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Title: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 17, 2019, 12:13:23 PM
(http://www.fitnessandpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/franco-columbu-chest.jpg)
Best pecs in history
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: dan18 on May 17, 2019, 12:17:55 PM
(http://www.fitnessandpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/franco-columbu-chest.jpg)
Best pecs in history
Stop it
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 17, 2019, 12:18:06 PM
Awesome physique.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: ratherbebig on May 17, 2019, 12:22:38 PM
nope.

(https://www.greatestphysiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sn3.jpg)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 17, 2019, 12:27:39 PM
Another awesome physique.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: TheShape. on May 17, 2019, 12:37:47 PM
He did really look great at one time
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 17, 2019, 05:07:07 PM
nope.

(https://www.greatestphysiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sn3.jpg)
No way. That guy was weak and pumped up with light weights. No density.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: robcguns on May 17, 2019, 06:10:15 PM
His pecs were crazy and they definitely smoke nubrets pecs
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: oldtimer1 on May 17, 2019, 06:20:53 PM
Arnold, "Hold my beer."
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: fredrollon on May 17, 2019, 07:49:21 PM
No way. That guy was weak and pumped up with light weights. No density.

Yup. Peak Columbu always impressed me more than, say, Padilla - at least in the photos we have.....

For contemporaries that actually saw both up-close ,it might have been a different matter (obviously_.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: ratherbebig on May 18, 2019, 01:11:05 AM
well if you by best mean best midget upper body

serge nubret 5'11
franco 5´5

he wouldve been great in the hobbit
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 18, 2019, 01:36:21 AM
I remember first seeing Franco as a kid on PI. Never saw anything like it. That chest. The way it split like that. I don't think anybody else ever had that look. He had a completely different look than Arnold. But for his "class" in his prime I thought he was the most impressive. Just so densely muscled. Very powerful looking. Very unique. That's what's missing today. BBers back in the day had their own unique look. Now they kind of all look the same. Freakier of course but not unique.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: oldtimer1 on May 18, 2019, 03:33:12 AM
I remember first seeing Franco as a kid on PI. Never saw anything like it. That chest. The way it split like that. I don't think anybody else ever had that look. He had a completely different look than Arnold. But for his "class" in his prime I thought he was the most impressive. Just so densely muscled. Very powerful looking. Very unique. That's what's missing today. BBers back in the day had their own unique look. Now they kind of all look the same. Freakier of course but not unique.

The bodybuilders of today look like bloated soft muscle. They all have the same bloat. No density. When they flex they appear to have some density but it disappears when they relax.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Dokey111 on May 18, 2019, 04:19:07 AM
Pound for pound, Franco was right there with Arnold
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: 13B-T on May 18, 2019, 05:16:19 AM
Reminds me a little of Roellys brother Quincy Winklaar.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 18, 2019, 03:28:23 PM
None of the top pros now have pecs like that
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: tres_taco_combo on May 18, 2019, 03:36:07 PM
bodybuilding is all subjective - which way we have the best threads on getbig.

its not like we are talking about 100m sprinters... that is a pretty comparison haha
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Griffith on May 19, 2019, 09:10:48 AM
None of the top pros now have pecs like that

Different training?
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: IroNat on May 19, 2019, 09:18:06 AM
(http://www.fitnessandpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/franco-columbu-chest.jpg)
Best pecs in history

Crazy pecs.

Not the best chest ever though.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The Scott on May 19, 2019, 09:50:21 AM
Different training?

Hard free weight training  with some cable work and Smif Machine stuff  along with genuine steroids and a real freakin' tan instead of that diarrhea in a bottle shit these "health conscious" ("OOOoooo...Too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer!") bloat babies use now produced physiques like Franco and Arnold.

