Welcome back, FitBody Lifers!
What does it take to keep improving when you're already competing among the best athletes in the world?
In this episode of Fit Body Lifestyle, Jami and Greg welcome back IFBB Bikini Pro Phoebe Hagan to continue reflecting on her incredible competition season, her sixth-place Olympia finish, and the lessons she's learned along the way.
With nine competitions, four wins, and two Olympia qualifications over eight months, Phoebe has plenty to celebrate. But this conversation isn't just about results.
It's about understanding your body, trusting your coach, learning when to push and when to pull back, and remembering to enjoy the experiences that make the journey worthwhile.
Most importantly, Phoebe reminds us that being your best doesn't always mean doing more. Sometimes it means knowing exactly what you need—and what you don't.
5 Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Managing Stress Is Just as Important as Managing Training
Phoebe's competition season involved extensive travel, international events, sponsorship commitments, and multiple shows.
While she was accustomed to traveling during prep, she realized that she'd stretched herself too thin.
Jami and Greg explain how training stress, travel stress, emotional stress, and scheduling demands can compound, making it harder for the body to respond as expected.
Even recovery practices such as bodywork and posing require balance. Phoebe discovered that too much of either could create additional soreness and interfere with her training.
The lesson? More isn't always better.
Recovery, consistency, and a manageable routine are essential parts of a successful prep.
Sometimes the smartest thing you can do for your progress is create more stability in your life.
2. Every Prep Is Different, and Adaptability Is Essential
Even after years of competing, Phoebe continues learning that no two preps are exactly alike.
Her early season felt relatively manageable, while her Olympia preparation required more adjustments and harder work.
Initially, that difference created frustration.
But through experience, Phoebe learned to become more comfortable with change.
Whether it meant adjusting posing, training, recovery, or peak-week strategies, she recognized that flexibility was necessary to bring her best physique.
Greg compares bodybuilding to chess rather than checkers.
Every decision depends on how the body responds, and what worked previously might not produce the same result next time.
Great athletes don't just follow a plan. They learn how to adapt when the plan needs to change.
That mindset is valuable in fitness, business, relationships, and everyday life.
3. Judges' Feedback Is Information, Not a Reason to Change Everything
One of the most insightful conversations centers on interpreting judges' feedback.
Phoebe explains that sometimes the most encouraging feedback is hearing that very little needs to change.
After her Olympia performance, the judges were largely pleased with her physique.
The primary areas of focus included refining the consistency of her front pose and maintaining her overall muscular balance.
Rather than chasing significant additional muscle growth, Phoebe and Jami are focused on intentional improvements without overshooting the Bikini division's criteria.
Greg emphasizes that judges' feedback is one data point.
It reflects an athlete's appearance against a particular lineup, under specific lighting, and in front of a particular judging panel.
A little improvement means a little improvement—not a complete overhaul.
The goal should always be to develop the best version of your own physique, rather than trying to copy another competitor.
And sometimes, when everything is working, the smartest decision is to keep doing what you're doing.
4. Being Present Can Make the Difference Between Performing and Simply Showing Up
After the excitement of the Olympia, Phoebe moved quickly into another competition at Southern Muscle.
Although she brought an excellent physique, she admits she wasn't completely mentally present.
She was still processing her Olympia experience while already focusing on qualifying for the following year.
During her stage presentation, Jami reminded her to tighten her core.
That small cue helped Phoebe realize she'd been going through the motions rather than fully engaging in her performance.
She took that lesson into her next competition at Ultimate Warriors.
With renewed excitement, more intentional posing preparation, and a few fun changes to her presentation, Phoebe felt more connected to the experience.
She and Jami also felt she'd brought an even better package.
The result was another win and her qualification for the 2027 Olympia.
Physical preparation matters, but mental presence allows you to fully express the work you've done.
Whether you're competing, training, or pursuing another important goal, don't become so focused on what's next that you forget to show up for what's happening now.
5. True Success Includes the People and Memories Along the Way
With another Olympia qualification secured, everyone wants to know what's next for Phoebe.
She's considering competing at the Arnold, but she hasn't made a final decision.
Instead of rushing into another prep, Phoebe wants to return to Dubai, settle into her routine, evaluate her recovery, and make sure both her body and mind are ready.
Jami and Greg support that approach.
There's no need to make a major decision before you have enough information.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the episode comes when Phoebe reflects on her favorite Olympia memories.
She remembers teammates celebrating her new bikini, spending time together, and sharing experiences with people she genuinely cares about.
Those moments are just as meaningful to her as the placements.
Jami shares that when she looks back on her own competitive career, it's the friendships and connections she remembers most—not the trophies.
And Greg reminds us that our greatest accomplishments aren't always measured by awards.
The impact we make on others and the relationships we build are often our most meaningful victories.
