Keeping our bodies and minds in good shape is essential, and many of us achieve this through simple activities like a daily walk or some light exercise. However, for Nataliya Kuznetsova, a 33-year-old professional bodybuilder from Russia, staying fit takes on a whole new meaning. She is celebrated for holding world records in arm lifting, bench pressing, and deadlifting—impressive accomplishments evident even at a glance.
In my personal view, everyone should feel free to look and present themselves as they choose, without fear of judgment or ridicule. It’s important to remember that how a person dresses or styles themselves is a personal choice.
At Newsner, we love showcasing incredible and inspiring people who confidently forge their own paths. These individuals stand firm against societal norms of beauty and instead chase their own aspirations. This courage is vital, in my opinion, as it enriches our world with diversity and vibrancy.
Nataliya Kuznetsova, now an impressive 29-year-old, has dedicated her life to honing her remarkable physique. Her ambitions have always revolved around gaining strength and increasing her lifting power. According to the UK site LadBible, Nataliya’s journey began at the age of 14 when she took up powerlifting and committed to becoming a bodybuilder, weighing only 80 pounds.
Fast forward to today, she maintains a weight between 246 and 275 pounds.
Building a Reputation
Details about Nataliya’s early life are scarce, but what we know is that she was born on July 1, 1991, in Chita, southeast Siberia, Russia, as Nataliya Trukhina. Growing up, she was actively involved in training and martial sports, which eventually led her to bodybuilding at 14. Her daily gym visits marked the beginning of a lifelong passion.
Nataliya worked under the guidance of coach Alexei Ivanov, renowned and respected in the field. Instead of focusing solely on muscle mass for competition, her workouts were primarily aimed at increasing strength, with muscle gain being a bonus.
Nataliya’s remarkable progress soon caught attention, as she steadily gained weight and muscle, ultimately leading to her entering competitions. At 17, despite weighing just 150 pounds, she could bench-press 220 pounds, a testament to her dedication and strength development even before discovering the benefits of protein shakes or supplements, all while residing in Chita.
Debates aside on whether her progression was due to discovering protein, Nataliya has since racked up several championships and records. Per The Famous People, she claimed victory at the 2014 Cup of Eurasia in Vologda, Russia, and became the 2015 Champion of the Cup Eastern Europe (GPA).
Known as the World’s Most Muscular Woman, her powerlifting records are equally impressive, with a bench press of over 374 pounds and a deadlift topping 530 pounds. Nataliya herself states she holds the European bench press and deadlift titles. Standing at 5’7″, she weighs over 220 pounds during the offseason.
Nataliya emphasizes effort over perfection on her Facebook, writing, “It’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and moving towards your goals every day.”
A Balanced Life
Beyond her bodybuilding feats, Nataliya is a well-rounded individual. In 2013, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture and was involved in a production at the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia.
Currently residing in Moscow with her husband, fellow bodybuilder Vladislav Kuznetsov, who she met online in 2009, Nataliya shares frequent loving posts about him. The couple wed in 2015 and, while they don’t have children yet, Nataliya has expressed a desire to start a family in the future.
Nataliya’s journey to success has been marked by financial struggles, especially in the early years. Finding sponsorships was tough, and she often had to fund her training and competitions herself. Thanks to going viral on social media, she has since gained sponsors and partners, such as Oxytropin and RPS Nutrition.
Her strong social media presence, showcasing her distinctive muscular physique, has introduced her to many. Despite not everyone knowing her personally, her online reach has made her a recognizable figure.
Nataliya has met both admirers and critics. To those who label her appearance negatively, she dismisses them as ignorant of a new standard of beauty, where even the modeling industry has shifted from outdated norms.
Despite the criticism, Nataliya appreciates her fans’ support, admitting that most of her followers are men, with many offering compliments on her athletic achievements. She boasts an impressive million followers on Instagram, celebrating her as a unique Amazon woman.
While once tempted by growth hormones, she decided against them, although she uses legal performance enhancers. In early 2017, Nataliya announced a temporary retirement from powerlifting, returning with renewed ambition and a coaching career, aiming to help others reach their objectives.
What do you think of Nataliya Kuznetsova’s dedication to her dreams? Whether you admire or question her choices, I would love to hear your thoughts, but kindly keep the discussion respectful.
