EP 47 – From Anorexia to Athlete: Jennifer’s Journey to Strength at 62

 

Lais and The Coach Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jennifer Micheli—a mom, grandmother, and athlete who started competing at 40 and is still stepping on stage at 62. What begins as a backstage conversation turns into one of the most inspiring transformations we’ve shared yet.

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🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How she overcame a life-threatening eating disorder

• Why she didn’t compete until 40—and what changed everything

• The surprising truth about fitness competitions no one talks about

• What it’s like competing in your 60s—and why she has zero plans to stop

• How fitness became the anchor for her business, motherhood, and healing

• Why structured eating saved her life (and how she reframed the diet stigma)

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✨ Quote of the Episode:

“I’m enough as I am—whole and perfect, with my imperfections. Competing didn’t give me confidence… it revealed it.”

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🎯 Key Takeaways:

1. You’re not too old. You’re just too used to limiting yourself.
Jennifer didn’t step on stage until she was 40—and now in her 60s, she’s proof that your timeline isn’t broken.

2. Discipline isn’t a cage—it’s a key.
Eating with purpose gave her life, stability, and the look she wanted. “Food is my friend,” she says—and her abs at 62 back it up.

3. Moms can take care of themselves without guilt.
She raised three kids as a single mom, built a fitness business, and still made time for herself. “It has to start with self,” she shares. “It’s not selfish. It’s self-care.”

4. The stage is the structure—not the goal.
Whether you want to compete or not, setting a date-driven goal is the difference between dreaming and doing.

5. Most people take better care of their car than their body.
But your body is the vehicle that drives everything. Treat it like the Ferrari it is.

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🎧 Listen Now:

👉 Watch/Listen on YouTube or Spotify

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💬 Want More Like This?

• Follow Lais and The Coach on Instagram

• Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify / YouTube

• Want to work with us? Join the 16-Week NXT LVL Transformation

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🙌 Connect with Jennifer:

• Instagram: @fitgirl4

• Facebook: Jennifer Micheli

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💥 Final Thought:

This isn’t just a fitness story.
It’s a story of purpose, self-leadership, and rewriting what’s possible.
Jennifer didn’t just transform her body—she took ownership of her entire life.
And you can too.

Hit play. Take notes. And then take action.
Until next time—Lais and The Coach.

Today, I did a full 25-minute workout and it got me thinking

 

Happy Friday Everyone ​Let’s talk about that excuse again: “I don’t have time to work out.” Today, I did a full 25-minute workout and it got me thinking—   My warm-up took just 4 minutes. Here’s what it was: 10 Band Pull-Aparts 10 Heel Raises 10 Good Mornings 10 Crunches (x3 rounds = 120 reps total) That’s it. That’s the warm-up.   And it got me thinking: What if someone who “has no time” just did that? Let’s do the math on the warm-up alone: 120 reps/day = 840 reps/week 840 x 4 weeks = 3,360 reps/month 3,360 x 12 = 40,320 reps/year 40,320 reps in a year… from just 4 minutes/day.   Let me say that again: Over 40,000 reps from the part most people skip. Compared to doing ZERO because you don't have time.   Now imagine how different your body would feel with that kind of movement baked into your daily life…   Better posture Less joint stiffness More confidence A habit you can trust Not from a gym. Not from 2-hour workouts. From showing up consistently for just 4 minutes.   Now… if you added the rest of my workout? Here is what the whole thing looked like:   Warm-up: 10 band pull-aparts, 10 heel raises, 10 good mornings, 10 crunches x 3 rounds (That’s 120 reps in just 4 minutes) Mini Circuit 1: 10 band rows, 10 band presses, 10 band twists left/right x 3 rounds (120 reps – now we’re at 240 reps in 7 minutes) Mini Circuit 2: 10 alternating KB swings, 10 band curls, 10 KB overhead extensions, 10 PVC twists x 3 (Another 120 reps – 360 total, 15 minutes in) Mini Circuit 3: 10 single arm DB press (right), 10 (left), 10 band upright rows, 10 band hammer curls x 3 (Another 120 reps – 480 total at the 19-minute mark) Finisher: 30 seconds farmer's walk + 30 jump ropes for 3 rounds 25 minutes total.   That was 480 reps in 25 minutes. And I thought "What if someone just did that?"   480 reps/day = 3,360/week 13,440/month 161,280/year   Compared to ZERO. This isn’t about becoming a bodybuilder or a bikini competitor. It’s about calling out the lie that says if you don’t have time for a full workout, it’s not worth it.   It is. Because consistency compounds. And it doesn’t take much—just a choice.   You in?   Time isn’t your problem. Perspective is.   Coach Rafael   PS....I'm launching a NEW Program...just for guys, Dads, Husbands, Brothers, Fathers, Cousins, Co-Workers...I see some challenges in the way some of it is being done, and have some insight I want to share. Tell them to be on the look out for it, it's coming soon                                                                                       =

 

🎙️Transformation Tuesday: 2 Women. 2 Journeys. 1 Stage.

