of her latest bodybuilding competition — from the stress of delayed makeup and last-minute hair decisions, to stepping on stage in one of the biggest and most competitive bikini lineups they've seen.

The girls chat about the reality of competing, the nerves and adrenaline that take over on show day, what it's like competing in multiple categories, the importance of having your coach there with you, and why sometimes the biggest win is simply choosing to go back out there and enjoy the experience.

They also dive into the coach's perspective of show day, supporting multiple athletes, keeping competitors calm, making those last-minute adjustments and, most importantly, making sure the athlete actually enjoys the experience they've worked so hard for.

Plus, post-show food, the realities of dehydration, the emotional comedown after competing, heading straight into another show, and the foods Paris is already dreaming about for post-comp.

And just when you think the season is over… it's not. The girls are heading to Melbourne for another show.

This episode is a raw, honest and very real look at what actually happens behind the scenes of bodybuilding competition day.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

With just days until stepping on the IFBB stage, we're taking you behind the scenes of what really happens during peak week—the physical changes, the mental battle, and all the tiny decisions that can make a difference.

We chat about carb loading, reducing inflammation, why prep suddenly feels both exciting and terrifying, and the reality of navigating competition after a prep that hasn't exactly gone to plan.

But this episode goes far beyond peak week.

We dive into one of the biggest mindset traps in bodybuilding: expecting to win. From setting realistic expectations to building confidence without relying on placings, we unpack why your success shouldn't be determined by a judge's scorecard.

Whether you're competing this season, thinking about stepping on stage one day, or simply want an honest look at the mental side of bodybuilding, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and the conversations every competitor needs to hear.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

We also get honest about the mental side of competing — setting realistic expectations, staying grounded, and why having a winner’s mindset is very different from expecting a win. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or you’re deep in a season yourself, this episode is packed with perspective on comparison, confidence, resilience, and what it really means to bring your best package.

If you’re in prep, thinking about competing, or just curious about the mindset behind bodybuilding, this one’s for you.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

We dive into the realities of diagnosis, surgery, fertility fears, hormonal contraceptives, and the importance of advocating for yourself when something doesn’t feel right. Plus, we chat about how exercise, lifestyle, and education can play a role in managing symptoms.

As always, we kick things off with our highs, lows, and prep updates — including a quick check-in on prep, health scares, marathon training, and wedding planning.

A vulnerable, educational, and important conversation for every woman to hear. 🎙️💛

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

From near-miss car accidents, sports injuries, hospital visits, and navigating pain during peak prep… it’s been a week.

Paris shares an honest update on being just weeks out from stage while dealing with some scary health concerns, reduced training, no cardio, and the mental battle of not knowing what’s going on with her body — while still trying to push forward.

We also dive into some of the biggest myths in the health and fitness industry, including:

– “Lifting weights makes you bulky”
– “Carbs make you fat”
– “You can spot reduce fat”
– “Fasted cardio is better for fat loss”
– “Cardio is the only way to lose weight”
– “Fasting is the best way to get lean”

This episode is raw, honest, educational, and full of the kind of conversations we wish more people were having in the fitness space.

Whether you’re deep in prep, just starting your fitness journey, or trying to separate fact from fiction — this one’s for you.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Paris shares a scary health scare just four weeks out from comp prep, the girls unpack the realities of pushing your body to its limits, and why health should always come first — even in bodybuilding. Then we dive into the coaching world: the red flags, the green flags, the horror stories, and how to know if your coach is actually the right fit for you.

Whether you’re in prep, thinking about competing, or just navigating your fitness journey, this episode is packed with honest advice, personal experiences, and plenty of laughs (including some questionable food habits in prep).

🎙 Topics covered:
• Prep updates & refeeds
• Health scares in peak prep
• Choosing the right coach
• Coaching red flags 🚩
• Trust, communication & individuality in coaching
• Why bigger followings don’t always mean better coaches

Grab your coffee (or your crumpets) and tune in.

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

We also chat prep updates, birthday celebrations, body image struggles, missing periods in prep, booking holidays, and why happiness matters more than ticking society’s boxes. A raw, honest and relatable episode that’ll make you feel a little less alone if you’ve ever questioned where you’re at in life. 💭🤍

Expect:
• Prep & physique updates
• The reality of dropping out of uni
• Comparison, timelines & social media pressure
• Feeling behind in your 20s
• Finding happiness on your own path

🎧 New episodes weekly

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

From post-show weight gain and body dysmorphia, to rebuilding strength, growing muscle, and finding balance again, Bec opens up about her own experiences navigating the transition from prep to improvement season. She chats about the importance of accepting body changes, shifting your goals, avoiding the trap of comparison on social media, and why off season is actually where the real bodybuilding happens.

