Today's guest, IFBB Fit Model Pro Sami Clements, has spent more than a decade immersed in the fitness industry not only as an athlete, but as a coach, mentor, business owner, and mom.
She began her career as an elementary school teacher while simultaneously building her career in fitness, eventually making the transition into coaching full-time. Today, she serves as the COO of Team Fitbliss and has spent years coaching women through lifestyle changes, competition prep, and pregnancy and postpartum.
Her own bodybuilding journey began in 2016 in bikini, where she competed across several seasons while also navigating some of the biggest transitions of her life including becoming a mother. After stepping away from the stage following her final bikini season in 2022, she eventually found her way back when the Fit Model division was introduced.
In 2025, she jumped back into competition and worked her way through an incredibly busy season competing across regional and national stages before ultimately earning her IFBB Pro Card in fit model at Masters Nationals.
But I think what makes her story especially interesting isn't the placings or the Pro Card It's the perspective she's developed through years of competing and coaching I'm excited to get into with her today
Quick recap
The episode featured a conversation between Celeste and Sami, focusing on Sami's journey in the fitness industry, her transition from bikini to fit model divisions, and her experiences as a competitor, coach, and mother. Sami shared insights into her motivations for competing, the importance of enjoying the process over focusing solely on placings, and how motherhood has influenced her approach to bodybuilding. She discussed the challenges and rewards of balancing family, work, and competition, emphasizing the value of sustainability, flexibility, and grace in both training and life. Sami also reflected on her recent success in earning her pro card in fit model, the emotions tied to that achievement, and her plans for future growth in the sport. The conversation highlighted the significance of mindset, support systems, and the lifestyle habits that contribute to long-term success and fulfillment in bodybuilding.
Fitness Competitor Interview Insights
Celeste interviewed Sammy Clements, who has over a decade of experience in the fitness industry as an athlete, coach, and mother. Sammy discussed her pre-stage routine, emphasizing the importance of letting her "light shine" and channeling the hard work and passion she puts into competing. She noted the difference in atmosphere between pre-judging and finals, explaining that after pre-judging, competitors become more relaxed and enjoy the experience more.
Bodybuilding Competition Journey Begin
Sami began competing in 2016 after hiring a bodybuilding coach who had helped a friend transform her body. She initially had no interest in competing but decided to take on the challenge as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone. After placing 5th in her first competition, Sami fell in love with the experience and found the motivation to continue competing.
Bodybuilding Mindset and Competition
Celeste and Sami discussed the mindset required for bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of loving the process over focusing solely on placings. Sami explained how understanding the competitive nature of the sport helps shift focus to personal improvement rather than outcomes. They explored why some competitors become overly focused on results, attributing it to expectations from linear success in other areas and the difficulty of competing against more experienced athletes. The conversation concluded with Celeste asking Sami for perspective on knowing when to push harder versus when to pull back and reevaluate.
Competitive Season Reevaluation Signs
Sami discussed the signs that indicate it's time to reevaluate a competitive season, including when training becomes detrimental to daily life, hormonal disruptions occur, or when the process stops being enjoyable. She shared her personal experience from 2017-2018 when she continued competing despite physical and mental warning signs, which resulted in an unsatisfying experience on stage. Sami emphasized the importance of considering whether one can accept potential outcomes, including the possibility of not winning, when deciding whether to continue competing in additional shows.
Bodybuilding Competition Journey Discussion
Sami discussed her competitive journey in bodybuilding, reflecting on her performance at various shows including North Americans, Ben Wheater, and Nationals. She explained her strategic approach to choosing which shows to compete in, including deciding to attend NPC Universe to get feedback from judge Tyler, who had previously given her feedback at Nationals. Sami shared that Tyler's feedback at Universe was positive, suggesting she improve her front pose shape, which she was able to implement before her next competition.
Fit Model Competition Benefits
Sami discussed the benefits of competing in fit model compared to bikini competition, noting that fit model allows for a higher body fat percentage which is more sustainable over time. She explained that as a natural athlete, the fit model category better suits her goals and lifestyle, allowing her to maintain her cycle and make the competition more sustainable without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. Sami credited her supportive husband and established fitness habits for helping her maintain this lifestyle, particularly given her responsibilities as a mother of three children.
Athlete Transition and Habit Development
Sami and Celeste discussed the challenges athletes face when transitioning between being in and out of preparation mode for competitions. Sami emphasized the importance of developing healthy habits outside of prep to make the transition easier, noting that athletes who view these habits as beneficial to their daily life rather than just for competition tend to maintain them more successfully. Celeste agreed, adding that helping athletes understand the broader benefits of these habits beyond just competition performance is crucial for long-term success.
Sami's Teaching to Coaching Transition
Celeste and Sami discussed Sami's transition from teaching to full-time coaching. Sami explained that she taught 3rd and 5th grade while also coaching in the evenings and early mornings, but her decision to fully commit to coaching was influenced by the birth of her first son in 2018, which provided the flexibility to focus more on her growing coaching business. Sami expressed that becoming a mother allowed her to pursue her passion for coaching while being present with her children, a decision she has not regretted.
Postpartum Bodybuilding Competition Experience
Sami shared her experience of competing in bodybuilding while pregnant and postpartum, explaining how she initially felt pressure to maintain her fitness identity as a coach but now advises others not to rush their postpartum recovery. She competed 14 months postpartum with her first son and later included her husband in a competition, though noted the different challenges they faced due to their different preparation needs. Sami emphasized that postpartum recovery is an all-consuming phase that feels permanent in the moment but passes quickly, and she has learned to be more present during this time rather than pushing herself to return to fitness too soon.
Motherhood and Bodybuilding Perspective
Sami discussed how motherhood changed her approach to bodybuilding and competition, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and prioritizing family over strict routines. She shared that being a mom taught her to be more adaptable and that competing should enhance her life rather than be a drain. Sami also explained how she coaches clients through challenging times by encouraging them to focus on their best effort given the circumstances, rather than perfection, and stressed the importance of realistic goals that clients can actually maintain.
Balancing Motherhood and Bodybuilding
Sami discussed balancing her roles as a mother and professional bodybuilder, explaining how prioritizing self-care ultimately benefits her family. She described her current work routine with FitBliss, which includes dedicated client check-ins, training programming, and team meetings, while maintaining a separate morning routine for her own fitness needs. Sami emphasized the importance of setting a balanced example for her children by being fully present in both her professional and personal life.
Pro Card Journey and Advice
Sami shared her journey to achieving her pro card at the Masters Nats competition, where she placed first after previously earning second place at Pittsburgh and Universe shows. She explained her decision to take a break before competing on the pro stage, wanting to enjoy her win and focus on balance rather than rushing into pro competition. Sami advised aspiring competitors to focus on enjoying the process and building relationships along the way rather than just chasing a pro card, and she provided her contact information for those interested in following her journey or coaching services.
CONNECT WITH SAMI:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sami.g.fit/
WEBSITE WITH ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/sami.g.fit
CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website:http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
