Fifteen years ago this month, I started bodybuilding and weight training. I was 39, 5’ 5” tall, 127 pounds, and a size 8. I rode a bicycle, walked and danced, but not on a regular basis. When people commented on how strong and healthy I looked, I gave credit to my Polish and Russian genetics.

One morning, while standing naked in front of the mirror, I started scrutinizing “my turnip shaped body” and wasn’t pleased with the vicious attack Mother Nature was waging on my lower torso. I had to take matters into my own hands.

I was disciplined, focused, determined, self-motivated, and liked challenges, therefore bodybuilding was the ideal way for me to rearrange my body. I called John Defendis, a former Mr. USA, and arranged an appointment at his gym in Delray Beach. When I arrived, the sights, sounds, smells, and intensity around me was overwhelming. Fantastically built ladies were lifting weights while men with rock hard bodies and bulging biceps were staring with pleasure at themselves Upbeat music played while the sounds of grunts and groans echoed in the distance.

John asked me many in depth questions and said that he would design an eating and exercise program suited for my needs and expectations. He suggested that I start eating breakfast and lay off the gin and brownies. Two days later, I marched into the gym enthusiastically ready to pump iron and sweat.

After several days of lifting, I couldn’t move. I was paralyzed. No words could describe the discomfort I felt. Bodybuilding was harder than I’d expected, but I was determined. I ate 6 meals a day, gradually increased my weights, and rode a stationary bike for 45 minutes daily. Muscles were building while inches and fat were coming off. I was excited and motivated as I watched my body slowly change.

I’ve gone through many changes including my change of life. At 55, the flamboyant red hair has been replaced by a short natural salt and pepper look. The size 8 is now a 4. My weight maintains a steady 118 and my body fat that was 28% is now 14%.

Bodybuilding helped me to feel better about me. Weight training challenges and tests, but its rewards are positive and powerful. Bodybuilding is personal and you’ll get out of it exactly what you put in. When people ask if I’ve ever competed, I say, “Only to live each day to the fullest and strive for perfection. This is The Menopausal Bodybuilder saying, “LAUGH, BE HEALTHY, AND STAY SEXY.”

Give yourself a break from the weights. Take a rest. Muscles are weakened during exercise and build when they are resting. This gives them time to rebuild. Take a day or two off weekly and rest. Eat, relax, and get plenty of sleep. Muscles will do the work, but they need to be babied.