Who is Betty Pariso? Chronicles of an Inspirational Fitness Figure

Betty Pariso is an influential figure within the bodybuilding industry. She demonstrated that women can be both strong and feminine, shattered age barriers in the sport, and inspired women of all ages.

She achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first woman over 40 to obtain professional status from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB). Her accomplishment demonstrated to women that it is possible to accomplish one's objectives regardless of age.

Early Life and Background​

Betty Pariso (born Betty Slade) was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, on January 29, 1956. She grew up on a farm, where she was physically active and led a healthful lifestyle. In high school, she participated in volleyball and track, which garnered the interest of university recruiters. Track, ping pong, and volleyball all contributed to her athletic prowess.

She worked as a minister's wife and part-time model in her youth. Pariso's first introduction to the world of fitness and bodybuilding came in her early 30s. She wanted to add some muscle to her physique, so she trained with weights and eventually fell in love with what she was doing.

The Rise of a Bodybuilding Legend​

Betty's transition into competitive bodybuilding represented a momentous milestone in her journey. In 1988, Pariso initiated her participation in amateur bodybuilding competitions. She ascended rapidly through the rankings and, at the age of 40, was awarded professional status by the IFBB in 1996. She became the oldest woman in IFBB Pro history to obtain a card.

Betty's primary objective as a professional competitor was to ensure victory at a pro show by being the sole competitor aged fifty or older. She has achieved remarkable success as a professional female bodybuilder, placing in the top six of nearly every competition she has participated in.

Her victory in the heavyweight division of the Jan Tana Classic in 2001 marked her first victory as a professional. At 53, Pariso achieved professional triumph by winning the Tampa Pro title in 2009. She ceased her bodybuilding career at the age of 54 in 2010.

Achievements and Titles​

A remarkable list of major titles, awards, and significant milestones marks Betty Pariso's journey in bodybuilding and fitness. Her dedication and hard work have earned her recognition on prestigious platforms and events. Here are some of her notable competitions per year:

• 1992 Lee Labrata - 1st
• 1993 Lone Star - 1st
• 1994 NPC Junior Nationals - 1st (MW)
• 1995 NPC USA Championships - 3rd (HW)
• 1996 NPC Nationals - 1st (HW)
• 1998 IFBB Jan Tana Pro Classic - 5th
• 1999 IFBB Jan Tana Pro Classic - 4th
• 1999 IFBB Pro Extravaganza - 4th
• 1999 IFBB World Pro Championships - 5th
• 2000 IFBB Jan Tana Pro Classic - 2nd (HW)
• 2001 IFBB Jan Tana Pro Classic - 1st (HW)
• 2001 IFBB Ms. International - 5th (HW)
• 2001 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 6th (HW)
• 2002 IFBB Jan Tana Pro Classic - 2nd (HW)
• 2003 IFBB Ms. International - 2nd (HW)
• 2004 IFBB Night of Champions - 2nd (HW)
• 2004 IFBB Show of Strength Pro Championship - 2nd (HW)
• 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia - 4th (HW)
• 2005 IFBB Ms. International - 3rd (HW)
• 2006 IFBB Ms. International - 5th
• 2007 IFBB Ms. International - 5th
• 2008 IFBB Ms. International - 4th
• 2009 IFBB New York Pro Championships - 2nd
• 2009 IFBB Tampa Bay Pro - 1st
• 2010 IFBB Phoenix Pro - 2nd

She frequently joined Ms. Olympia and Ms. International but needed a title. However, landing in the top spots in the competitions is a significant achievement, especially at her age.

Her Training Regimen​

The primary objectives of Betty Pariso's training regimen were strength and muscle development. She engaged in weight training four times weekly, performing 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions per exercise. She uses her three days off to do things outside of the gym.

Betty also does cardio 4 to 6 days a week. However, she does not consider this as part of her gym routine. She enjoys cardio exercises outdoors if the weather permits.
One of Betty's favorite training techniques is descending sets. This technique involves starting with a challenging weight that allows her to complete all her repetitions well. Once she reaches failure, she reduces the weight by 10-20% and performs another set. She continues to reduce the weight and perform sets until she can no longer complete any repetitions with good form.

