Top 10 Best Male Bodybuilders and Female Bodybuilders

Les Listes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

For many people, the body builder shape is the epitome of human body’s potential. Many times, body builders look to be carved from stone. To reach these heights, the male body builders and female body builders need to dedicate their lives to their craft. This includes years of proper nutrition, diet, and training. Check out below for the top 10 best male bodybuilders and female body builders.

#10: Flex Wheeler

Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler, born August 23, 1965, is one of the best male bodybuilders in body building history. Wheeler was mainly active in the 80s and 90s.^[1]Greatest Physiques – KENNETH FLEX WHEELER

Flex is an iconic male bodybuilder. Within the body building community he is an example of perfect aesthetics. Before Flex, only comic book artists could have dreamed up of such a perfect human specimen. In fact, even the greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman have said that Flex has one of “the most perfectly developed male body that has ever walked this earth.”^[2]Muscular Development – A STAR PROFILE | FLEX WHEELER – THE SULTAN OF SYMMETRY PART 1

However, what makes Flex Wheeler even greater is that he did this all in the face of a lot of personal hardship. This included being in a car crash that not only nearly ended his body building career, but also his life as well as having a rare kidney disease.

Stats

• Height: 5’7″
• Competition Weight: 275.5 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 240 lbs.
• Arm Size: 22 in.
• Leg Size: 31.5 in.
• Chest Size: 54.3 in.

Competition Highlights

• 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st)
• 1993 Mr. Olympia (2nd)
• 1993 Grand Prix France (1st)
• 1993 Grand Prix Germany (1st)
• 1995 Ironman Pro Invitational (1st)
• 1995 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (2nd)
• 1996 Ironman Pro Invitational (1st)
• 1996 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (2nd)
• 1997 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st)
• 1997 San Jose Pro Invitational (1st)
• 1998 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st)
• 1998 Mr. Olympia (2nd)
• 1999 Pro World (2nd)
• 1999 Mr. Olympia (2nd)
• 2000 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st)
• 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational (2nd)

#9: Lee Haney

Lee Haney, born November 11, 1959, is one of the best male bodybuilders in body building history. In fact, he shares the all time record for the most Mr. Olympia titles with Ronnie Coleman at eight.^[3]Lee Haney Haney was primarily active in the 80s and 90s.

Stats

• Height: 5’11.5″
• Competition Weight: 230-250 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 260 lbs.
• Arm Size: 21 in.
• Leg Size: 30 in.
• Calf Size: 20 in. 
• Chest Size: 56 in.
• Neck Size: 20 in. 
• Waist Size: 31.5 in. 

Competition Highlights

• 1979 Teen Mr. America
• 1979 Teen Mr. America Tall, 1st
• 1982 Junior Nationals Heavyweight & Overall, 1st
• 1982 Nationals Heavyweight & Overall, 1st
• 1983 Grand Prix Las Vegas, 1st
• 1983 Night of Champions, 1st
• 1984 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1985 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1986 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1987 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1987 Grand Prix Germany (II), 1st
• 1988 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1989 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1990 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 1991 Mr. Olympia, 1st

#8: Iris Kyle

Iris Floyd Kyle, born August 22, 1974, is one of the most famous female bodybuilders ever. In addition, she is not only the most successful female bodybuilder in history, she is the most successful body builder, male or female, ever. Kyle has won 10 Ms. Olympia titles as well as 7 Ms. International titles.^[4]IMBd – Iris Kyle

Stats

• Height: 5’7″
• Competition Weight: 157-165 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 175-180 lbs.

