Staying in shape is important not just for the body, but for the soul—helping us feel comfortable, confident, and energized. For most people, that might mean taking a leisurely walk or fitting in some light daily exercise. But for 33-year-old Nataliya Kuznetsova, staying fit takes on a whole new meaning.
Nataliya isn’t your typical fitness enthusiast. This professional Russian bodybuilder commands attention with her astonishing physique and holds world records in arm lifting, bench press, and deadlift. One glance at her powerful form makes it clear why she’s a force to be reckoned with.
At the heart of this, I believe everyone has the right to express themselves and shape their own identity—without judgment or ridicule. How we choose to dress or sculpt our bodies is deeply personal, and individuality is something to be celebrated.
Here at Newsner, we love sharing stories of extraordinary people who boldly challenge society’s narrow ideas of beauty and strength. These inspiring individuals chase their dreams unapologetically, showing us the true meaning of courage and self-confidence.
For me, that’s essential. We must always remember that diversity is what makes our world vibrant and beautiful. Nataliya Kuznetsova exemplifies this spirit—a 29-year-old world record holder who dedicates her life to sculpting a muscular, awe-inspiring physique that defies convention.
Everything in Nataliya Kuznetsova’s life revolves around one relentless goal: becoming stronger and lifting more. From a young age, she knew exactly what she wanted. At just 14 years old, she stepped into the world of powerlifting and made a clear decision to pursue bodybuilding—starting her journey at a mere 80 pounds, according to UK site LadBible.
Today, Nataliya’s weight ranges between an impressive 246 and 275 pounds, a testament to her incredible dedication and transformation.
The Road to Fame
Though details about Nataliya’s childhood remain scarce, we know she was born Nataliya Trukhina on July 1, 1991, in Chita, a city in southeast Siberia, Russia. Growing up, she was an active and driven young girl with a passion for training and combat sports.
At 14, she committed fully to bodybuilding, hitting the gym nearly every day and setting out on the path that would eventually make her a global powerhouse in strength sports.
Guided by the expertise of coach Alexei Ivanov, a respected figure in the local fitness community, Nataliya embarked on a demanding training and nutrition regimen. But the focus wasn’t initially about packing on massive muscle—her primary goal was pure strength. Muscle size was just a welcome side effect.
It didn’t take long for others to take notice. The young girl was steadily gaining muscle and putting on weight with each passing day. Within a few years, Nataliya began entering competitions, fully committed to her bodybuilding journey—and she quickly made her mark.
By the age of 17, she weighed just 150 pounds but could bench press an astonishing 220 pounds. This was back in her early days living in Chita, long before she even knew about protein shakes or the importance of nutrition for muscle growth. Despite the lack of modern supplements, Nataliya was already achieving impressive feats that hinted at the powerhouse she would become.
Whether it was the discovery of protein shakes or simply Nataliya’s sheer determination, one thing is clear: she has gone on to dominate the world of strength sports. Over the years, Nataliya has claimed multiple championship titles and shattered countless records.
According to The Famous People, this Russian powerhouse took home the 2014 Cup of Eurasia in Vologda, Russia. In 2015, she clinched the title at the Eastern Europe GPA Cup.
Often dubbed the “World’s Most Muscular Woman,” Nataliya holds a remarkable collection of records in powerlifting, bench press (NAP), and deadlifting. Her bench press record surpasses an incredible 374 pounds, while her deadlift record stands at a staggering 530 pounds.
Nataliya herself confirms that she holds the European titles for bench press and deadlift. Standing 5’7” tall, this Russian gym warrior maintains a solid offseason weight of just over 220 pounds—proof that her passion for strength is as fierce as ever.
“It’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and doing the work to become the person you envision. Every day is another chance to move forward,” Nataliya shared on her Facebook page, capturing the mindset behind her incredible journey.
But Nataliya is far more than just a powerhouse with striking muscles—her story runs deeper than her impressive 18.5-inch biceps.
In 2013, she graduated from the prestigious Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture. Beyond the gym, she even showcased a different kind of strength by participating in a production of Manon Lescaut at Russia’s renowned Bolshoi Theatre.
Today, Nataliya calls Moscow home, where she lives with her husband, fellow bodybuilder Vladislav Kuznetsov. The couple met in 2009 and married in 2015. Nataliya frequently shares heartfelt tributes to Vladislav, whose unwavering support fuels her through every challenge. While they don’t have children yet, Nataliya hopes to start a family someday.
“Our love story is pretty modern,” Nataliya revealed in 2019. “We met online — on Odnoklassniki, a popular Russian social network. For a while, we just talked as friends.”
Nataliya’s journey has been far from easy. In the early days of her career, she often struggled financially. Finding sponsors was a constant challenge, and she frequently had to dip into her own savings just to afford training and compete.
In Russia, support for athletes like her was scarce, making the path even tougher. But as Nataliya’s incredible story gained attention and went viral, the tide has started to turn.
Today, she enjoys the backing of several sponsors and partners with leading nutrition brands like Oxytropin and RPS Nutrition — a testament to her hard work paying off.
None of Nataliya’s incredible achievements would likely have been possible without her active presence on social media. Over the years, images of her powerful, muscular physique have spread like wildfire across the internet. While many recognize her face, not everyone knows the full story behind this female colossus.
“People definitely recognize me. You can tell there’s an athletic body under the clothes. Many ask to take photos with me, and quite a few even know my name,” Nataliya told LadBible.
She’s also been open about facing harsh judgment and prejudice. Some have called her ugly or thrown hurtful names her way, but Nataliya dismisses these critics as insecure children who lash out when confronted with someone stronger than themselves.
“The old-fashioned standards and norms are long gone. Even the modeling industry has changed a lot. My best advisor? The mirror,” she says with confidence.
Despite the criticism, Nataliya deeply values the overwhelming love and support she receives from her global fanbase.
“About 75% of my Instagram followers are men, and the numbers are similar across other platforms. They write to me a lot, and compliments—whether for an athlete or anyone else—are always appreciated,” she shared.
Today, Nataliya boasts a staggering one million followers on Instagram. Calling herself a unique Amazon woman, she regularly treats her fans to glimpses of her daily life, alongside gym tips and workout routines that inspire thousands.
Though she once considered trying growth hormones, Nataliya ultimately decided against it. She has, however, openly admitted to using estrogen blockers and other performance enhancers, substances banned by most major sports organizations.
In early 2017, Nataliya surprised many by announcing her retirement from powerlifting and stepping away from the spotlight. But just a year and a half later, she made a powerful comeback at a major competition in Moscow. Alongside her return, she revealed a new passion: coaching others to help them unlock their full potential.
What do you think about Nataliya’s journey? Is she inspiring us all by chasing her dreams fearlessly, or is this path a bit too bold?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—just remember to keep the conversation respectful in the comments below!