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

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.

Lift for Life.com Bodybuilding Model of the Month

Dr. Joe DeMarco

Personal Website: www.demarcofitness.com

Photo Credit: Dan Ray (Muscular Development)

Isaac Hinds (bodybuilding.com)