Bodybuilding mum reveals secret to her incredible physique

A “super fit” bodybuilding mum from Queensland has stunned her followers after showcasing her incredible weight loss.

Rhoeda has transformed her body.

A “super fit” mum has stunned after unveiling her incredible physique that makes her look decades younger.

While she has always enjoyed an active lifestyle, Rhoeda Natomi told news.com.au that she hit a low point when she essentially became bedridden following a devastating diagnosis.

Doctors told the mum-of-two from Ipswich, Queensland, that she was suffering from osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage wears down, causing chronic pain and reducing mobility.

Rhoeda’s condition continued to worsen over time, getting to the point where she struggled to get out of bed in the morning due to the pain – while she also reached her heaviest weight of 110kg due to her sedentary lifestyle.

“Everything changed when I had my mobility taken away from me,” she said.

“I’ve always been into fitness. I started martial arts at 14, and won a bodybuilding competition in my late 20s.

“But then about 10 years ago, I started getting pain in my knees.

“I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which just got worse over time and particularly affected my right knee.

Rhoeda reached 110kg at her heaviest. Picture: Supplied

She now works out 4-5 times a week. Picture: Instagram/@rhoeda.fitness

“It got to the point where I’d be crying from being in so much pain. I could hardly walk.

“I had to quit my office job because I couldn’t walk from the train station to get to where I worked. I began uber driving, but even that got too difficult after a while.

“I was so depressed. I became a social recluse. I withdrew from my friends and family because I was on so many painkillers.

“I could not see any hope. I hated how sad my life was and how bleak the future looked.”

Thankfully, Rhoeda’s life changed after undergoing a total knee replacement back in March 2021.

Since the surgery, she has slowly regained her strength, had dropped over 30kg, and was able to make fitness a priority in her life again.

She entered the bodybuilding competition last year. Picture: Instagram/@rhoeda.fitness

She wants to inspire others that they can be fit at any age. Picture: Instagram/@rhoeda.fitness

And now at 55 years old, Rhoeda looks and feels better than she ever has before – even competing in a bodybuilding competition in October last year.

The mum also gets mistaken for being a decade younger than she really is thanks to her age-defying looks.

“People don’t believe my real age,” she said.

“They mistake me for being younger all the time.

“My children will introduce me as their mum, and people don’t believe them. They can’t believe that I am over 50.

“Especially when I’m at work, people think I’m 10 years younger.

“There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but physiotherapy can help.

“After the surgery, I was in physical therapy for six weeks. At the start, I couldn’t even do a basic step up. Three months after my operation, I was deadlifting 100kg. I had to fight so hard for my health.

“It was the fear of what my future looked like that was my biggest motivation.

“The one huge change I made was just showing up. I never gave up and I fought for my health.
“I could have let my illness define me, but I didn’t. I took control of my life.”

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Rhoeda lost almost all of her mobility due to her diagnosis. Picture: Supplied

She underwent a total knee replacement in 2022. Picture: Supplied

Rhoeda’s journey ignited a passion inside her to help others who have gone through similar struggles.

She is now a successful fitness coach with her own business, RNF Coaching, where she has transformed people’s lives and helped them reach their health and fitness goals.

Rhoeda even helped her daughter Chantelle, 21, drop 67kg and five dress sizes.

The pair are now “gym buddies” and love working out together every chance they get.

“You have no idea what people are going through or the battles they have overcome,” she said. “I never imagined I’d be where I am now after having my surgery. But I’m so proud of all I’ve accomplished.

“Now I’m working with people and changing lives, it is so rewarding.

“No matter what card you’ve been dealt, you can live the life you’ve always dreamt of.”

Rhoeda hits the gym with her daughter Chantelle. Picture: Instagram / @rhoeda.fitness

Mum-of-two Rhoeda feels stronger and more confident than ever. Picture: Supplied

Rhoeda hits the gym to strength train 4-5 days a week, and ensures that she gets at least 10,000 step a day.

She also follows a balanced, Mediterranean style diet – but does enjoy a few “relaxed” meals throughout the week.

While osteoarthritis has no cure, there are things Rhoeda can do – such as staying active, undergoing physiotherapy and being at a healthy weight – that can help manage her symptoms.

The mum is set to undergo a total knee replacement on her left knee later this year, which will help alleviate her pain and improve mobility.

She is now sharing her story in the hopes it will inspire and motivate others to make their health a priority.

Her incredible routine makes her appear decades younger. Picture: Instagram/@rhoeda.fitness

She also follows a Mediterranean diet. Picture: Instagram/@rhoeda.fitness

“The first step for people just starting out is to get your mindset in order,” Rhoeda said.

“Think about your why. What journey are you on in life? What does your health mean to you? What goals do you have?

“Then you keep that in the forefront of your mind whenever things get tough.

“Make changes one day at a time. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

“You make healthy habits and keep showing up. Recognise your achievements along the way.

“It won’t be easy, but it will be so worth it. Put in the effort and the rewards are infinite.”