Although several male athletes go on to compete till their late 60s or 70s, we often believe women do not succeed in sports at such an age. However, rookie bodybuilder Ilene Block is proving otherwise. The Hawaii-based former lawyer and mother entered the bodybuilding community in her before turning 61. And Block is not just participating in bodybuilding events but also winning some titles.

Although it was not easy for the bodybuilder to lose 40 lbs of weight, she never lost hope and achieved her goals. Here is the story of Ilene Block, who is busy breaking age-old stereotypes about women.

Ilene Block’s journey to bodybuilding

In her recent interview with Daily Mail, Block shared her journey to the bodybuilding stage with others. The former lawyer revealed that for most of her life, she was very conscious about her diet and health. Hence, she decided to let go of the diet when she turned 60 but soon gained around 30 lbs, in a short period.

After coming across 70-year-old fitness fanatic Joan MacDonald on social media, Block also decided to begin her fitness journey. “Joan started her fitness journey at 70, so I had no excuse with my 61st birthday getting closer,” Block stated. Within a year, the Hawaii native lost 40 lbs of weight and was extremely happy about her success. However, she did not stop there.

Since an early age, Block always wanted to be a bodybuilder but could not pursue the dream due to her career and parental duties. But, with a fit and confident body, Block decided to enter the bodybuilding world, regardless of her age. She recalled, “I began my preparation for my shows in January 2022 with a mini build for my muscles, and by June, I started to cut.”

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In just two weeks span, Block competed at two bodybuilding competitions and was the oldest participant in both events. The elderly bodybuilder now trains six times a week, not just to qualify for several bodybuilding events but also to spread a social message.

Block aims to spread awareness via the sport

Besides living her bodybuilding dream, Block also feels extremely confident and satisfied with her body. Via her journey, the bodybuilder also aims to break people’s opinions about old age and women. “I want to prove that stereotypes aren’t true and that women can do whatever they want at whatever age,” said Block.

Another woman inspired her, and she now hopes to become an inspiration for others. Block also revealed that several people have reached out to her and appreciated her efforts. She disclosed, “Women reach out to me and say that they look how I looked in my before pictures and that I have given them hope, so I am on a mission to change older women’s perspectives and inspire as many people as possible.”

Although there are often some negative comments and opinions, Block does not pay attention to them. After all, “Life doesn’t stop after your turn 50,” is what the bodybuilder believes.

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Like Block, several other women and mothers have also joined the bodybuilding community. Hopefully, Illene Block’s story inspires her fellow ‘senior citizens’, while she aims to earn a big name in the bodybuilding community.