AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE JOURNEY BEHIND NICOLE RAKOWSKI’S BIGGEST BODYBUILDING ACHIEVEMENT.
Fresh off her victory at the 2026 Roger Boyce Classic, longtime Muscle Insider contributor Nicole Rakowski discusses the transition from Bikini to Figure, balancing medicine with elite competition, and what’s next as she prepares for life in the IFBB Pro League.
By Roger “Rock” Lockridge, Managing Editor
Dr. Nicole Rakowski has many accomplishments and accolades under her weight belt, and she recently added another one: IFBB Pro. Rakowski recently earned her IFBB Pro Card in the Figure category at the 2026 Roger Boyce Classic. While many in the fitness world may know Rakowski for her expertise and medical background, she confirmed that achieving pro status was not a random decision.
“Turning pro has honestly been a goal for years, but not in the way most people think,” she said. What started out as a personal fitness journey evolved and led her on the course that came to this conclusion. “At first, bodybuilding was about challenging myself physically. Over time, it became something much deeper. It became about resilience, discipline, identity, and proving to myself that I could continue showing up even during the hardest periods of my life.”
THE JOURNEY TO EARNING AN IFBB PRO CARD
Rakowski initially competed in the Bikini division but opted to step up to the Figure category this year. That meant adjusting training, nutrition, and all other aspects of her prep.
“Growing my lats and legs were my biggest area for this show in particular. And moving from Bikini to Figure was a HUGE new for me.”
That isn’t to say, however, that her time in the former division was wasted. Rather, it could be seen as laying the foundation for what she created and presented on her final amateur stage.
“Earning my IFBB Pro Card was not just the result of one prep. It was the result of years of consistency, sacrifice, and refusing to quit.”
Then, there’s the other aspects of her life; the relationships, career, sponsorships, and other commitments that affect her schedule. It’s one thing to lock in for a show, but it’s a whole other level to do that while being present in other aspects of life.
Rakowski said, “Balancing bodybuilding at this level while simultaneously pursuing medicine, research, speaking engagements, writing, business opportunities, and personal responsibilities required an enormous amount of structure and discipline. There were very long days, very early mornings, and a lot of sacrifices socially and emotionally.”
Here’s the difference between average people and high-level achievers like Rakowski: Others would see all that and either put off the goal, or simply move on with life. Rakowski had the will, and therefore, she found the way. She did that because she wasn’t intimidated by the commitment it took, but was inspired by what else came because of the effort she put in.
“I think bodybuilding actually made me better in every other area of life,” she explained. “It forced me to become more efficient, more intentional with my time, and more mentally resilient. You stop relying on how you feel and start relying on systems, habits, and consistency.”
While bodybuilding is an individual sport when it comes to who stands onstage, any great competitor will tell you that it’s as much a team sport as any you watch on TV. That’s why she was quick to acknowledge those that were in her corner or provided inspiration along the way.
“There are honestly so many people who played a role in this journey. First and foremost, my husband. He has been my rock through every stage of this process, the highs, the lows, the exhaustion, the stress, the sacrifices, and everything in between. I could never have done this without him.”
Rakowski continued, “Team Atlas, James Ayotte and Victoria, were absolutely instrumental in helping guide me to this level. Their honesty, accountability, experience, and belief in me made an enormous difference.”
Hosting a pro qualifier is no small task, which is why Rakowski also thanked promoter Roger Boyce and his team for hosting the event and making it as memorable of an experience as a new pro could have.
Boyce takes great pride in his presentation because he knows that life changing moments occur on stages like his. “For me the promoter, it’s a great feeling to see athletes like Nicole turning pro. Her hard work and dedication pay off, and the amount of effort they have to go through truly shows what discipline really means.”
WHAT’S NEXT AFTER TURNING PRO?
So, once a pro is established, the obvious question is when will they make their pro debut? The answer to that question depends on the pro. Some prefer to take momentum into their first pro contest while others need or want to take a breath and embrace what they just accomplished. Rakowski chooses the latter, and it’s well deserved.
“Right now, I want to take a step back, absorb this moment, continue improving, and strategically decide what the best path forward looks like.”
Strategy is the name of the game in the IFBB Pro League, especially in a division as competitive as Figure. That’s why even though Rakowski isn’t stepping onstage anytime soon, she isn’t only resting on her last victory, either.
She concluded, “I want to continue refining my physique, growing as an athlete, and making sure that when I do make my pro debut, I bring a package that truly reflects my full potential.”
NICOLE RAKOWSKI’S TOP TRAINING TIPS
Whether you’re looking to turn pro like Rakowski or simply trying to improve personal fitness success, the scientist and athlete offers some insight that served her well and could help you achieve your own goals as well.
Training Smart and with Intensity is a Must
“I focused heavily on progressive overload, controlled execution, and training close to true failure. Some of my staple movements included: Romanian deadlifts, Walking lunges, Bulgarian split squats, Hip thrusts, Lying hamstring curls, Hack squats, and Glute-focused leg presses.”
Pay Attention to Every Detail
“I also spent a lot of time focusing on posing, presentation, conditioning, and stage confidence because at this level, the details matter enormously. Bodybuilding isn’t just about size. It’s about presentation, refinement, proportions, and creating a complete package on stage.”
Keep Learning and Step Out of the Comfort Zone
“I also learned from some of the best minds in bodybuilding, including Milos Sarcev, that true intensity is something most people never actually experience. Growth happens when you are willing to become uncomfortable consistently. Exceptional physiques are built through years of consistency.”
You can follow Rakowski on Instagram @drnicolerakowski.
To learn more about Roger Boyce’s competitions and events, follow @rogerboyce_barbados_worldcup or email rogerboyceclassicbb@gmail.com.
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