Whether you’re a competitor, thinking about competing, or just someone struggling with changing body image and finding balance, this episode is a raw and honest reminder that growth — physically and mentally — requires letting go of the need to stay “small.”

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Paris gives a full 7-weeks-out prep update — from calorie drops, cardio struggles, pancake bowls, and the devastating loss of honey on her crumpets… to registering for her show, planning all the glam details, and having her bikini custom made by her best friend.

We also get real about the side of bodybuilding that people don’t talk about enough:
– Feeling disappointed after a show
– The pressure around placings
– Why winning isn’t everything
– Not loving your stage look or show-day experience
– The reality that bodybuilding simply isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay

We talk about how subjective bodybuilding really is, why placings can change overnight, and why your “why” behind competing matters so much more than a medal.

Whether you’re deep in prep, thinking about competing, or navigating post-show emotions, this ep is honest, relatable, and a reminder that your worth was never tied to a placing.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

In this week’s episode, Bec and Paris have a very honest conversation about the mental and physical reality of stepping off stage after a bodybuilding prep. From the pressure of chasing the “perfect” physique, to navigating rapid body changes, food focus, post-show hunger, and the emotional crash that can come after competing — this is the raw side of bodybuilding that people don’t talk about enough.

We also dive into:
• Reverse diets vs recovery diets
• Why post-show can feel harder than prep itself
• The mental battle of watching the scale go back up
• Comparison traps on social media
• The importance of support systems, coaches & accountability
• Learning to let your body recover and feel healthy again

If you’re currently in prep, heading into a post-show phase, or simply curious about the realities behind bodybuilding, this episode is for you 🖤

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Paris shares the excitement of both of her sisters getting engaged (which naturally leads to everyone asking when Matt is proposing 👀), while Bec recaps coaching her client through her very first ICN and NBA competition weekend — from backstage nerves and posing endurance to learning the very different vibes and criteria between federations.

We also dive into:

Show day highs, lows & backstage chaos
The differences between ICN, NBA & what judges are currently rewarding
Why posing endurance matters more than people think
Coaching your first athlete through prep & show day nerves
Prep digestion issues, stalled weight loss & the mental side of competing
The emotional side of prep when your body feels like it’s fighting you
IFBB Nationals results, bikini division thoughts & athletes we were rooting for
Why having the right coach backstage can completely change your experience

This episode is a very honest look into the realities of bodybuilding prep — the exciting moments, the frustrating ones, and everything in between.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

This week, we’re diving into the highs, lows, and real behind-the-scenes of prep life — from feeling a little blah and pushing through sickness and getting fired up for what’s ahead.

But the main event? PEAK WEEK.

We break down everything you think you know (and a lot you probably don’t) about that final week before stepping on stage:

• What “peaking” actually means — and why it’s not one-size-fits-all
• Carb loading, spilling, and how to actually fill out properly
• Why some athletes eat clean… and others are smashing burgers 👀
• The truth about water, sodium, and why less isn’t always better
• The mental side of prep when progress feels slow (but you’re not quitting 💪)

Whether you’re competing, coaching, or just curious about the bodybuilding world — this episode is your inside look at the chaos, science, and strategy behind peak week.

✨ Reminder: your peak week is YOUR peak week. No comparisons.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

This week, we’re diving into a very controversial topic — the rise of “SkinnyTok”, peptides, and the increasing normalization of weight loss drugs like Ozempic.

First we dive into our usual highs & lows (prep updates, blocked noses & business wins)

Then we get into the real conversation…

🚨 Peptides, GLP-1s & online influence

• Why these drugs are being pushed like skincare products
• The dangers of getting advice from TikTok
• What no one is saying about long-term effects

🏆 Natural vs Enhanced Bodybuilding

• Competing “natural” vs actually being natural
• Why this is a huge issue in the industry right now
• The ethics, the risks, and the reality behind the scenes

💬 Our honest take
We’re not here to judge—but we are here to be real.
If you’re considering shortcuts, this is the episode you need to hear first.

At the end of the day:
Strong > Skinny. Always.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

Welcome back to The Stage Code Podcast! In Episode 11, we dive into a more raw and emotional conversation, sharing personal experiences with grief, loss, and how fitness can become a powerful tool for healing and growth.

This episode leans into a deeper discussion around loss, navigating grief, and how quickly life can change. We open up about personal experiences with losing a parent, the impact it has on identity and direction, and the unhealthy coping mechanisms that can follow.