Competition Highlights

• 1994 NPC Long Beach Muscle Classic – 1st
• 1994 NPC Ironmaiden Championships – 2nd (MW)
• 1996 NPC USA Championships – 2nd
• 1998 NPC USA Championships – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 1999 IFBB Pro World Championship – 2nd
• 2001 IFBB Ms. International – 2nd (HW)
• 2001 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st (HW)
• 2002 IFBB Ms. International – 2nd (HW)
• 2002 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 2nd (HW)
• 2002 IFBB GNC Show of Strength – 2nd (HW)
• 2003 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 2nd (HW)
• 2004 IFBB Ms. International – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 2nd
• 2006 IFBB Ms. International – 1st
• 2006 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2007 IFBB Ms. International – 1st
• 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2008 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2009 IFBB Ms. International – 1st
• 2009 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2010 IFBB Ms. International – 1st
• 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2011 IFBB Ms. International – 1st
• 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2012 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2013 IFBB Ms. International – 1st
• 2013 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2014 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st

#7: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, born July 30, 1947, is one of the best known male bodybuilders and bodybuilding personalities ever. Schwarzenegger began lifting weights at the young age of 15.^[5]Evolution Bodybuilding – Arnold Schwarzenegger He was a natural. By the time he was 20, he had already one his first Mr. Universe title. However, Schwarzenegger didn’t stop there. Over his bodybuilding career, Schwarzenegger one the Mr. Olympia contest 7 times.

Afterwards, he used his success in bodybuilding to start a very successful movie career in famous movie franchises such as Terminator. In addition, he went on to become governor of California.

Despite his success in many other fields, many still consider Schwarzenegger to be one of the greatest bodybuilders ever. In fact, The Arnold Sports Festival, one of the best body building shows in the world, is name in his honor.

Stats

• Height: 6‘2″
• Competition Weight: 235 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 260 lbs.
• Arm Size: 22 in.
• Leg Size: 28.5 in.
• Calf Size: 20 in. 
• Chest Size: 57 in.
• Waist Size: 34 in. 

Competition Highlights

• 1965 Junior Mr. Europe – 1st
• 1966 Best Built Man of Europe – 1st
• 1966 Mr. Europe – 1st
• 1966 International Powerlifting Championship – 1st
• 1966 NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur – 2nd
• 1967 NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur – 1st
• 1968 NABBA Mr. Universe Professional – 1st
• 1968 German Powerlifting Championship – 1st
• 1968 IFBB Mr. International – 1st
• 1968 IFBB Mr. Universe – 2nd
• 1969 IFBB Mr. Universe Amateur – 1st
• 1969 NABBA Mr. Universe Professional – 1st
• 1969 Mr. Olympia – 2nd
• 1970 NABBA Mr. Universe Professional – 1st
• 1970 AAU Mr. World – 1st
• 1970 Mr. Olympia – 1st
• 1971 Mr. Olympia – 1st
• 1972 Mr. Olympia – 1st
• 1973 Mr. Olympia – 1st
• 1974 Mr. Olympia – 1st
• 1975 Mr. Olympia – 1st
• 1980 Mr. Olympia – 1st

#6: Yaxeni Oriquen

Yaxeni Oriquen, born born September 3, 1966, is one of the best female bodybuilders of all time. Oriquen has won the Ms. International title 4 times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2008) and the Ms. Olympia once in 2005.^[6]Total Pro Sports – 11 INCREDIBLY MUSCULAR FEMALE COMPETITIVE BODYBUILDERS In addition, she has been a consistent competitor placing highly in many competitions.

In addition, Yaxeni Orequen, is the most successful Venezuelan bodybuilder.

Stats

• Height: 5’7″
• Competition Weight: 170 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 190 lbs.

