SAMI CLEMENTS

Today's guest, IFBB Fit Model Pro Sami Clements, has spent more than a decade immersed in the fitness industry not only as an athlete, but as a coach, mentor, business owner, and mom.

She began her career as an elementary school teacher while simultaneously building her career in fitness, eventually making the transition into coaching full-time. Today, she serves as the COO of Team Fitbliss and has spent years coaching women through lifestyle changes, competition prep, and pregnancy and postpartum.

Her own bodybuilding journey began in 2016 in bikini, where she competed across several seasons while also navigating some of the biggest transitions of her life including becoming a mother. After stepping away from the stage following her final bikini season in 2022, she eventually found her way back when the Fit Model division was introduced.

In 2025, she jumped back into competition and worked her way through an incredibly busy season competing across regional and national stages before ultimately earning her IFBB Pro Card in fit model at Masters Nationals.

But I think what makes her story especially interesting isn't the placings or the Pro Card It's the perspective she's developed through years of competing and coaching I'm excited to get into with her today

Quick recap The episode featured a conversation between Celeste and Sami, focusing on Sami's journey in the fitness industry, her transition from bikini to fit model divisions, and her experiences as a competitor, coach, and mother. Sami shared insights into her motivations for competing, the importance of enjoying the process over focusing solely on placings, and how motherhood has influenced her approach to bodybuilding. She discussed the challenges and rewards of balancing family, work, and competition, emphasizing the value of sustainability, flexibility, and grace in both training and life. Sami also reflected on her recent success in earning her pro card in fit model, the emotions tied to that achievement, and her plans for future growth in the sport. The conversation highlighted the significance of mindset, support systems, and the lifestyle habits that contribute to long-term success and fulfillment in bodybuilding.

Fitness Competitor Interview Insights Celeste interviewed Sammy Clements, who has over a decade of experience in the fitness industry as an athlete, coach, and mother. Sammy discussed her pre-stage routine, emphasizing the importance of letting her "light shine" and channeling the hard work and passion she puts into competing. She noted the difference in atmosphere between pre-judging and finals, explaining that after pre-judging, competitors become more relaxed and enjoy the experience more.

Bodybuilding Competition Journey Begin Sami began competing in 2016 after hiring a bodybuilding coach who had helped a friend transform her body. She initially had no interest in competing but decided to take on the challenge as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone. After placing 5th in her first competition, Sami fell in love with the experience and found the motivation to continue competing.

Bodybuilding Mindset and Competition Celeste and Sami discussed the mindset required for bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of loving the process over focusing solely on placings. Sami explained how understanding the competitive nature of the sport helps shift focus to personal improvement rather than outcomes. They explored why some competitors become overly focused on results, attributing it to expectations from linear success in other areas and the difficulty of competing against more experienced athletes. The conversation concluded with Celeste asking Sami for perspective on knowing when to push harder versus when to pull back and reevaluate.

Competitive Season Reevaluation Signs Sami discussed the signs that indicate it's time to reevaluate a competitive season, including when training becomes detrimental to daily life, hormonal disruptions o