Grandma who was told she 'belongs in kitchen' silences trolls with inspiring bodybuilding journey

Fitness training and bodybuilding can start a person's transformative journey at any age. That's what 67-year-old bodybuilder and internet sensation Marlene Flowers is proving to the world. The beloved fitness granny who goes by @granny__guns on Instagram, Marlene Flowers on Facebook and @65_strong on TikTok, is the ultimate definition of defying societal norms. According to Relieved, Flowers has built up a loyal fanbase on social media, consisting of millions of followers and friends in the fitness community.

But she had to overcome some serious hurdles to reach the stage she is at now. Flowers went through unhappy marriages and even an eating disorder. She ultimately took up the challenge to reclaim her life and embrace fitness and bodybuilding. Flowers started her fitness training with guidance and support from her son, Ryan. She also took up a ketogenic diet and followed a customized exercise plan at her home. Flowers maintains her fitness routine to boost her overall health and stamina while focusing on strength training. She also incorporates light aerobic exercises and training to manage her knee pain, strengthening her lower body and back. 

Even though Flowers initially received some negative remarks from strangers online, the overwhelmingly positive response pushed her to keep posting her fitness content with a hint of comedy online. Flowers bagged lucrative sponsorships from prominent fitness brands like YoungLA, Ryse Supplements and Village Hidden In Iron over the years, eventually becoming the oldest sponsored athlete in the U.S. Flowers leads a holistic life and promotes it too because, for her, fitness is not just about maintaining the aesthetics of her body but it's also about feeling good.

Additionally, she has also advocated for mental and emotional health along with physical fitness. According to Women's Health, Flowers sat down for an interview in 2023 to dish out the real reason behind her decision to start lifting weights and become a fitness influencer. "I was physically fit as a teenager but after two toxic marriages, my confidence, body image and self-worth were shot," Flowers revealed. "As a result, I struggled with an eating disorder and it damaged part of my colon to the point that I required surgery. After reparative surgery and a stint in the hospital, I knew it was time for a change. I wanted to live longer and happier. I started my fitness journey in 2015, at 58 when most people are slowing down." 

Flowers, who is also popular on TikTok, shared a collaborative video with fellow female fitness influencers on the platform for International Women's Day in 2023. The video brought together fitness video creators like @leanbeafpatty, @paryssbryanne, @chloethehokage, @buffcheekss and @bombshellwithabarbell who celebrated female empowerment and solidarity. The video starts with a common message floating up on the screen, where people tell women that "they are weak" and "they should go back to the kitchen." But the fitness influencers respond by lifting weights and showing their workout routines at the gym. 

TikTok audience cheered and supported her with positive comments. @breakintoyourself wrote, "Half the comments say women aren't as strong. But we're way stronger than you give us credit for. Stop dragging us." @cg_aviles commented, "I’ll make all of you beautiful beasts a sandwich without a second thought. Y’all strong as hell! I respect it." @boogermastertheducky joked, "Their spouses (if they have one) are so lucky. Man, how do I get a buff girlfriend?"

You can follow Marlene Flowers (@65_strong) on TikTok for more videos on fitness.