Taupō delivered! Rachel walked away from ICN 2025 Nationals with three overalls and two pro cards (hello, double pro). We break down bikini, wellness, figure, runway, and swimsuit, what judges rewarded, and how stage presentation & posing tipped decisions - including Chris literally shouting posing instructions from the audience .

What’s inside:

• ICN Nationals 2025 recap: division-by-division highlights & honest judging takeaways

• Bikini criteria now: balance, glute projection, soft but athletic conditioning

• Runway & Swimsuit: why dress choice, cut, and walk mechanics matter

• Wellness vs Bikini: conditioning, glute tie-ins, and stage flow

• Prep reality: peaking for Nationals, maintaining condition, and backstage strategy

• Rachel’s wins: strategy, posing cues, and that iconic purple bikini

Perfect for NZ natural bodybuilding athletes and coaches looking to understand ICN judging trends and how to present between callouts.

🔔 New episodes every Saturday. Follow & rate to help other athletes find the show.
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

The 2025 Olympia results are in - and we’ve got thoughts.

Chris and Rachel break down the big shifts in judging trends, why bikini went softer this year, and what it means for athletes heading into 2026. Expect honest takes, sparkly suit talk, and the usual dose of chaos.

Oh - and yes, Producer Bubsickle aka Chris's wife Valerie really did save Chris’s life this week (literally). Ice cream was involved. 🍦

Listen now and don’t forget to hit Follow or leave a comment so you never miss an episode.

Email us here: hello@boldphysique.com

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So you’ve smashed (or survived) your regional bodybuilding show… now what?

In this episode of The Macro Lounge Podcast, Chris and Rachel dive into the critical weeks between regionals and nationals where small tweaks can make or break your stage look.

We cover:
👉 How to assess whether you’re ready for nationals
👉 The “1% fixes” that add up fast (posing, tan, presentation, mindset)
👉 Why you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel after regionals
👉 How to handle nerves, comparison, and post-show blues
👉 Travel tips, backstage hacks, and avoiding peak-week chaos

Whether you’re chasing a national title, a pro card, or just want to bring your best package yet — this episode gives you the reality check and game plan you need.

📩 Got questions or episode ideas? Email us: hello@boldphysique.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast