66-year-old BODYBUILDER proudly shows off her incredible SIX-PACK - as she reveals secrets for achieving a ripped physique at any age

A 66-year-old bodybuilder is proving that age really is just a number after proudly flaunting her incredibly ripped physique - while admitting she plans to continue lifting weights until her body gives out. 

Helen Fritsche, from Scottsdale, Arizona, took up bodybuilding seriously at age 56 after wanting to get into the best shape of her life before hitting 60.

But the fitness pro has since taken part in various gym-based competitions around the world and has no plans to slow down.

She explained: 'If someone told me in my 20s that I would be parading round in five-inch heels in front over over 500 people every month, I would've just laughed.

'It's so amazing to see what my body is capable of even in my 60s which is why I think age is irrelevant.' 

A 66-year-old bodybuilder has been proving that age is just a number after revealing she plans to keep lifting weights until her body gives out 

Helen Fritsche, from Scottsdale, Arizona , took up bodybuilding seriously at age 56 after wanting to get into the best shape of her life before hitting 60 

But the fitness pro has since taken part in various gym-based competitions around the world and has no plans to slow down 

Helen had always been athletic and was part of multiple sports teams all throughout school.

However, after finishing college, her interest in sports declined and she stuck to casual trips to the gym.

It was not until she hit 56 and realized she was four years away from 60 that she decided she was not happy with the way that she looked.

Helen then made it her mission to throw herself back into fitness and get into the best shape of her life.

After asking professionals and friends, she shared how she considered bodybuilding but was unsure due to the very strict diet.

She shelved the idea for six months but found that it was the best option for her after doing extensive research and testing out the routine for a few weeks.

The full-time flight attendant completely changed her lifestyle to prepare for her first competition in a month's time by cutting out alcohol and eating clean.

Before long, she found herself being a top competitor and she plans to stay that way for a long time.

Helen had always been athletic and was part of multiple sports teams all throughout school - but, after finishing college, her interest in sports declined and she stuck to casual trips to the gym 

It was not until she hit 56 and realized she was four years away from 60 that she decided she was not happy with the way that she looked 

After asking professionals and friends, she shared how she considered bodybuilding but was unsure due to the very strict diet 

She shared: '60 was just around the corner and I knew I didn't want to be that age in the shape that I was in.

'I have been a lifetime competitive athlete but I was never overly healthy. I only got into it when I realized how close I was to reaching 60.

'I was so busy with my job that I just didn't know if it was a good idea, but the universe has a strange way of circling around to you.'

Helen explained: 'I walked into a gym one day and someone asked me if I was a competitor and that just lit a spark in me.

'They talked me into joining a competition in a month's time. I was very naïve so I just thought I could do anything in a month.

'I entered the plus 35 category and I placed third and I just decided I wanted to keep going and do even more. 

'I kept placing really high up in every competition and then on my 60th birthday I won a national competition and decided to go as professional as I could.

'Of course there have been times when I've been injured or there was that bit of body fat I couldn't lose and there was a part of me that wanted to give up.'

She shelved the idea for six months but found that it was the best option for her after doing extensive research and testing out the routine for a few weeks

The full time flight attendant completely changed her lifestyle to prepare for her first competition in a month's time by cutting out alcohol and eating clean

The fitness fanatic concluded: 'Weightlifting, especially for women and having strong bone is the key to longevity.

'I think the hardest part is that if you're not into fitness at this age, just like anything else that you want to start, it's just taking that first step and making that jump to say, 'I can do it, I want to do it, I will do it,' and then do it.

'I have no plans to slow down, I'll keep going until my body physically doesn't let me anymore.

'It's so amazing to see what my body is capable of even in my 60s, which is why I think age is irrelevant.

'I watch competitors who are in their 90s and it brings tears to my eyes. I want to be like them!'