 

Hey Everyone It’s Transformation Tuesday… And what better way to celebrate than by sharing two powerful journeys from women who just stepped on stage at Fitness Atlantic?    Rebecca — Mom, Pediatric Pharmacist, and career woman who turned her “maybe someday” into “I did that.”  Rachelle — ICU Nurse, former traveling nurse, Mom, and now transformation competitor… who started her journey in an RV during a snowstorm.   Neither set out to compete. Neither thought it was “their thing.” Both just wanted to feel good again… and now they’re on a whole new level.  In this week’s podcast episodes, they share: The real reason they said yes to themselves What it felt like stepping on stage for the first time How they navigated food, family, work, and life without quitting Why they’d do it all over again—and what’s next   Whether you’re just starting or wondering if you’ve still got it… These episodes are proof that the best version of you isn’t behind you—it’s ahead.  Catch Rebecca’s Story on Spotify Here »    Listen to Rachelle’s Interview on Spotify Here »   And if you’re looking for the next goal to chase, reply back and let’s talk. Or just hit reply and tell me YOUR transformation goal. I’ll read every single one.   Now go enjoy your tacos. Or your transformation. Or both.  – Coach Raf                                                                     -

 

You’ve Got 6 Weeks Until Summer—Here’s the Plan 💥

 

6 Weeks. 2 Options. One Summer You’ll Be Proud Of. Hey Everyone, Happy Friday! Let’s keep it real: Summer is almost here — but it’s not too late to make a real transformation.   Whether you want to drop some body fat, feel confident in your clothes, or just feel like yourself again when you step into summer — we’ve got you. Introducing the 6-Week Summer Slim Down.   We’re giving you 2 powerful options, based on how much support and customization you want:  Option 1: The Summer Slim Down Skool Edition  All delivered inside our Skool platform  Full 6-Week Summer Slim Down Program  Structured workouts and LIVE Zoom Classes  Nutrition guidelines  Access to our full library of training, recipes, and coaching videos  Daily accountability and support from the community  Just $97/month Join here → https://www.skool.com/nxt-lvl-transformation-1832   This is perfect if you want to follow a proven plan, stay consistent, and plug into a group of people moving toward the same goal.  Option 2: NXT LVL Blueprint – Summer Edition This is the high-touch version — more personalized, more coaching, more results.  Includes:  Custom Nutrition Plan (built for your body, goals, and lifestyle)  Unlimited Daily Text Support (yes, every single day)  Weekly Check-In Calls (Phone or Zoom)  Tailored Supplement Plan  Customized Gym or Home Workouts  Strategy Support for Social Events & Vacations  Investment: $125/week (for 6 weeks) Join Here <-----   This is our signature experience — the same approach we use to get our most incredible transformations. If you’re serious about changing what you see in the mirror before summer hits, this is the one.    Reply to this email with “I want the Blueprint” and we’ll get you started. You’ve got 6 weeks. Let’s make them count. Whether you want a plug-and-play plan or full-on personal coaching, we’ve got a path for you.   You just have to choose it.   Talk soon, Coach Rafael Team NXT LVL                                                   -

My 3 Favorite Multivitamins (And Why You Might Need One)

 

Hey Everyone Let’s clear something up: supplements aren’t magic, and they’re not meant to replace food.   But when used right, they are powerful.   They act as a bridge — between what your body needs and what your current lifestyle and food intake might be missing.   And when it comes to vitamins, this is a big deal. Because no matter how "healthy" you eat, you’re probably not getting everything your body truly needs to function at its best — energy, recovery, immunity, hormone balance, focus... all of it.   So today, I wanted to share my top 3 multivitamin go-to’s — each one with a slightly different use case, but all of them solid. 1. Bioniq – Precision-Based Daily Essentials Bioniq - Learn More or Order This is fully customized to YOU — based on a comprehensive blood test, they formulate a vitamin blend based on your body’s actual needs. If you love precision, testing, and knowing exactly where you stand… this is next level. Great for: High performers who want data and accuracy Anyone dealing with chronic fatigue, inflammation, or hormone issues Long-term health optimization 2. V-Daily from VitaHealth – Plant-Powered + Functional V-Daily - Shop Now This is a daily foundational formula with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and superfoods — all in a vegan capsule. If you’re looking for a clean, all-in-one daily support option that helps manage stress, immune function, and energy, this is it. Great for: Busy moms, entrepreneurs, everyday athletes Stressful seasons or recovery support Holistic daily wellness 3. Micro Factor by 1st Phorm – All-in-One Packs Micro Factor - Grab Yours This one is a convenient powerhouse — pre-packed daily pouches that include a multivitamin, antioxidant, probiotic, CoQ10, essential fatty acids, and more. If you want everything covered with zero guesswork, this one is for you. Great for: People who want simplicity and results Anyone new to supplements On-the-go lifestyles So which one is for you? It depends on your needs, your goals, and how much you want to personalize. But the one thing I’ll say is this: Don’t leave your health to chance. Your body deserves better than guessing — it deserves support. Let these tools bridge the gap between where you are and how good you could feel.   If you’re not sure which one fits your goals best, reply to this email and I’ll point you in the right direction.   To better health, Coach Rafael Team NXT LVL                                                             -

 

🎙️ NEW EPISODE is LIVE: From Zero to Kona — The Ironwoman’s Journey

 

Hello Everyone Meet the Woman Who Conquered Kona   You ever see someone do something so wild that you stop and think: “Could I ever do that?” Maybe it’s a fitness competition... a photo shoot... a triathlon... Or just saying YES to a goal that scares you.   Well — in today’s show:  we sat down with a woman who went from not even knowing what a triathlon was… to qualifying for the most legendary one on earth: The Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.   She breaks it all down — How she started What training really looks like How much it costs What it takes to push through when you hit “the dark place” And how her mindset had to evolve to become someone who could finish   Honestly? If you’ve ever wondered if you're too late to start, or too far to go — you NEED this one in your ears today. Listen now on [Spotify] Click below to watch on Youtube   And do us a favor — reply back and let us know your biggest takeaway once you’ve tuned in. You’ll want to remember this one. To massive goals, – The Coach & Lais                                                                 -