Celeste Rains-Turk interviewed newly crowned IFBB Fit Model Pro Kayla Truluck about her unique journey from bikini competition to becoming one of the first ten IFBB fit model pros. The conversation explored Kayla's competition experiences, faith, career as a nurse practitioner, personal life, and her holistic approach to bodybuilding. Kayla shared insights on training adaptations for the fit model division, refeed strategies, mindset, faith practices, and balancing her competitive goals with her healthcare career and personal life. They also discussed her upcoming pro debut, community involvement, and encouragement for other competitors.
1. Transition to Fit Model Division
Kayla switched from bikini to fit model only 6–8 weeks before her show, prompted by her coach and curiosity about the new category.
She stopped training shoulders to adapt her physique, found the posing moderately different, and achieved early success by winning the Peach Classic and earning her pro card at Junior Nationals.
2. Competition Experiences & Preparation
Preparing for her pro debut at St. Pete Pro in June 2026, with Tampa Pro planned a month later.
Prefers a slower, sustainable prep style emphasizing refeeds (5–6 to date).
Refeeds consist mainly of chicken sandwiches and fries, controlled with familiar condiments, occasionally including a cookie.
3. Mindset, Nervousness & Stage Rituals
Uses prayer and mental cues from her posing coach to stay grounded and calm on stage.
Keeps a lighthearted, sociable attitude backstage to manage nerves.
4. Balancing Career & Fitness
Works full-time as a nurse practitioner performing pre-employment and VA disability exams.
Finds fulfillment in helping veterans and building patient relationships.
Prefers maintaining a career outside fitness to avoid burnout and keep perspective.
5. Faith and Personal Growth
Practices daily devotionals and Bible reading; participates in a yearly plan and weekly devotional with her husband.
Faith helped her navigate divorce and rediscover strength and purpose before meeting her current husband.
6. Personal Life and Faith Journey
Met her husband serendipitously on a Southwest flight; they connected instantly and view it as a "God moment."
Reflected on redemption after a challenging first marriage, citing faith as central to her healing and renewed joy.
7. Community, Volunteering, & Work-Life Balance
Volunteers teaching young children at church, finding joy and purpose in service despite exhaustion.
Maintains early morning workout routines, structured meal prep, and quiet time for reflection.
8. Humor and Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Shared lighthearted competition stories including nearly missing stage call due to "nervous poops" after coffee and waking up with tan handprints.
Emphasized that competing "isn't glamorous behind the scenes."
For New Competitors:
Join the bodybuilding community early and find a supportive, experienced coach.
Learn about nutrition, posing, and training before stepping on stage.
Approach the process with patience—don't rush competition readiness.
For Those on the Road to Pro:
Trust the process and your coach.
Focus on personal growth, not just winning.
Celebrate each phase, knowing success unfolds according to God's plan.
Source Note:This summary is based on multiple meeting transcripts from a recorded podcast interview between Celeste Rains-Turk and Kayla Truluck. Additional related materials may exist beyond those included here.
CONNECT WITH KAYLA:
https://www.instagram.com/kaylafitpro/
CONNECT WITH CELESTE:
Website:http://www.celestial.fit
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/
All Links:http://www.celestial.fit/links.html
