Franco Columbu Bodybuilder

Columbu was born on August 7, 1941 in Ollolai, Sardinia Italy. Although Franco started his athletic career training and competing as a boxer, he progressed from boxing into Olympic Weightlifting, then powerlifting and finally ended with a very successful career in bodybuilding.

Franco Columbu was a natural athlete and used to do a show calling himself "the Sardinian Strongman" where he would tear telephone books and bend steel pipes. Franco Columbu Powerlifting: His solid frame of only 5'5" and weighing around 185lbs could deadlift 750lbs and squat will over 650lbs, with a 400lbs clean and jerk and a 500lbs bench-press, Franco was solid strength.

Franco Columbu met Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1965 in Munich when they competed together, they ended up being friends for life, both winning Mr. Olympia more than once. Franco came into his own when he started bodybuilding because he became a gifted poser on the bodybuilding daises after he excelled at both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting.

When Franco flew over to America with Arnold in 1969 he had already started acting in movies and over the next four decades acted in well over 20 movies. Franco Colombu qualified and practiced as a chiropractor in 1977 studying at Cleveland Chiropractic College.

Besides his success at making movies and working as a chiropractor Franco was a natural bodybuilder that competed for over 20 years winning the NABBA Mr. Universe tile in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 and the IFBB Mr. Europe in 1969 and the IFBB Mr. World 1970 before winning Mr. Olympia in 1974, 1975, 1976 and then again in 1981.

Franco Columbu Workout Routine

Just like his training partner Franco and Arnold would train hard and heavy using plenty of volume. Franco would train at least four times a week using a cycle where he would only reach the point of failure in his training once a week. The back workout routine listed below is what Franco would do on his easy day:

1. Wide-grip chins: 5 X 10 reps
2. Seated cable rows: 4 X 8 reps
3. T-bar rows: 4 X 8 reps
4. Barbell rows: 4 X 8 reps
5. Deadlifts: 4 X 6-10 reps

Franco Columbu Workout Diet Plan

Franco was a big believer in natural whole foods, his diet plan included whole eggs, fish, chicken, lamb, liver, milk, yogurt, fresh raw vegetable salads and whole grains like granola.

He also learned about the importance of milk & egg protein and amino acid supplementation for building muscle mass from Rheo Blair when he first arrived in California.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, supplement or exercise program. Individuals differ in response to supplements and so will results.