About this episode
What does it truly take to step on stage as a female bodybuilder? Hint: it’s not just muscle. Michelle MacDonald sits down with Loz Vickers, a natural bodybuilding phenom and a grounded voice in the women's fitness space. Together, they unpack what it really means to train hard, build muscle, and create a healthy, resilient mindset as a woman in fitness. Loz shares her raw experiences with body image struggles, recovering from disordered eating, and transforming into a figure competitor who thrives in the off-season. They also explore the mental discipline required for long-term personal growth, the hidden truths of prep life, and how strength training empowers women at any age. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a woman seeking to redefine strength in midlife, this episode offers real talk, tactical tips, and transformational takeaways. Favorite Moments: Favorite Moments 1:57 When Are You Really Ready for a Bodybuilding Contest? 7:48 Why Mindset Outranks Genetics in Women’s Bodybuilding Success 20:54 How the Off-Season Builds Muscle and Mental Strength 43:21 Strength Training as a Tool for Self-Belief and Confidence "The physique is just a physical representation of the mindset you've built." – Loz Vickers GUEST: LOZ VICKERS, ONLINE COACH & NATURAL BODYBUILDER LVFIT Website | 1-1 LVFIT Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast | Natural Bodybuilding Worldwide | TikTok Full Guest Bio: Loz Vickers is a natural bodybuilding athlete and coach dedicated to helping women find strength in every stage of life. As head coach of Team LVFit, she’s known for her down-to-earth, evidence-based approach that fuses performance training with mindset development. Her own path from body-image struggles to competitive success shaped her belief that fitness is about far more than appearance—it’s about discipline, confidence, and respect for your body. Loz now channels that philosophy into coaching women to lift with purpose, build lasting resilience, and feel powerful inside and outside the gym. CONNECT WITH MICHELLE Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X Full Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countl https://events.thewonderwomen.com/ Join The Wonder Women for a transformational week in Tulum, Mexico at the Amansala Resort & Spa. This retreat blends fitness, mindset, and community to help you reset your body, restore your energy, and reignite your confidence. Learn, move, and connect in paradise, with the women who understand your journey.