Rick J. Salinas Jr - Pro Natural Bodybuilder

Name: Rick J. Salinas Jr.

Occupation: Civilian- Logistics Coordinator Military- Sergeant, U.S. Army National Guard

Born: November 15th, 1983

Place of birth: Panama City, Panama

Hometown: San Jose, CA.

I was born on a U.S. Army base in Panama (Central America) My father was stationed their at the time when he and my mother met.

I am Panamanian, Mexican and Chinese. My parents raised me and my younger sister in San Jose, CA. where I've lived the majority of my life.

During my sophomore year in high school my uncle gave me his home made squat rack and adjustable bench. The garage became my gym where I started to rigorously train on a regular basis. I wrestled sophomore year in high school at a 165 lbs body weight.

My junior year I started to play football where we were put on a weight lifting program.

By my senior year I was around 220 lbs and the strongest athlete. I found true passion for the weight room over any other school activity.

After I graduated high school I enlisted in The U.S. Marine Corps and spend four years of active service I was stationed in Okinawa Japan, South Korea and Camp Pendleton, CA. where I got married.

After I left the Marine Corps in 2006 I started working for a logistics company and in 2008 I joint the CA Army National Guard to continue my service. In February 2008 I became very ill and was treated at the ER.

After routine tests I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a form of a Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

After taking medication for a few months for UC I regained muscle and got in shape for my first bodybuilding contest in September of 2008, where I took overall in the Novice class at the INBA Bay Area Natural.

Shortly after my first show I encountered pain radiating down my leg. After finally a few months with the pain I had a MRI done which confirmed I had Sciatica, a problem with bulging / ruptured discs that impinged the sciatic nerve. Surgery was scheduled, but I changed my mind at the last minute and had physical therapy done for a few weeks which helped with the pain and flexibility.

In 2010 I entered the NANBF Muscle Mayhem and took 3rd in the Open Tall Class. After I took some time off to make improvements on my physique, but at the end of 2010 my marriage ended and I filed for divorce.

In March of 2011 I suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain which sidelined training any lower body for a few weeks.

After obtaining treatment and advice from my Chiropractor I was able to recover fully.

In July 2011 I entered the NPC San Jose Bodybuilding Championships where I placed a disappointed 11th place in the Light Heavyweight class.

I then decided to focus on the next couple months to improve and enter a Natural Pro Qualifier which was the UNBA Universe Natural where I took the Overall.

The past several years have shown me the obstacles, disappointments and pain that life brings.

But there is always a bright light for those who choose to take on life's challenges and I am ready! because without challenges, succeeding is never as rewarding. I encourage younger and ametuer athletes alike to put their health, family and their minds over the temptations of dangerous drug use.

Hard work and sacrifice is more powerful than any drug or supplement you will ever take.

Train hard and Thank you, Rick Salinas Pro Natural Bodybuilder

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