Staying fit is essential for both our physical and mental well-being. For many of us, this might simply involve activities like going for a walk or engaging in light exercise each day.
However, for 33-year-old bodybuilder Nataliya Kuznetsova, fitness takes on a unique form. This professional Russian bodybuilder is recognized for holding world records in arm lifting, bench pressing, and deadlifting – and just one glance at her impressive physique confirms her achievements.
I believe everyone has the right to express themselves in whatever way they choose. No one should be ridiculed for their appearance; how someone decides to present themselves is a personal choice.
At Newsner, we’ve shared stories about remarkable individuals who embrace their uniqueness and defy societal standards of beauty, choosing instead to pursue their own aspirations.
I truly value this perspective. It’s crucial to remember that all individuals are equal, and our diverse cultural backgrounds contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our world. That’s a belief I hold dear.
Nataliya Kuznetsova, a 29-year-old from Russia, has made a name for herself by holding world records in arm lifting, bench pressing, and deadlifting, dedicating her life to enhancing her impressive physique.
Her journey has always revolved around the goal of becoming stronger and lifting heavier weights. From a young age, Nataliya was clear about her ambitions. She began powerlifting at 14 and set her sights on bodybuilding, as reported by UK site LadBible. When she embarked on this path, she weighed just 80 pounds.
Today, her weight typically ranges from 246 to 275 pounds.
Path to fame
Details about Nataliya’s early life are somewhat scarce. What we do know is that she was born Nataliya Trukhina on July 1, 1991, in Chita, located in southeast Siberia, Russia.
As a child, she was full of energy and had a passion for training, especially in combat sports. When she reached the age of 14, Nataliya decided to pursue a career in bodybuilding, hitting the gym nearly every day.
Under the guidance of coach Alexei Ivanov, a highly regarded figure in the community, Nataliya embarked on a strict diet plan.
Her primary aim wasn’t to bulk up for competitions; rather, she focused on increasing her strength, with some muscle gain as an added benefit.
It wasn’t long before others began to notice the young girl’s transformation as she steadily gained weight and muscle. After a few years, she decided to enter competitions. Nataliya became fully dedicated to bodybuilding and excelled in one of her early contests.
At just 17 years old, she weighed 150 pounds but could bench press an impressive 220 pounds. Nataliya recalls this period as the beginning of her journey while still living in Chita. At that time, she hadn’t yet discovered the importance of protein shakes for muscle development, yet she still achieved remarkable results.
Nataliya’s journey to success may spark discussions about her discovery of protein, but what’s undeniable is her impressive track record of championships and records.
As noted by The Famous People, this Russian powerhouse clinched the 2014 Cup of Eurasia in Vologda, Russia, and in 2015, she triumphed as the Champion of the Eastern Europe Cup (GPA).
Known as the World’s Most Muscular Woman, Nataliya has set numerous records in powerlifting, bench pressing, and deadlifting. She boasts a bench press record exceeding 374lbs and a remarkable deadlift record of 530lbs.
According to her own claims, Nataliya holds the titles for both the European bench press and deadlift. Standing at 5’7″ and weighing just over 220lbs in the offseason, this dedicated athlete continues to inspire many in the fitness community.
It’s not about striving for perfection; it’s about showing up, putting in the hard work, and making progress toward your goals. Every day presents a new chance to take another step forward, she shared on her Facebook page.
However, Nataliya is much more than just an impressive bodybuilder with striking looks and 18.5-inch biceps.
In 2013, she earned her degree from the Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture. She also took part in a production of “Manon Lescaut” at the renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Russia.
Currently, she resides in Moscow with her husband, fellow bodybuilder Vladislav Kuznetsov. The two met in 2009 and got married in 2015. Nataliya frequently shares heartfelt messages about her husband, who stands by her side through all her endeavors. While they don’t have children yet, Nataliya hopes to start a family in the future.
“Our love story is pretty contemporary. We first connected online, specifically on Odnoklassniki, a social networking site in Russia. For a while, we just chatted as friends,” Nataliya shared in 2019.
Throughout the years, Nataliya has worked tirelessly to pursue her passion. In the early stages of her career, she often struggled financially.
Finding sponsors was tough, and she frequently had to dip into her own funds to train and compete. In Russia, securing support was a challenge, but since Nataliya has gained significant attention and gone viral recently, her situation has improved.
Now, she has several sponsors and collaborates with nutrition brands like Oxytropin and RPS Nutrition.
It’s likely that none of this would have happened without her active presence on social media, where images of her impressive physique have circulated widely over the years. While many may have come across her face online, not everyone knows who this remarkable woman is.
“People definitely recognize me. You can see an athletic build even when I’m dressed. Many approach me for photos, and quite a few even know my name,” she shared with LadBible.
Nataliya has previously addressed the judgments of others. Some label her as unattractive and use hurtful names, but she views them as individuals who react like children when faced with someone much stronger than themselves.
“The traditional standards and norms are a thing of the past. The modeling industry has evolved significantly. My best guide is the reflection I see in the mirror,” she explains.
She truly values the affection she receives from her many fans across the globe.
“About 75% of my Instagram followers are men, and the same goes for my other social media platforms. They send me a lot of messages. Compliments directed at an athlete are just as meaningful as those for anyone else,” she shared.
Currently, she boasts an impressive one million followers on Instagram. Nataliya, who proudly refers to herself as a unique Amazon woman, keeps her fans engaged with glimpses into her daily life. Her feed is also filled with fitness tips and workout routines.
She mentioned that there was a time when she considered using growth hormones, but ultimately chose against it. However, she has acknowledged using estrogen blockers and other performance enhancers that are prohibited by most major sports organizations.
In early 2017, Nataliya shared her decision to step away from the limelight and “retire” from powerlifting. However, just a year and a half later, she made a comeback for a major competition in Moscow. She also mentioned her new path in coaching, expressing her desire to assist others in “reaching their potential.”
What do you think about Nataliya’s choices? Is she making a wise decision by chasing her dreams, or is it a bit reckless?
We’d love to hear your thoughts, but please keep the conversation respectful in the comments!