Competition Highlights

• 1993 Venezuelan Nationals – 1st
• 1993 Central American Championships – 1st
• 1999 Jan Tana Classic – 2nd
• 2001 Jan Tana Classic – 2nd (HW)
• 2002 Ms. International – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2002 GNC Show of Strength – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2003 Ms. International – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2004 Ms. International – 2nd (HW)
• 2004 GNC Show of Strength – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2004 IFBB Night of Champions – 1st (HW)
• 2005 Ms. International – 1st (HW and Overall)
• 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 1st
• 2007 Ms. International – 2nd
• 2008 Ms. International – 1st
• 2010 Phoenix Pro – 2nd
• 2010 Ms. International – 2nd
• 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 2nd
• 2011 Ms. International – 2nd
• 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 2nd
• 2012 Ms. International – 1st
• 2013 Ms. International – 2nd
• 2016 IFBB Omaha Pro – 2nd
• 2016 IFBB Lenda Murray Pro AM – 1st

#5: Kevin Levrone

Kevin Mark Levron, born July 16, 1964, is one of the most famous male bodybuilders ever. In fact, he is an IFBB Hall of Famer.^[7]Generation Iron – Kevin Levrone To Compete At 2018 Arnold Classic Australia

Levron’s career was mainly in the 90s. During this time, Levron competed in 68 IFBB Professional contests, winning 23 of them. This remained the record until Ronnie Coleman broke it in 2004.

Stats

• Height: 5’11”
• Competition Weight: 243-254 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 260 lbs.
• Arm Size: 24 in.
• Leg Size: 32 in. 
• Chest Size: 57 in.
• Waist Size: 29 in. 

Competition Highlights

• 1991 Nationals – NPC, Overall Winner
• 1992 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
• 1993 Grand Prix Germany, 1st
• 1994 Grand Prix France (2), 1st
• 1994 Arnold Classic, 1st
• 1995 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
• 1995 Grand Prix Spain, 1st
• 1996 Arnold Classic, 1st
• 1997 Grand Prix Germany, 1st
• 1998 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 1st
• 1999 Arnold Classic, 2nd
• 2000 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
• 2001 Grand Prix England, 1st
• 2002 Mr. Olympia, 2nd

#4: Ronnie Coleman

Ronnie Dean Coleman, born May 13, 1964, is one of the best male bodybuilders to ever live. Coleman was mainly active professionally in the 90s and 00s. During this time, he won the Mr. Olympia body building title 8 years in a row. In addition, he won, then a record, 26 IFB professional competitions.^[8]Men’s Health – Ronnie Coleman Is Still Hitting the Gym Despite Several Surgeries

Stats

• Height: 5’11”
• Competition Weight: 287-300 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 315-320 lbs.
• Arm Size: 22-24 in. 
• Chest Size: 60 in.

Competition Highlights

• 1990 Mr. Texas (Heavyweight & Overall)
• 1991 World Amateur Championships (Heavyweight)
• 1995 Canada Pro Cup
• 1996 Canada Pro Cup
• 1997 Grand Prix Russia
• 1998 Mr. Olympia
• 1999 Mr Olympia
• 2000 World Pro Championships
• 2000 Mr. Olympia
• 2001 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic
• 2001 Mr. Olympia
• 2001 New Zealand Grand Prix
• 2002 Mr. Olympia
• 2002 Grand Prix Holland
• 2003 Mr. Olympia
• 2003 Grand Prix Russia
• 2004 Mr. Olympia
• 2004 Grand Prix England
• 2005 Mr. Olympia
• 2006 Grand Prix Austria – IFBB, 2nd
• 2006 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 2nd

#3: Franc Zane

Frank Zane, born June 28, 1942, is one of the most famous male bodybuilders in history. During his career he one the Mr. Olympia title 3 times.^[9]Frank Zane

Due to his meticulous focus on proportion and symmetry, many people consider him to have one of the greatest bodies in professional bodybuilding.

Stats

• Height: 5’9″
• Competition Weight: 185 lbs.
• Off-season Weight: 200 lbs.
• Arm Size: 18 in.
• Leg Size: 26 in. 
• Calves: 17 in.
• Chest Size: 51 in.
• Waist Size: 29 in. 
• Neck: 17.5 in.
• Wrist: 6.5 in.
• Ankle: 8 in.

