"These incredible women have paved the way for future generations of female bodybuilders. They have shown that women can be just as strong and powerful as men and have inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in the bodybuilding industry."
Bodybuilding has been a male-dominated sport for many years. However, there are several women who have made history in this industry by breaking barriers, setting records, and inspiring generations of female bodybuilders. In this post, we will explore 10 incredible women who made history in the bodybuilding industry.
Lisa Lyon
Lisa Lyon is widely considered to be the first female bodybuilder to achieve mainstream success. She won the first-ever Women's World Pro Bodybuilding Championship in 1979 and was also the first woman to appear on the cover of Flex magazine.
Rachel McLish
Rachel McLish is a two-time Ms. Olympia winner, having won the title in 1980 and 1982. She was also the first woman to appear on the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine.
Cory Everson
Cory Everson won the Ms. Olympia title six years in a row, from 1984 to 1989. She was also the first woman to win the NPC Nationals three times in a row.
Lenda Murray
Lenda Murray is a seven-time Ms. Olympia winner, having won the title from 1990 to 1995 and again in 2002. She is considered one of the greatest female bodybuilders of all time.
Bev Francis
Bev Francis is a former powerlifter who transitioned to bodybuilding. She won the 1987 IFBB North American Championships and was the first woman to bench press 300 pounds.
Iris Kyle
Iris Kyle is a ten-time Ms. Olympia winner, having won the title from 2004 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2014. She is considered one of the most dominant female bodybuilders of all time.
Juliette Bergmann
Juliette Bergmann won the Ms. Olympia title in 2001, becoming the first European woman to win the prestigious title.
Heather Foster
Heather Foster is a two-time Ms. International winner, having won the title in 1997 and 1998. She was also the first woman to deadlift 500 pounds.
Joan Lauth
Joan Lauth won the first-ever Women's National Physique Championship in 1978. She is considered a pioneer of women's bodybuilding.
Gladys Portugues
Gladys Portugues won the Ms. Olympia title in 1984 and was the first woman to deadlift 400 pounds.
These incredible women have paved the way for future generations of female bodybuilders. They have shown that women can be just as strong and powerful as men and have inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in the bodybuilding industry.