Bev Francis – The Strongest Woman of Her Era & Bodybuilding Pioneer
Bev Francis is one of the most powerful and influential women in the history of bodybuilding and strength sports. A former world champion powerlifter, record-breaking weightlifter, and IFBB professional bodybuilder, Bev paved the way for future generations of strong female athletes.
Her combination of brute strength, dense muscle, and fearless attitude changed the perception of female bodybuilding forever.
She is best known for:
✔ Breaking over 40 powerlifting world records
✔ Competing at Ms. Olympia, including the iconic 1991 contest
✔ Starring in Pumping Iron II: The Women
✔ Being one of the first ultra-muscular female bodybuilders
✔ Co-owning the world-famous Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym (The East Coast Mecca)
✔ Mentoring generations of NPC & IFBB athletes
Even today, Bev remains a central figure in bodybuilding — respected for her achievements, her gym, and her role in shaping women’s strength sports.
Early Life in Australia & Beginning of Strength Sports
Born in Geelong, Australia, Bev Francis initially excelled in track & field, particularly the shot put and discus. Her natural power and athleticism drew her toward strength training, where she soon discovered powerlifting.
Her rise was immediate.
Throughout the 1980s, she became known as the strongest woman alive, setting records in:
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Squat
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Deadlift
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Bench press
Her reputation brought her international recognition and attention from the bodybuilding world.
Powerlifting Career & Best Lifts
Bev Francis is one of the greatest female powerlifters in history.
Her best verified competition lifts include:
🏋️♀️ Squat: 500+ lbs
🏋️♀️ Deadlift: 535+ lbs
🏋️♀️ Bench Press: 300 lbs
She competed raw for much of her career and dominated multiple weight classes.
Her performance earned her worldwide fame and inspired countless female lifters.
Training Philosophy of Bev Francis
Bev trained like a powerlifter AND a bodybuilder:
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Heavy compound lifts
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Progressive overload
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High-intensity workouts
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Brutal leg and back days
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Low-rep strength work mixed with hypertrophy
Typical workouts included:
Leg Day: Squats, hack squats, leg press, heavy lunges
Back Day: Deadlifts, barbell rows, pull-ups
Chest: Bench press, incline bench, dips
Arms & Shoulders: Strict pressing, curls, pushdowns
Bev believed women should train as hard as men — or harder.
Bev Francis Diet Approach
During her competitive years, Bev followed:
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High protein
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Moderate complex carbs
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Low fats
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Frequent meals
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Strict pre-contest dieting
Her discipline in both training and nutrition helped her build one of the thickest and strongest physiques in female bodybuilding history.
Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym – The East Coast Mecca
Today, Bev is best known as the co-owner of the legendary:
Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym – Syosset, New York
With her husband Steve Weinberger, she turned the gym into:
🏆 The official East Coast Mecca of Bodybuilding
🏆 A training home for Olympia champions
🏆 A venue for NPC & IFBB Pro League events
🏆 A destination gym known worldwide
The gym is searched online for:
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Membership cost
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Day pass prices
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Hours & busy times
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Apparel & hoodies
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Powerlifting area
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NPC shows hosted there
It is considered one of the best hardcore gyms in America.
NPC Shows, Events & Competitions (2024–2025)
Bev and Steve organize major competitions through NPC Northeast, including:
⭐ NPC Bev Francis Atlantic States Championships
⭐ NPC Bev Francis Atlantic States (2024–2025)
⭐ NPC Northeast schedule
⭐ NPC Bev Francis Universe qualifiers
These shows are staples of the NPC calendar.
