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

Follow us on Insta here: https://www.instagram.com/macro_lounge_podcast/

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

Blue skies, closed tunnels, and a whole lot of sparkles. Chris flew solo on the ground while prep-brained Rachel brought the glitter. We break down the Wellington double-headliner: the NZIFBB Joe Ulberg Classic Natural and the Open Regional in Wellington 2025.

In this episode:

• Figure highlights: smart class choices and where conditioning edged size
• Wellness watch and who challenges at Nationals
• Fit Model first impressions: cuts, coverage, and what judges actually rewarded
• Bikini breakdown: juniors, true novice, masters, and the Open showdown (Er hello, Natalia 👀 Are we biased? HELL YES)
• Coaching/posing nuggets + what this means for Nationals

• 
  

  🎧 New episodes every Saturday
  📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
  📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

• Disclaimer: We don’t receive promotional consideration, endorsement, or compensation from NZIFBB (or any federation). Opinions are our own.

Double the shows, double the sparkles. ✨

In this week’s episode, Chris and Rachel break down the first IFBB shows of the season: the NZIFBB Auckland Open Regional Championships and the NZIFBB Auckland Natural Championships.

From front-row judging insights to standout physiques, here’s what you’ll hear:

• Key differences between the Natural and Open lineups

• Conditioning trends the judges rewarded (and what they didn’t)

• Standout athletes across figure, wellness, bikini, and fit model

• The return of familiar faces (and mums making a strong comeback)

• Which athletes are already front-runners heading into Nationals

It’s the ultimate wrap-up to kick off the NZIFBB season.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

Disclaimer note: We don’t receive any endorsement, promotional consideration, or compensation from the NZIFBB (or any federation, for that matter). Everything we share here is purely our own opinions and observations from inside the sport.

From flight delays and midnight tanning in Christchurch, to runway gowns, posing critiques, and the stars of the show - this episode covers it all.

Chris and Rachel share their unfiltered recap of the ICN South Island Classic, including:
👉 Backstage drama (and why camping stretchers might be the new prep essential)
👉 Rachel’s perspective competing in swimsuit, runway, and bikini
👉 Which athletes stood out across figure, wellness, sports model, fitness, and bikini
👉 The posing trends that worked and the ones that didn’t
👉 Honest takes on judging, class sizes, and what Nationals could look like

It’s equal parts competitor insight, coach perspective, and a little bit of chaos, just how we like it.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

Motivation gets you started. Discipline keeps you going.
In this week’s episode, Chris and Rachel pull back the curtain on one of the hardest parts of bodybuilding: staying consistent when the spark fades. From prep brain to comparison traps, kitten cuddles to cardio, they get real about:

• Why motivation is fleeting (even for pros)

• The systems and habits that keep athletes on track

• Warning signs you’re burning out (and what to do about it)

• How to reconnect with your why when prep feels impossible

If you’ve ever thought “just one missed session won’t matter” or felt guilty for snapping at your partner mid-prep… this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com

Prep isn’t just “dieting harder.” It’s the months-long process of getting ready for stage — physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, Rachel and Chris break down everything first-timers (and even seasoned athletes) need to know about prep: timelines, readiness, common mistakes, and why sparkles won’t save you if you’re not conditioned.

They also cover:

• How long prep really takes (hint: it’s not 12 weeks for most)

• Signs you’re ready — and not ready — to start

• The mental grind of brain fog, cardio, and hanger

• How to balance honesty with your coach and discipline with flexibility

Whether you’re about to start your first prep or just curious about what it involves, this is a no-BS walkthrough of what to expect when you sign up for the journey.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com