Everyone wants to improve. Not everyone wants to hear the truth.

In this episode, we talk about feedback in bodybuilding and competition prep - how to receive it, who to listen to, and how not to let ego derail your progress.

We cover:

• Coach to athlete communication
• Handling critique during prep
• Why asking too many people for opinions backfires
• Emotional maturity in competing
• Feedback vs projection
• Why growth requires discomfort

Plus another Sharn that proves not everyone hears what they’re told.

If you’re serious about improving your physique and stage presence, this episode is essential.

Find us here:

🎧 Follow The Macro Lounge on Spotify

📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast

▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMacroLoungePodcast

📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

Work with us:

👙 Posing School – Accentuate Posing Academy
https://www.instagram.com/accentuate_posing_academy/

💪 Coaching with Chris – Team Bold Physique
https://www.instagram.com/teamboldphysique/

✨ Competition Bikinis – Accentuate Bikinis
https://www.instagram.com/accentuatebikinis/

The off season is not a break. It’s where your next prep is decided.

In this episode, Chris and Rachel unpack what the growth season really means for bikini, wellness, and bodybuilding competitors.

We cover:

• Why prep starts the minute you walk off stage
• Reverse dieting and restoring health post show
• How much weight gain is actually appropriate
• Why staying too lean hurts progress
• Building muscle properly with progressive overload
• Growth season nutrition and protein targets
• Why posing should start long before prep
• The mental shift after stepping off stage

Plus the debut of our new segment “Sharns” featuring one very dramatic two weeks out meltdown.

If you’re serious about competing and improving your physique season to season, this is required listening.

Find us here:

🎧 Follow The Macro Lounge on Spotify📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMacroLoungePodcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

Work with us:

👙 Posing School – Accentuate Posing Academy
https://www.instagram.com/accentuate_posing_academy/

💪 Coaching with Chris – Team Bold Physique
https://www.instagram.com/teamboldphysique/

✨ Competition Bikinis – Accentuate Bikinis
https://www.instagram.com/accentuatebikinis/

Posing is not the fun extra you worry about at the end of prep.
It is the skill that decides placings.

In this episode of The Macro Lounge, Chris and Rachel break down posing from the athlete’s point of view, what actually matters on stage, what judges are really looking at, and why so many competitors sabotage themselves by overcomplicating it or leaving it too late.

They cover why mandatories come first, always, how posing exposes weaknesses you have been hiding, and why confidence, control, and facial expression matter more than flashy transitions. Chris shares insight from his time judging, including how comparisons are decided and why routines are often the first thing cut at busy shows.

Rachel talks openly about stage presence, confidence under pressure, common posing mistakes, and why copying pros or Instagram poses often works against you. Together they unpack why posing must be tailored to your body, your structure, and your personality, not your coach’s or someone else’s highlight reel.

This episode also introduces Accentuate Posing Academy and the upcoming in person workshops across New Zealand, designed for all federations, all levels, and both women and men. The focus is simple, pose for your physique, not trends.

Accentuate Posing Academy workshop dates:

• Auckland, 2 May 2026
  Book here: https://tinyurl.com/Auckland-Workshop
• Christchurch, 18 July 2026
  Book here: https://tinyurl.com/Christchurch-Workshop
• Tauranga, 29 August 2026
  Book here: https://tinyurl.com/Tauranga-Workshop
• Wellington, 5 September 2026
  Book here: https://tinyurl.com/Wellington-Workshop

You can also follow Accentuate Posing Academy on Instagram for updates, education, and behind the scenes content:
@accentuate_posing_academy

If you are competing this season, or even thinking about stepping on stage, this episode will change how you approach posing.

If you want the coaching and educator perspective to pair with this episode, go back to Season 1 Episodes 21 and 25 with posing experts Becc Gwilliam and Allie Waddell.

Find us here:
🎧 Follow The Macro Lounge on Spotify📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
YouTube:
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com