Question For Joe Meeko !

[Tim Wescott]

Hi Joe,I read all of your pre-contest tips on Iron Age and found them very interesting.I would like to as k a few more pewrsonal type questions if you don`t mind.
1-First ,who was most instrumental in getting you started in bodybuilding?
2-Which contest victory was the most satisfying/rewarding for you?
3-Who was your toughest opponent in a contest?
4-What was your weekly training split like? I have a lot more questions I would like to ask you but I don`t want to drive you nut`s! Thanks Joe!

[Joe Meeko]

I started training just because I use to admire some of the guys in high school who walked around with their 16" arms and wide V tapered backs. Although I had to keep my bodyweight down because I was a track sprinter, I still trained a little bit for upper body (it helps you in sprinting and did make me run the 100 yard dash and 220 faster. (9.8 seconds in the 100 & 22.9 in the 220) I was undefeated all through high school in those events so I didn't want to get too big until I graduated.

I went to a seminar from Ron Teufel one day when he was in the Allentown, Pa area.

He was "one week" away from the Mr. America and blew my mind when he took off his sweats (he didn't look human he was so ripped and thick)

He was my inspiration to go for the top - I was 17 when I saw Ron Teufel in contest shape. I think he should have won the Mr. America that year but Gary Lenard beat him out. I also say Gary at a seminar a few months later after he won the Mr. America at the same gym (he had no calves and his legs were week) compared to Ron's. He was however tall and very symetrical - I guess that's why he won.

I use to train One magor and one minor bady part per day blasting it to the max (up to 30 sets for the magor part). For instance - Day one was Chest and calves. I considered calves and abs to be minor body parts only because of their size, not by importance to the physique.

Next day was back and abs, next legs by themselves, next shoulders and calves, next arm and abs. Then I would take a day off (sometimes) and repeat the cycle

I went into contests so confident that I was going to win because I new I "busted butt" for it and worked very hard dieting and training, so I never feared anyone on stage. I always though that I was the best in the show and NEVER had any doubts at any time.

The only competitor that came even close was Abe Questa - but he lacked calves severely and had small arms and V-taper in a front double bi pose. So I had no real threats on stage. The only threats were politics in a few shows which I'm sure everyone know exsists in the sport. Some organizations had more politics invloved than others.

Sincerely
Joe Meeko

[Tim Wescott]

Thanks Joe! I remember when you won the America and I thought no one even came close.I also have to agree with you on Ron Teufel,I have no clue how he could consistantly beat a guy like Tom Platz ,then get beaten by Gary Leonard and very small Tony Pearson.POLITICS !! I have encountered politics at quite a number of show`s I`ve done.Again, at time,s you are at the mercy of the "opinions" of the judges.Sometimes in my opinion,the judging is terrible!

[Whimp]

I personally think it is all politics!!!!not who looks good but who you know and the weight.....