Welcome to the Resoluna Podcast—a space where we explore wellness from every angle: mind, body, and spirit. In our very first episode, host Virginia Ross sits down with someone who embodies transformation: personal trainer, IFBB Pro bodybuilder, and busy mom Mandy Pakvis.
Mandy’s journey isn’t one of overnight success—it’s a raw, real evolution. From navigating motherhood and weight gain to rediscovering her strength (literally and emotionally), Mandy reminds us that transformation takes time, grit, and a whole lot of self-love.
The Beginning of a Wellness Journey
“I’ve always been into health and fitness,” Mandy shares. “But then life happens—you fall in love, start going out, drinking wine, having babies… and before you know it, the gym gets pushed aside.” At her heaviest, Mandy weighed 240 pounds and was dealing with a torn meniscus. “I just wanted to get my body back.”
That’s when she met personal trainer Byron Ross, who introduced her to macro tracking and resistance training. “It was a game changer. Now I’ve gone from losing weight to focusing on building muscle.”
From Transformation to Competition
Despite years of gym visits and interest in bodybuilding, Mandy admits she didn’t know how to begin. “Back then, there wasn’t Instagram or TikTok. I didn’t know anyone who competed. My friends were partying in downtown San Diego—I just didn’t have the community.”
Enter Byron again, this time as a catalyst for her dream. “He opened the door to bodybuilding. I’ve always wanted it, I just didn’t have the path before.”
Balancing Muscle with Femininity
Female bodybuilders often face judgment—and Mandy’s no stranger to stares in Costco. “I get those looks, especially from couples. But I try to dress up, do my hair, wear glitter. I’ve grown to love my big arms.”
Still, she emphasizes how hard it is—especially for women over 40—to gain muscle. “People think picking up a dumbbell will make them bulky. I eat so much chicken. It takes consistency. Years of lifting and eating to build muscle.”
Consistency as a Form of Self-Love
So how does Mandy stay consistent while juggling two kids, a relationship, and a career?
“I put myself first. Always. If I don’t fill my cup, I can’t fill theirs. Every morning, I take care of me—whether it’s prepping meals, packing lunches, or getting my mind right.”
She hopes that by modeling this behavior, her children will learn to prioritize their own wellness. “They mimic my routines. They know their lunch is ready, bags packed, and we’re out the door.”
Habit Stacking & Systems That Work
Change is hard, but Mandy believes in systems. “It gets easier when you put habits into place. You start to see progress, and it snowballs. You feel better, people notice, and everything flows.”
But what about those off-days?
“Oh, they happen,” she says, laughing. “We have this conversation monthly—when the bloat hits, when hormones spike. That’s when I lean on my logical mind. Is it salt? Hormones? Water retention? You push through because you know it’s temporary.”
Mandy’s Wellness Non-Negotiables
When asked about her daily must-haves, Mandy doesn’t hesitate:
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Sleep – “It’s #1. I go to bed early so I can get up and do my routine.”
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Coffee & dry shampoo – “Look good, feel good. My confidence starts with how I show up.”
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Food prep – “I don’t leave the house without my lunchbox. Ever.”
For her, looking and feeling good in her gym fit is part of the process. “It gives me confidence. When you told me we were shooting in new leggings, I was like, ‘What time do I need to be there?’”
On Eating Out & Social Pressure
One of the biggest challenges clients face? Navigating social events while sticking to their wellness goals.
“My family loves eating out. I don’t. I either bring my food or pre-scan the menu for macro-friendly options. It’s awkward sometimes, but I remind myself—I’m doing this for me. This is my goal.”
Myth-Busting & Tough Love
“The biggest myth? That you’re doing everything perfectly but not losing weight,” Mandy says. “If you're not losing weight, you're not in a deficit. It’s science. And unless there’s a medical issue, it works every time.”
She encourages women to track, pay attention to how clothes fit, and notice patterns. “Intuitive eating can work, but only if you’re really tuned in.”
The Power of Relationships in Wellness
Mandy’s clients keep coming back—and that’s not just because of the workouts.
“I love them. Truly. I ask about their lives, check in on their goals. People want to feel seen, supported, and loved. That’s wellness, too.”
Virginia agrees: “The weights come and go, but the love and connection—that’s what makes it sustainable.”
Final Wisdom from Mandy
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Favorite quote? “Abs are made in the kitchen.”
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Most overlooked truth? “No one is looking at you at the gym—they’re too busy looking at themselves. Just do your thing.”
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What matters most? “Have fun. Be consistent. And always put yourself first.”
Mandy Pakvis is proof that you can rebuild your life, one rep at a time. Her story reminds us that transformation isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, passion, and showing up for yourself every single day.
If you’re just starting out or feeling stuck in your journey, take a note from Mandy: Put your own mask on first. Then, get to work.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the Resoluna Podcast.