I met Franco in '75.  Fantastic physique and a great sense of humor.  Strong but not an asshole about it at all.  If he had an "attitude" it was one of just being happy to be alive.  To me, the '70s was nearing the end of real bodybuilding.  These guys got off the stuff when there was no need for it.  Another great guy was Ken Waller. 
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: ratherbebig on May 19, 2019, 10:53:45 AM
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iIZOwt7HOs/Ue6fjoKsO3I/AAAAAAAAKcE/DhpRmXQqynE/s1600/Cedric-McMillan-2013-New-York-Pro+(6).jpg)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 20, 2019, 04:02:07 PM
Crazy pecs.

Not the best chest ever though.

Agreed
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Kwon on May 21, 2019, 04:05:21 AM
(http://www.fitnessandpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/franco-columbu-chest.jpg)
Best pecs in history
Please continue.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 21, 2019, 05:18:07 AM
Good post. Franco was impressive on stage and in the gym training.
Part of the reason most top pros look alike is a combination of near universal acess
of everything from drugs to training equipment.
Plus, as divisions were added like MPD and Classic, open bodybuilding is more about being a massive freak.

I don't have any personal experience with modern drug cycles, but I suspect insulin abuse makes guys appear bigger and less defined?

Franco was a very light user of steroids. He stayed natural nearly year round. Only used during the weeks leading up to a big contest.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 21, 2019, 12:01:43 PM
Good post. Franco was impressive on stage and in the gym training.
Part of the reason most top pros look alike is a combination of near universal acess
of everything from drugs to training equipment.
Plus, as divisions were added like MPD and Classic, open bodybuilding is more about being a massive freak.

I don't have any personal experience with modern drug cycles, but I suspect insulin abuse makes guys appear bigger and less defined?


Insulin equals less qaulity and more quantity.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: oldgolds on May 22, 2019, 07:08:40 AM
Franco was thick waisted and thick hipped which marred his physique.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 22, 2019, 07:36:23 AM
Franco was thick waisted and thick hipped which marred his physique.
Wrong. He was a multiple time Olympia winner.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: dan18 on May 22, 2019, 12:31:47 PM
Wrong. He was a multiple time Olympia winner.
That's because he was arnolds 1 boy
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 22, 2019, 04:04:03 PM
That's because he was arnolds 1 boy
Wrong.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 23, 2019, 03:23:48 PM
Franco did not have the beat upper body of all time
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 23, 2019, 03:56:40 PM
Franco did not have the beat upper body of all time
Who did?
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on May 23, 2019, 05:41:30 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Royalty on May 23, 2019, 06:24:58 PM
:)

He had thick pecs and a great rear lat spread

Down side: his arms were not big enough
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 23, 2019, 07:09:05 PM
Who did?

Maybe this fella on this particular day...?

Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 23, 2019, 07:13:57 PM
He had thick pecs and a great rear lat spread

Down side: his arms were not big enough
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d6/28/3b/d6283bf7a56941959a4a11959ac5cf86.jpg)
Yeah okay.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 23, 2019, 11:30:24 PM
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d6/28/3b/d6283bf7a56941959a4a11959ac5cf86.jpg)
Yeah okay.

His biceps were a bit on the short side but I think it gave it a greater peak. When you have long biceps like Larry Scott or Kevin Levrone it lacks that high peak.

Remember, this was the early 1970s, Franco's arms were plenty big. It was lack of separation in his quads and that he was slightly bow-legged that was his weak point. Still better than anybody else in his class though Rick Wayne came close.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: johnny1 on May 24, 2019, 12:06:04 AM
:)
ND!!!!! was wondering where you’re been haven’t seen you on GB as much as past years good too see you back!!
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 24, 2019, 03:20:34 AM
Maybe this fella on this particular day...?


His arms were great, his pecs a weakness.  Today his chest is a HUGE weakness.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 24, 2019, 09:03:44 AM
His biceps were a bit on the short side but I think it gave it a greater peak. When you have long biceps like Larry Scott or Kevin Levrone it lacks that high peak.

