SANDY ARAVE; Rodeo Mom to Masters Champion, Living through Grief, Don't Chase The Card, Say Yes More
In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Sandy Arave, a 55-year-old high school counselor whose path to bodybuilding success is anything but conventional. Sandy began competing in 2022 and earned her Pro card at North Americans in 2024. In 2025, she made her Pro debut and went on to win two Pro shows in the 55+ categories. Before bodybuilding, Sandy lived a very different competitive life as a barrel racer, competing at professional rodeos. Her journey into the sport came alongside navigating grief, health challenges, and major life transitions. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, purpose, and why chasing growth matters more than chasing a card. TOPICS COVERED -Living and competing through grief and trauma -Transitioning from competitive barrel racing to bodybuilding -Building and leaning on a strong support system -Lessons learned through failure and setbacks -Being a role model at any age -Prioritizing health while pursuing big goals CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html CONNECT WITH SANDY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandytaylorarave_ifbbpro/ TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:14 having a competitive nature 5:53 life before competing 13:13 balance work life and competing 16:56 competing through grief 26:41 how grief has impacted her life 35:16 taking chances 43:10 advice for balancing life and competing 52:35 making her Pro debut 59:30 dealing with thyroid issues 66:38 prioritizing health 73:05 advice for competitors CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE