Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Fritsch.
Hi Helen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I was part of an athletic family growing up. I lettered in four sports in high school and ran track at the University of Kentucky where I majored in Physical education and health. After school, I continue to remain active participating in all the fads and trends such as step aerobics, Jazzercise, etc.
Once I hit my mid-50s though, I realized that 60 was just around the corner. I decided to test my limits to get into the best shape of my life before I turned 60. A friend suggested I look into Bodybuilding. So I did, however, after seeing the strict diet involved I decided to shelf that idea! I am a certified wine specialist and at the time, I was working at a wine shop and drinking wine every day with suppliers and customers, wine was not on the Bodybuilding menu so I walked away from that idea.
However, the Universe had different plans for me. About six months later, I revisited the opportunity and this time, I decided to go for it! I entered my first Bodybuilding Bikini show at age 56 in a 35+ bikini category and came in third! I then decided to do a big national show a few months later and placed third again. At that point, I was hooked! The transformation of my body was incredible and it gave me the drive and desire to continue this lifestyle.
Unfortunately, early in my bodybuilding career, I went in for an annual physical, and blood work came back bad. After consulting a couple of doctors I was told that I have CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Not once did I ever have a (woe is my attitude). I have yet to play victim/martyr with this diagnosis. If anything it’s made me more determined to continue my healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset. Four years later, on my 60th birthday, I won a big national show and turned Pro.
I now compete in the Masters Pro level in the IFBB Pro League. I still love the whole process and have met the most amazing women along the way. After my big win, I had several women my age consistently approach me to ask about how I turned pro. I kept telling them that age was irrelevant in anything that you do. I decided I need to spread this word and I started the Age is Irrelevant Podcast interviewing women 40, 50, 60 who are motivational, transformational, and inspirational!
It’s never too late to rebrand or reinvent yourself! Today, at 64, I continue to compete and continue to evolve. I am an online fitness and nutrition coach helping other women in their 50s and 60s step outside of their comfort zone and get into the best shape of their lives!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
About eight years ago, I went in for an annual physical and my blood work came back bad.
After more testing, I was diagnosed with CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Today, my numbers are at a low level. I’ve had no chemotherapy or any other type of cancer therapy! I attribute this to a positive mindset, clean eating and consistently working out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My full-time job is being a flight attendant. I have been flying for 35 years. I got hired back in the 1980s with a small regional carrier called Piedmont Airlines. Piedmont merged with USAirways and USAirways merged with American. Today, I’m based in Charlotte, NC. I usually fly international flights to Europe.
I love my job And don’t plan on retiring anytime soon! I’m also an online fitness and nutrition coach. As a lifelong competitive athlete, I decided to test my limits at age 55 and get into the best shape of my life. I discovered Bodybuilding and competed in my first bodybuilding show at age 56 in a 35+ bikini category and placed third! I was amazed at the transformation my body went through and decided to compete in a big national show a few months later and placed third in that show.
I never looked back! On my 60th birthday, I won a big national show and turned pro. Today, at age 64 and eight years later, I still compete and love every minute of it. I am in the best shape of my life and I have met the most amazing women along the way! I had so many women reaching out to me asking me how I did it. My consistent answer was, “age is irrelevant and anything that you want to do”. I decided I needed to help other women so I started a podcast called “Age is Irrelevant.”
Where I interview women 40, 50, 60, and beyond who are inspirational, motivational, and transformational. I also became an online fitness and nutrition coach to help other women get into the best shape of their lives after 50. I’m proud of the fact that at age 64 I’m still competing in bodybuilding shows and have been an advocate for these shows to add 55 and 60+ categories! I’ve also been featured in seven different magazines.
And been a guest on several different podcasts telling my story. What sets me apart from others? I’m a doer! I’m proactive. I’m a huge advocate for women over the age of 50 who want to redefine and rebrand the terms “old age” and “over the hill”. It’s never too late to start something new!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The fitness industry is ever-changing. I see a huge shift in older adults, both male, and female, taking a vested interest in improving their health and fitness levels.
I see this shift continuing in a positive, upward trend. People realize today that a happy productive life involves movement. I don’t know anyone who wants to be stuck in a wheelchair!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.AgeIsIrrelevant.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/helenfritsch_ifbbpro
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/helen.fritsch
- Other: www.TikTok.com/@helenfritsch_ifbbpro
Image Credits
James Patrick, Casey Withers, and NPC News Online
