A ripped gran wants to show that age is just a number by entering a bodybuilding competition – so can you guess how old she is? It might just surprise you
A super-fit gran wants to prove that age is just a number – so she’s entering a bodybuilding competition.
Lesley Maxwell often shocks people when she reveals her real age. That’s because the 65-year-old has better abs than most people who are half her age!
In a bid to show others they can achieve their fitness goals later on in life, the personal trainer is entering a body sculpted contest. The All Natural Figure Competitions is set for April 2026, where she hopes to wipe the floor with other contestants and inspire others along the way.
Lesley, from Melbourne, Australia, said: “If anyone had told me I’d be building my glutes for a competition in my sixties, I probably would have laughed. But here I am, in comp prep mode again.”
She continued: “My routine consists of training my lower body with every workout, so that’s four days a week. And I do my signature ‘alternating sets’ so that’s a lower body exercise followed by an upper body exercise.
“It’s going to be a fun but challenging journey. I love pushing myself and seeing what can be achieved. Not just on a personal level – but hoping I can inspire others to realise that age is just a number.”
While Lesley has entered competitions in the past, every one of them is different.
She said: “Over the last decade, the ideal stage physique has shifted and glutes have become a major focus. So the judges are now looking for a fuller more balanced lower body.
“Just like fashion evolves, so do competition standards and I want to see what changes I can make in these areas.”
Lesley has lots of prep to get through ahead of the big day, which will start at the crack of dawn and last for hours.
She said: “It’s an early start; check-ins, tanning, hair, make -up and posing practice to get our muscles popping. I really try to stay in the moment and in my own world so I don’t get distracted.
“Once on stage, we’re judged on balance, symmetry, posing muscle tone and overall presentation. It’s a long and intense but incredibly fulfilling day.”
Lesley continued: “I keep cardio minimal until closer to the event. And I always eat clean nourishing food with enough protein and fats.
“I basically live on eggs and steak with a piece of fruit daily. Some would say it’s tough but I love how it makes me feel.”
After the contest comes to its conclusion, there are more rounds to come. Lesley explained: “After this comp we will move on to the nationals, where the winners from each state compete.
“From there, the top competitors are selected to represent their country at the world titles. It’s such an exciting time and I’ve met so many amazing people along the way.”
Lesley hopes to encourage other people her own age to take up fitness and look after their bodies better.
She said: “It’s amazing that we can change the shape and health of our body, shape our glutes, tone our arms and tighten our waist regardless of age. I wish more people were aware of the power of what we eat and training effectively.
“People know better than to ask me to slow down. This is what keeps me strong, happy and inspired.”
