World Physique

Interview by: Tammy Renee'

WP:Hey, Joe! It's great to have you here today. You just competed in the Northern Kentucky Competition and actually won in your class! Which we are so proud of you! I've known you for some time now and I've never seen you look as great as you did in the Northern! You came in so cut and defined, that it was crazy! Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

JD: Thank you, Tammy. First I would like to say thanks to you, Tammy and everyone at World Physique. I appreciate being asked to be a part of what you have. I am a Personal Trainer and Owner of Daniel's Fitness Training. I highly enjoy my career and helping others achieve their goals. I am an avid mountain biker and love to hit the trails anytime I can. I read about 7 books at once and 5-6 of them have to do with food or training.

WP: We're really honored to have you with us, Joe! It is all of our pleasure. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

JD: I would say that I would have a few stepping stones right through the last few years. But, most of all, a very strong will and the support of my friends, family and girlfriend Nichole.

WP: That does make a difference when you have the support behind you. What has it been like to maintain your physique like yours? Have you done anything different lately?

JD: I actually had taken 2 years off bodybuilding to focus on my inner self. That’s when I discovered mountain biking. Biking kept me in good shape, but it wasn’t until before Christmas 2009 that I started to think about competing again and doing the NPC Northern KY Competition a few weeks ago. I actually train more like an athlete than a bodybuilder.

WP: You moved recently, didn't you. Where do you live now?

JD: Yes, I did. I recently moved into a quirky house from the 60’s in Covington, K.Y. with Nichole.

WP: It sounds homey. You have competed a lot of times. Can you tell me how many times and a little more about it?

JD: I have competed 7 times starting in 2005. Competing is so much different than most people imagine. It requires extensive planning for months at a time. It’s not just a bunch or guys or girls that lift weight and think they look better than everyone else. It is a group of caring helpful and funny people that enjoy overcoming a challenge to get their bodies into the shape they envision.

WP: Are you planning to compete again in the future?

JD:   I am actually going to compete on April 11th in Cincinnati. OH.

WP: Watch out competitors! He's going to be hard to beat! What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?

JD: I enjoy to mountain bike, kayak, just being outdoors, and keeping my car clean. I spend so much time in my car that I’m obsessed about it's environment.

WP: Tell me about your family. Also, tell me about Nichole.

JD: My parents, two brothers and two grandparents are down the street. I can visit them when I want. I have a fairly close family. I live with my girlfriend, Nichole, whom I couldn’t picture being with any one else. We have a good energy together. We share our home with two of my favorite things in the world; my boxer, Buster, and Nichole’s little black pug, Bruce.

WP: Don't sound like you could ask for too much more in your life. You are truly blessed. What has competitions taught you thus far?

JD: Competing has taught me to not get arrogant and cocky; or you will get your butt handed to you.

WP: You described it very well. That's so true. What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

JD: The hardest part about competing for me was being firm with my friends when they can’t understand what you are doing or why.

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

JD: The hardest is definitely giving up all my favorite Asian restaurants and dishes.

WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

JD: Well, number 1 is when I train for good health and to become a better mountain biker. After that, I’d say; aesthetics. I’d like to get into more photography.

WP: How has your training changed over the years?

JD: I do a whole lot less than I did when I started. I was under the impression that more was better. It wasn’t until I learned more about Restand Nutrition that I started to look a lot different.

WP:  You are certifed. Can you tell me more about your certifications and qualifications?

JD: I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer along with passing their Performance Enhancement Specialization. I tremendously enjoy working with other like minded individuals.

WP: That a very credited certification. Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

JD: I’d love to have my own training studio where I could train athletes of all ages, the occasional bodybuilder or Figure Competitor and, of course anyone else who wants to put in some hard work to better themselves physically or mentally.

WP:  I know you have modeled a lot in the past. Are you doing any modeling? If so, please tell me about it.

JD: I’m not really doing any modeling, but I do occasionally do some photo shoots here and there. I’d like to get more into fitness modeling in the future.

WP:  Do you have any Photograhers you will be working with soon? I know you have shot with JC Norton of Musclehead Graphics a lot.

JD: I’m planning a shoot with Amir Marandi in the next few weeks.

WP: He's good! I think you will enjoy working with him. I know everyone wants to know what supplements you take. Look at you! You're out of this world! What do you take to help you?

JD: I take pretty many supplements some for body building, but most are for having a healthy, energetic life. Here’s a list of some that I take:

For bodybuilding purposes: I take certain different Creatines, Glutamine -15g a day Beverly Internationals Muscle Synergy, 7 Keto Muscle, Muscle Provider, Ultimate Muscle Protein, and Uplift, occasionally. In addition, I take lots of BCAA’s - over 20 g per workout, Superpump 250 or Scivation Vasocharge Pre-workout, Yohimbe and Beta alanine.

For energy and health I take: COQ10, garlic, cayenne pepper, a greens blend with fiber, alpha lipoic acid, Barleans fish oil capsules, Arginine, various antioxidants, Relora rhodiola, holy basil (the last few are for stress level adaptation). I probably take more, but those are the notable ones I like to stay myself.

WP: Wow! That's a lot but, you have named some great supplements! What are your pet peeves?

JD: Hmmm.....my pet peeves are: myself when I let things get too cluttered, and people that are seriously wasting time and everyone else’s space in a gym trying to get noticed. Oh, and the person who talks way too long on their cell phone next to you, loudly, on a piece of cardio equipment. If I can still hear you through my headphones; you’re too loud! Train harder, please.