Remember, this was the early 1970s, Franco's arms were plenty big. It was lack of separation in his quads and that he was slightly bow-legged that was his weak point. Still better than anybody else in his class though Rick Wayne came close.
Lol...that's okay....Franco doesn't need you to explain his physique.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 24, 2019, 01:38:10 PM
His arms were great, his pecs a weakness.  Today his chest is a HUGE weakness.

I wasnt judging on a bodybuilding criteria but sure, pecs thin. But chest girth was very large being 600lb bencher. His huge neck traps and back thickness make up for the chest.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Griffith on May 24, 2019, 02:48:59 PM
His arms were great, his pecs a weakness.  Today his chest is a HUGE weakness.

That spreading gap between the pecs has happened to a few others wrestlers as well.

Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: tres_taco_combo on May 24, 2019, 03:01:23 PM
franco has great skin
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 25, 2019, 12:54:01 AM
Lol...that's okay....Franco doesn't need you to explain his physique.

I wasn't explaining it to Franco, "redmeat".
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 25, 2019, 02:57:33 AM
That spreading gap between the pecs has happened to a few others wrestlers as well.


He had surgery when his larynx was ruptured wrestling in Puerto Rico.  They had to split open his chest to do the surgery and drain his lungs of blood and this is the reason for the big gap.  After he healed up he got the crucifix/heart tattoo to cover the scar and gap.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 25, 2019, 06:05:44 AM
I wasn't explaining it to Franco, "redmeat".
Did I say uou were explaining it "to Franco"?
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 25, 2019, 10:34:17 AM
He had surgery when his larynx was ruptured wrestling in Puerto Rico.  They had to split open his chest to do the surgery and drain his lungs of blood and this is the reason for the big gap.  After he healed up he got the crucifix/heart tattoo to cover the scar and gap.

Nasty. He had a phenomenal chest in 1998.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 25, 2019, 11:59:04 AM
Did I say uou were explaining it "to Franco"?

Yes, the implication was obvious. What word is "uou"?

I'm a huge fan of Franco but sorry to hurt your feelings by pointing out his obvious and "factual" physique flaws.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: French on May 25, 2019, 01:26:33 PM
 8)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 26, 2019, 05:16:39 PM
 8)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 26, 2019, 05:18:17 PM
8)

Franco too grotesque not pleasing enough
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 26, 2019, 09:46:25 PM
You're not very bright. Not you're fault.

Rich, coming from someone like you. Tell me, what do you do for a living?
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: ARNIE1947 on May 26, 2019, 09:57:21 PM
 8)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: tommywishbone on May 26, 2019, 10:24:32 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: tommywishbone on May 26, 2019, 10:25:12 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: tommywishbone on May 26, 2019, 10:26:58 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 26, 2019, 10:49:22 PM
:)


Franco the bat.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: IRON CROSS on May 26, 2019, 11:44:38 PM
Franco the bat.

Gironda too didn't like Francos physique .
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 27, 2019, 12:16:19 PM
You seem angry.

Yeah, OK, says the guy who really takes it personally if anyone gives their personal opinion of a long retired 70s bber.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: SF1900 on May 27, 2019, 12:35:19 PM
Not the biggest, but I think Bob Paris has one of the best upper bodies ever (if you prefer less muscle).

Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 28, 2019, 10:44:24 AM
Not the biggest, but I think Bob Paris has one of the best upper bodies ever (if you prefer less muscle).



True. But too small and weak, not blocky enough etc
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: Powerlift66 on May 28, 2019, 11:02:10 AM
SF, even better than Rory?

(https://external-preview.redd.it/PpVxGp5rhdw866AfRB_7FkelPXKBLz1IyeADUBCFhrg.jpg?width=640&auto=webp&s=97194f8b902eb79acd95767c2653088ab633fcaf)
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: ratherbebig on May 28, 2019, 11:06:41 AM
haha redmeatkid's hardon for franco is huge!
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: wes on May 28, 2019, 11:13:51 AM
I saw Franco in the mid 70`s in person and his back in a dress shirt was freaking insane looking.

