73-Year-Old Bodybuilder Renee Landers Proves Age Is Not a Cage

Yahoo

28-05-2025

When I first spoke with Renee Landers, I knew I was talking to a woman who doesn't just reject ageist stereotypes; she crushes them with every rep at the gym. At 73 at the time of this writing, Renee is not only a competitive bodybuilder but also a vibrant example of how aging can be a gateway to reinvention, strength, and unapologetic joy. Her story isn't secondhand inspiration. It's a first-person, lived experience, and I was honored she shared it with me.
Renee didn't start lifting weights until after 60. Back then, she was recovering from lumbar fusion surgery due to spondylolisthesis, a condition that caused intense back pain. 'I had to do something,' she told me. 'I didn't want to live the rest of my life in a recliner.' With the help of a trainer who specialized in injury recovery, Renee started strength training. What began as rehab quickly turned into a revelation.
At 69, she entered her first bodybuilding competition. 'I was nervous about walking on stage in a bikini,' she laughed during our chat, 'but I figured if I could recover from spinal surgery, I could do this too.' And she did, winning trophies, earning her GBO pro card, and competing in over a dozen shows, including the Arnold Classic.
During our interview, Renee was candid about what helps her stay energized. She follows a pescatarian diet, prioritizes daily movement, and says hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which she began at 60, has made a meaningful difference in how she feels.
Her daily routine includes 45 minutes of weight training followed by 45 minutes of cardio. That's six days a week. 'It's a choice,' she told me. 'I choose to feel strong.'
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing about how she merges her lifestyle with travel. Renee's Instagram is full of snapshots from cruises, girls' trips, and solo adventures (like her recent visit to Sicily). And yes, she keeps up with her fitness on the road.
She also dances, dates, and defies every outdated notion of what women 'should' be doing in their 70s. 'People ask if I'm a cougar,' she said with a smile, 'but I don't see age when I connect with someone. I see energy, joy, and character.'
Renee's message is clear and empowering: 'Age is not a cage,' she said firmly. 'Don't let the calendar dictate what you can or can't do.' She shares this mantra regularly on her Instagram @reneefitat70, YouTube, and through community talks.
She doesn't sugarcoat her journey, it's taken discipline, consistency, and a willingness to start over. But her results speak volumes.
Renee is living proof that our later years can be our most dynamic. In our conversation, she reminded me that aging is not a decline—it's a decision. A decision to show up, stay curious, and keep pushing boundaries.
Whether you're 43 or 73, Renee's story invites us all to ask: what else is possible?