In this episode of Training Age, hosts Heather Adams and Valerie Lusvardi welcome Celeste Rains-Turk (@celestial_fit), a leading expert in mindset and body image within the fitness industry. Celeste shares her unique journey, from entering the bodybuilding world in 2015—where she uncovered underlying disordered eating patterns—to shifting her academic focus from dietetics to psychology. Her passion for holistic health and mindset is reflected in her podcast, Confessions of a Bikini Pro, and her powerful tagline, “build more than just a body.” As a licensed associate counselor and author of Believe Your Way to Badass, Celeste is dedicated to helping others transform their relationship with their bodies and themselves.

The conversation explores how body image evolves across different life stages and introduces “what if-formations” as an alternative to traditional affirmations. By questioning self-perceptions and aligning behaviors with a positive self-image, listeners can develop the skills to navigate body changes with confidence. Celeste, Heather, and Val discuss how body image challenges can arise at any age and emphasize the importance of anchoring self-worth in actions that align with personal values.

The discussion takes a deeper turn into the intersection of identity, body image, and faith, highlighting the risks of tying self-worth solely to physical appearance. Through personal anecdotes, Heather, Val, and Celeste stress the importance of rooting identity in values rather than external aesthetics and navigating societal pressures that often challenge this balance. As they explore ways to improve the relationship with food and body, they discuss how flexibility in diet and mindfulness can lead to a healthier self-perception. The episode closes with insights on self-talk, self-care, and balancing aesthetics with personal and family values, encouraging a well-rounded approach to fitness goals that positively impact all aspects of life.