COLLEEN CASTANEDA - USA    
 
Name: Colleen Castaneda
Birth Date: February 1
Height: 5’ 2.5”
Weight: 106lbs on-season  118 lbs off-season
From: Austin, Texas & Warren, Ohio  USA 
 
  
   
RFOS Q&A 
 
How long have you been training?
I began weight training in 1985 when I was 15 years old. I fell in love with muscles after watching the 1984 Olympia. I loved the physique of Gladys Portuguese, who was not overly muscular yet maintained a very feminine structure as well as being gorgeous. Though I have weight trained most of my life, I began competing in the Figure division in 2004 when I was 34 years old.  
 
 
What would like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
I think that the natural athletes should have more exposure and recognition in the top muscle and fitness magazines, instead of promoting drugs to build muscle or to lose weight as well as promoting plastic surgery. I know this will upset many of the top competitors who are not “natural,” but I have always been honest and tell it like it is. Many of the athletes who represent major supplement companies do not even take their products or will take them only after they have been signed to a contract. Very disappointing to me. 
 
  
 
Do you get negative comments from people with regard to your muscles?
I only get negative comments from those who do not like muscles on a woman, which is completely understandable. But for the most part I do not get negative comments since I am not overly muscular and/or freaky as those on steroids or hormones. I am proud to say that I am a 100% natural competitor. The only supplement that I choose to take is protein/CHO powder drink throughout the day while I am working. I do so in order to have a continuous source of nutrients. I will combine a half-scoop of powder into 32 ounces of water two or three times during the day. To clarify, I do not replace my meals with protein shakes! Natural lean meats, fish, and egg white contain many other great nutrients that cannot be found in protein powders. 
 
 
 
Have you ever surprised yourself with you own strength? Like you forgot you were THAT strong???
I really do not realize I am so strong until someone in the gym comments on how much weight I am lifting. I actually used to lift heavier weights in high school: My friends would call me “linebacker”! I would free squat 245lbs barefooted — back then it was allowed in the gym — at 17 years old. I did pull my back later in life and now choose not to do any heavy free squats. Instead, I use the Smith machine or the leg press machine for less strain on my lower back. I still do lightweight squatting, though. 
  
 
How have you used your physical strength outside the gym, when it has come in handy?
I began weightlifting at an early age for a few reasons. Not only did I love the shape and look that weightlifting could give my body but I also wanted to be a stronger woman. I grew up in a somewhat abusive household and many of the women in my childhood, including my mother, were unable to defend themselves. The strength achieved through lifting weights I thought would enable me to defend myself more efficiently if I ever needed. When in my twenties, I was confronted by an angry drunk in a bar who did rush at me. I was able to restrain her on the floor and hold her down until security intervened. I probably could not have done that without the extra muscle!
 
  
 
Any message for fans?
Make decisions based on your own beliefs and not what others want you to do. An example is the breast implant debate. Many women decide to get surgery to further their career as a model or as a Figure or Bodybuilding competitor. Yet many find themselves unhappy with the look or the complications that may arise from surgery. I am routinely asked if would get implants and was told that I would get more “noticed” if I did. I have absolutely no desire to do so because I love myself as I am. Always be true to yourself and what you believe in.  
 
Another example is ingesting hormones or steroids to further your career. For me, it is simply not worth the side effects. You can achieve a great body by eating wholesome, natural foods. Of course, your results may take a little longer. Desire and commitment are the qualities needed — not ingesting a bunch of supplements. Most of those supplements are not FDA-regulated anyway: You really do not know what exactly is in them. So then, why take that chance? 
 
 

  
  
 
What else you would like to share?
I work in a hospital medical laboratory in the Pathology/Histology and Microbiology departments. I earned a BS degree in microbiology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1996.  
 
Competing in Figure is an exciting hobby for me and allows me to travel to exciting cities and to incorporate my love for landscape and architectural photography.
 
I am also an AFAA certified personal trainer but do not currently train others. Since I have gained much knowledge in the field of exercise and nutrition over the years, getting my certification seemed only natural. I will possibly train clients in the future.  
 
Before working in a medical laboratory, I worked as a mass spectrometer operator in an analytical chemistry lab.  
 
I also serve as an OCB judge but am available to judge for any natural federation.  
 
I chose to prepare for my competitions completely on my own. I do not use any trainers or coaches to guide me. Much of the information I need can easily be found through books, magazines, and the Internet. Educate yourself. I have also learned through mistakes made early in my career. For example, watching videos of myself has helped me perfect my posing style and confidence on stage. My diet was perfected through trial and error: experimenting with different types of nutrition plans. I also realize that my metabolism is unique from others and have learned what works well for me.
 
The main person that I have to thank is me: for making wise choices and also not blaming anyone else for my bad choices. 
 
 
I want to thank these talented photographers for the courtesy of using their pictures:
Black 1-piece #39 - J M Manion of http://jmmanion.com
Blue 1- and 2-piece - http://imagesofvenus.com
Black 1-piece #43 - Jeff & Reesa Kutscher of http://flexphotos.net
Red 2-piece - Dru of http://myspace.com/efwear
Bicep flex in pool - Lou Krivda for http://herbiceps.com