When to Push — and When to Pull Back During Prep

by darinstarr | Apr 14, 2026 | Beginning Bodybuilding, Bodybuilding, Contest Prep

When to Push — and When to Pull Back During Prep This post is part of The Ultimate Bikini Prep Guide – check out the full guide for more! THIS is where prep start to feel a bit like magic and alchemy and less like science, but the more you understand how the body...

Red Flags During Bikini Prep (When to Adjust Instead of Push)

by darinstarr | Apr 9, 2026 | Beginning Bodybuilding, Bodybuilding

Red Flags During Bikini Prep (When to Adjust Instead of Push) This post is part of The Ultimate Bikini Prep Guide – check out the full guide for more! We all know contest prep is supposed to suck.  Right? Right? Well, often yes.  But just because it sucks doesn’t mean...

287 – Stop Adding Cardio + The Self-Coaching Trap

by darinstarr | Apr 8, 2026 | Podcast - The Drop Set

Wait, a coach that wants you to do LESS cardio?  Well…maybe.  Let’s talk about it, it’s complicated.  Also, should you hire a coach or can you just DIY this thing?  The pros and cons of it all and plenty more, hop in and let’s take a ride! Call...

Sleep and Stress During Bikini Prep

by darinstarr | Apr 8, 2026 | Beginning Bodybuilding, Bodybuilding

Sleep and Stress During Bikini Prep This post is part of The Ultimate Bikini Prep Guide – check out the full guide for more! And now we arrive at the silent killers of an otherwise glorious prepared – unresolved stress leading to sleep dysfunction which can then also...

286 – Peak Week Lies, The Plateau Excuse

by darinstarr | Apr 2, 2026 | Podcast - The Drop Set

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand time, so one more time won’t hurt.  Your peak week should be the easiest week of your prep.  Let’s fix this once and for all. And what level of blame do your genetics deserve for when you plateau or...