Flexing at fifty: how Crystal Smarr is Redefining Fitness in St. Pete

At nearly 56 years old, Crystal Smarr persists in redefining strength and inclusivity in the fitness world. Born in Atlanta but raised in St. Petersburg FL, Crystal is a seasoned bodybuilder, personal trainer, and co-owner of Beach Bods Gym on St. Pete Beach (6706 Gulf Blvd).

Before stepping into the world of bodybuilding, Crystal worked as a bartender at Hooters for many years. “I always enjoyed working out and training, but it wasn’t until my mid-30s that I considered competing,” she shares. At 36, she made the leap into bodybuilding and entered her first show.

Her transition into bodybuilding wasn’t easy, especially as a woman in her age group. “Most women in this sport are much younger and have the genetics to build muscle quickly. It takes years to develop that kind of physique.” After her first show, she took a three-year break to let her body recover, but she came back stronger and more determined. As social media gained popularity, bodybuilding grew in visibility, and Crystal became part of this evolving movement.

Opening Beach Bods Gym: A Dream Realized

Crystal’s passion for fitness and bodybuilding naturally led her to own a gym, a dream that became a reality when she and her ex-husband bought “Beach Bods.” “We were longtime members, and it always felt like home,” Crystal recalls. “It’s small, filled with locals, and everyone knows each other. We tried to buy it once before, but it didn’t work out. Then, during COVID, the owner decided he no longer wanted to run it. When it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

Opening Beach Bods was not just about fulfilling a dream, but also about giving back to the community that had supported her. Early in her bodybuilding career, the gym had sponsored her first few shows, covering the high costs of competing. “Bodybuilding is expensive, especially for women. The suits alone cost between $500 and $2,000, plus special heels, jewelry, spray tans, makeup, entry fees, and even federation memberships.”

Today, Beach Bods is a no-frills, old-school gym where locals come to work out, free from the distractions of commercial fitness centers. “We’re not like Crunch or Planet Fitness, where people sit on machines and stay on their phones for hours. This is a place for serious fitness enthusiasts.”

Inclusivity in Fitness

As a Black woman and an older bodybuilder, Crystal has faced her share of challenges in the fitness industry, which can often feel exclusive. This experience has fueled her mission to create a more inclusive environment at Beach Bods. “There aren’t a lot of Black women in bodybuilding, but I welcome everyone here, regardless of their background or experience,” she says.

Crystal also strives to make her gym feel approachable, especially for women who might feel intimidated in a fitness setting. “I hear it all the time—‘everyone is going to stare at me, or I’ll look like a man.’ I always tell my clients, ‘A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.’ Even 20 minutes of working out is better than not doing it at all.”

The Future of Beach Bods

Looking ahead, Crystal is determined to turn professional as a bodybuilder—a challenging feat, but one she believes is achievable.

As she nears her 56th birthday, Crystal Smarr proves that age is just a number. Through her work at Beach Bods, she is transforming not only her own life but also inspiring her community, empowering others to view fitness as an attainable goal, no matter their starting point.