Since the inception of female bodybuilding in the late 1970s, numerous iconic women brimming with muscle have graced the stage and claimed esteemed trophies. This post celebrates the 10 most exceptional female bodybuilders throughout history, spanning both classic icons and contemporary stars.
These athletes rival their male peers in every aspect. Boasting remarkable physiques, stunning poise, and an insatiable drive to accomplish feats equal to the men in the sport, they have propelled female bodybuilding to unprecedented levels in recent years.
10 Greatest Female Bodybuilders of All Time:
Although bodybuilding is often associated with male legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Phil Heath, several female bodybuilders steal the spotlight with their jaw-dropping prowess on stage.
Names like Iris Kyle, Lenda Murray, Cory Everson, and Yaxeni Oriquen are well-known among the sport’s enthusiasts, but there are many other women with formidable muscles and captivating charisma. Let’s dive into the list of the 10 top-tier female bodybuilders.
1. Iris Kyle:
Known as “The Female Ronnie Coleman,” Iris Kyle stands among the elite bodybuilders of all time. Commencing her professional journey at 22 in 1999, this American powerhouse accumulated a record-breaking 10 Ms. Olympia titles, the highest for any individual, male or female.
She also clinched 7 Ms. International titles, with her first victory in 2004 and her last in 2013. Winning her inaugural Ms. Olympia in 2004, she then retained this prestigious honor for nine consecutive years from 2006 to 2014. Iris Kyle serves as a beacon of inspiration for women aiming to break into the professional bodybuilding scene.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 7
- Weight: 130-170 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 10x IFBB Ms. Olympia Winner (2004, 2006-2014)
- 7x Ms. International Winner (2004, 2006-2007, 2009-2011, 2013)
2. Lenda Murray:
Revered as one of the most illustrious female bodybuilders in history, Lenda Murray started her journey as a cheerleader and then excelled as a record-breaking sprinter in Detroit, Michigan. Her path to professional bodybuilding began in 1984, quickly evolving into her passion and career.
Murray secured six consecutive Ms. Olympia titles from 1990 to 1995. After narrowly missing out on titles, she retired in 1997 but made a triumphant return in 2002, winning two more Ms. Olympia titles before retiring for good as a runner-up in 2004.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 5
- Weight: 150-153 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 8x Ms. Olympia Winner (1990-1995, 2002-2003)
- 3x Ms. Olympia Runner-Up (1996-1997, 2004)
- 1989 IFBB North American Championships Winner
- 1989 NPC Junior Nationals Heavyweight and Overall Winner
3. Andrea Shaw:
Andrea Shaw, a modern-day phenom from Michigan, began training at 17 under the guidance of her mother, a former personal trainer. Initially competing in the physique category, Shaw transitioned to bodybuilding on the recommendation of Lenda Murray.
Following her transition, Shaw dominated the Ms. Olympia and Ms. Rising Phoenix titles in 2020 and continued her winning streak, securing the Ms. Olympia trophy for the next three years. Andrea Shaw is presently one of the leading female bodybuilders globally.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 5
- Weight: 170-180 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 4x IFBB Ms. Olympia Winner (2020-2023)
- 3x Rising Phoenix Women’s World Championships Winner (2020-2022)
- 2018 Lenda Murray Detroit Classic Winner
4. Cory Everson:
Corinna Everson, better known as “Cory Everson,” played a crucial role in propelling female bodybuilding during its golden era. Competing shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she won the Ms. Mid America title in 1980.
Trained by her then-husband and professional bodybuilder Jeff Everson, Cory secured her first Ms. Olympia title in 1984 and defended it for six straight years until 1989. After her competitive years, she shifted her focus towards a career in film.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 9
- Weight: 160 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 6x Ms. Olympia Winner(1984-1989)
- 1980
Ms. Mid America Champion
5. Rachel McLish:
Rachel McLish is a trailblazer in female bodybuilding, holding the distinction of being the first Ms. Olympia champion. She embarked on her competitive bodybuilding journey in the late 1970s during the formative years of the sport, capturing her inaugural title in 1980. Before venturing into bodybuilding, McLish worked at a local gym after completing her studies.