Competition Highlights

• 1962 Mr. Keystone (Winner)
• 1963 Mr. Keystone (2nd)
• 1965 Mr. Sunshine State (Winner)
• 1965 IFBB Mr. Universe (1st, Medium Height category)
• 1966 IFBB Mr. America (1st, Medium)
• 1967 IFBB Mr. America (1st, Medium)
• 1968 IFBB Mr. America (Winner)
• 1968 IFBB Mr. Universe (Winner)
• 1970 NABBA Mr. Universe (Winner)
• 1971 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe (1st, Short)
• 1972 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe (Winner)
• 1974 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Under 200 lbs, 2nd)
• 1976 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Under 200 lbs, 2nd)
• 1977 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Under 200 lbs & Overall Winner)
• 1978 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Under 200 lbs & Overall Winner)
• 1979 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Under 200 lbs & Overall Winner)
• 1982 IFBB Mr. Olympia (2nd)

#2: Franco Columbu

Francesco Columbu, born August 7, 1941, is not only one of the best male bodybuilders ever, but also one of the strongest. In fact, he competed in the World’s Strongest Man competition, getting in 5th place despite getting injured. At only 5 ft 5 in. tall, Columbu dominated both the body building and strength worlds in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Due to his incedible power and strength, Columbu had the nickname the Sardinian Samson.^[10]Greatest Physiques – FRANCO COLUMBO

Stats

• Height: 5’5″
• Competition Weight: 185-195 lbs.
• Arm Size: 19 in.
• Chest Size: 50 in.

Competition Highlights

• 1968: NABBA Mr. Universe (Most Muscular)
• 1969: IFBB Mr. Europe (Medium)
• 1969: NABBA Mr. Universe (Most Muscular)
• 1969: NABBA Mr. Universe (Short)
• 1969: IFBB Mr. Universe (Short)
• 1970: IFBB Mr. Europe (Short & Overall)
• 1970: AAU Mr. World (Pro Short)
• 1970: IFBB Mr. World (Short)
• 1970: IFBB Mr. Universe (Short & Overall)
• 1971: IFBB Mr. Universe (Short & Overall) *Disqualified for selling bodybuilding booklets – considered as a professional*
• 1971: IFBB Mr. World (Short & Overall)
• 1974 Mr. Olympia (Lightweight)
• 1975 Mr. Olympia (Lightweight)
• 1976 Mr. Olympia (Lightweight & Overall)
• 1981 Mr. Olympia

#1: Phil Heath

Phillip Jerrod “Phil” Heath, born December 18, 1979, is one of the best male bodybuilders of all time. Currently, he is the reigning Mr. Olympia and has one the title 7 times in a row from 2011 to 2017.^[11]Phil Heath – About He is currently tied with Arnold Schwarzenegger for total Mr. Olympia titles. As Heath is still competing, he still has a chance to pass male bodybuilders Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman at 8 each.

Stats

• Height: 5’9″
• Competition Weight: 245-255 lbs.
• Arm Size: 23 in.
• Chest Size: 54 in.
• Waist: 29 in.
• Legs: 32 in.
• Calves: 20 in.

Competition Highlights

• 2003 Northern Colorado State, Novice, Light-Heavyweight 1st and overall
• 2003 NPC Colorado State, Light-Heavyweight, 1st
• 2004 NPC Colorado State, Heavyweight, 1st and Overall
• 2005 NPC Junior Nationals, HeavyWeight, 1st and Overall
• 2005 NPC USA Championships, HeavyWeight, 1st and Overall
• 2006 Colorado Pro Championships, 1st
• 2006 New York Pro Championship, 1st
• 2008 IFBB Iron Man, 1st
• 2008 Arnold Classic, 2nd
• 2010 Arnold Classic, 2nd
• 2010 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
• 2011 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 2011 Sheru Classic, 1st
• 2012 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 2012 Sheru Classic, 1st
• 2013 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 2013 Arnold Classic Europe, 1st
• 2014 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 2015 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 2016 Mr. Olympia, 1st
• 2017 Mr. Olympia, 1st