Roxanna Cofrancesco, 2026 Class Pick
Mom of Five. Senior Advocate. Bodybuilder.
Roxanna Cofrancesco has raised five children, but don’t expect her to put her feet up now that they’ve left home. The former college athlete is taking the bodybuilding stage in her 50s, sharing fitness guidance with women in midlife and rediscovering date nights and scuba diving with her husband of 28 years. Between caring for her mother and helping seniors relocate through Changing Spaces, the Louisiana native keeps finding room to challenge herself, cheer others on and have a little fun along the way.
What did changing careers teach you?
When I tried to return to pharmaceutical sales, I was told I was ‘just an at-home mom.’ As if I’d been sitting on the sofa doing nothing! I was raising five kids, changing diapers and coaching soccer. After five interviews that went nowhere, I found my place at Changing Spaces. Now, I help seniors downsize, age in place or move, and I love it. Don’t let one no, or two nos, or even more tell you you’re not good enough. You are. Use the same skill set in a different way and redefine your direction.
What drew you to bodybuilding later in life?
After three knee surgeries, my first goal was getting my range of motion back. I started with yoga, stretching and light weightlifting. I built from there and ultimately found that bodybuilding gave me something I could do competitively again. There’s something about lifting weights, taking care of myself and making my meals I just love. I’ve always cooked for a family of seven, so meal prepping just for me is easy! Nutrition is a huge part of bodybuilding. People think diet is all about restriction, but when I’m cooking, I’m not thinking about what I can’t have; I’m thinking about what will fuel me to get where I want to go.
What do you hope to show women pursuing fitness after 50?
Your goal doesn’t have to be bodybuilding. It might be losing five pounds, feeling better or improving flexibility. Find what makes you feel good, listen to your body and adjust. Whether you need an accountability buddy or a place to start, I’d love to help along the way.
How has your definition of strength changed over time?
Losing a sibling unexpectedly at 17 taught me early on that strength is as much mental as it is physical. With age, it has also become about gratitude, recognizing the opportunities I have and making the most of each day. For me, that means continuing to challenge myself and staying open to learning. I’ve always loved medicine because it’s constantly evolving, and I find that same sense of purpose and possibility in my work with seniors. To me, strength looks like appreciating where you are while continuing to grow.
“Roxanna brings remarkable energy to everything she does, from raising five children and helping seniors to stepping onstage as a figure competitor in her 50s. —Suzanne Cypert, Colleague & Over 40 Partner
