Lake Zurich Bodybuilder Takes First at First Competition

Lake Zurich resident Joe LoGalbo, 23, recently competed in his first bodybuilding competition held by the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilding and took first place in the Novice competition.

LoGalbo graduated from Lake Zurich High School in 2008. His parents are Manny and Jennifer LoGalbo and he has two brothers, James-his twin, and Matthew.

LoGalbo participated in a Q&A with Lake Zurich Patch.

How did you get interested in bodybuilding? 

My interest in bodybuilding first started in my senior year in high school. I was hoping to put on some muscle and purchased a muscle magazine. The issue emphasized proper nutrition so I began following the "cookie cutter" meal plan they provided and noticed I started putting on some muscle much quicker than my previous attempts. I was hooked after that. Being able to see my own body develop through the nutrition and training was exciting. It wasn't until a couple years of training that I considered competing in bodybuilding.

How is competition going? 

November 17th was my first competition. I won the novice overall class and men's open B class, and came in second in the mens' overall. I'm continuing to train to become a natural professional bodybuilder and will be aiming for a pro-card in my next competitive season in 2014.

Tell me about a highlight of your work/competition as a bodybuilder? 

The contest preparation for this show was 14 weeks in which I worked with my coach, Dr. Layne Norton. Being my first prep, this was the hardest 14 weeks I've had to endure. It's 14 weeks of pushing your body to an extreme. It's not just a physical endeavor, it's mental, and in my case more-so spiritual than anything else. I was completely dependent on Jesus Christ for strength. Not a single day went by where I didn't call on Him to carry me through those moments of fatigue, hunger, and even fear. But I was constantly reminded of Psalm 139:14 which says "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." And to be on stage and have all the work come together in that moment is an unbelievable and overwhelming experience. I've never experienced so much emotion in a single moment.

What do your friends think of your interest in bodybuilding?

I have the best friends and family for this sport. Not once did my friends or family make this prep harder on me than it had to be. They were supportive and encouraging throughout the whole journey and have been since I first told them I may want to compete someday. I am beyond thankful for them.

Are you on a specific diet?

Yes, I was on a specific diet plan which was provided to me from my coach, Dr. Layne Norton. The quantities of protein, carbohydrates, and fats were monitored and changed depending on the weigh-ins and picture updates making sure I was progressively getting leaner week to week.

What personal traits make for success in bodybuilding? What advice would you give someone interested in getting started?

Hard work, discipline, and perserverance. Those are the traits that separate one competitor from another. Sure, genetics play a role in one's physique, but just because one may not have the "best" genetics does not mean they can't have success in bodybuilding. In bodybuilding, you can't control who else is going to be standing next to you onstage, but you can control how hard you are going to work. I train each day with the heart that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). I don't believe in a "genetic ceiling" when I train, I believe all things are possible.

What are your other interests and hobbies? 

Right now, being an entrepreneur, working, and pursuing a pro-card take a lot of my time. But since going through contest prep and experiencing hunger on a significantly greater level, I am definitely going to spend more of my time volunteering to bring food to the hungry. I couldn't image what those men, women, and children go through day in and day out for months and even years going to sleep hungry and not being able to eat when they want to. I think it is something a lot of us take for granted; I know I did.

Do you know someone who would make an interesting Q&A for Lake Zurich Patch? Send a tip to Lake Zurich Editor Claudia Lenart, claudia.lenart@patch.com

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