WE all want to age well, but one woman has stunned people after seemingly aging backwards.
Not only does look decades younger, she has also become a bodybuilder - despite being in her mid-sixties.
Her transformation is even more impressive though, as this fitness fanatic feared she’d never see forty – due to a debilitating health condition.
Throughout her childhood, Julia suffered from juvenile diabetes and her condition only worsened after entering her twenties.
At just 24 years old, she had been diagnosed with nerve damage, heart disease, kidney failure and was even beginning to lose her sight.
Though medics were able to save her eyesight with laser treatments, the rest of her body began to shut down.
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Just a decade later, she would be put on the organ transplant list.
As she anxiously awaited a new kidney, doctors advised her to undergo an experimental procedure and receive a replacement pancreas.
Despite the potential health risk, she eventually received both organs as part of a 12 hour ‘touch and go surgery’.
Though the op was a success, she would have other health scares including a triple heart bypass – which is when she made the bold decision to reshape her body.
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The then-middle aged woman started going to the gym five days a week and drastically changed her diet – adding extra protein and complex carbs.
Having fallen back in love with fitness, she continued to challenge herself and entered her first bodybuilding contest at 64.
Now, the 66 year old loves showing off her svelte frame in crystal covered bikinis and tans during her various competitions.
When she is not showing off her impressive physique on stage, the older woman loves fashion and often wears hugging dresses – including a leather one inspired by Ariana Grande.
She has also become a best-selling fitness influencer, with her showing off her toned tum as she works out.
Rapidly gaining over 160,000 fans on Instagram, Julia has left her followers in total awe of her transformation.
On a recent post, one gushed: “OMG u really turned the clock back 20 years.”
Another added: “Yes, this!! Love the body we’re in for whatever gifts and abilities it gives us!”
Whilst she has plenty of admirers online, looking sexy isn’t the end goal for this influencer.
Instead, Julia uses her platform to inspire other women and share her uplifting story with thousands on social media.
Regularly posting motivational messages to fans, she says that she chose to ‘spiral up’ after struggling with medical issues throughout her life.
She wrote: “You either find a way or you find excuses. Downward spiral, going in circles or spiraling up? Which is it for you?”
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Encouraging other older women, she added: “It’s never too late & you’re never too old.”
We couldn’t agree more, Julia.