For Nathalie Storm, fitness was never part of a lifelong plan. It began as a spark of curiosity, an unexpected moment of inspiration that quietly grew into a defining pursuit. What started in a modeling class evolved into a deeply personal journey of discipline, resilience, and transformation.
Today, Nathalie stands as a professional bikini competitor whose dedication has carried her from her very first show during the uncertainty of the pandemic to winning her debut pro show in New York and earning a place on the world stage in Los Angeles.
Guided by strong coaching, family support, and an unwavering commitment to her goals, she continues to evolve both as an athlete and as an individual. In this conversation, Nathalie Storm reflects on the origins of her journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the vision that continues to drive her forward.
What initially sparked your interest in fitness and ultimately led you to start competing in bikini/figure divisions?
I actually got into fitness in a unique way. I was taking a modeling class, and one of the girls in my class was training for a bodybuilding competition. Watching her prep really inspired me. I thought to myself, “Why not try at least one show?” So I hired a coach and started my own journey. I did my first competition during COVID, and I completely fell in love with the process. From that moment on, I wanted to see how far I could push myself and what I was truly capable of in the bikini division.
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Can you walk us through your early fitness days, when did you start training seriously, what was your starting point, and how long did it take before you decided to compete?
I had very little gym experience before starting my bodybuilding journey. Everything began when I hired my coach and committed to training seriously. I gave myself about a year to build a foundation and prepare, and I stepped on stage for my first competition in 2020.
You’ve shown impressive progress over the years. What has been the single biggest transformation or milestone in your physique so far, and what changes in training or diet made it happen?
The biggest transformation for me was building my upper body and shoulders for the bikini division, while also refining my glutes based on feedback at one of my shows. It required consistency, patience, and trusting the process—spending time in a building phase, eating more to grow muscle, and following my coach’s plan. It really showed me that real change takes time and dedication.
Competing involves intense preparation. What has been the toughest challenge you’ve faced during contest prep, and how did you overcome it?
Contest prep is intense, and one of my toughest challenges was in 2024 when I was preparing for my first pro show. My body just wasn’t responding, and my coach, Leroy, advised we take more time and step away from the stage. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, but I was glad we prioritized my health.
Balancing prep with working full-time, caring for my two kids and their sports, cooking, and managing the house is another big challenge. You really have to stay organized. The support of my family and a coach who listens and guides me makes all the difference.
Working with your coach and investing in posing and presentation, what key lessons have you learned about coaching, posing practice, and stage presence?
Coaching guidance is everything. Having a coach helps you stay on track, make adjustments, and trust the process.
Posing takes practice. Stage presentation isn’t just walking. Learning angles, transitions, and confidence takes time and repetition.
Presentation matters. Custom suits and attention to detail elevate your overall look and help highlight your physique.
Trust and communication are essential. Listening to your coach and being open to feedback makes prep and performance smoother.
Consistency wins. Regular practice and following the plan for both training and posing show on stage.
How do you balance off-season building with contest prep? What does a typical week look like for you now?
I train five days a week with a split that targets each area: back, upper body, hamstrings, legs, and glutes and shoulders. During contest prep, my coach, Leroy, adjusts my program based on judges’ feedback to help me reach my goals.
Nutrition is carefully planned, gradually increasing calories in the off-season and dialing in during prep. Cardio is about 30 minutes, six times a week right now, but it ramps up during prep. Off-season is still crucial for building and maintaining muscle, though gym time and cardio are generally less intense compared to prep periods. Recovery and consistency are key to making progress year-round.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals, and what advice would you give to someone starting their own bikini or figure journey?
I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined. This year alone, I did my first pro show in New York and won, which earned me a spot at the world stage in LA where I placed 10th. I also earned two pro cards in August at my first OCB show.
My plan is to work hard and return to the stage in 2027, with goals to compete in a CPA show in Vancouver and an OCB pro show.
My advice to anyone starting their bikini or figure journey is simple: never give up. It gets tough, but trust the process, communicate openly with your coach, be patient, and stay consistent. That’s how progress truly happens.
