Every Prep is Different: Why & How to Stop Comparisons
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In this episode of Prep Life, hosts Amy Inger and Leigh Marie Jones dive into the core truth that every prep is unique, emphasizing the importance of letting go of comparisons—whether to past or future preps, or to other athletes. They share personal experiences and coaching insights, highlighting how factors like life circumstances, body composition, hunger, cardio, and social sacrifices vary dramatically from prep to prep. The hosts advocate for adaptability, mindfulness, and reframing challenges as growth opportunities. They stress that success isn’t about perfection or consistency, but about staying present, communicating with coaches, and honoring individual needs. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: comparison steals presence, and true progress comes from focusing on your own journey, one day at a time.
Every prep is different—don’t compare it to past or future ones.
Adaptability and communication with your coach are key to navigating unpredictable preps.
Hunger and energy levels shift throughout prep; embrace the changes rather than resist them.
Reframe cardio as proof of discipline and mental toughness, not punishment.
Social sacrifices don’t have to mean isolation—find ways to connect that honor both your goals and relationships.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Posing Seminar Preview
The hosts kick off the episode with a warm welcome, celebrating a recent milestone (a pregnancy announcement), and introducing the upcoming women’s-only posing seminar at Beastify Gym in Overland Park. They detail the event’s structure, including shop-and-mingle time, pro panels, breakout sessions with one-on-one coaching, and a mock show to simulate real competition conditions.
The Unique Nature of Every Prep
“Every single prep is always going to be different. You're going to be a different athlete. You're going to have different circumstances, different struggles...”
Reframing Hunger & Macro Shifts
“Be grateful that you still have a lot of macros because in a couple of months, you'll probably wish you had these macros.”
Cardio as Mental Toughness & Ritual
“Cardio becomes proof of your work ethic. It builds your mental toughness, your consistency over time.”
Social Sacrifices & Relationship Balance
The hosts address the challenge of social isolation during prep, urging athletes to maintain relationships by reimagining social activities—like walks, pickleball, or comedy shows—without relying on food or alcohol. They emphasize choosing energy-boosting people and making strategic exceptions (like one clean cocktail) when appropriate.
“Comparison steals presence. Stay in the moment, stay in your own prep and try to enjoy where you are right now.”
“Every single prep is always going to be different. You're going to be a different athlete. You're going to have different circumstances, different struggles...”
“Be grateful that you still have a lot of macros because in a couple of months, you'll probably wish you had these macros.”
Hosts
Amy Inger
person
Leigh Marie Jones
person
Beastify Gym
organization
Glam Girl
organization
Know Your Power Journal
other
YouTube
product
Coach Paul
person
Overland Park
place
Marissa
person
Glam Grow Bikini
organization
IFBB Fit Model Pro Karina Luna
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Q&A With Head Posing Coach Marissa Willmott!
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