Atlas Podcast #26 | Lina Gharapetian & James Ayotte

<p>In this episode of The Atlas Podcast, I sit down with licensed therapist, counselor, and Team Atlas posing coach, Lina Gharapetian, for an in-depth discussion on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face in bodybuilding.<br>We dive into the psychological side of competition, breaking down how to build emotional resilience, manage anxiety during prep, and shift from a perfectionist mindset to one that prioritizes progress and long-term success. Lina shares her expertise on how competitors can develop a strong, balanced mentality and avoid common mental pitfalls that derail their journey.<br>We also cover the importance of posing, what separates great posers from average ones, and how small details—like confidence, fluidity, and breathing—can make or break a competitor’s stage presence. Lina explains why posing should be treated as a skill developed year-round, not just something practiced before a show.<br>Beyond competing, we tackle body image struggles, disordered eating patterns, and the emotional highs and lows that come with extreme dieting and physique changes. Lina offers practical strategies to develop a healthy relationship with food and training, emphasizing why a sustainable mindset is key to longevity in the sport.<br>If you’re an athlete struggling with self-doubt, stress, or mindset hurdles, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the mental game of bodybuilding and elevate your performance.<br>Hope you enjoy it!<br>The Atlas Podcast is available on:<br> <br>YouTube: <a href="bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube">bit.ly/AtlasPodcastYoutube</a><br>Spotify: <a href="bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify">bit.ly/AtlasPodcastSpotify</a><br>Apple Podcast: <a href="bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple">bit.ly/AtlasPodcastApple</a><br> <br>Stay Connected:<br> <br>Team Atlas Website: <a href="www.teamatlasfitness.com">www.teamatlasfitness.com</a><br>James Ayotte&#39;s Website: <a href="www.jamesayotte.com">www.jamesayotte.com</a> <br>Team Atlas on Instagram: @teamatlasmtl &amp;<br>@teamatlaslifestyle<br>James on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte.79">https://www.facebook.com/james.ayotte.79</a><br>James on Instagram: @jamesxatlas<br>Atlas Podcast on Instagram: @atlaspodcastx<br>Discount links: <a href="https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte">https://linktr.ee/Jamesayotte</a></p>