Francis Benfatto is an IFBB Pro bodybuilder who has mesmerized the bodybuilding community with his physique, which is synonymous with symmetry. Though ‘Mr. Proportion’ never won Mr. Olympia in his long career, he definitely holds a prominent place in the golden era of bodybuilding. The now personal coach shares his knowledge about the sport to help the fitness community. In a recent post, the icon spoke about the ideal logic behind lifting weights.

Sharing his own journey in strength training, the 1982 Mr. France winner wants to inspire the bodybuilding community in his own way.

Francis Benfatto is celebrating 50 years of training

The French bodybuilding star doesn’t take age into consideration when it comes to his weight training regime. “I truly believe that age is just a number, but only if you do what you have to do. I’m 64 and I feel great, and this year I’m celebrating 50 years of training,” he writes with a sense of pride reminiscing his semicentennial journey in the sport.

Benfatto finds that the very first kilos he lifted in his teens still have an effect on his current physique. He believes the weightlifting process is a long-term phenomenon. “But today, I can still see the results of the first kilo I lifted 50 years ago…why? Because this is a long-term challenge, a very long journey,” he opens up about his philosophy behind lifting weights.

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And one should be passionate and consistent in one’s efforts to see long-lasting results, according to Benfatto. “It has also been 50 years of good nutrition, preparations, thousand trips, a million miles, many countries, good times, good people, and many many memories, love, and emotions,” he adds listing all the things he did right to be able to continue his bodybuilding career late into his 60s. 

The sexagenarian’s great understanding of the sport and constant training has also helped him to compete even in his 40s. And it all, stems from motivation, something bodybuilding icons have been emphasizing for their fans, be it popular influencer Joey Swoll or legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Yet, Benfatto’s story, has a very different trajectory. 

Benfatto explained the motivation for his 2006 comeback

The French bodybuilder was dedicated to techniques that focused on symmetry over mass. This didn’t see him attain a lot of success; Benfatto didn’t win a major event after his Mr. Universe at Middleweight in 1985. He competed till 1993, securing a highest of 6th in the four Mr. Olympia events he entered. The bodybuilder departed the competitive arena for 13 years before returning. Hence, he can be credited with having a competitive career spanning over 2 decades. As a 48-year-old, Francis Benfatto came 6th in the 2006 IFBB AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX.

He spoke about his comeback in a chat with Bodybuilding.com in 2019. The Frenchman said, “My decision to compete once again came during some exhibitions I was doing in South Africa. I got motivated during the process of getting in shape for these appearances. My body response was good and looking at the pictures I saw a possibility to compete again, then I decided to do a comeback but not an ordinary one: my goal was to do the best comeback ever.” 

“I wanted to reach my full potential at 48 years old, which was unique in Bodybuilding history, so I achieved what I set out to do.”

The ageless bodybuilder still continues to train as a 64-year-old with the same enthusiasm. Francis Benfatto is a master in training techniques such as A.R.T i.e., auto-regulation training, and PPM, i.e., Progressive Performance Methodology training method.

Only consistency and opting for rightful means will help individuals remain in the bodybuilding arena for a long period. The now-training coach desires to change the approach of rookie bodybuilders with his fitness programs with an emphasis on sustenance.

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