I started working with Joe in January 2008 after taking his posing classes leading up to the 2007 OCB Mid-Atlantic. I had competed in figure and thought that the classes were key in helping me feel comfortable on stage and presenting myself confidently.

After the 2007 competition I decided that I really wanted to try bodybuilding and knew that I would have to get a lot leaner in order to be competitive. From working with Joe in the classes I knew that he had a passion for helping others and an attention to detail. I also felt that the blog training would work well for me since I live in NJ and wouldn't be able to travel to work with Joe personally.

I signed up for his blog training and was very happy with the immediate feedback, support and encouragement I got from Joe. If I didn't push hard enough he would let me know and I would use that to fuel the next workout. When I was discouraged by a lack of progress on the scale or tape measure, he helped me get through it always with encouraging words and advice. If I had a big drop on the scale or got a personal best on a lift, I could tell he was sincerely happy for me. When it got closer to my show, I really noticed how valuable having a "coach" is. I am constantly reading about other competitors and reading bodybuilding message boards and it is so easy to try out what everyone else is doing and to not see your own progress objectively. This was a mistake I had made in the past, so this year I decided that I was only to going to listen to Joe and do whatever he told me to do , nothing more or less. This was the best decision I ever made. Not only did I look the best I ever did in my life on the day of my show, but I also got there pretty much stress free! Winning the Novice class was as Joe says "Just the icing on the cake!" I would recommend Joe to anyone who wants to increase their fitness level or improve their health, but to anyone who wants to compete his service is almost ESSENTIAL! I am proud to be a member of Team Franco!