I`ve seen a ton of top guys over the years but I`ll never forget how wide and insanely thick Francos back was.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: ratherbebig on May 28, 2019, 11:30:16 AM
I saw Franco in the mid 70`s in person and his back in a dress shirt was freaking insane looking.

I`ve seen a ton of top guys over the years but I`ll never forget how wide and insanely thick Francos back was.

why did you look at him from the back? you sure his back was the only thing you were looking at?
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 28, 2019, 01:36:24 PM
I saw Franco in the mid 70`s in person and his back in a dress shirt was freaking insane looking.

I`ve seen a ton of top guys over the years but I`ll never forget how wide and insanely thick Francos back was.

Thats awesome.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: SF1900 on May 28, 2019, 05:27:05 PM
True. But too small and weak, not blocky enough etc

Yes, needs to look more like a fridge.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: SF1900 on May 28, 2019, 05:30:51 PM
SF, even better than Rory?

(https://external-preview.redd.it/PpVxGp5rhdw866AfRB_7FkelPXKBLz1IyeADUBCFhrg.jpg?width=640&auto=webp&s=97194f8b902eb79acd95767c2653088ab633fcaf)

Very close call!
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on May 28, 2019, 05:33:28 PM
Very close call!

Bob posted this on my Instagram after I posted a pictures of them both




realbobparis
I have always said, if the '83 Nationals had gone to @rory_leidelmeyer -- and only one judging point separated us -- I would have been mad for a quick half-minute, and then completely happy for my buddy. Look, back then, we were kinda Ali and Frazier (I'll leave it to others to decide which was which), but the respect came first. That man helped me during my first year in California, when I could have very easily fallen off the planet. I believe in respect where respect is due
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: BILL ANVIL on May 28, 2019, 05:51:15 PM
Arnold, "Hold my beer."

As good as Arnold upper body was, I think his chest/pecs really overpowered everything else as crazy as that sounds.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: The RedMeatKid on May 28, 2019, 06:41:40 PM
Bob posted this on my Instagram after I posted a pictures of them both




realbobparis
I have always said, if the '83 Nationals had gone to @rory_leidelmeyer -- and only one judging point separated us -- I would have been mad for a quick half-minute, and then completely happy for my buddy. Look, back then, we were kinda Ali and Frazier (I'll leave it to others to decide which was which), but the respect came first. That man helped me during my first year in California, when I could have very easily fallen off the planet. I believe in respect where respect is due


Ali and Frazier?? They despised one another. Frazier especially had a life long consuming animosity towards Ali.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: IRON CROSS on May 28, 2019, 06:44:29 PM
No modelling jobs 4 Francesco !.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 29, 2019, 01:33:52 AM
Very close call!

Very.

When I was younger I leaned more towards Paris. Now I'd give the edge to Rory in that shot. Thicker, fuller, stronger looking. I don't know why my perspective has changed. I wonder how Rory would have faired if he kept at it and turned pro.
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: pellius on May 29, 2019, 01:36:03 AM
Bob posted this on my Instagram after I posted a pictures of them both




realbobparis
I have always said, if the '83 Nationals had gone to @rory_leidelmeyer -- and only one judging point separated us -- I would have been mad for a quick half-minute, and then completely happy for my buddy. Look, back then, we were kinda Ali and Frazier (I'll leave it to others to decide which was which), but the respect came first. That man helped me during my first year in California, when I could have very easily fallen off the planet. I believe in respect where respect is due


Paris also posted on Instagram maybe six months ago that he felt he should have beaten Lee Haney at the O. I forget which Olympia he was talking about. 
Title: Re: Franco Columbu: Best upper body ever
Post by: wes on May 29, 2019, 04:04:15 PM
why did you look at him from the back? you sure his back was the only thing you were looking at?
LOL  ;D

He was sitting at a table judging a contest and I was behind him in the audience.