Staying fit is essential for finding comfort in both our body and spirit. For most folks, this involves simple activities like walking or engaging in some light daily exercises.
But for Nataliya Kuznetsova, a 33-year-old bodybuilder from Russia, fitness takes on a whole new level. Known worldwide, Nataliya has claimed titles in arm lifting, bench press, and deadlifting. Just one look at her accomplishments leaves little room for doubt.
Personally, it’s vital for me that everyone has the freedom to present themselves however they choose. Everyone deserves respect for their appearance, and how someone decides to look or attire themselves is a deeply personal choice.
Here at Newsner, we’ve often highlighted incredible individuals carving their own paths, defying what society markets as conventional beauty. These trailblazers pursue their dreams, creating their own standards.
Embracing individual differences is something I strongly advocate for; these unique traits are what fill our world with diversity and life.
Nataliya Kuznetsova is an example of remarkable determination. Though only 29, she already holds world records in arm lifting, bench pressing, and deadlifting. Her life revolves around continuously enhancing her muscular and awe-inspiring physique.
As part of her commitment to her prowess, Nataliya started powerlifting at the young age of 14 after discovering her passion, a journey vividly outlined by the UK site LadBible. At the start, her weight was a mere 80lbs.
Today, her weight ranges anywhere between 246 and 275lbs— profound evidence of her dedication over the years.
The Path to Fame
Details about Nataliya’s early childhood are limited, but it’s known she was born as Nataliya Trukhina in Chita, southeastern Siberia, Russia, on July 1, 1991.
As a child, Nataliya enjoyed being active and was particularly fond of training and combat sports. But it wasn’t until she turned 14 that she committed herself to bodybuilding, working diligently at the gym.
Under the guidance of Alexei Ivanov, a respected coach in the region, Nataliya followed a stringent training regimen and diet.
The emphasis wasn’t solely on amassing muscle; her main aim was building strength with growing muscles as an added benefit.
In a short time, her rapid gain in muscle mass became evident, leading her to start entering competitions. Fully focused on becoming a bodybuilder, Nataliya excelled during her initial competitive years.
At just 17, she weighed 150lbs but was bench-pressing up to 220lbs—although she was still discovering tactics like protein shakes that were critical for muscle-building even back in Chita’s early days.
Whether due to discovering improved protein methods or sheer perseverance, Nataliya’s been victorious in many championships, establishing numerous records to her credit.
In 2014, she won the Cup of Eurasia in Vologda, Russia. Following in 2015, she became the Champion of the Cup Eastern Europe (GPA), according to The Famous People.
Known as the World’s Most Muscular Woman, Nataliya holds impressive records in powerlifting, bench pressing over 374lbs, and deadlifting 530lbs.
Nataliya stands 5’7″ and weighs just above 220lbs during the offseason—keeping her among the elite in her sport.
In spite of the challenges, Nataliya is more than a mighty external appearance she showcases, with biceps measuring an astonishing 18.5 inches.
In 2013, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture. Beyond her athletic achievements, she even participated in productions like “Manon Lescaut” at the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia.
Currently renowned for being in Russia’s capital with her husband Vladislav Kuznetsov, a fellow bodybuilder, their relationship began in 2009 and progressed to marriage in 2015. Nataliya often shares heartwarming notes about their close bond, expressing her anticipations for parenthood someday.
Nataliya’s journey onto this path was strewn with financial hardships, struggling to acquire sponsors during the nascent years of her career. Still, her relentless efforts have paid off as she garners much attention and numerous sponsorships, teaming up with nutrition and health brands like Oxytropin and RPS Nutrition.
The surge in her online presence, across social networks, has significantly bolstered her visibility and recognition, with images of her extraordinary physique becoming viral over time.
With familiarity comes differing opinions, yet she maintains a resilient attitude. Faced with skepticism and sometimes unkind words about her looks, Nataliya views such individuals as lacking the strength to understand her resolve.
“Traditional standards have evolved substantially. In modeling, much has shifted. My mirror is my single best guide,” says Nataliya.
Despite any negativity she receives, the outpour of support from her fans worldwide is invaluable to Nataliya.
With a vast following on Instagram—now numbering over a million—Nataliya continually shares glimpses into her life filled with fitness insights and gym motivation.
At one point, there was an inclination to try hormone growth enhancers, yet she settled on different performance boosts like estrogen blockers, not accepted by several sports entities though aiding her progress.
In 2017, she briefly stepped back from the competitive powerlifting limelight but returned within a year, aiming for coaching to mentor others achieve their dreams.
What are your thoughts on Nataliya’s life story? Is she inspiring in pursuing her passions, or do you see it differently? Feel welcome to share your views!
