‘Forget the pension, I’m pumping iron and gained my first bodybuilding competitors at 59’

It was her first bodybuilding competition. But if she had nerves, she wasn’t showing them.

At 6ft tall, tanned and rippling with toned muscles, Allison Cantwell stood out from the crowd. And it was no surprise to the fans when she walked away with first place in the bikini class.

But what made her win even more remarkable is that Alison, from Sisters, Oregon, is no spring chicken. She is 59-years-old and was, by some way, the oldest contestant on the stage at Oregon’s famous Cascadian Classic bodybuilding contest.

For Allison, the journey into bodybuilding proves that confidence, determination, and a zest for life can propel anyone to the top, no matter their age.

“It was intimidating to be the oldest competitor, but I was so proud of what I brought to the stage,” Allison shared.

“Hearing my name called for those placements was a surreal moment. So many nerves and thoughts are going through my head, but I just knew if I didn’t hear my name first, I wouldn’t last!”

Allison’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Walking in four-inch heels and perfecting poses was as much a feat of strength and discipline as lifting weights.

“I’m nearly six feet tall naturally, so adding four more inches in stilettos? Yikes! Balance and grace don’t come easily for me, even barefoot,” she laughed.

“I was told to wear the heels around the house, while cooking or vacuuming, just to get used to them. It was tough but worth it.”

The bodybuilding bug bit Allison when she started following a few fitness groups on Facebook, seeing older athletes achieve incredible transformations.

“I’ve been fairly active for years, but I didn’t have a clear direction,” she explained.

“When I saw amazing athletes over 50 achieving transformations, I thought, ‘I want that! I want to be a part of that! Why not me?'”

So, she embarked on a fitness and nutrition regimen under the guidance of her online coach, Delphene Grace Simms.

“Within 11 weeks, I lost 15 pounds,” she said.

This success motivated her to seek more guidance, and in January 2024, she hired Rebecca Hyde as her coach to help her prepare for the competition.

“Rebecca guided me through my prep, including diet and cardio, and kept me accountable with weekly photo check-ins,” Allison noted.

“Then I hired Kaylea from Performance Posing to teach me the art of posing and walking. It was much harder than I’d imagined. Without these coaches, I’d have never made it to the stage.”

Her training didn’t stop at the gym. She turned her garage into a workout zone, powering through strength sessions five to six days a week.

“I follow workouts from Caroline Girvan’s app. My garage isn’t glamorous, but it’s my space where I can push myself,” she shared.

“I’m up at 6am and start with a cup of coffee to get motivated,” she said.

“Some days, I don’t want to work out, but I find motivation from my Facebook group, seeing others who’ve already completed their workouts.”

The competition sparked huge personal growth, boosting Allison’s confidence and impacting her daily life and relationships.

“I love the way I look and feel, emotionally and physically. I have more confidence now than ever,” she said.

“Friends, family, and coworkers have all been incredibly supportive. I never expected people of all ages to seek my advice, asking how to get started on their own fitness journeys. That’s been such an accomplishment for me.”

Her journey even won over her once-skeptical partner, who’s now her biggest fan, taking weekly progress pics to capture her transformation!

“My partner was unsure at first but knew I was determined. My kids have been my cheerleaders, especially my youngest daughter, who initially had no interest in competing but now wants to compete,” Allison proudly shared.

The support extended beyond family.

“The bodybuilding community is incredible.”

With retirement around the corner, Allison’s gearing up to dive even deeper into her fitness journey.

“There are no boundaries for me when it comes to fitness.

“I’ve seen amazing physiques in athletes over 60 and even 70 years old, and I want that for myself,” she said.

“I’ll be working harder on areas like glutes and hamstring tie-ins that I need to refine for next year’s competition.”

So, what does “fabulous at any age” mean to Allison?

“For me, it’s about living life to the fullest. Fabulous isn’t defined by age or a moment—it’s a mindset. I’ll keep pushing myself physically and mentally to stay fully alive,” she emphasised.

“Age doesn’t define me, and it shouldn’t define anyone. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old or that it’s too late to start.”

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