We also explore:

• How the gym became a turning point for mental health
• The role of routine, structure, and movement in healing
• Moving from self-destruction to self-improvement
• Why “movement is medicine” isn’t just a cliché
• Using fitness as a tool for purpose, clarity, and growth

Whether you’re going through a tough time, feeling stuck, or just looking for a mindset shift, this episode is a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, positive change is possible.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses grief, cancer, and loss.

🎧 Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation – and a reminder to keep moving forward.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code. 🖤

We made it to episode 10 (!!) and we’re chatting all things prep reality — the physical and mental side of not feeling ready for stage.

This week we cover:

• The reality of prep during events like Easter (yes… watching everyone eat chocolate 🥲)
• Highs & lows from the week (family time, no internet struggles, and Easter Show plans)
• What it actually means to not be “stage ready”
• How coaches assess readiness (and why honesty matters)
• The difference between physically vs mentally not being ready
• When to push through vs when to reassess your prep
• Why you will never feel ready — and why that’s normal
• Adjusting expectations, categories, or timelines
• The importance of trusting your coach and the process

This episode is honest, reflective, and a reminder that bodybuilding is so much more than just getting lean — it’s about discipline, self-awareness, and understanding what being ready actually means.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code. 🖤

We kick things off with our highs and lows — from half marathon milestones and holiday chaos, to period struggles, no internet, and navigating the reality of prep fatigue starting to creep in.

Then we dive into a big one: your “why” behind competing. Because when prep gets hard (and it will), the reason you started is the thing that either carries you through… or makes you question everything.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Real prep updates — weight drops, fatigue, and the mental shift as weeks tick down
• The importance of structure, routine, and proving to yourself what you’re capable of
• How your “why” evolves from your first show to future seasons
• The wrong reasons to compete — fat loss, social media, external validation
• Why prep won’t fix your relationship with food (and what actually will)
• The difference between doing it for the stage vs doing it for the growth

This episode is honest, reflective, and a reminder that bodybuilding is so much more than just getting lean — it’s about discipline, self-awareness, and understanding what truly drives you.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code. 🖤

We kick things off with our usual highs and lows — from engagements and weddings to moving chaos and a little dip in prep motivation — before diving into a powerful and honest conversation about having to pull out of a prep.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it’s like when prep isn’t going to plan (and motivation starts to dip early)
• The pressure of committing to a show — and feeling like you can’t back out
• Bec’s experience with a serious injury that forced her to stop prep
• Ignoring early warning signs and pushing through pain (and why it’s not worth it)
• The mental shift from “pushing through” to actually putting your health first
• Navigating recovery, identity, and staying disciplined without a stage goal

We also talk about the emotional side of not making it to stage — the disappointment, the relief, and the fear of what others might think — and why pulling out doesn’t make you a failure, it just means it’s not the right time.

Whether you’re in prep, thinking about competing, or dealing with a setback, this episode is a reminder that your health always comes first — and the stage will always be there.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code. 🖤

We kick things off with our weekly highs — weddings, prep-friendly finds, photoshoots, anniversaries, and moving chaos — before getting into a topic we’re both very passionate about: why posing can make or break your results on stage.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why posing is just as important as your physique (and can be the difference between first and last)
• Common mistakes competitors make — from under-practicing to relying on YouTube
• The importance of posing endurance, confidence, and muscle memory
• Why starting early will make your prep so much easier
• The role of a posing coach (and why not having one is a huge red flag)
• Real experiences of how poor posing — not physique — can cost you placings

We also share practical tips to improve your posing now, from practicing when you’re tired, to recording yourself, understanding federation differences, and actually learning how to present your physique — not someone else’s.

If you’re competing (or thinking about it), this episode is your reminder that the best physique doesn’t always win — the best presentation does.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code. 🖤

This week we kick things off with a prep update — 17 weeks out, progress drops on the scale, sticking to routines, and why consistent meal timing can make prep feel surprisingly manageable in the early stages.

Then we dive into the real side of competing — the parts people don’t always talk about when they decide to step on stage.

In this episode we chat about:

• The social sacrifices and guilt of missing events during prep
• Why bodybuilding can feel surprisingly lonely and isolating
• Fatigue, low energy, and how hard it can be to keep up with daily life
• Body dysmorphia and the constant comparison trap during prep
• Pressure and expectations — from yourself and from others

We also dive into post-show reality, including:

• Rapid weight gain, food focus, and the loss of control many competitors feel
• Reverse dieting vs recovery dieting
• Body image struggles after stage lean conditioning
• The emotional rollercoaster of returning to a healthy body weight

This episode is honest, raw, and a reminder that bodybuilding is so much more than just getting lean for stage — it’s a mental, physical, and emotional journey that most people never see.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

This week we start with our usual highs and lows (including moving house stress, a rogue dog poo problem), before diving into a very honest conversation about navigating bodybuilding prep while in a relationship.

