Female Athlete Diaries
Real stories and conversations of the challenges females face during exercise, training, and racing through all stages of life. Stories of being steam rolled by PMT, the yo-yo of peri-menopause, losing confidence in your body, the diet that went too far, and many more. Listen to the experiences of other women, connect and breakthrough.
Female Athlete Diaries
I Entered a Bodybuilding Competition with Alisha Van Asperen
Navigating the Bodybuilding World: Alisha's Journey
On this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, host Kirsty Sheehan speaks with Alisha Van Asperen, a Dietitian who decided to be a guinea pig for a bodybuilding competition. Alisha shares her transition from basketball and soccer to bodybuilding, the rigorous training and diet regimes, and the physical and mental challenges she faced during her preparation for the competition. The conversation delves into topics such as muscle dysmorphia, maintaining discipline with diet, the physical discomforts of cutting calories, and the struggles with body image post-competition. Alisha, emphasises the importance of a balanced approach and professional guidance.
00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries
00:42 Meet Alisha Van Asperen: From Dietetics to Bodybuilding
01:58 The Journey Begins: Training and Nutrition
03:19 Challenges and Adjustments in Bodybuilding
10:21 The Cutting Phase: Diet and Training Changes
16:39 Physical and Mental Struggles
18:47 Social and Emotional Impact
21:50 Reflections and Learnings
25:17 Struggles and Milestones at the Six-Week Mark
25:33 Final Preparations and Stage Appearance
27:09 The Cost and Effort Behind the Competition
29:23 Posing Practice and Stage Confidence
30:55 Judging Criteria and Subjectivity
33:05 Post-Competition Reflections and Challenges
36:07 Refeeding Syndrome and Recovery
38:59 Long-Term Impact and Lessons Learned
45:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude