71-Year-Old Bette Vargas Competes in National Fitness Competition

Bette Vargas, a 71-year-old bodybuilder from Oakland, California, is making headlines as she competes in the national Ms. Health & Fitness competition. Currently among the top vote-getters, Vargas is in 6th place as the quarter-finals voting approaches its conclusion. The winner will not only grace the cover of Muscle & Fitness HERS magazine but will also receive a $20,000 prize. Vargas aims to inspire others to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, emphasizing that age should not be a barrier to fitness.

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Vargas's journey into fitness began later in life, after dedicating her early adult years to raising her four children, all now in their 40s. Although fitness was always important to her, it wasn't until her late 30s and early 40s that she began to compete seriously. Initially discovered as a bodybuilder while at the gym, she shifted her focus to her children’s education. However, she eventually embraced her passion for fitness, becoming a race-walk champion and later competing in bodybuilding events. Vargas has since won titles in both USA and Global natural bodybuilding competitions, including a bikini championship in her age category.

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Vargas maintains a rigorous fitness routine, which includes a four-day split workout focusing on lower and upper body strength, along with active cardio and stretching. As a vegan, she adheres to a disciplined nutritional regimen. Beyond her personal achievements, Vargas is dedicated to helping others reach their fitness goals. She works as a wellness consultant, holistic health coach, and personal trainer, and is pursuing certification as a yoga instructor. Vargas also runs the "Crazy, Sexy Menopause" YouTube channel, where she shares insights on health and fitness.

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Vargas has a particular passion for supporting women in midlife, planning to launch a community-based membership group called "Crazy Sexy Circle." This initiative will focus on enhancing the lives of perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women through improvements in mindset, nutrition, and physical activity. She encourages women to take control of their health, stating, "Your life is yours. Live it well. Move more."

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Vargas emphasizes that it is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. She advocates for starting at any age, asserting that many health issues can be reversed with the right mindset and actions. Her philosophy is encapsulated in her coined phrase "LEAP," which stands for love your body, eat to live, adjust your attitude, and play every day. Vargas's journey serves as a testament to the idea that age is merely a number, and with determination, anyone can achieve their fitness goals.

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Voting for the quarter-finals of the Ms. Health & Fitness competition concludes on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m., as Vargas continues to rally support for her inspiring journey.

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