Where physical discipline meets emotional intelligence. Hosted by IFBB Bikini Pro and transformation coach Courtney Ustrzycki, this podcast gives you real strategies for training, mindset, confidence, boundaries, and becoming the human behind the goals. No fluff, no filters, just growth, grit, and the tools to elevate every phase of your life. Welcome to Strength + Self.
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Sharing a chat with a first-time competitor amiga. Hitting a weight plateau during contest prep can trigger self-doubt, but the scale is only one data point in a much larger picture. In this episode, I break down why the scale stops moving, how the "whoosh effect" works, and why trusting your coach and process is crucial for long-term progress. Learn how to silence brain noise, detach from instant…
From hosting The Fit Weekend Fest in Mérida to unexpectedly chatting with bodybuilding legend Kevin Levrone, this episode is a mix of behind-the-scenes moments, impulse decisions, and a lot of honest reflection. Oh ya, and my birthday too! I talk about what it was like hosting the event, the surreal experience of hanging out with one of the icons of the sport, and the very real possibility that I…
This episode is for anyone who’s ever swung between extremes in training, doubted their own knowledge, or felt stuck in their physique progress. The real story of how I went from doing everything myself… to giving up all control… to finally landing in the middle... I call it my Goldilocks in training. After 15+ years of coaching, competing, programming, burning out, and rebuilding, (I think?!) I…
For the ones who feel “I should have my life together” but also know they’re just getting started. Whether you’re in your 20s or reflecting back, I know at least a few of these will resonate for you. I'm personally hitting self-trust, confidence, money, boundaries, dating yourself, friendships, failure, rejection, and becoming the kind of woman who shows up for herself. These are the lessons that…
Change doesn’t happen by thinking about it. It happens when you finally decide to move. Because nothing changes if nothing changes. Sharing some current feels (and shifts) while I navigate through the messy middle between who I’ve been and who I’m becoming… that space where things feel uncertain, uncomfortable, and raw, but all so necessary. Shift in coaching, health protocols, and some new…
A vulnerable message shared from my amiga, inspired all of this. The pressure to perform (compete) and a common struggle many competitors feel/experience. It needed to be said. All with love in a safe space. Website: coachcourtneypro.com IG: instagram.com/courtney_ifbbpro
“Squirrel spirit” theme of this epi (more to come like this?) feeling familiar resistance > seeking new opportunities for growth and expansion update since last epi/competition > mindset 180°, new boundaries, giving up protocol control I’m the official/first/only ambassador for Evolve Gym in Mexico > what this means for me “useless souvenirs” from Korea shameless plug for coaching with me > let’s…
First competition of 2025 (hopefully not my last) and it was like a mini Olympia... this prep broke me, pushed me through my hardest challenges yet, reminded me why I 'get to' (not 'have to') do this. The good, the bad and the ugly, all spilled in this episode. My 2025 Pro season is sponsored by: Canadian Protein Join me on IG: instagram.com/courtney_ifbbpro Join my PREP INSIDER broadcast channel:…
The connection between the mind and the gut, and how this relationship impacts our mindset within bodybuilding. A well-functioning gut supports the production of mood stabilizers, dopamine (think: reward-driven behaviours we experience in prep), and a more calm, focused mind. I explain what a healthy gut entails (a checklist for you!), supplements to support good gut health, immediately actionable…
Me and IFBB Pro Humberto Kauffmann (owner of Overcome & Become competition prep coaching, and my prep coach!) discuss all thing bodybuilding and the Canadian Physique Alliance (CPA) tier system for all bodybuilding divisions, both the open and natural streams, and how shows are usually run. Coaching inquiries: www.courtneyforlife.com Join me on IG: instagram.com/courtney_ifbbpro…
