Meet Nataliya Kuznetsova: The record-breaking female bodybuilder defying expectations
With her incredible strength and world records, Nataliya Kuznetsova is redefining what it means to be a female bodybuilder.
For most people, staying in shape means taking a walk or doing some light daily exercise. But for Nataliya Kuznetsova, fitness is about pushing the limits of strength. The 33-year-old Russian bodybuilder is a world champion in arm lifting, bench press, and deadlifting, earning her the title of the world’s most muscular woman.
Born on July 1, 1991, in Chita, southeast Siberia, Russia, Nataliya Kuznetsova (née Trukhina) was an active child who loved sports. At 14, she stepped into a gym for the first time—not to build muscle, but to get stronger. Under the guidance of her coach, Alexei Ivanov, she followed a strict training program. At that time, she weighed just 80 lbs.
However, her body responded quickly to weightlifting. By the time she was 17, she weighed 150 lbs and could bench press 220 lbs. This was before she even understood the importance of protein shakes or proper nutrition for muscle growth. Over time, she developed an impressive physique and began competing professionally in bodybuilding and powerlifting.
Today, Nataliya weighs between 246–275 lbs, depending on the season, and stands at 5’7” tall. Her records include a bench press of over 374 lbs and a deadlift of 530 lbs.
Breaking records and defying stereotypes
Nataliya’s hard work has earned her several titles, including the 2014 Cup of Eurasia in Vologda, Russia, and the 2015 Champion of the Cup Eastern Europe (GPA). She holds European bench press and deadlift titles and continues to be a major figure in powerlifting competitions.
Despite her incredible strength, Nataliya faces criticism from those who don’t understand her passion. Some people call her names or say she looks “unnatural.” However, she remains unfazed, believing that traditional beauty standards have evolved.
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“The classical standards and norms are long gone. Even the modeling industry is already very different. My best advisor is a mirror,” she said in an interview with LadBible.
More than just muscles
Beyond the gym, Nataliya has built a career in fitness coaching, helping others achieve their strength goals. In 2013, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture and even took part in a production of Manon Lescaut at the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia.
She lives in Moscow with her husband, fellow bodybuilder Vladislav Kuznetsov, whom she met online in 2009. The couple married in 2015, and while they don’t have children yet, Nataliya has expressed interest in becoming a mother one day.
Nataliya’s journey hasn’t been easy. In her early years, she struggled financially and had difficulty finding sponsors. However, thanks to her growing popularity on social media—where she now has over one million Instagram followers—she has secured sponsorships with brands like Oxytropin and RPS Nutrition.
Despite speculation about performance-enhancing substances, Nataliya has openly admitted to using estrogen blockers and other enhancers, though she avoids growth hormones.
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Pushing forward despite challenges
In 2017, Nataliya briefly announced her retirement from powerlifting, but within a year and a half, she was back on stage, competing in Moscow. She now focuses on both competing and coaching, aiming to inspire others to achieve their full potential.
Despite the criticism, Nataliya remains committed to her dreams. She continues to challenge stereotypes and redefine what it means to be strong, proving that passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements.
What do you think of Nataliya’s journey? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
