This 66-year-old bodybuilder shares the secret to longer life
- Replies 2
Disclaimer: This article cannot be considered medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting any fitness regimen.
Age is not a barrier to living your best life—it's an invitation to redefine it.
One incredible woman embodies this philosophy with every muscle fibre in her six-pack.
Meet Helen Fritsch, a 66-year-old bodybuilder whose chiselled abs and impressive physique are turning heads and smashing stereotypes.
Helen's journey into the world of bodybuilding began at the age of 56, a time when many might consider slowing down. But not Helen, who is also a full-time flight attendant.
‘If someone told me in my 20s that I would be parading around in five-inch heels in front of over 500 people every month, I would've just laughed,’ she explained.
'It's so amazing to see what my body is capable of even in my 60s, which is why I think age is irrelevant.'
Helen had always been athletic, participating in sports throughout her school years.
However, life took over, and her athletic pursuits led to casual gym visits.
It wasn't until she was 56 that she looked hard at her reflection and decided it was time for a change.
The road to bodybuilding wasn't straightforward. Helen grappled with the idea for six months, hesitant about the strict diet and lifestyle changes it would entail.
But after extensive research and a trial period, she found her calling. She swapped out alcohol for clean eating and dedicated herself to a rigorous training regimen.
Her commitment paid off. Helen quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a top competitor.
‘60 was just around the corner, and I knew I didn't want to be that age and in the shape that I was in,’ Helen shared.
'I have been a lifetime competitive athlete, but I was never overly healthy. I only got into it when I realised how close I was to reaching 60.’
'I was so busy with my job that I just didn't know if it was a good idea, but the universe has a strange way of circling around to you.'
‘I walked into a gym one day, and someone asked me if I was a competitor, and that just lit a spark in me,’ she explained.
'They talked me into joining a competition in a month's time. I was very naïve, so I just thought I could do anything in a month.’
'I entered the plus 35 category, and I placed third, and I just decided I wanted to keep going and do even more.
On her 60th birthday, she won a national competition and set her sights on going as professional as possible.
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Injuries and stubborn body fat have tested her resolve, yet she's never given up.
Helen concluded that weightlifting, especially for women, and having strong bones are the keys to longevity.
'I think the hardest part is that if you're not into fitness at this age, just like anything else that you want to start, it's just taking that first step and making that jump to say, “I can do it, I want to do it, I will do it,” and then do it,’ she said.
‘I have no plans to slow down, I'll keep going until my body physically doesn't let me anymore.’
Her philosophy is that age should never be a barrier. Helen found inspiration in competitors in their 90s, and she aspires to be like them.
In a similar story, a grandmother also has a lifestyle that makes her look ageless, to the point she’s often mistaken as a mother to her granddaughter.
An ‘anti-ageing’ workout is her secret to help her look youthful. You can read more about her story here.
Remember, it's important to consult your doctor before starting new fitness routines.
Have you taken up a new sport or fitness routine later in life? What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? Share your stories in the comments below!
Age is not a barrier to living your best life—it's an invitation to redefine it.
One incredible woman embodies this philosophy with every muscle fibre in her six-pack.
Meet Helen Fritsch, a 66-year-old bodybuilder whose chiselled abs and impressive physique are turning heads and smashing stereotypes.
Helen's journey into the world of bodybuilding began at the age of 56, a time when many might consider slowing down. But not Helen, who is also a full-time flight attendant.
‘If someone told me in my 20s that I would be parading around in five-inch heels in front of over 500 people every month, I would've just laughed,’ she explained.
Bodybuilder Helen Fritsch started bodybuilding at the age of 56. Credit: @helenfritsch_ifbbpro / Instagram
'It's so amazing to see what my body is capable of even in my 60s, which is why I think age is irrelevant.'
Helen had always been athletic, participating in sports throughout her school years.
However, life took over, and her athletic pursuits led to casual gym visits.
It wasn't until she was 56 that she looked hard at her reflection and decided it was time for a change.
The road to bodybuilding wasn't straightforward. Helen grappled with the idea for six months, hesitant about the strict diet and lifestyle changes it would entail.
But after extensive research and a trial period, she found her calling. She swapped out alcohol for clean eating and dedicated herself to a rigorous training regimen.
Her commitment paid off. Helen quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a top competitor.
‘60 was just around the corner, and I knew I didn't want to be that age and in the shape that I was in,’ Helen shared.
'I have been a lifetime competitive athlete, but I was never overly healthy. I only got into it when I realised how close I was to reaching 60.’
'I was so busy with my job that I just didn't know if it was a good idea, but the universe has a strange way of circling around to you.'
‘I walked into a gym one day, and someone asked me if I was a competitor, and that just lit a spark in me,’ she explained.
'They talked me into joining a competition in a month's time. I was very naïve, so I just thought I could do anything in a month.’
'I entered the plus 35 category, and I placed third, and I just decided I wanted to keep going and do even more.
On her 60th birthday, she won a national competition and set her sights on going as professional as possible.
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Injuries and stubborn body fat have tested her resolve, yet she's never given up.
Helen won't be slowing down from her bodybuilding journey. Credit: Helen Fritsch Masters IFBB Pro / Facebook
Helen concluded that weightlifting, especially for women, and having strong bones are the keys to longevity.
'I think the hardest part is that if you're not into fitness at this age, just like anything else that you want to start, it's just taking that first step and making that jump to say, “I can do it, I want to do it, I will do it,” and then do it,’ she said.
‘I have no plans to slow down, I'll keep going until my body physically doesn't let me anymore.’
Her philosophy is that age should never be a barrier. Helen found inspiration in competitors in their 90s, and she aspires to be like them.
In a similar story, a grandmother also has a lifestyle that makes her look ageless, to the point she’s often mistaken as a mother to her granddaughter.
An ‘anti-ageing’ workout is her secret to help her look youthful. You can read more about her story here.
Remember, it's important to consult your doctor before starting new fitness routines.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
