Daily Inspiration: Meet Helen Fritsch

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
As a lifetime competitive athlete, at age 55, I decided I needed to step up in the gym. I knew 60 was just around the corner, and I wanted to get into the best shape of my life. People recommended I look into bodybuilding. After seeing the strict protocol, clean diet, and consistent workouts that I had to adhere to, I decided to pass.

Part of the protocol was no alcohol. I am a certified wine specialist, and at the time, I was working at a wine shop part-time. I decided it would be really tough not to be able to consume any wine while prepping for a bodybuilding show. Little did I know that the Universe was not done with me.

About six months later, I got talked into competing in a bodybuilding show by some bodybuilding friends, and the rest is history! At 56, I placed third in a 35+ Bikini category competition. I was thrilled with how my physique had improved and decided to continue to compete. Four years later, on my 60th birthday, I won a big national show and turned professional, and at 66, I have never looked back!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a pretty bumpy road! Bodybuilding is a very tough sport. You need to be consistent with your workouts and stay on track, eating a clean diet around the clock! As a flight attendant, working international flights and working out overseas was difficult because of the time change and lack of facilities.

I also had my fair share of injuries that led me to take time off to heal. Going through menopause didn’t help either! My body was going through all kinds of physical changes, and I also developed food sensitivities and needed to cut out lots of food from my diet, which made eating even more difficult.