One of the most famous female athletes
When discussing female athletes and feats of strength, one name frequently stands out, and that is Stefi Cohen. She is among the most prominent strength athletes today. Despite diversifying into sports such as boxing, this multi-world record holder boasts incredible lifts as well.
But who exactly is Stefanie Cohen? How did she rise to her current level, what has she achieved, and how did she become a social media sensation? Let’s explore the remarkable journey of Stefie Cohen.
Stefie Cohen Bio
Stefanie Cohen, often referred to as Stefi, is considered one of the strongest female powerlifters in the world. Pound for pound, many regard her as the strongest on the planet. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 28, 1992, Stefi emigrated to the USA at a young age to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional athlete and leaving behind a legacy. Stefi holds 25 world records in various exercises, making her achievements even more impressive.
Weighing only 121 lbs and standing 5 feet tall, Stefi is perhaps best known for her deadlifts. She deadlifted 501 lbs, lifting more than four times her body weight—an unparalleled feat. Despite her numerous achievements, Stefi is always looking to aim higher and achieve more.
Stefi is a powerlifter, weightlifter, boxer, and doctor of physical therapy, showcasing her diverse talents and dedication.
Early Life
Stefi was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, as an only child to a lawyer father and a tailor mother. From a young age, she was very active, playing soccer, tennis, and running. Her family moved to the United States when she was in high school, where she continued to excel in soccer and joined the school team.
At 16, Stefi began going to the gym to stay in shape for soccer, developing a lean and muscular physique. Her passion for training soon surpassed her love for soccer. Stefi later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and Physiology and became a recognized strength and conditioning coach in 2016. By 2018, she was a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Stefi’s athletic prowess extended to the Venezuela National Soccer Team’s under-17 squad, where she played from 2006 to 2009. However, her passion for weightlifting grew stronger, leading her to significant achievements in powerlifting.
Achievements
Stefi holds two major powerlifting records: the American Powerlifting Association Deadlift World Record of 402 lbs and the Total World Record of 900 lbs. Despite weighing only 121 lbs, her deadlift of 501 lbs with straps remains a significant record. Stefi’s impressive physique and strength make her stand out in the fitness community.
Stefi Cohen Scandal
In November 2023, a scandal erupted involving Stefi Cohen. Her former boyfriend and his current girlfriend reported to the police that Cohen had accessed his laptop, logged into his iCloud account, and retrieved nude photos of his girlfriend. Allegedly, Stefi leaked these photos to humiliate her. On May 28, 2024, Miami-Dade Police arrested Cohen in Coconut Grove, Miami. She was granted a $3,300 bond and ordered to stay away from her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend.
Social Media Presence
Stefi Cohen has leveraged social media to share fitness and powerlifting tips, amassing 1 million followers on Instagram. Her content includes motivational photos, training footage, and diet information. She also uses Facebook and YouTube to share similar content.
Stefi Cohen Training and Diet
Stefi’s training has evolved as she has transitioned into boxing. Her regimen includes circuit training, weightlifting, and various exercises to improve endurance, speed, and power. Stefi describes her training style as a hybrid, combining elements of bodybuilding, weightlifting, and powerlifting.
Diet is crucial to Stefi’s success. She maintains a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. She supplements her diet with fish oil for the Omega-3s, multivitamins, and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, staying hydrated with mineral water.
The Importance of Rest
Stefi emphasizes the importance of rest in her training routine. Initially, she trained intensely without adequate recovery, leading to chronic lower back pain. Learning from this experience, she now prioritizes rest to help her body recover and grow.
Stefi Cohen’s journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional strength, both physically and mentally. Her story continues to inspire many in the world of fitness and beyond.
The Road to Boxing
Transitioning from powerlifting to boxing is no small feat. Stefi’s interest in boxing was piqued by the rise of celebrity boxing matches, where personalities like Logan Paul, KSI, and Jake Paul have made headlines. Inspired by this trend, Stefi decided to step into the ring.
Boxing requires a different kind of training and mental discipline compared to powerlifting. Stefi has adapted her training regimen to include more cardio, agility drills, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Her goal is to build not just strength, but also speed, endurance, and tactical skills required for boxing.
Hybrid Training Methodology
Stefi’s hybrid training approach is innovative and comprehensive. She combines various training styles to create a well-rounded fitness program. Here are some key components of her training:
- Weightlifting: Stefi continues to lift heavy weights, focusing on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
- Circuit Training: This helps improve her cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance. Circuit training sessions often include a mix of bodyweight exercises, kettlebell swings, and plyometrics.
- Olympic Lifts: Stefi incorporates Olympic lifting to enhance her explosive power and full-body strength.
- Bodybuilding Routines: To maintain her muscular physique, Stefi follows bodybuilding routines that focus on muscle hypertrophy.
- Cardio: Essential for boxing, Stefi includes running, cycling, and rowing in her training to boost her stamina.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Stretching and mobility exercises are crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining her body’s range of motion.
Challenges and Controversies
Stefi Cohen’s journey has not been without its challenges and controversies. The recent scandal involving her ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend has cast a shadow over her illustrious career. However, Stefi has faced adversities before and has always emerged stronger. This latest incident has been a test of her resilience and character.
Despite the negative publicity, Stefi continues to focus on her goals and her passion for fitness. She addresses her followers directly through social media, using the platform to share her side of the story and maintain a connection with her supporters.
Mental Toughness and Motivation
Stefi Cohen’s mental toughness is a significant part of her success. She frequently shares motivational content, emphasizing the importance of mindset in achieving one’s goals. Stefi believes that mental strength is as important as physical strength, and she works on developing both.
Her philosophy is to stay positive, focused, and persistent, no matter the obstacles. Stefi’s story is one of determination and perseverance, showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Stefi Cohen has ambitious plans. She aims to continue her boxing career and compete at higher levels. Stefi also wants to inspire more women to take up strength sports and break the stereotypes surrounding female athletes.
Stefi’s long-term goal is to build a legacy that goes beyond her personal achievements. She plans to launch fitness programs, write books, and hold seminars to educate and motivate others. Through her efforts, she hopes to make a lasting impact on the fitness industry and empower the next generation of athletes.
Stefi Cohen Wrap Up
Stefi Cohen’s journey from a young soccer player in Venezuela to a world-renowned strength athlete and aspiring boxer is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing challenges and controversies, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Her hybrid training methodology, mental toughness, and unwavering determination have made her a role model for many.
As Stefi continues to evolve and take on new challenges, her story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fitness enthusiasts around the world. Her message is clear: with hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset, you can achieve greatness. Stefi Cohen is not just lifting weights; she is lifting the standards of what is possible.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
