Besides being one of the most accessible sports in the world, one can begin bodybuilding at a comparatively younger or older age. Over the years, incredible weight loss stories and bodybuilding transformations have gone viral thanks to the internet. Recently, 65-year-old Susan Guidi proved that one could build a superb physique after 60 and compete and win in bodybuilding shows. Now she wants to keep going until 80.

While becoming a competitive bodybuilder at 65 is no easy task, Guidi did it after dropping 56 lbs. Guidi used to weigh 185 lbs and didn’t have a healthy diet. However, after a weight loss transformation, the Florida native decided to pursue bodybuilding.

From fine wine to competitive bodybuilding

In December 2020, Susan Guidi, a resident of Tampa, Florida, began her weight loss journey. At that time, the grandmother of five tipped the scales at 185 lbs. “I was a typical menopausal woman. I had fat around my stomach, drank too much wine, ate too much, and slept poorly.”, said Guidi. Guidi turned to social media for inspiration. Guidi came across the then-74-old Joan MacDonald, who had lost 60 lbs.

The Florida resident booked a transformation class and began working hard to reduce her body weight. She also ditched the fine wine and Thai food and started eating healthily. After achieving her goals, Guidi decided to give bodybuilding a try. While it’s harder to build muscle beyond 50, Guidi didn’t give up. She began working with bodybuilding coaches, and after 20 weeks of exceptional effort, she achieved her dream physique. Leading up to the competition, the 65-year-old regularly spent three and a half hours in the gym.

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On the bodybuilding stage, Susan Guidi defeated women younger than her. “In the bodybuilding competition, I went on to win the over 50s division and novice division. I couldn’t believe I had done it,” said Guidi. However, the grandmother of five isn’t planning on stopping anytime soon. “I can’t wait to see what I can do when I am 80,” Guidi told the Daily Mail. She also wants to inspire other women.

Building a legacy and aiming to inspire

The 65-year-old said that for her entire life, she has been “someone’s wife, mother, and grandmother, so I wanted to do something for myself.” She also said, “Women don’t have enough examples of females like me, and they don’t feel like they’re worthy.” However, Guidi is trying to empower others to grow like her and show that age is just a number.

The competitive bodybuilder said she feels healthy and “can run around and play with my five grandbabies.” The grandmother also wants to set an example for her grandchildren and “leave a legacy.” She is looking forward to competing on the bodybuilding stage again this year at 66.

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What did you make of Susan Guidi’s weight loss and bodybuilding journey? Write your views in the comments.