Upon winning the first Ms. Olympia, Rachel McLish gained widespread recognition and appeared on more magazine covers in the subsequent five years than anyone else globally. Hailing from Texas, she was enshrined in the inaugural class of the IFBB Hall of Fame in January 1999. After retiring from bodybuilding, she transitioned to a successful career as an author.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 6
- Weight: 125-135 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 2x IFBB Ms. Olympia Champion (1980, 1982)
- 2x IFBB Ms. Olympia Runner-Up (1981, 1984)
- 1980 US Bodybuilding Championship Champion
- 1982 Pro World Championship Champion
- 1999 IFBB Hall of Fame Inductee
6. Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls:
Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls stands as a forerunner in women’s bodybuilding and rightfully claims a spot on our list of the top 10 greatest female bodybuilders ever. She entered the scene in 1988, spurred by her budding relationship with Chad Nicholls, a professional bodybuilder who would later become her husband.
Gaining her pro card in 1992, Kim triumphed in the IFBB North American Championship and secured the 1996 Ms. Olympia title, halting Lenda Murray’s iconic winning streak. Kim continued her dominance by clinching four consecutive titles at the most prestigious bodybuilding event before stepping down in 1999.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 8
- Weight: 121-165 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 4x Ms. Olympia Champion (1996-1999)
- 2x Ms. International Champion (1993, 1996)
- 1992 IFBB North American Championships Champion
- 2008 IFBB Hall of Fame Inductee
7. Yaxeni Oriquen:
Yaxeni Oriquen is another remarkable figure among the top 10 best female bodybuilders of all time. The Venezuelan athlete relocated to the United States to pursue bodybuilding and won her first major title by claiming the 2005 Ms. Olympia. She is the first and only Venezuelan-American champion in history.
Nicknamed the Yaxeneger, Oriquen also took home the Ms. International crown five times before transitioning to a thriving career as a fitness instructor and influencer. She boasts over 50k followers on Instagram and owns a gym in Miami where she personally trains her clients.
- Nationality: Venezuelan-American
- Height: 5 feet 8
- Weight: 160-175 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia Champion
5x Ms. International Champion (2002-2003, 2005, 2008, 2012)
- 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia Champion
8. Sarah Villegas:
Sarah Villegas ranks among the elite female bodybuilders competing in the women’s physique division. She shot to prominence after securing the Ms. Olympia Women’s Physique title in 2020, following a narrow runner-up finish the previous year. Sarah retained this prestigious title in both 2021 and 2023.
Beyond bodybuilding, Sarah Villegas is a certified sports nutritionist and personal trainer. With over 110k followers on Instagram, she consistently shares fitness and bodybuilding content. Villegas is one of the top contenders to defend her title this year.
- Nationality: Venezuelan-American
- Height: 5 feet 5
- Weight: 128 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 3x IFBB Ms. Olympia Women’s Physique Champion (2020-2021, 2023)
- 2019 IFBB Ms. Olympia Women’s Physique Runner-Up
9. Alina Popa:
Alina Popa is a modern icon in female bodybuilding, earning her place among the best. The Romanian athlete began training at 19 and entered her first competition in 2000 at 22. She turned professional after her performance at the 2010 Ms. International contest.
In subsequent years, Alina Popa consistently ranked among the top five in every competition she entered. She was the runner-up at the 2013 and 2014 Ms. Olympia and claimed victory at the 2018 Rising Phoenix World Championship. With nearly 100k followers on Instagram, Popa enjoys a significant online presence.
- Nationality: Romanian
- Height: 5 feet 6
- Weight: 160-165 Pounds
- Major Achievements:
- 2018 RisingPhoenix World Championship Victor
- 2x IFBB Ms. Olympia Second Place: (2013, 2014)
- 2018 IFBB Muscle Vodka Tampa Pro Champion
- 2007 NABBA Miss Universe Champion in Miss Physique Category
- 2003 IFBB National Championship Victor
10. Nataliya Kuznetsova:
Nataliya Kuznetsova is one of the most renowned female bodybuilders globally. The prominent Russian athlete boasts over 1 million Instagram followers. She embarked on her bodybuilding and powerlifting journey at the young age of 14. Her rise to stardom followed her triumph at the 2018 IFBB WOS Romania Muscle Fest.
