What a group of Fitness and Wellness experts you're about to meet. Introducing Erika Luren NP - newest sponsor of the Fitness Junkeez Podcast (owner Parasol MedSpa), Adam Atkinson Coach - (owner See You Later Leaner), Ron Gallagher (owner MVPT - Physical Therapy 3.0), Kristi Vaccaro "The Momma Transformation Coach" (owner Fit LV Fitness and Nutrition), Sam Catlin Coach - (Olympian Coach - Team Elite Physique). special guest Jon Orlando - CEO of The Podcast Junkeez Network and Sticky Paws Studios. Hear all the different perspectives on many different fitness and wellness topics. Oh and me Giovanni Elmore - Lifestyle Modification Master Coach and host of Fitness Junkeez.

It’s not too often you meet someone overcoming such significant musculoskeletal, gut and sleep hurdles in pursuit of their passion. She exemplifies resilience and dedication, showing that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone facing challenges, proving that excuses can be overcome and that hard work pays off. Qualifying for Olympia '24 is a testament to her incredible journey and the strength of her spirit. I have no doubt that her story will motivate countless individuals to push past their own excuses and strive for their goals. After watching this episode you will never be able to sit behind your excuses like we’ve all done in the past.

Adam Atkinson (See You Later Leaner) her coach brings his prize athlete to Sticky Paws Studios and they take us through the ups and downs of their journey to the bodybuilding Mecca show Wellness Olympia 2024.

Erika Luren MA, MS, NP is making waves in the realm of anti-aging and wellness with her innovative approach and extensive expertise. With a rich background spanning 14 years in dermatology and aesthetics, Erika is well-equipped to tackle a myriad of skin issues and reverse the signs of aging while also focusing on hormone balance to promote a vibrant, youthful, and energetic lifestyle.

As a mother, entrepreneur, and influential figure in the anti-aging community, Erika is dedicated to "Bringing Sexy Back" through a comprehensive, holistic, and medically-driven approach to looking and feeling one's best. Drawing on her depth of experience and training as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in dermatology, she embarked on a visionary journey to establish her own business, The Parasol Companies.

Recognizing the surging demand for hormone optimization clinics, Erika seized the opportunity to create a conglomerate of businesses under The Parasol Companies umbrella. These entities cater to various aspects of wellness, anti-aging medicine, aesthetic treatments, skincare solutions, telemedicine, urgent care, and professional training in aesthetics.

In addition to their comprehensive in-clinic services, The Parasol Companies also provides an accessible solution for maintaining youthful skin or addressing texture and tone concerns through their high-potency yet affordable anti-aging skincare line available at parasolderm.com.

Erika's personal journey, marked by life struggles and courageous decisions to take control of her life, serves as an inspiring narrative that resonates with individuals seeking to elevate their own lives. Whether you're an aging athlete striving to maintain peak performance or simply someone yearning to feel your best, Erika Luren and The Parasol Companies offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap to achieving optimal well-being.

Growing up, the clang of weight plates and the steady rhythm of a treadmill weren't just background noise—they were the heartbeat of my home. It's that same familial passion for fitness that fuels today's conversation with Adam, as we uncover the roots of our gym obsessions and the powerful influence of our childhood idols. From the bench press memories with his father to the pulsing energy of a packed gym floor, Adam and I swap tales of transformation, coaching dynamics, and the emotional investment that forges iron-willed athletes and unwavering coaches. This episode is a tapestry of personal triumphs and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. We celebrate the resilience of a former athlete turned bodybuilder, reflecting on the hurdles of health setbacks and weight struggles, and how they sculpted their path to success. Nutrition's pivotal role takes center stage as we join forces with dietitians to map out the road to the competitive spotlight. And in the age of the digital coach, we offer a peek behind the curtain of "See You Later, Leaner," where virtual coaching teams are revolutionizing the way we achieve our leanest selves, whether for the stage or life's milestones. As we wrap up, the raw intensity of competition comes into sharp focus. We share the behind-the-scenes strategies that shape champions in the drug-free bodybuilding realm and the meticulous dance of hormones and health management. The episode also strips back the layers on the emotional rollercoasters faced by clients, particularly women, as they navigate the highs and lows of hormone therapies. It’s here, in these stories of managing expectations and fostering deep connections, that we find the true strength of the client-coach relationship—a force that propels us beyond the gym walls and into the very essence of what it means to conquer not just the body, but the spirit. Join us for a powerful exploration of the human element in the relentless pursuit of fitness perfection. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Fitness Journey With Giovanni and Adam (0:05:13) - From Athlete to Bodybuilder (0:09:35) - Fitness Journey and Nutritional Coaching (0:15:32) - Bikini Competition Coaching and Strategies (0:29:19) - Success in Drug-Free Bodybuilding Competitions (0:40:07) - Optimizing Training and Health Through Cardio (0:47:24) - Managing Dosages and Emotional Rollercoasters (0:54:38) - Client Relationships and Coaching Strategies (0:59:08) - Coaching and Competition in Bodybuilding

