SUE MOON PICKENS

Today's guest isSue Moon Pickens, At 63 years old, this IFBB bikini Pro with 40 years in fitness and a history competing not just in bikini but also figure and women's physique After spending 15 years battling severe eating disorders, she began a journey of healing at 29, learning to treat her body with kindness rather than punishment. Fitness eventually became one of the greatest constants in her life, carrying her through motherhood, major life transitions, and some of her deepest losses. She became a first-time mom at 39 after being told she might never conceive. In taking time away from bodybuilding she told herself she would return at age 60 and when it came time to do this, she tragically lost her husband of 27 years to early-onset Alzheimer's, making the comeback even more important. She even competed wearing a purple suit in his honor. Three years later, just five days after losing her mother, this competitor stepped on stage and earned her IFBB Pro Card at the North American Championships. Today, she is passionate about mindset, faith, healing, and helping others develop a healthier relationship with their bodies especially with her history of coaching and massage. Bodybuilding Journey and Recovery Sue discussed her journey in competitive bodybuilding, sharing how she evolved from competing in figure to bikini division after realizing she couldn't be competitive in figure at the pro level. She explained her previous struggle with eating disorders from age 16 to her late 20s, which led her to take a year-long break from gym training to focus on recovery and proper nutrition. Sue described how she returned to competition 30 years later, winning the Over 30 category at Deke Warner's show in 2025 and later competing in bikini over 50, highlighting how the sport helped her recover emotionally and physically. Sue's Fitness Competition Journey Sue shared her journey in competitive fitness, including her experience with military-style obstacle courses and her return to competition after having her daughter Kate. She discussed her decision to compete again for her 60th birthday, winning multiple shows in the over-50s category, and her success in figure competitions where she placed second at North Americans. Sue also described her transition to bikini competition after achieving second place at North Americans in figure. Masters Fitness Competition Mindset Sue and Celeste discussed the challenges and mindset of competing in fitness competitions, particularly for older women in the masters category. Sue emphasized how masters women approach competitions with gratitude for their physical abilities at an advanced age, contrasting with younger competitors who may be more focused on trophies. She shared her personal experience of struggling with menopause at age 48, which caused her to gain weight despite maintaining her training and nutrition regimen, and how she proved doctors wrong by continuing to compete successfully in her 60s. Menopause and Health Journey Sue discussed her experiences with menopause and hypothyroidism, emphasizing the challenges women face during these transitions and her body's resilience in recovering. She shared how maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consistent habits helped her overcome personal struggles, including the loss of her husband and brother. Sue expressed gratitude for her body's ability to adapt and compete, highlighting the importance of a positive mindset and the strength she draws from her faith. Grief's Physical Impact and Recovery Sue shared her personal experience of how grief affected her physically after her husband's death, describing how she was too weak to train alone and needed support from Ty and Joanna Pope over several months. She emphasized the importance of being kind to one's body during difficult life transitions, whether from postpartum, menopause, or other challenging periods, and stressed that prioritizing self-care is not selfish. Sue also discussed the significant effort required to maintain a fitness lifestyle, particularly the challenges of traveling with specialized food, and noted that everyone's recovery journey is different. Family Loss and Grief Experiences Sue shared her experiences losing multiple family members in less than three years, including her mother, brother, and husband. She explained how her relationship with her mother was challenging due to generational differences and stubbornness, but emphasized that their love sustained them through separations. Sue also described her husband's battle with early onset Alzheimer's, which progressed rapidly over five years, causing significant changes in his abilities and requiring constant care before his death. Early Alzheimer's Intervention Experience Sue shared her personal experience with Alzheimer's disease after losing her husband to early onset Alzheimer's, emphasizing the importance of early testing and medication for those at risk. She discussed how the physical and emotional toll of caring for her husband affected her, and described her current lifestyle which involves staying in a "bubble at home" with limited social interaction. Sue highlighted that while the cause of Alzheimer's remains unknown, early intervention through testing and medication can help prolong onset and improve outcomes. Sue's Training and Life Updates Sue shared her gratitude for where she is today while adjusting to the loss of her mother and discussed her plans to train for her first pro show, though wedding planning for her daughter's upcoming marriage may impact her timeline. She reflected on how her current lifestyle makes training easier since she doesn't work outside the home, allowing her to meal prep efficiently. Sue also described how her daughter, a pediatric ICU nurse, embodies many of her late husband's qualities including his love of reading, gentle demeanor, and extroverted nature, with Sue noting that her daughter continues to live out her husband's goodness in the world. Beginner Competition Training Advice Sue shared her advice for beginners and those preparing for pro competition, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, tracking training, and preparing meals. She recommended finding a coach, focusing on posing practice, and setting realistic goals for progress. Sue also discussed her own journey, including her recent transition to bikini competition and her plans to train harder while focusing on glutes and waist definition. The conversation concluded with Sue sharing her social media handles for followers to connect with her online. CONNECT WITH SUE: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/suemoonpickens/ CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website:http://www.celestial.fit Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html