Kuznetsova ranks among the most muscular female bodybuilders ever. She serves as a significant inspiration for women striving to attain tremendous strength and size. Additionally, Kuznetsova holds multiple world records in arm wrestling and powerlifting. She can bench press 710 lbs, squat 680 lbs, and deadlift 778 lbs raw.
- Nationality: Russian
- Height: 5 feet 7
- Weight: 220-225 Pounds
- Notable Achievements:
- 2007, 2008 Baikal Grand Prix bodybuilding victor
- 2018 IFBB WOS Romania Muscle Fest Amateur Champion
- Multiple Arm-Wrestling and Powerlifting world records:
- 2014 World champion and record armlifting in Crimea
- 2014 World champion and record in the bench press NAP
- 2014 European champion in bench press and deadlift (WPC)
- 2014 Champion of Eurasia in bench press, deadlift (GPA), and arm lifting
- 2015 Champion of the Eastern Europe Cup (GPA) (world record in the deadlift)
- 2015 Champion of the Eastern Europe Cup (WAA) for traction and rolling bar
Final Words:
These top 10 remarkable female bodybuilders have significantly advanced the sport to its current stature. Devoted bodybuilding enthusiasts understand the challenges women face to build muscle mass and achieve a physique impressive enough to capture the audience’s interest. These athletes have overcome immense obstacles and demonstrated extraordinary perseverance.
The rise of female bodybuilding continues, largely attributed to these exceptional women who dedicate themselves entirely to the sport. Below is a quick summary of our top female bodybuilders for those who prefer a recap over reading the entire list:
- Iris Kyle
- Lenda Murray
- Andrea Shaw
- Cory Everson
- Rachel Mclish
- Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls
- Yaxeni Oriquen
- Sarah Villegas
- Alina Popa
- Nataliya Kuznetsova
That concludes this post. Feel free to express your opinions and suggestions in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are the most commonly asked questions regarding the top female bodybuilders:
Who is the best female bodybuilder?:
Iris Kyle is widely considered the most exceptional female bodybuilder in history, having secured a record ten Ms. Olympia titles and seven Ms. International crowns. Often referred to as “The Female Ronnie Coleman,” Kyle enjoys a vast global fanbase due to her physique.
Who is the most bulky female bodybuilder?:
Nataliya Kuznetsova is recognized as the most bulky female bodybuilder. The Russian powerhouse commenced her training in bodybuilding and powerlifting at the age of 14. Her career pinnacle came with her victory at the 2018 IFBB WOS Romania Muscle Fest. She holds numerous world records in powerlifting and arm wrestling.
Who was the first female bodybuilder?:
Abbye “Pudgy” Stockton is acknowledged as the first female bodybuilder, competing around the 1950s when the sport had scarcely any female division. She blazed a trail for women to demonstrate their power and strength in bodybuilding, paving the way for successors like Rachel Mclish and Cory Everson.
Who is the best natural female bodybuilder?:
Stephanie Hammermeister, an American IFBB Pro bodybuilder, is highly regarded as the top natural female bodybuilder due to her phenomenal physique and strength. She is also an ISSA-certified trainer and a dedicated resolution specialist coach with over 135k followers on Instagram.
Do female bodybuilders take steroids?:
Yes, several female bodybuilders use steroids to develop substantial physiques and push their bodies beyond natural limits. Some prefer oral steroids, while others opt for injectables for convenience and quicker results. Anavar and Winstrol are among the commonly used steroids by female bodybuilders.
Do female bodybuilders take testosterone?:
Indeed, female bodybuilders use testosterone injections as they help enhance muscle mass, increase strength, and assist in muscle recovery. Since women produce lower levels of testosterone naturally compared to men, female bodybuilders seek external sources to meet their muscle-building requirements.