WP: Oh, those are some great ones! Don't you hate when people try really hard to make you hear their conversations! So rude! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

JD: I say taking care of the things around you, having an open mind and help others in your day to day life. There’s an incredible energy that grows when there is a good community.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

JD: I think a lot more about others than I do myself. I find that makes me feel better about everything. I try to be more patient also. Still working on that, but I have become much better than I was before. I’m taking baby steps.

WP: What are your stats?

JD: I am 5’8’ and as of the other measurements. I never measure them anymore. I just go off the way I look and feel. I’m happy with how I look.

WP: Hell, you should be happy with the way you look and feel! You are the envy of all men! Ha-ha! Any shout outs?

JD: Ok! Here’s the question sent to get me into trouble with whoever I don’t mention! I’m going to make a short list for the people who helped me the most in this last competition. Nichole and her family ( although some of those Sunday dinners were tough), my family, Chad Vordemesche of www.tigerfitness.com and Queen City Nutrition for getting me any supplement I ever needed, Jason and Stephaney Theobald of www.nattynutrition.com for all the guidance and motivation, whom are based out of Cincinnati, OH. Oh! And to my various training partners (too many to name) Roger and Sandy and the rest of the Beverly team (you know who you are ). I had an amazing time, again, with you at the Arnold Classic. Also, a big thanks to all my clients, Ashley, Alana, Cameron, Linda, Ron, Kirk, Tony from BodyShape Gym, Troy and Gina Scott from Body Dynamics , Ian Gumm; good job on your first 1st place! And to the Westphal’s from Anytime Fitness. But especially, Joe Gulley, whom puts as much, if not more energy into making himself better and reaching his goals, than I do. You are an inspiration to me, as well, Joe .Last but not least, I thank everyone else that deserves it, on a daily basis.

WP: I think if you skipped anyone, they should take you in the back 40! Ha-ha! Just kiddin'. Give me an example of your workout

JD: I have many revolving training plans but they evolve as my mind and body do. I’m pretty unconventional in training. Here is an example of my last leg workout for the Northern KY show:

Belt squats off military press spotter platform: 135 lbs x 50 reps; 3 sets; Squats (I added these sets in towards the final weeks of the prep to get more cal burn) 4 sets of 8-15 reps; usually between 225 and maybe 315 on a high energy day.

Leg press high heels close stance: 4 sets 8-12 with ‘rest pause method’ on last set or two. I try to do this heavy, as I can depend on the gym and equipment there is. Everything is not the same especially in different leg presses.

Walking lunges supersetted with single leg squats: (sometimes) 3 sets 20 steps with usually 45-60 lb dumbbells.

Lateral quad knee raising using bar on smith machine. I have never seen anyone do this exercise. I consider it one of the best ways I changed my leg definition and size in the last year.

Leg extension, different toe angles: 3-4 sets of 15-20 reps. Recently, I’ve been doing 2 sets of 50. I have to take a few screaming breaks, but I get 50 or more.

Then, walking: This is for fat burning and I am listening to very fast music. I am definitely a metal head, you could say.

WP: That's going to help a lot of people. That's a great workout! Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

JD: I eat clean all year round because my body tells me what it wants and needs to eat. I love whole foods and the best quality I can find. Some things I can’t live with out are: seafood, turkey, beef, nest laid local free range eggs ( nothing compares to a really good egg), macadamia nut oil, organic oats, good sweet potatoes, Beverly Protein mixes, veggies of all kind, anything Asian, especially Korean and Japanese.

I was going to go to Culinary School before I fell in love with training and nutrition, so I can make anything taste wonderful. At least, it is to me.

But, here is my pre-contest food plan:

#1 - Oats, eggs, green tea, peppers, fiber /greens drink

#2 - Garlic and dill turkey, asparagus, potato, macadamia nut oil, and fish oil caps.

#3 - Basil or spicy chicken, sweet potato with cinnamon and macadamia nut oil, raw broccoli, and fish oil capsules.

#4 – ‘Beverly Muscle Provider Protein Mix’ and oats, macadamia nut oil, and fish oil capsules.

#5 - London broil beef and potato (this is post workout meal). This may change at times. It’s actually my second meal often, as I have been training more in the early day this year.

#6 – ‘Muscle Provider’, macadamia nut oil and oats made into a custard with a little bit of water and cinnamon.

If I feel like I need to cheat, I eat a forkful of Kimchi, which is a spicy Korean fermented cabbage, any time of the day. It does not matter when. I’m addicted to the flavor.

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

JD: I’d like to work with more mountain bikers; getting them stronger and more fit, develop a massage system for competitors/ intense weight trainers, get a website going, do some cool photo shoots and travel. Hopefully get my business larger and save a little bit more money, so Nichole and I can start a family.

WP:Keep your goals on your mind and great things can happen. Joe, the interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?

JD: I forget a lot of things. Ha-ha! But seriously, I don’t have much else to say except to send some motivation out there to everyone who is kicking butt to get to their goals. It’s a long road and sometimes unbearable, but stick it out it will all be worth it!

WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck! We will remain following you as you go through your competitions. You are not just a great athlete but you are also a great person and we just adore you here.

JD: Thank you, again, for the opportunity to talk with you and World Physique Team.