Nataliya Kuznetsova Destroys Male Pro Bodybuilders
I’ve been trying to figure out how to start this article on Nataliya Kuznetsova, and really, only one phrase comes to mind: holy cow. Seriously, her physique is so next-level that it almost defies description. As a certified strength coach and sports nutritionist, I’ve seen elite athletes my entire career, but what I witnessed a couple of years back at the Romania Muscle Fest was something else entirely.
She is redefining the limits of women’s bodybuilding.
This guide will break down the stats, the story, and the sheer power that makes Nataliya Kuznetsova one of the most talked-about figures in fitness today.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Record-Breaking Size: Nataliya Kuznetsova competes at over 220 pounds with 20-inch biceps, a physique that is significantly larger than even legendary champions like Iris Kyle.
- Elite Powerlifter: Beyond bodybuilding, she holds multiple world records in powerlifting, including a raw deadlift of over 530 pounds (240 kg) and a bench press of 386 pounds (175 kg).
- Social Media Influence: With over 1.2 million Instagram followers, Kuznetsova has a massive platform where she documents her intense training and inspires a global audience.
- Open About Steroid Use: Kuznetsova is notably transparent about her use of anabolic steroids and estrogen blockers to achieve and maintain her incredible muscle mass.
Iris Kyle Who? Here Comes Nataliya Kuznetsova!
For the longest time, I never thought anyone could top Iris Kyle. She is arguably the most decorated female bodybuilder of all time, with a staggering 10 Ms. Olympia titles and seven Ms. International wins. Her dominance was absolute.
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To put her size in perspective, Iris Kyle competed at a powerful 155-165 pounds and walked around at 175-180 in the off-season. Then came Nataliya Kuznetsova. She steps on stage at over 220 pounds, with an off-season weight that pushes even higher. That’s more than 40 pounds heavier than Iris Kyle at her biggest and heavier than the entire men’s 212 division.
At just 5’7″, Kuznetsova’s stats are almost unbelievable. She boasts 20-inch biceps and 30-inch thighs, measurements that rival many elite male bodybuilders. Born in 1991, her rise in female bodybuilding has been nothing short of meteoric.
Straight Up Beast Mode!
Calling Nataliya Kuznetsova just a bodybuilder doesn’t do her justice. She is a world-class strength athlete with a resume loaded with powerlifting championships. She’s not just posing on stage, she’s moving incredible amounts of weight in the gym.
Kuznetsova holds multiple world records, including a raw bench press of 386 pounds (175 kg), a squat of 617 pounds (280 kg), and a deadlift of 530 pounds (240 kg).
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Unlike many athletes, Nataliya is refreshingly open about her steroid use. From a professional standpoint, it’s clear that achieving her level of muscularity is not possible naturally for a female athlete. Her honesty provides a more realistic context for her incredible achievements.
Her physique is so cartoonishly muscular that it draws comparisons to Men’s Open competitors like Roelly Winklaar. After winning the 2018 Romania Muscle Fest, she posed for photos next to William Bonac, a top Olympia contender, and noticeably dwarfed him. It was a stunning visual that sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding community.
Nataliya Kuznetsova is a Social Media Phenom!
When you’re a 220-pound female bodybuilder with jaw-dropping muscle, you’re going to get a lot of attention. Nataliya has leveraged this into a massive social media presence. Her Instagram account, @nataliya.amazonka, has exploded from a few hundred thousand to over 1.2 million followers. Fans are captivated by her physique and training intensity.
She understands that supplements and hard work go hand-in-hand. In 2019, she signed a sponsorship deal with Rich Piana’s 5% Nutrition, a brand known for its hardcore image that perfectly aligns with her training philosophy.
While steroids are part of her formula, you can’t discount the relentless effort required. Her social media is filled with videos of her moving mind-boggling weight, showcasing a work ethic that is truly elite. The dedication it takes to build and maintain that much muscle is a full-time job.
One famous photo on her page shows her standing next to the late Shawn Rhoden, a former Mr. Olympia. His facial expression says it all, a look of pure astonishment at her size. This brings up an interesting point.
Move Over Men! Here Comes Nataliya Kuznetsova
It’s no exaggeration to say Nataliya Kuznetsova’s physique surpasses many male professional bodybuilders. She has a combination of a tiny waist and massive, sweeping muscle bellies that creates a V-taper few men can match. Her quads, arms, and symmetrical shape are all top-tier.
To show this isn’t just an opinion, let’s look at the numbers. Here’s how her measurements stack up against some of the biggest names in men’s bodybuilding.
| Athlete | Weight (Contest) | Biceps | Thighs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nataliya Kuznetsova | ~220 lbs | 20 inches | 30 inches |
| Ronnie Coleman (Prime) | ~300 lbs | 22 inches | 36 inches |
| Phil Heath (Prime) | ~240 lbs | 23 inches | N/A |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger (Prime) | ~235 lbs | 22 inches | 28.5 inches |
While legends like Ronnie Coleman had larger measurements, he also competed at nearly 80 pounds heavier. The fact that Kuznetsova is even in the same conversation highlights her incredible development. Her arms are nearly the size of Arnold’s in his prime.
If there’s one area for improvement, it’s her back conditioning. From the front, her physique is incredibly detailed and defined, but she tends to be slightly softer from the rear. If she can bring up the conditioning in her back to match her front, she could dominate any stage she steps on.
Wow-Factor Yet Worried…
I can honestly say I’ve never seen a physique quite like Nataliya Kuznetsova’s. This Russian phenom is without a doubt one of the most muscular women in the world. Her “wow-factor” is off the charts. However, as a health professional, I do have concerns.
The life of a professional bodybuilder isn’t always a healthy one, given the extremes they push their bodies to. For female athletes using anabolic compounds, the risks can be even more pronounced. A 2024 study published in Drug and Alcohol Review highlighted several risks for women, including voice deepening, menstrual irregularities, and psychological distress.
According to the NHS, long-term use can also lead to more severe health issues, such as liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. These are serious considerations for any athlete in her position. I wish her the best and hope she manages her health carefully. With her genetics and work ethic, she has the potential to go down in history as one of the greatest female bodybuilders of all time.
FAQs
What are Nataliya Kuznetsova’s world records?
She has set multiple world records in powerlifting and armlifting. Her most notable lifts include a 386 lb (175 kg) bench press, a 617 lb (280 kg) squat, and a 530 lb (240 kg) deadlift.
What was Nataliya Kuznetsova’s last competition?
Her last major competition was the 2019 IFBB Romania Muscle Fest Pro, where she placed second in the Women’s Bodybuilding category.
How did Nataliya Kuznetsova start bodybuilding?
She began training at age 14. Initially, she was a skinny teenager weighing only around 40 kg (88 lbs) and started powerlifting to gain muscle mass before transitioning into bodybuilding.
Is Nataliya Kuznetsova the most muscular woman in the world?
While it’s a difficult title to officially confirm, she is widely considered to be one of, if not the most, muscular and heaviest professional female bodybuilders in the world today.
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