In this episode we chat about:

• The sacrifices both competitors and their partners make during prep
• Mood swings, exhaustion, and why you might lose your personality for a while
• The reality of low libido, hormones, and body dysmorphia during prep
• Communicating with your partner so they understand what’s happening
• Prep-friendly dates that help keep your relationship strong
• Why having a supportive partner can make a huge difference in your prep experience

Prep can be challenging not just physically, but emotionally — and it can impact the people closest to you. We share our own experiences navigating relationships through prep and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Whether you’re a competitor, thinking about stepping on stage, or supporting someone who is, this episode gives you an honest look at the relationship side of bodybuilding.

🎧 New episodes weekly
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

In this episode, Bec and Paris pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to step on stage, financially and practically. From bikinis and heels to coaching, posing, hair, tan, travel, and all the tiny extras that add up — we’re giving you the real numbers, no sugar-coating, no gatekeeping.

We chat through:

• Why competing is more than just “a bikini and a coach”
• How costs differ between federations like IFBB and ICN
• The expenses people don’t think about until they’re deep in prep
• Where you can save money (and where you absolutely shouldn’t cut corners)
• Why planning and saving early can make or break your prep experience
• The emotional side of investing so much into a sport you love

We also share personal stories — from first-season budgeting mistakes to DIY bikini hacks, last-minute travel realities, and learning that the biggest stress you don’t want during prep… is money.

If you’re thinking about competing, currently in prep, or just curious about what goes into stepping on stage, this episode is your honest guide to the investment behind the glam.

🎧 New episodes weekly 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

This week kicks off with a full prep check-in: the scale not moving, navigating those frustrating “trust the process” moments, and why progress isn’t always linear (especially when hormones, stress, and timing come into play).

Then we dive into Bec’s experience competing overseas with IFBB — from the whirlwind decision to book a solo trip, to managing long-haul travel mid-prep, figuring out food logistics in another country, and learning very quickly that competing internationally is a whole different ball game.

In this episode we cover:

• Flying long-haul while dieting — meal timing, customs, and things you might not think of when travelling internationally.
• Differences in show structure, judging, and competitor calibre overseas vs Australia
• The unexpected costs, logistical curveballs, and lessons learned doing a show solo
• Why competing internationally is equal parts stressful, rewarding, and unforgettable

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to compete abroad, this episode is packed with honest insight and lived experience.

🎧 New episodes weekly 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

Now that we’ve (mostly) figured out how to press record, Bec and Paris settle into the rhythm of weekly check-ins, sharing the highs, the challenges, and the behind-the-scenes realities of bodybuilding that don’t make it to Instagram.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The mental side of prep and why discipline gets harder when life is busy
• Learning to celebrate the small wins that keep you moving forward
• Our experience attending a posing workshop and why it’s a game-changer for competitors
• The truth about bodybuilding being an individual sport — without doing it alone
• Our first seasons on stage, navigating nerves, expectations, and figuring things out as beginners

This conversation is honest, relatable, and a reminder that no one starts this sport feeling fully prepared. Whether you’re in prep, considering stepping on stage, or just love hearing the real side of bodybuilding, this episode brings you into the journey with us.

🎧 New episodes weekly 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome back to The Stage Code.

In this debut ep, Bec and Paris finally hit record (after maybe an hour of technical difficulties 😅) and kick things off with rapid-fire questions, real talk, and the full backstory of how we both found our way to the stage. From donuts vs pasta debates, pet peeves, favourite lifts, and comfort TV shows… to competing natural, navigating prep, injuries, off-seasons, and the realities of bodybuilding beyond Instagram.

We dive into:

• Our individual journeys into bodybuilding & coaching
• First shows, first preps, and lessons learned the hard way
• Natural competing, IFBB vs ICN, and why the off-season actually matters
• Why prep isn’t something you “just start” — it’s a lifestyle
• How The Stage Code came to life (and why we want to support you beyond posing)

Whether you’re a competitor, a gym-goer, or just bodybuilding-curious, this podcast is raw, relatable, and here to make the sport feel less lonely and a lot more human.

🎧 New episodes weekly 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thestagecode

Welcome to The Stage Code. We’re so glad you’re here.