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by the National Physique Committee
Joe, tell us a little about your background and family.
I was born on March 25, in Livonia Michigan. I have on sister Kelly who has two wonderful kids Johannes and Ava and a great husband Jeff. Hans and Ava have most definitely changed my life I can't express enough how much they mean to me, I love them so! My mother Judy is my training partner and best friend. Late for her is twenty minutes early and that is so important on those leg days. She worked for the Walled Lake School system for over twenty years and is truly the most wonderful person in the world. She thought me the true meaning of Bearing! My father passed in 1992 and not a moment goes by that I don't miss him. If I ever go pro I will cry like a baby in his honor because he always thought I had pro potential and a strong will to win. Me and my father always wanted that title more than anything in life PROFESSIONAL.
What were you like growing up?
I was always so active and never wanted to sleep or eat. I wanted to run all day and night and be a professional athlete. I never thought about anything else but being a professional. I wanted to help people and donate millions to research to help sick people. I never thought as a kid that I wouldn't make it. I wanted to make kids happy by signing autographs and be in front of sellout crowds. These were weird thoughts even for a kid but I just wanted to perform at a high level. Honestly, I never thought of anything else then or now.
What drew you to bodybuilding?
Being in charge of my own success or failure. No one can do it for ya! I love being my own coach and boss and not having to depend on a team of guys that are slackers and have no heart for the game. In bodybuilding you get what ya put in and no one can take it away for you. Plus I just love the gym. The music, noise, and of course the awesome feeling of accomplishment when the day is over.
What is your training philosophy?
Hard and heavy everyday!!!!! There are no light-days or off-season. Everyday is the last day of my life, get it done baby!
What do you consider your strongest body part?
By far my shoulders and arms! In the near future it will be my legs. There is nothing better than a set of wheels. Nothing say's "I work harder than you," than big legs. Legs always win a bodybuilding show, always!!!
What advice can you offer those looking to achieve a competive physique?
Whether I'm training chest or quads, the key to gains is to use the heaviest weight possible you can control while squeezing the desired muscle. Always complete at least six reps. Maxing out is for powerlifters not bodybuilders. Too many young guys max out which is a waste of time for bodybuilding. I have been know to perform as many as twenty-five reps at a time for smaller bodyparts. You must also read and study the sport. This is a life-style and knowledge is power!!! I eat every two hours even pre-contest, you must eat to grow.
What is your favorite workout?
Leg-day!!!!! My favorite workout is leg-extentions, free weight squats, hack squats, then walking dumbell lunges. This routine stays consistent year around except switching hack squats for leg presses for my third exercise. One-leg presses are also awesome pre-contest for the glute-hamstring tie in. My whole week revolves around leg day.
What are your best lifts on leg-day?
I have squatted 455 all way way in the bucket for three reps and hack squatted over 525 for six reps.
Do you train hard year around or do you believe in backing off from time to time to recuperate?
The most time I have taken off is two days in a row in the past six and a half years. I would rather over train than under train. Life is so short so I gotta work hard to achieve my goals! I never back off or have a light day, if I need a light day its on the couch with the remote in my hand. The gym is a place to destroy myself not socialize. I save talking for work. When I'm in the gym it's all heart baby! I believe there is only one way to train 100 percent. I give everything I have each and every workout, year round. The only time I relax is between training sessions. I am the type of person you will see in the squat rack the day after a show.
What goals have you set for yourself in bodybuilding?
They are quite simple. I aim to take the potential God has given me to the fullest potential at each competition I enter. I am the happiest guy in the world when I compete in top shape. I will get to the nationals and place in the top ten.
Do you feel you have any characteristic's that set you apart from other bodybuilders?
I never get down or depressed I just keep push'in foward. I have buried to many loved ones to get sad or depressed anymore. Life is short I'm gonna kick ass while I'm here and if ya don't like that get the hell out of my way because I'm commin through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure I get down but when I do I train that much harder. I'm gettin old I want to win.
What are your three best compulsory poses?
Most-muscular, side chest, and abdominal/thigh in that order. My front lat spread is catching up but my rear lat spread need width.
What improvements in your physique should we look for next year?
Back width and I plan to be bigger with more definition and muscle separation. I know I need work it just takes time and pressure and a willingness to not give in. I hate to say it but my calves just plain stink but I love a challenge baby!! Honestly, I think I need to just keep keeping on. I'm improving everyday so I'm having a blast.
What is your current training split?
I train by instinct and go by how I feel on a particular day. I train one body part a day. Biceps/Triceps and Quads/Hamstrings are trained together on seperate days. I usually train six on one off. Pre-contest cardio is done everyday for at least an hour and a half on working days and up to three hours on off-days.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Corrections Officer (prison guard) for the State of Michigan. I am on the Emergency Response Team and a member of the states Honor Guard. I love my job and thank God for that. I love and need the challenge of a stressful work environment or I'd just fall asleep from all the workouts.
Which bodybuilders currently competing do you feel have the best physiques, and why?
I admire Mark Dugdale and Jay Cutler. The are both great competor's and family men. They have a well balanced, pleasing physique. At one time I wanted nothing more than to look like the professional bodybuilders in the magazines, but now I find myself admiring and striving to look more like the guys at the N.P.C. National level. Too many pros have gotten so big that I would not want to look like that anymore. They are just too self distructive for me. What society labels as success does not always bring happiness and fulfillment. The true champions are those that grow and nuture all area's of their lives, from the physical to the mental to the spiritual. Seek out the gifts you were given and capitalize on them. Never sacrifice relationships with the people you love in order to achieve your goals.
Can you compare your physique to any current pro bodybuilder?
Mark Dugdale, but damn he is huge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before we close-up shop on this interview, Joe, is there anything you would like to add?
Stay true to the people that are important in your life. When the body is gone and has lost its luster and the bank account is empty, the relationships we have worked so hard at will be the only thing left. Also, God bless all my co-workers even the haters- love ya!!!!!!!!!!