Glen Head bodybuilder is inspiring women and racking up world titles

Maria Rita Penteado — “Rita” to her friends and clients — refuses to let age define her.

In fact, the Glen Head native seems to be aging like a fine, and very strong, wine.

Last month, the 41-year-old won her second consecutive title as IFBB Ben Weider Naturals Wellness Division World Champion in Virginia.

She earned her first professional world title at the same event in 2024.

Not bad for someone who started lifting weights at 15 back home in Brazil.

“My goal is to inspire women to keep a healthy lifestyle through the practice of physical activity and healthy eating,” Rita told Greater Long Island.

She trains seven days a week, mixing cardio and weight sessions at Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym in Syosset, where she also works full time as a trainer.

In her 20s, she won 10 amateur titles before stepping away from competition.

“In 2017 I stepped away from Women’s Physique because the look the division was going in no longer aligned with my personal goals,” she said. “My desire shifted from being as ripped and muscular as I could be to looking younger and more feminine.”

A few years later, she reinvented herself in the Wellness Division — a category celebrated for its balance of muscle and femininity.

“I came back with a new look that aligned with my personal goals,” Rita said. “I look younger now at 41 than I did at 33, and I’m very proud of that. That is my lifestyle and it’s how I live my life.”

Next November, she’ll aim to become the first-ever three-time Ben Weider Champion.

She’s also currently the only 2026 Olympia–qualified athlete from Long Island in any category, male or female.

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Top: The above photo of Maria Rita Penteado was used with permissions. Credit: Battle Up Productions. Note: The photo has been cropped for proper staging on greaterlongisland.com and on social media. The full image appears below.