Interview with Argentinian Champ Fernando Balsari

LA Muscle recently met up with one of South America's best known bodybuilders, Fernando Balsari. Interview by Franco, photos taken in Argentina & Brasil. LA Muscle photos taken at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Rio De Janeiro, Brasil. LA Muscle wishes to thannk the Sheraton for their assistance. Posing with Fernando: Argentinian Model Evelin Mason.

My full name is Fernando Balsari

I was born on August 8,1964, in Buenos Aires, Argentina

When I was 18 years old I started to get to know what bodybuilding was about. However, until 2 years ago, I would go to a gym for a short period and then quit for one or two years, train on vacations and then quit during the year. Only two years ago did I start to train periodically and go to the gym and follow a muscular group weekly training on a steady basis. I really started taking it seriously at the beginning of 2002 because I wanted to see a change in my body and also because I love sports in general.

I'm currently training at the "Steel and Blood" gym which not only has excellent machines, but also good availability. It is staffed with a group of outstanding professionals from body building federations, such as IFBB Argentina, CBA Argentina, WABBA Argentina, etc. Many of them have been Argentine and South American champions and also work as personal trainers. "Steel and Blood" is located at Av. Cabildo 820 Belgrano Area, city of Buenos Aires.

Personally, I get them in USA, but usually they are difficult to get and extremely expensive. That's why many people resort to national products, which are cheaper, of poor quality and, obviously, do not yield the necessary results. Serious trainers know which products to use, of which brand and which is the best choice and that is what they choose.

Especially in Argentina, you can notice it has become very fashionable to be in good shape and this has led the market of these products to grow and I believe it will keep on growing significantly. Then, you can see that people are using these products more and more as a worthy option to get the desired results.

As basic supplementation, BCAA amino acids, multivitamin and whey Protein. Additionally, creatine/glutamate planning and prohormone complexes.

I love my arms and calves. I don't think I have any really weak part, just because of training. My quadriceps do not match my calves. (Actually, I would like to have bigger and more uplifted shoulders).

My favourite exercise is the back because it gives me a feeling of bigness and growth. For instance, when working my back in low rowing, my arms burst out. The same happens in back pull up.

Off-season, 4 times a week or the number of days necessary to complete all the muscular groups.

Always stretch and warm up before exercises

Day Exercises Sets Reps Maximum Weight

1. Chest, tricpes, abs 4 8 Yes
2. Back, forearms, 45 minutes Aerobics 4 8 Yes
3. Shoulders, biceps, abs 4 8 Yes
4. Legs. 45 minutes Aerobics 4 8 Yes

Basically 70% is protein-based balanced with 30% carbs, like whole rice and fresh vegetables and oat. Usually I workout in the evenings from 6 to 7 pm. 6 meals a day.

• 1st proteins 70%, carb. 30%
• 2nd. Proteins 70%, carb. 30%
• 3rd. (midday) 50% proteins, 50% carbs
• 4th. 70% proteins, carb. 30%
• 5th Before workout. 50% proteins, 50% carb
• 6th 90% protein, 10% carbs
• and at least 6 litres of water per day
• No sugar or sweets
• Minimum sodium
• Minimum fat
• No alcohol ever

My motivation is to make my body look really well and to progress every day, growing in accordance to my effort. My motto in the gym is to finish each training day feeling satisfied with what I have done.

In June 15, 2002, in Argentina IFBB Championship Classic: First place in the up to 65 kg category and 2nd place in the overall. On December 8, 2003, Argentino Clausura – IFBB Championship: 3rd place in the up to 65 kg category. This is the most important tournament of the year in Argentina.

There are several tournaments during the year and of several federations. They award prizes and only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd receive money. In many cases, such prizes are enough only to pay for nutrition expenses. Only at the most important one, the Argentino Clausura tournament, to which athletes from all over the country come, are the prizes actually significant and really good money can be earned.

To develop myself as a professional, participate in international tournaments and make it profitable. My next goal is the South American tournament which will be carried out in Venezuela, in Oct, 2003. Athletes from all over South America participate in this mega-tournament.

I would like to get sponsors and publicity. Also to teach to new generations of athletes how to make progress by means of nutrition and methods of training. On the other hand, I would like to represent some international nutritional product trademark.