BodyBuildingBros
Subscribe

Image credits: Official @rafael_vera_d on Instagram

Jul 4, 2026, 3:13 AM CUT

81-year-old bodybuilder Rafael Vera Diaz shows back muscles as fans react to his current shape

At 81, Rafael Vera Diaz, Spanish bodybuilder and three-time World Champion, continues to impress fans well into his 80s. Diaz took to Instagram to post a workout video of himself on July 2, 2026, flexing his back muscles and incredible physique. Fans were quick to fill the comments section with love and praise for the champion.

The Instagram video highlights Diaz performing the machine reverse fly. The workout is excellent for his rear deltoids, rotator cuff, lower and middle traps, and rhomboids. Consistently performing it can build thicker, more defined rear shoulders. Moreover, it enhances shoulder stability and improves posture.

The original post, captioned “hacia delante. No te puedes rendir!!” in Spanish, translates to “Ready to keep putting in the work and always looking forward. Never give up!"

@rafael_vera_d via Instagram

Diaz’s message on the Instagram post is simple: Keep working hard and maintain a positive outlook towards life and its various challenges.

This isn’t the first time Diaz has posted motivational words for his followers. He has personally faced many challenges in his life and career, and now, at 81, continues to train hard. His impressive physique is proof of his unrelenting training and “never give up” mindset.

Fans are thoroughly impressed after seeing Rafael Vera Diaz’s back muscles

It didn’t take long for fans to show their love and respect for the Spanish bodybuilder. Within a day, his Instagram post has almost 1,000 likes and several appreciative comments.

One fan wrote, “¡Esa es la actitud, Sr. Vera 👏🏼💪🏼😘,” translating to That’s the spirit, Mr. Vera, from Spanish. It was great to see Diaz replying to the comment personally, saying “Gracias 😘,” or “Thank you.”

Fans and fellow bodybuilders often appreciate Diaz for his relentless discipline towards training and his positive mindset. At 81, he is nothing short of an incredible inspiration.

Another fan commented on his post, calling him a “Pure inspiration,” to which Diaz quickly replied, saying, “Gracias amigo,” or “thank you, friend”.

Shortly after, we can see a fan comparing Diaz to bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. The comment read, “Arnold, mejor que Arnold, te pasaste,” translating to “Arnold, even better than Arnold- you’ve outdone yourself!”

For most, Schwarzenegger is the epitome of aesthetics and bodybuilding standards. Comparing Diaz at 81 is one of the greatest compliments he could receive.

Another commentator jokingly said, “Cobra trocando de pele 😂😂😂”, translating to “a snake shedding its skin”. The comment implies how tight his muscles and skin look, appearing completely well-defined, as if a new layer has been revealed beneath, like a snake.

Several other fans simply showed their appreciation for Diaz in the form of emojis, commenting, “🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,” or “👍👍👍💪💪💪”.

The world definitely has a lot to learn from Diaz. His Instagram posts not only highlight his bodybuilding journey but also his positivity and inspirational mindset.

What do you think of Diaz’s physique and back muscles at his age?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi