WHO IS DEREK JOE? 

 

Derek Joe is the reigning 2021 PNBA Natural Olympia Classic Physique Champion. He is originally from Tucson, AZ, and currently resides in Henderson, NV, just outside of Las Vegas. He recently quit his full-time medical devices sales job and relocated to Nevada to pursue his passion for training and helping others live a happier, healthier lifestyle. Derek offers lifestyle coaching, competition prep, and coaching for posing in both men’s and women’s categories.

 

Derek competed in his first bodybuilding competition in 2013 at the age of 26 and didn’t compete again until 2018 when he decided bodybuilding was something he wanted to pursue further. Derek was self-coached in 2020 when he won his pro card at the Amateur Natural Olympia in Las Vegas. This is where Derek met his current coach, “The Legend,” Philip Ricardo Jr. and they have been working together ever since.

 

WHEN HE BEGAN IN FITNESS

 

Derek has loved sports ever since he picked up a basketball at the age of three. He was a 3 sport Letterman in football, basketball, and track and went on to play two years at the junior college level. Derek first started running track in elementary school where he ended up doing just about every event. His dad was a high performing 3 sport athlete, his mother ran track in high school, and nearly all his siblings and cousins played sports, some competing in the NFL, NBA, and the Olympic trials. This fueled Derek’s passion for sports, competition, and fitness.

 

 

TRIUMPHANT MOMENTS IN HIS LIFE

 

Winning the 2021 Natural Olympia with the INBA/PNBA was by far one of his most triumphant and victorious moments. It was something Derek says he had always dreamed of since he started competing. For Derek to have won his first year as a pro is something very special. Outside of the awards and trophies, the experiences and struggles he worked through to get to that point also come to mind when he reflected on what it took to win.

 

During the time between 2017 and 2019, Derek purchased his first home. He also was laid off twice within the same year, went months at a time without work and utilities,  his cell phone was constantly being shut off, and at times Derek couldn’t afford food for himself. On two separate occasions, Derek even came within weeks of foreclosure on his house. It was certainly a period of humility, patience, and faith for him. Derek had to make a lot of tough decisions during that time. What kept Derek going through this period is his faith. “I knew that God is always with me. His presence was greatly felt and showed through the friends and family who helped me and supported me through it all.” 

 

DEREK’S DIET AND FITNESS ROUTINE:

 

Off-Season NUTRITION: 

 

• Protein sources: plant-based protein, grass-fed beef/bison, tofu, chicken, ground turkey, eggs/egg whites, salmon, sirloin
• Carbs: oatmeal, brown rice, fruit, vegetables, sweet potatoes, cereal, cream of wheat
• Fats: avocado and avocado oil, nuts/almonds

Pre-competition NUTRITION: 

 

• Protein sources: plant-based protein, 99% lean ground turkey, halibut, salmon, egg whites
• Carbs: brown rice, asparagus, green beans, spinach, rice cakes, sweet potatoes
• Fats: avocado oil, most fats coming from protein sources (kept relatively low)

 

FITNESS ROUTINE 

 

For the last couple of months, Derek has been doing 3 days on, 1 day off split, and he is training his legs once every 8 days. A lot of focus has been put on developing his upper body and Derek hits those muscle groups 2 times per week.

 

Day 1: Chest/Back/Abs

Day 2: Legs/Abs

Day 3: Shoulders/Triceps

Day 4: Rest (Cardio/Posing)

Day 5: Back/Biceps

Day 6: Chest/Triceps

Day 7: Shoulders/Abs

Day 8: Rest (Cardio/Posing)

 

 

CURRENT LIFE AND FUTURE PLANS:

 

Derek quit his job and moved to Las Vegas to pursue a career as a personal trainer and posing coach and to immerse himself in a larger fitness and bodybuilding culture. “There always seems to be something going on, from competitions to conventions, people come from all over the world so the opportunities could be endless,” Derek said about Las Vegas.  

 

Derek is not new to training, he has been a trainer/coach since age 20, but he never pursued it full time. Now Derek is working to grow his business and create his own brand from scratch. In addition to that, Derek will be competing in 3 bodybuilding shows this year. The first is at the Natural Universe in Tampa, Florida September 2-3, then Team USAs on Sept. 23, and finally the Natural Olympia on Nov. 10.

 

FUTURE FITNESS GOALS: 

 

Derek’s main focus is winning his second title at the 2022 Natural Olympia! 

 

MAGAZINES HE WOULD LIKE TO COVER FOR:

 

• Iron Man Magazine
• Muscle & Fitness
• Men’s Journal
• GQ Magazine

 

SHOWS YOU WOULD LIKE TO COMPETE IN 

 

• UK/Overseas next year
• World Championships
• Natural Olympia

 

AWARDS YOU’D LIKE TO WIN

 

• Best Poser
• Best Legs
• Hall of Fame
• Multiple Natural Olympia Titles

 

FAVORITE FITNESS INFLUENCERS 

 

@jark_crew

@jbailey_justdoit

@stevecook

 

 

AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

2021: INBA/PNBA Natural Olympia – Classic Physique Open – 1st Place

2021: Mr. America – Classic Physique Open – 2nd Place

2021: Mr. America Classic Best Poser Award

2021: INBA/PNBA Ironman Magazine International Classic Physique Open – 2nd Place

2020: Amataure Natural Olympia (Earned Pro Card) – Classic Physique Open – 2nd Place

2020: INBA/PNBA Grand Canyon Classic – Classic Physique Open – 2nd Place

2018: NPC Terminator – Classic Physique Open – 2nd Place

2013: OCB Sun Valley Natural Men’s Bodybuilding Open – 6th Place

 

FAVORITE EXERCISE

 

Squats: “Such a great foundational compound movement. It’s the first exercise I learned in the weight room,” – Derek 

 

FAVORITE CHEAT MEAL 

 

Cheeseburger and Fries or Pizza and Wings

 

GYM SONG 

 

WIN – Jay Rock

 

IRON MAN MAGAZINE FEATURES 

 

Spring 2021

Fall 2021

 

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION YOU COMPETE WITH 

 

• Coaching and Training Athletes
• Promoting the Organization
• Attending Clinics
• Judging
• Guest Posing

 

FAVORITE GO-TO RECIPE  

 

Salmon, loaded potato, and mixed veggies!

 

Learn more about Derek Joe by visiting Generationiron.com 

 

Derek Joe Won 2021 Natural Olympia Classic Physique Professional Division

Derek Joe Profile & Stats 

PNBA Natural Bodybuilder Derek Joe Compares In-Season Vs Off-Season Physique

PNBA Natural Olympia Classic Physique Champ Derek Joe’s Physique Update 3 Weeks Out From…