Meet Julia Vins, the 18-year-old Russian ‘muscle Barbie’
JULIA Vins is just 18, but the ‘muscle barbie’ has gained thousands of fans because of her unusual blend of wide-eyed pretty looks and muscular physique.
THERE’S a new ‘human Barbie’ in town.
Meet Julia Vins, the 18-year-old with the face of a porcelain doll — and the body of the Hulk.
Powerlifter Julia has scored thousands of fans in her native Russia for her unusual blend of wide-eyed pretty looks and muscular physique.
The innocent faced teenager — who likes to take topless pictures of herself — even holds three world powerlifting records.
“People know me as ‘muscle Barbie’ — I like this comparison,” says Julia.
“I have these big, beautiful eyes and wear make-up. But at the same time, I’m strong. I can dead lift 180kg in training. I want to become as big as possible”
Julia claims her astonishing appearance divides the opposite sex.
“Everyone has an opinion on what I look like — they either respect my work or reprimand me for being a muscly girl.
“But to be honest, I’ve noticed that the guys who are negative about my athleticism — are just jealous.”
Since childhood, Julia’s angelic face meant she’s always been compared to a pretty doll. But the naturally slender girl never felt like she had any purpose in life.
“Because of my facial features, people have always said I look like a doll.
“And I was a good, academic girl for so many years. I studied music, was well-read, participated in various school competitions and was skilled at art.
“But I never felt like I had any particular objective in life. My body was not in harmony with my soul — it wasn’t the right one for me.”
In an attempt to find some meaning in her life, Julia began going to the gym at age fifteen.
She explains: “I had no interest in sport but I was lost. I thought I might see if I could build some strength and confidence by weight training at the gym.
“I started copying exercises that the male gym-goers did. It did not make me strong but then I started powerlifting.
“I loved it! I knew then that my goal was — to build muscle.”
A year later, Julia met a coach who saw potential in her as a weightlifter. She started training at the gym with him for 3 to 5 hours, four times per week.
Julia also transformed her diet. She now eats 5 to 6 small meals per day, which consist of chicken, eggs, cheese, rice and vegetables. But she allows herself one cheat day per week.
Finally in August 2014, Julia entered the World Powerlifting Championships in Moscow and won the competition. She achieved three world records in the sum 440kg — these were 180kg in the squat, 105kg in bench press and 165kg in the dead lift.
Julia feels it is important to look sexy even when she’s pumping iron.
“I always wear make-up, even when I’m squatting. I think it’s important to look attractive in any situation.
“I make sure my hair is done up in cute plaits and ribbons.
“I like fashion too but it’s very difficult to find nice clothes as my size is not standard.
Julia says her parents prefer not to get involved with her career. But her older 29-year-old boyfriend, Sergei, likes to weightlift with her.
“My mum and dad don’t like to interfere with my life but Sergei is very hands-on.
“For me, there is no limit. I want to become as muscly as possible.
“Many people have tried to knock me down but my training has made me strong — both physically and mentally.
“I’m no ordinary doll. I hope everyone finds their true calling in life like I did.
“I don’t like to think of what I would have become if I wasn’t muscle Barbie.”
JULIA’S MEASUREMENTS
Height 165cm
Weight 65kg
Biceps 40.5cm
Chest 98cm
Waist 66cm
Pelvis 102cm
Thigh 67cm