Real Prep Meal Prep: https://realprepmealprep.net/ When Sara first dipped her toes into the world of competitive swimming, little did she know that the challenges of Achilles tendon issues would forge the path to her becoming a fitness trailblazer. As a beacon of hope for mothers balancing personal health with the demands of parenthood, Sara's journey from an overweight young mom to a fitness enthusiast is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her story, detailed in our latest podcast episode, is a celebration of persistence and adaptation, and it's sure to resonate with anyone who's faced their own set of hurdles on the road to wellbeing. Transformative journeys often spark the brightest of ideas, and my own path from injury to the competitive bodybuilding stage led to the birth of Serotonin Athletics. But starting a business is more than just a leap of faith; it's about the gritty details of meal prep, nutrition coaching, and the balancing act of providing affordable yet quality health food. This episode peels back the curtain on how a single mom turned a side hustle into a thriving enterprise, all while juggling the roles of entrepreneur, mentor, and parent. Listen in for a behind-the-scenes taste of our menu creation process, protein selection, and how we cater to various dietary needs without breaking the bank. Rounding out our heartfelt exchange, we zoom in on the strategies that help a family business flourish. It’s a candid look at the importance of involving family, particularly how my young son is learning the ropes and making strides in our family venture. We also tackle the nuances of effective marketing and networking within the health and wellness community, sharing lessons learned from entrepreneurship and personal growth. By the end of our discussion, not only will you be armed with actionable insights, but you'll also be invigorated to pursue your passions, whether that's in fitness, business, or both. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:01) - Fitness Journey of Sara (0:11:58) - Facing Challenges and Creating Success (0:20:22) - From Trainer to Meal Prepper (0:30:15) - Menu Sampling and Protein Selection (0:40:55) - Real Prep Meal Prep Niche Focus (0:53:36) - Starting a Meal Prep Business (1:04:02) - Leading by Example in Family Business (1:08:39) - Business Networking and Meal Prep Marketing (1:20:58) - Empowering Single Moms Through Passion

Join us as we sit across from a multifaceted fitness enthusiast and gym manager whose journey from high school athletics to the competitive arena of bodybuilding paints a vivid picture of personal evolution and the business of staying fit. From the hurdles of gym management to the crafting of an environment that motivates and welcomes, our guest shares an insider's look at the making of a fitness haven where members aren't just customers, but part of a thriving community. We get candid about the temptation to cheat on diets, the shift from cardio to lifting, and how social media has fueled a surge in the fitness industry.Miami's fitness scene is as vibrant as it is challenging, and our guest's story mirrors this energy, tracing a path from West to East Coast before settling in the heart of the action. We delve into the nuances of bodybuilding competition, from the rush of obtaining a pro card to the strategic dance of industry relationships. The discussion isn't shy about the backstage realities, including the rigors of the pro season and the crucial role of presentation in this high-stakes game. But it's not all sweat and competition—we celebrate community building and the unique social dynamics that transform a gym into something akin to a reality show.As we wrap up this fitness-packed episode, we turn our attention to the future of gym expansion and the importance of maintaining that electric atmosphere that turns a workout into a lifestyle. With new locations on the horizon and a live podcast in the works, the pulse of the gym life beats strong. Our guest weighs in on the subtleties of bodybuilding judging, the contentious topic of supplements, and the responsibilities athletes face in this complex sport. So, lace up your sneakers and turn up the volume—this is one session at the gym you won't want to miss.--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------(0:00:00) - Fitness Journey and Gym Management(0:04:49) - From Sports to Bodybuilding(0:13:14) - Fast Track to Pro Bodybuilding Card(0:19:52) - Expanding Gyms and Creating Community(0:32:45) - Discussion on Wellness Division in Bodybuilding(0:37:10) - Bikini Competition Judging and Coaching(0:46:21) - Gym Features and Future PlansElev8tion Fitness: https://www.elev8tionfitness.com/ Follow Fitness Junkeez on IG!! https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjunkeez/ Follow Fitness Junkeez on TikTok!! https://www.tiktok.com/@fitnessjunkeez Follow Gio Elmore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gioslogic/ Follow Lisa Alli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_alli/ This is a Podcast Junkeez production recorded out of Sticky Paws Studios in Las Vegas, Nevada. https://stickypawsstudios.com

