At Lift for Life, we take pride in featuring
exceptional athletes who have not only achieved success in their
competitive fields, but athletes who embody a higher standard of
self discipline, athletes who are actively involved in helping
others, athletes who lead by example. This month, our featured
bodybuilding model of the month is no exception.
Dr. Joe DeMarco is a well rounded athlete with
a successful competitive career in Gymnastics, Brazilian Jiu
Jitsu and Bodybuilding. Complementing this physical resume however
is the fact that the peak of Joe DeMarco's bodybuilding
accomplishments have occurred after the age of 40 when most people
are beginning to slip into low drive, and the fact the Dr. Joe is a
VEGAN, eating no animal products. A physique of this caliber on a
strict vegan diet takes exceptional discipline but Dr. Joe would
have it no other way.
"I also love the
personal discipline that is needed for the sport"
In his own words:
My name is Joe DeMarco and I am a 43 year old
natural vegan bodybuilder. I am a gym owner, trainer, and
chiropractor. I have degrees in both exercise science and
chiropractic. After completing a successful career in gymnastics, I
began competing in bodybuilding competitions in 1989. After winning a
number of competitions, I took a break from competitive bodybuilding to
become involved in judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. Since my 40th
birthday, I have returned to bodybuilding competition. Over the past
couple of years I have won numerous competitions. Out of my entire
bodybuilding career, I am most proud of the success I have had since the
age of 40.
Highlights
of the last couple of years include two Mr. Massachusetts titles, the
Overall 2006 USBF Natural Mr. New England title, the 2007 NPC Atlantic
States (lightweight) and the 2007 NPC Masters Nationals Championship
(lightweight). I finished third in the lightweight class of the 2007
Team Universe competition. I am currently training for the 2008 Team
Universe competition in hopes of qualifying for the 2008 USA Team to the
World Amateur Championships.
My training philosophy is
based on my own system I developed called the Accommodation Avoidance
System. I focus on working one body part per
workout. Each body part is trained in three week cycles. I focus my
workouts around heavy basic movements. Many people believe you can not
build muscle on a vegan diet. However, I KNOW that you can if you eat
smart and train heavy utilizing the Accommodation Avoidance System.
The workout that I look
forward to the most each week is legs. My favorite exercise is the
squat. I have been squatting heavy for a number of years and feel that
the squat is the "king" of all exercises. Nothing beats a heavy squat
workout in terms of muscle stimulation.
Bodybuilders often ask each
other how long their contest preparation diet is for. Most answer 12
weeks, 16 weeks or maybe 20 weeks. When I get asked this question I
really don't have any other answers besides 52 weeks. I pretty much eat
the same year round and have no distinct time for contest
preparation. A typical day of nutrition for me is as follows:
Meal
#1: 4 ounces of oats with 1/2 cup blueberries and scoop of Vega protein
Meal #2: 4 ounces of oats
with scoop of Vega protein
Meal #3: 2 scoops
Vasocharge prior to trainings
Meal #4: 2 scoops Xtend
during training
Meal #5: Scoop Vega
protein immediately after training
Meal #6: 6 ounces seitan
(gluten) with 1/2 cup brown rice and vegetables
Meal #7: 6 ounces seitian
with vegetables
Meal #8: Beans with mixed
vegetables
Meal #9: Scoop Vega
protein
“Dr. Joe
attributes his competitive success to maintaining a healthy
vegan lifestyle year round. Unlike a lot of bodybuilders and
competitive athletes who feel the need to consume large
quantities of meat for protein, Dr. Joe avoids all meat and
dairy products. He is a proud member of PETA (People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals) and hopes that his success
will dispel the myth that you can’t build muscle on a vegan
diet.” Excerpt from
DeMarcofitness.com
Because of his commitment
to Natural Bodybuilding and his personal dedication to lead by example,
Lift for Life is honored to name Dr. Joe DeMarco as Bodybuilding Model
of the Month.
