Ep 99: Redemption Arc- Kicking off Our 2026 Season

In today’s episode of Bikinis After Babies, we are sitting down and sharing the details, mindset shifts and emotional journey as we make our return to the stage this month!   This episode covers Mandy’s plans to compete in Arkansas September 12th after more than two years away, while Gillian’s shares the story of her experience at her recent show in Oklahoma, the first show of her 2026 Pro Bikini season after a year-long building season and under the guidance of a new coach.  Through this conversation, Mandy and Gillian share strategies and insights into the physical and the mental side of competing, how to handle past experiences when your body, feedback, and expectations do not all line up and what it takes to present your physique after months of hard work, sacrifice and dedication.

The episode is a reminder that while preparing to compete is hard, the growth, health, and discipline behind it are invaluable, even when placements do not go as hoped.  Listen in as we get honest about prep timelines, hormone recovery after IVF, stage-day nerves, and how much of bikini competition comes down to timing, presentation, and judging panel dynamics.  Whether you yourself compete or plan to one day or just want the real story behind what goes into a prep and show day, this episode is packed with perspective and authentic emotion.

We hope that you enjoyed this episode and if so, we would LOVE it if you would rate, subscribe, and leave us reviews on how this podcast has helped you 💕 We’d also love to hear from you about future topics you would like us to discuss so please leave us a comment or reach out to us with your questions and suggestions!

About Momshell Method Fitness:

Ready to embark on your fitness journey?  We would love to help you reach any fitness goal from losing the baby weight to crushing your competition goals!

Follow this link to schedule a discovery call with one of our team members and learn how Momshell Method Fitness can provide you with the tools you need to be successful with customized nutrition and training plans for busy moms → http://bit.ly/loseweightgetsexy

Contact your hosts:

Mandy Rochon

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mandyrochonfit/

Facebook: Mandy Rochon

Gillian Hughes, IFBB Bikini Pro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianhughes_momshell/