Joe Wilson – known to the NANBF and Arkansas as “Big” Joe Wilson promotes NW Arkansas Natural Championships for Bodybuilding, Figure, and Bikini competitors held in June of every year. In conjunction with his competition, Joe Wilson promotes the NW Arkansas Fitness and Health Expo along with the NWA Pump N Run 5K. Joe Wilson is an IFPA pro Bodybuilder, father of two and husband of his bride Kelly, youth leader and men’s ministry leader at his Nazarene church and math teacher in Northwest Arkansas. He earned his pro status after winning the 2008 Kansas City Natural Classic overall title. Joe Wilson has competed for over 11 years and has multiple titles. Currently, Joe is the only pro bodybuilder in Arkansas and hopes to change that with the opportunity of promoting a pro-qualifying competition within the next few years. Fit Universe interviews Joe Wilson and gets to find out more about how he started, his training, diet, and much more!
How did you get started?
My swim coach introduced me to weights and I saw my body transform through pics my mom took when I was at swim meets. I loved it since I knew that only I could do this change if I put the time and applications towards my goal of getting as perfect of a body as possible.
What is your competitive history? 11 years of bodybuilding competitively (with 3 years off). I would place in the top three each year I competed. Until I competed in the pro divisions. Most recently, I placed 2nd in the heavyweights for the Mr. International in September. Now, I’m taking some time off to spend with family and getting ready for my Expo.
What training routine has worked best for you? doing cardio in the morning, posing every other day and cutting out the carbs the last two meals helps me to burn off fat in the fat burning phase of my regimen. For gaining, only 3 days a week of cardio and changing my heavy lifting every 4-6 weeks to see the strength gains, yet prevent plateauing
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Jesus Christ, the man who did everything right for as long as he could.
What are your dieting philosophies?
In offseason, eat clean for 6 days and on the 7th, rest and be merry with foods you like to splurge on. In pre-season, manipulate the carbs right and pay close attention to your weight to ‘peak’ in on contest day.
What keeps you motivated?
My children that scream “Go Daddy!” when I’m on stage in pre-judging. Also, to prove to others that you can achieve that chiseled body without drugs.
What is your favorite type of cardio?
Favorite: elliptical (Octane Fitness version). Hardest and most effective: revolving stairmaster.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to those wanting to transform their body?
Follow the “4 E” Principal: Exercise, Eat enough, Eat often, and Eat right. I’m making a fitness and health video currently that discusses these principals. I’ll have them soon on my website – nwarkansasnatural.com.
Do you use any supplements?
Of course; if you eat strict enough, you will not receive the proper amount of nutrients that you receive from these particular foods. You will need to supplement with multivitamins, amino acids, Omega 3′s, 6′s and 9′s proportionally, and if you train hard enough, you’ll need joint supplementation.
Future plans?
No more competitive bodybuilding for the next 5-8 years, but stay in great shape for potential guest posing seminars and performances. I also need to keep my sponsors happy by keeping a nice physique to show that their products work.
