Hey, FitBody Lifers!
We love talking about chasing big dreams, supporting our partners, and building a life we're proud of. But there's one part of competitive bodybuilding that doesn't always get enough attention.
The financial side of the sport.
In this Fit Body Lifestyle Love and Marriage Fusion Hack, Jami and Greg sit down with Savannah and Spencer Watchman to discuss how they navigate the costs of competition while keeping their relationship strong.
From travel expenses and entry fees to unexpected competition opportunities, the financial demands of bodybuilding can add up quickly.
And when you're married, those decisions affect more than just the athlete.
Through honest conversations and one incredibly touching story, Savannah and Spencer remind us that successful partnerships require communication, planning, teamwork, and sometimes meaningful sacrifices.
5 Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Understand the True Cost of Chasing Your Goals
Competitive bodybuilding requires much more than a gym membership and a meal plan.
Between coaching, competition fees, tanning, hair, makeup, flights, hotels, and time away from work, expenses can add up faster than expected.
Savannah shares that she often reminds aspiring competitors to prepare for the financial commitment before stepping onstage.
And as athletes progress, the costs don't necessarily decrease.
More competitions, additional travel, and opportunities to qualify for major events can create even greater financial demands.
The lesson? Dream big, but understand what those dreams require.
Being financially prepared doesn't make you less passionate. It allows you to pursue your goals with greater confidence and less unnecessary stress.
2. Communication Is the Foundation of Financial Teamwork
Spencer shares that the most important part of managing competition expenses is communication.
In previous seasons, he and Savannah sometimes approached unexpected expenses with a simple mindset: We'll figure it out later.
But over time, they recognized the value of being more intentional.
Now they're discussing potential competitions, travel arrangements, time away from work, and how they'll pay for everything before making commitments.
Instead of reacting to each expense, they're working together to create a plan.
Financial planning isn't just about numbers. It's about making sure both partners feel heard, respected, and included.
Whether you're preparing for a bodybuilding season, buying a home, or building a business, honest conversations about money can help prevent misunderstandings and resentment.
3. Supporting Your Partner Sometimes Requires Meaningful Sacrifice
One of the most emotional moments of the episode comes when Savannah shares something Spencer has done to help fund her competition career.
Spencer has been collecting valuable Pokémon cards, a hobby he genuinely enjoys.
Recently, he decided to send part of his collection to auction, hoping to use the proceeds toward Savannah's upcoming competition expenses.
For Savannah, the gesture was incredibly emotional.
She didn't want him to give up something he loved for her goals.
But Spencer explained that he had made peace with the decision because supporting her dreams mattered deeply to him.
Jami and Greg were moved by his willingness to make such a personal contribution.
True partnership isn't always about making equal sacrifices. It's about being equally committed to the life you're building together.
Of course, support should never mean one partner feels pressured to give up everything.
The beauty of this moment is that Spencer made the decision willingly, with love and a shared understanding of their goals.
4. Planning Ahead Creates More Freedom to Pursue Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges in competitive bodybuilding is that opportunities don't always follow a predictable schedule.
An athlete may qualify for another show, receive an invitation, or decide that an additional competition makes sense.
Those opportunities can be exciting, but they also bring unexpected costs.
Savannah explains that she and Spencer are approaching this season differently by thinking further ahead.
They're identifying potential competitions, considering travel expenses, and discussing how to prepare financially.
Jami and Greg reinforce the importance of planning, especially as the qualification process can require athletes to compete multiple times.
Planning doesn't eliminate uncertainty, but it helps you respond to opportunities without unnecessary panic.
The more prepared you are, the easier it becomes to make thoughtful decisions instead of feeling forced into last-minute financial commitments.
And that applies to every area of life.
A little preparation today can create more flexibility tomorrow.
5. Shared Goals Make the Journey More Meaningful
Perhaps the most beautiful lesson from this conversation is how Savannah and Spencer approach her bodybuilding career as a team.
Although Savannah is the one stepping onstage, Spencer is deeply invested in her success.
Her victories bring him joy.
Her dreams matter to him.
And the financial decisions they make are part of building something together.
Jami and Greg emphasize that this kind of support goes beyond simply attending competitions or cheering from the audience.
It's about recognizing that your partner's goals can become part of your shared vision.
When two people are working toward something together, the journey becomes bigger than either individual.
That doesn't mean every couple needs to share the same hobbies or ambitions.
It means finding ways to support each other's passions while protecting the health and happiness of the relationship.
