ABOUT THIS EPISODE
At 55, Lisa Topoleski decided to step onto a bodybuilding stage in a bikini, not because she needed to reinvent herself, but because she wanted a new challenge.
Lisa is a longtime teacher, yoga instructor, runner, lifter, wife and mom, and in this episode we talk about what happens when you make room for something that is just for you.
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We get into why lifting heavy became non-negotiable for Lisa in midlife, what made bodybuilding feel like the right next challenge, the confidence it took to step onstage, and the unexpected “what now?” that came after the competition was over.
Lisa also talks about letting go of perfection, caring less about what other people think, and why she doesn’t see the woman onstage as the best version of herself — just one expression of who she is.
In this episode:
Becoming a yoga teacher even though she never planned to teach
Why lifting heavy is non-negotiable in midlife
Choosing a bodybuilding competition as her next challenge
The discipline behind preparing for the stage
Going from worrying about wearing a sports bra to competing in a bikini
“I am not skinny. I am fit.”
The unexpected post-show “what now?”
Letting go of perfection and people pleasing
Protecting your energy
“My physique is gonna change, but the growth is gonna stay.”
What doing something hard taught Lisa about herself
Connect with Lisa
Instagram: @callmeleese
Stay connected with Gillian and Highly Flammable
Instagram: @gillianchristie
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If this episode made you think of a woman who needs to hear it, send it her way.
This isn’t a transition. It’s a takeover.
Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal stories, opinions, and experiences for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider regarding your health and treatment decisions.
