In this episode of SMTF Coaches Corner, Sean and Jarvis pull back the curtain on the world of contest prep—the truth, the struggles, the growth, and everything in between.

We break down why people feel called to step on stage, and the real pros and cons behind the journey. From how non-competitors view prep, to the hard conversations about sacrifice, routine, and the temporary selfishness required to bring your best physique to life.

But more importantly, we talk about the part most people miss:

How that same “selfish” season leads to becoming more selfless afterward…

How the process builds confidence, discipline, and emotional resilience…

And how the real win isn’t the plastic trophy—it’s the mental and physical progression you earn along the way.

Whether you’re prepping for your first show, your tenth, or simply curious about the lifestyle, this episode gives you the honest reality of what it takes to chase greatness — and how to make sure the journey makes you a better version of you.

In this episode, Christina opens up about one of the most misunderstood chapters of a woman’s life—pregnancy, birth, and the identity shift that comes after.

Too often, mothers are told they should “love every moment” of being pregnant. That if they struggle, feel disconnected, or don’t glow the way social media glamorizes… they’re somehow doing it wrong. Christina breaks down the truth: you can love your baby deeply and still struggle through pregnancy. You can be grateful and still feel overwhelmed. You can be a great mother without loving every part of the journey.

This is a real conversation about:

• The highs and lows of pregnancy no one warns you about

• The pressure women feel to appear perfect, glowing, and joyful 24/7

• Why it’s normal—not shameful—to have difficult emotions during pregnancy

• How to seek support instead of suffering in silence

• The role of fitness in mental health, physical recovery, and rebuilding identity

• How training helped Christina stay grounded through pregnancy, delivery, and her return to herself

• The transition from trainer → mother → trainer again—and finding strength in each phase

Christina shares her experience with honesty and vulnerability, reminding mothers everywhere that their feelings are valid, their struggles don’t define them, and they’re not alone.

This episode is for any woman who’s felt unseen during pregnancy, any mother carrying silent guilt, and any trainer wanting to better understand and support postpartum clients.

At Self Made, we believe strength is built in every season—even the ones that break you open.

Welcome back to the SMTF Comeback Series.

Where real stories create real connection.

In the premiere episode of the SMTF Comeback Series, we sit down with Chandler and Christina to unpack the real stories behind their journeys away from Self Made—and what ultimately brought them back home.

Chandler opens up about stepping away from the fitness industry to pursue a project-manager role in construction. On paper, it was the “right move.” Good pay, stable path, clear ladder. But fulfillment? Gone. Purpose? Missing. After months of trying to force himself into a life that didn’t align with who he was, Chandler realized his true passion was still rooted in helping people change their lives. That calling led him back to the place where he first found it—Self Made Training Facility.

Christina shares a different path. She began her career in a small mom-and-pop gym, grinding to build her name and brand on her own. When she joined Self Made, she found the support, structure, and community she needed to grow as a trainer. After taking time off to welcome her baby girl into the world, Christina returns with a renewed fire—ready to level up, expand her brand, and continue her journey as part of the Self Made family.

Together, we dive deep into:

• What they learned working outside of SMTF

• Why fulfillment and purpose matter more than titles

• How personal evolution leads people back to where they truly belong

• The role Self Made plays in building trainers into business owners

• The mistakes we’ve made, the strategies that work, and the marketing lessons we wish we knew sooner

• How branding, content, and client acquisition all change when trainers operate inside a community built for growth

This series will spotlight transformation, transparency, and the reality of rebuilding. Because at Self Made, we don’t just give trainers a place to work—we help them build businesses, brands, and futures.

Welcome to the SMTF Comeback Series.

Where leaving is part of the story… but growth is why you return.