Franco Saldaña

About Franco

What got you interested in weight training?
When I was a child I was very fat and I hated my body.  Other children often made fun of me which caused childhood depression.  During middle school I decided to make a change in my life.

What got you interested in competing?
My mom used to compete many years ago, one day she invited me to workout with her.  After a few months of training I saw good results in my body and she continues to motivate me to compete naturally.

Was there an influential person/group that encouraged you to weight train or compete?
For sure my family always have supported me and they always give me motivation to be the best in what I do. Talking about bodybuilders Steve Reeves, Frank Zane, Bob Paris, Lee Labrada those physiques were pretty awesome.  In my opinion natural bodybuilders should be encouraged to strive for harmony and aesthetics.

Where do you currently train?
I normally workout in ¨La Loma Centro Deportivo¨ there is a big performance center and I really enjoyed training there.

How long have you been competing?
5 years

How many competitions have you entered?
I have competed 10 times.  1 WNBF Mexico competition and 1 INBF competition

What was your best placing and where?
1st place Junior Bodybuilding, Natural Cup WNBF Mexico
2nd place Junior Men’s Physique, Natural Cup WNBF Mexico
3rd place Junior Bodybuilding, INBF World Championships
3rd place Open Light Weight INBF World Championships

What is your most memorable moment competing so far?
For sure my most memorable moment was when I arrived in Boston, USA!  I am the first Mexican from the WNBF Mexico affiliate to compete in a WNBF International show.  I made a history in my country and I will work hard to continue making history for Mexico.

What is your most surprising moment competing so far?
I was really impressed when I obtained third place in an open category.  I saw pretty amazing physiques back stage and most of them were athletes over 35 years of age.  I was inspired that I almost won a competition being only 20 years old.

What was the best workout advice you received?
“Do not exist a impossible body, just exist incapable minds”.

What advice about fitness, health, etc. would you like to share with our readers?
In my general experience training I would say that it is very important to be properly fueled prior to weight training which provides necessary energy and assists in the recovery process.

What do you like most about the INBF/WNBF?
The WNBF is a big opportunity for all the natural athletes to stand out and can be professional, this federation is growing and I am sure that in a little time more and more countries will be involved with the WNBF.

What are your 2017/2018 competition goals? Long range goals?
I will strive for a Pro Card in the next event in Mexico in October.  My goals for this year are to obtain Bodybuilding and Men’s Physique Pro Card.  It would be a dream for me to arrive in LA as a professional athlete, and I will do my best to achieve it!

What does being an INBF amateur or WNBF Affiliate competitor mean to you?
Is somewhat that makes me feel very proud and happy, in the past I did not have a chance to compete in a natural federation. I always have wanted to compete naturally. I am proud to be a member of the INBF and WNBF Mexico.

FAVORITES:
• Exercise? Bench press and bicep curls.
• Cardio? Running
• Body Part (Yours)? Legs, arms, and abs.
• “Diet” Food? Beef, egg whites, rice.
• Non-Diet Food? Tacos, pizza and everything with chocolate!
• Non-Workout Activity(ies)? Video games.
• Sport? (Other than Bodybuilding, Figure, Bikini, Physique, or Fitness) I really enjoy watching soccer, I go to watch soccer games most weekends.
• College Sports Team? None
• Pro Sports Team? Club America

COMPETITION CAREER

Please list any competitions you have competed in as well as your placings.

2017 WNBF Mexico Natural Cup, Mexico City
• 1st Place Bodybuilding Junior
• 2 nd Place Mensphysique Junior

2017 INBF Worlds Championship, Boston
• 3rd Place Bodybuilding Junior
• 3rd Place Bodybuilding Open Light Weight

Please list any hobbies, special interests, or additional information that you would like to share:
I lived in Canada for 10 months, there is where I learned English. My favorite place in the world is Montreal, every time I have a chance I go there to visit my friends and have fun. I enjoy spending time with my family. I love traveling and sightseeing

Special Thanks

I wanted to thank my mom once again for all of her love, support, and encouragement to be involved in weight training and bodybuilding since I was young.  I also wanted to thank Mauricio, Cesar, and WNBF Mexico for providing me with an amazing opportunity to travel to the USA and to compete internationally against the best amateurs in the World!