Celebrating 100 episodes, we're beyond excited to have Flex Lewis, bodybuilding icon and beacon of resilience, light up our 100th show with tales of triumph and the power of a strong community. We traverse his fascinating journey, from his Welsh roots to the global bodybuilding stage, all while keeping his humor and humility intact. This isn't just a reflection on physique and fitness; it's about the friendships forged through shared struggles, the laughter that carries us through, and an homage to the people like Conor McGregor who inspire us by simply being themselves. As we orbit around Flex's world, we uncover the mindset of a champion and the evolution of his alter ego. It's a profound look at the intersection of authenticity and ambition, where family support and a blue-collar work ethic merge with the glitz of public life. Listen in for the behind-the-scenes narratives of gym ownership, the Dragon's Lair dynamics, and how Flex's life has been sculpted by the same resilience he brings to the stage. It's a candid conversation that explores the delicate balance of personal growth within the limelight, and how to hold on to your roots no matter how high you climb. Wrapping up with our Mount Rushmore of Success and Trauma, Flex and I consider the icons who've shaped our lives and delve into the oft-overlooked common threads that bind the most successful among us—revealing that sometimes, it's the hardships that carve the path to greatness. This episode is a heartfelt tapestry of lessons learned, dreams chased, and wisdom imparted, perfect for anyone seeking inspiration or just a great story. Join us in celebrating this milestone with Flex Lewis, where laughter, life lessons, and lifting converge into an episode you won't want to miss. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:01) - Fitness Podcast Interview With Flex Lewis (0:05:05) - Building a Strong Mindset for Success (0:16:42) - Evolution of Athlete's Alter Ego (0:23:32) - Bodybuilding Champion Reflects on Career (0:35:27) - Admiration for Champ Conor McGregor (0:40:01) - Mount Rushmore of Success and Trauma (0:50:28) - Gym Ownership and Public Speaking Journey

Ever wondered what it's like to have your life's trajectory altered by an encounter with one of basketball's greatest? That's exactly what happened to Shannon, a fitness expert whose run-in with Kobe Bryant pivoted her towards a career in sports therapy. In a heart-to-heart on our latest podcast, Shannon walks us through her remarkable journey, from an anatomy book-loving child to a high school basketball player with big dreams, all the way to shaping the bodies and careers of professional athletes. Her tale is one of unwavering persistence and the power of staying true to one's passion.

The meat of our conversation gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to keep an athlete at their peak. Shannon breaks down the underestimated importance of stretching and strength training, sharing transformative stories from the court and the field. She clears up misconceptions and highlights the symbiotic relationship between Pilates, core strength, and injury prevention. We even get into the less-talked-about aspects of training, such as the meticulous art of preparing for major events and the delicate dance of maintaining professional boundaries in personal training.

Shannon doesn't shy away from the tough topics, either. We tackle the controversial discussions on gender in sports, navigating gender roles and relationships, and how she carves out a space for integrity and professionalism in a complex industry. Her approach to health coaching, with an emphasis on holistic well-being, wraps up our episode, providing a glimpse into her daily life and the multi-faceted approach necessary for success in the digital age of fitness. Join us for an episode packed with practical wisdom, eye-opening insights, and stories that inspire resilience and dedication on and off the playing field.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:00) - Fitness Journey and Career Goals

(0:07:29) - Meeting Kobe Bryant

(0:11:18) - Significance of Stretching and Strength Training

(0:25:03) - Importance of Sleep and Nutrition

(0:33:34) - Challenges in Personal Training Industry

(0:40:02) - Debate on Gender and Sports

(0:50:30) - Navigating Gender Roles and Relationships

(0:56:52) - Daily Routine and Health Coaching

(1:06:33) - Encouraging Natural Conversation