The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst Former Ms. Olympia: How to Break Free From Toxic Fitness Culture & Finally Feel Good Again | Nathalia Melo
Apr 24, 2025
Nathalia Melo, a former Ms. Olympia and renowned fitness coach, shares her journey from competitive bodybuilding to healing her relationship with health. She reveals the dark side of the fitness industry, including the myth of financial security in competitions. Nathalia discusses the impact of toxic mindsets, encouraging listeners to shift from weight loss goals to self-acceptance. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic fitness goals, breaking free from perfectionism, and tracking progress beyond just the scale.
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Emotional Challenge During Prep
- Nathalia Melo juggled three jobs while prepping for Miss Olympia, including bartending late nights.
- She recalls an emotional moment eating dry chicken and crying in her car, questioning why she was enduring such hardship.
Consider Costs of Inaction
- Consider the cost of inaction; every choice has a price.
- Commit to changes aligned with where you want to be in five years by focusing on who you become through the process.
Bodybuilding's Health Illusion
- The sport of professional bodybuilding is not healthy despite popular perception.
- Competing builds resilience but involves extreme, unhealthy practices that are usually glossed over.