I Entered a Bodybuilding Competition with Alisha Van Asperen

Send us Fan MailNavigating the Bodybuilding World: Alisha's JourneyOn this episode of Female Athlete Diaries, host Kirsty Sheehan speaks with Alisha Van Asperen, a Dietitian who decided to be a guinea pig for a bodybuilding competition. Alisha shares her transition from basketball and soccer to bodybuilding, the rigorous training and diet regimes, and the physical and mental challenges she faced during her preparation for the competition. The conversation delves into topics such as muscle dysmorphia, maintaining discipline with diet, the physical discomforts of cutting calories, and the struggles with body image post-competition. Alisha, emphasises the importance of a balanced approach and professional guidance.00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Diaries00:42 Meet Alisha Van Asperen: From Dietetics to Bodybuilding01:58 The Journey Begins: Training and Nutrition03:19 Challenges and Adjustments in Bodybuilding10:21 The Cutting Phase: Diet and Training Changes16:39 Physical and Mental Struggles18:47 Social and Emotional Impact21:50 Reflections and Learnings25:17 Struggles and Milestones at the Six-Week Mark25:33 Final Preparations and Stage Appearance27:09 The Cost and Effort Behind the Competition29:23 Posing Practice and Stage Confidence30:55 Judging Criteria and Subjectivity33:05 Post-Competition Reflections and Challenges36:07 Refeeding Syndrome and Recovery38:59 Long-Term Impact and Lessons Learned45:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude