Any physique competitor with three Bikini Olympia titles and two Bikini International (Arnold Classic) wins to their credit should be considered one of the best to ever step onto the stage. For Ashley Kaltwasser, that’s just a fraction of the accomplishments on her world-beating resume.
Kaltwasser has been a consistent threat at the top of her division since she first debuted back in 2011. And since then, she hasn’t just established herself as one of the G.O.A.T.s of her division — you can argue she’s one of the most successful physique competitors of all time. Take a closer look at her incredible career below.
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Early Career
Ashley Kaltwasser was born on November 22, 1988, in Akron, OH. Growing up, she was involved with gymnastics as well as track and field before her former high school coach suggested she move into physique competitions. In 2011, Kaltwasser made her stage debut with a victory at the NPC Natural Northern USA Championships.
The following year, she notched a trademark win at the 2012 Rock Star Bikini contest at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH. Later that year, she earned her pro card at the National Physique Committee Team Universe contest and made her pro debut at the 2012 Houston Pro, where she placed fifth. Her breakout year came in 2013 when she won the first of her three Bikini Olympia titles.
Ashley Kaltwasser’s Contest History
Kaltwasser is best known for winning the most IFBB Pro League shows in history, with 41 victories as of August 2023. That is the most for any athlete, male or female, in any division. The next closest to her is 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson, who has 29 pro wins to his credit.
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The following contest list was put together with records from NPC News Online, Muscle & Fitness, and Evolution of Bodybuilding. It still may not be a complete record of all the shows she competed in, but all 41 victories (as of August 2023) are accounted for.
2012
- Houston Pro — 5th place
2013
- Bikini International — 10th place
- Europa Show of Champions — 2nd place
- Pittsburgh Pro — 2nd place
- Powerhouse Classic — 1st place
- New York Pro — 2nd place
- Toronto Pro — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 1st place
- Sheru Classic — 1st place
2014
- Bikini International — 1st place
- Australian Grand Prix — 1st place
- New Zealand Pro — 1st place
- New York Pro — 2nd place
- Toronto Pro — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 1st place
- Korea Grand Prix — 1st place
- Russia Pro — 1st place
2015
- Bikini International — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 1st place
- Nordic Pro — 1st place
2016
- Bikini Olympia — 4th place
2018
- Mile High Pro — 1st place
- Vancouver Pro — 1st place
- Battle of the Desert — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 5th place
2019
- Bikini International — 3rd place
- Battle at the Falls — 3rd place
- Mile High Pro — 1st place
- Northern California Pro — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 6th place
- Powerhouse Classic — 3rd place
2020
- World Klash Pro — 1st place
- Pacific USA Pro — 1st place
- Tahoe Show — 2nd place
- Battle in the Desert — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 7th place
2021
- World Klash Pro — 3rd place
- Wasatch Warrior Pro — 1st place
- Pittsburgh Pro — 1st place
- California Night of Champions — 1st place
- New York Pro — 2nd place
- Mile High Pro —1st place
- Clash of the Titanz — 1st place
- Patriots Challenge Pro — 1st place
- Texas Pro — 1st place
- Tahoe Show — 2nd place
- Bikini International — 4th place
- Bikini Olympia — 3rd place
- Romania Muscle Fest Pro — 1st place
- Bigman Weekend Pro — 2nd place
2022
- Legends Pro — 1st place
- Bikini International — 3rd place
- Golden State Pro — 1st place
- Wasatch Warrior Pro — 1st place
- Pittsburgh Pro — 2nd place
- Toronto Pro — 1st place
- Mile High Pro — 2nd place
- Patriots Challenge Pro — 2nd place
- Sasquatch Pro — 1st place
- Arnold Classic UK — 1st place
- Nevada State Pro — 1st place
- Bikini Olympia — 3rd place
2023*
- Bikini International — 4th place
- Pittsburgh Pro — 2nd place
- Nevada State Pro — 1st place
- Mile High Pro — 1st place
- Patriots Challenge Pro — 1st place
- Vancouver Pro — 1st place
* As of August 2023
Kaltwasser’s Training Style and Workouts
High volume is the name of the game for Kaltwasser, with some muscle groups earning well over 20 sets in a single training session. This style is important for her division, where she needs to tout a leaner, more streamlined physique that doesn’t overwhelm in any one area. Her muscles need to be developed but not too developed, leading to a tough balancing act when it comes to workouts and nutrition.
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In the video above, you can see the excruciating detail that Kaltwasser puts into her training as she shows off her go-to back exercises during contest prep. If you’re up for the challenge, you can also follow along by using the back workout she provided:
- Straight-Arm Lat Pulldown: 3 x 15-20
- Single-Arm Kneeling High Cable Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
- Plate-Loaded Pullover: 3 x 10-12
- Modified Single-Arm Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
- Undergip Machine Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
- Close-Grip Lat Pulldown: 3 x 10-12
- Wide-Grip High Row: 3 x 10-12
- Low-Grip Machine Row: 3 x 10-12
Her ability to stay near contest shape year-round, along with her consistent diet, is why she’s able to compete as frequently as she does. Most athletes don’t compete more than five times in a year. Kaltwasser has done as many as 14 shows in one season (2021).
Social Media and Business Ventures
Like many other champions, Kaltwasser is active on social media. As of August 2023, she has 1 million followers on Instagram, 705,000 more on Facebook, over 45,000 on TikTok, 41,000-plus on X (formerly Twitter), and over 67,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel. She posts regularly on all those platforms, including workout videos and fan Q&As.
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Beyond the stage, she works in the fitness industry as an athlete spokesperson and model. Among the groups she works with as of 2023 are Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Angel Competition Bikinis, Trifecta, and Buff Bunny Collection sportswear. She’s also actively coaching athletes and clients.
Kaltwasser’s Future
In bodybuilding, competing for over a decade is worth a tip of the cap. Kaltwasser is in her 11th year as a pro, but she’s only in her mid-30s. Realistically, she could compete for another decade and, eventually, might become the only pro with over 50 wins to her credit. Even if she doesn’t wind up hitting that mark, her place in bodybuilding history is secure.
Featured Image: @musclecontest on Instagram
