Giuseppe “Joe” Valentino, the legendary “Italian Stallion” of natural bodybuilding fame, has thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming WNBC California Natural Nationals . Also known as “GI Joe” for his hardcore workouts and training attire, this veteran powerhouse has been a fixture on the natural bodybuilding scene since he captured the lightweight class of the WNBF Natural Universe in 1998.
A lifetime natural bodybuilder, Joe used to compete in the NPC , but “there was too much use of synthetics by other competitors, so I wanted to find a level playing field – an organization that was all natural and used drug testing in all of its shows.” That organization was the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) which has awarded more than $1 million dollars in prize money to dedicated natural athletes around the world during the past 20 years.
Born in Brooklyn 42 years ago after his parents emigrated from Italy in 1962, the “Stallion” has lived on Long Island from the time he was just 5. “I played soccer as a youngster and got interested in weight-training by age 11 to put some muscle on my skinny body,” explains Joe. “I began reading about nutrition and training principles and decided to put them to the test. I continued to play soccer all the way through high school and, by then, I was seeing some great results from my weight training.”
A graduate of Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, NY, Joe excelled in math and science and continued his weightlifting regimen – along with soccer - through high school. “I did my first show at 16 yrs old,” he continues, “and took 2nd place to a bigger guy, 5 yrs older than me. I enjoyed it and strived to get better at my physique. By 19, I vowed to prove to myself and the world I could build an awesome physique all-natural, without any steroids.” His impressive bodybuilding career has surely been a testament to that commitment because he IS pretty awesome and has even been featured on the cover of Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness (see photo insert), perhaps the preeminent natural bodybuilding publication in the world .
Joe’s presence draws enthusiastic fans wherever he goes because they know he is always in shape and always a threat to win. His fellow athletes respect him because they know he is the consummate pro. And, while he might compete in the lightweight class at 165 lbs, Joe’s chistled physique has been put together with some serious heavy lifting that belies his average size. At 5’7”, he not only LOOKS strong – he IS strong!
In fact, until just 3 months ago, Joe held TWO Guinness World Records – the “Most Total Weight Squatted in 24 Hour” (122,625 lbs) and the “Most Total Weight Squatted in One Hour.” He set both records in one event and went on to perform hack squats with an incredible 1,300 lbs on the same day for 2 repetitions – almost 8 times his bodyweight!
A successful fitness/nutrition consultant, Joe holds a Masters in Exercise Physiology and a PhD in Nutrition from Corlins University. He is is also certified by the International Sports Sciences Association , National Health & Exercise , American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength & Conditioning Association and has taken many additional classes on nutrition, physiology, biosciences, finance, and economics over the years to continue his education.
His soon-to-be released book - D.I.E.T. (acronym - Deprivational Idiotic Eating Theories) - The Four Letter Word - Clearing Up The Confusion" - on exercise and nutrition will reveal some of the knowledge that he has learned during more than 25 years of bodybuilding – all without the use of performance enhancing drugs.
The champ offers these words of wisdom to aspiring athletes in the sport of natural bodybuilding: “Knowledge is power,” he says.” Read up on nutrition, training principles, and supplements from many appropriate sources, then put it to use. Desire will bring about focus and discipline!.You must be persistent and consistent to create dramatic physiological changes, and to achieve your ultimate fitness goals naturally. You must put in great effort, intense training and proper nutrition.....what you give is what you get! Building a great physique doesn't come from sticking steroids in you or popping pills or potions, and if you think so, that's the path to self-destruction!”
“Here I am today, at 42 yrs of age,” Joe says with a grin, “still rocking on, helping, motivating, and inspiring others to do the same! I'm a fitness/nutrition expert, and love helping others reach their health and fitness goals. It's my greatest passion! I love being a role model to help these young guys choose the drug-free path.”
Of course, the year isn’t over for Joe after the Nationals. Not by a long shot. This perennial winner will be soon be prepping for the 2010 World Championships in November. But, first things first – right, Joe!?!
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