Another training technique that Pariso utilized was resistance training. It is effective for building her muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Because of her routine, she was able to build a muscular and well-proportioned physique, and she was able to compete at a high level until she retired at the age of 54.

She loves working on her lats, rhomboids, and traps with bent-over rows, v-bar pulldowns, and chins. For her biceps, she performs bicep curls at her comfortable weight.

Diet and Supplementation​

Betty maintained a healthy and clean diet. She focused on eating whole, unprocessed foods and avoided sugary drinks and processed foods. A part of her daily meal is plenty of protein from lean chicken, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and legumes. Like a typical bodybuilder, she completes her meals with complex carbohydrates and moderate amounts of healthy fats.

Aside from her meals, Betty also supports her diet with supplementation. Whey protein ensures that she meets her daily protein requirements, especially during intense training. Creatine helps her body produce energy and increase muscle mass and strength. Multivitamins give her all the necessary vitamins and minerals that help cover any potential nutritional gaps in her diet.

The Legacy and Influence​

The bodybuilding career of Betty Pariso was an icon of motivation for many female athletes. By challenging prevailing gender norms in a sport that men primarily dominate, she demonstrated that perseverance and commitment transcend gender and age restrictions.

She started training clients in 1989. To feel and appear fit, all she has learned and developed thus far has centered on consistency, moderation, and living a wholesome lifestyle. Her programs focus on enduringly effective principles instead of novelty diets that yield temporary outcomes.

As someone who wants to change lives, she only trains people who understand the necessity of lifestyle change. She believes being healthy and fit can make an individual feel young. Betty does not only change an individual's physical appearance. She also improves their way of living.

Her firsthand experience, knowledge, and insights into the challenges and triumphs of bodybuilding made her an invaluable mentor.

Media, Publications, and Public Image​

Betty Pariso is a well-respected figure in the world of bodybuilding. She is known for her accomplishments, positive attitude, and willingness to help others. Her appearance in numerous magazines and websites, including Muscle & Fitness, Flex, and many others, has inspired many women.

She shared her journey, training philosophy, and personal challenges with audiences from her interviews in media outlets, including CNN, ESPN, and The New York Times.

Fans appreciate her authenticity, approachability, and her ability to connect with them on a personal level. Her tenacity, longevity in the sport, and willingness to mentor and guide emerging talents have made her a respected figure in the community.

Life Beyond the Stage​

Betty Pariso is a well-rounded individual with an entire life outside of bodybuilding. She is married to Ed Pariso and has two children. In her social media posts, Betty loves spending her free time with her grandchildren in cinemas, baseball games, and vacations. Though she's already out of the limelight, she still attends bodybuilding competitions to present awards.
She also shares her knowledge of stage presence and flexing techniques showing body symmetry. Betty shares her workout tips in videos on achieving muscle definition and detail.

She spends her time in the pool or riding the motorcycle on weekends. Betty also owns a Vanderhall Carmell, which she uses around town or on a road trip.

Conclusion​

Betty Pariso's significance in the world of bodybuilding is immeasurable. She is a role model for all women who want to achieve their goals, regardless of age or background. Her extraordinary bodybuilding journey, long list of accomplishments, and advocacy for fitness have significantly transformed the bodybuilding industry. She is a living testament to the power of dedication and hard work.

Future generations can learn invaluable lessons from Betty Pariso's journey. Her achievements teach that everyone can achieve even the most challenging goals with dedication and determination. Individuals can learn that it is essential to never give up on their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions​

How did Betty Pariso influence female bodybuilding?

She broke down age barriers. She was the first woman over 40 to earn an IFBB Pro card, and she competed at a high level until she retired at 54. Beyond her success, she actively mentored and supported those who wanted a lifestyle change and improvement in their bodies.

Have there been any documentaries or notable interviews featuring Betty Pariso?

Betty's interviews with NPC during events have allowed her to discuss her experiences and training philosophy. It has reached a lot of audiences who look up to her. She showed women that they can be strong and beautiful simultaneously.

What did Betty Pariso do after her professional bodybuilding career?

Her public engagement persisted through interviews and appearances at fitness competitions. As the NPC Texas Chairman, Betty and her husband continue to host fitness activities, such as competitor workshops and bodybuilding contests.