An Interview with Superstar Client and Fitness Buff Dr. Josh Stoneking

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Issue 183, Wellness & Lifestyle | 0 comments

Eric: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? Where did you go to university? What do you do for a living?   Josh: I proudly earned...

Eric: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? Where did you go to university? What do you do for a living?

 

Josh: I proudly earned my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Doctorate of Pharmacy from West Virginia University School of Medicine, completing my PGY-1 residency at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, Florida. I would call myself a multifaceted professional with a distinguished career in both pharmacy and natural bodybuilding. With over a decade of experience in the pharmacy industry, I have leveraged my extensive knowledge to forge strategic partnerships and drive business growth for specialty pharmacies nationwide. My journey began in bone marrow transplant as an intern, eventually rising to the role of Senior Vice President and partner in my current pharmacy. Since joining the specialty pharmacy space in 2013, I have held various key positions, including Clinical Pharmacist, Regional Account Manager, Regional Sales Director, Pharmacy General Manager, National Sales Director, and Vice President.

 

Outside of my professional achievements, I am a dedicated family man who enjoys traveling and golf, even though I am not embarrassed to admit that my skills on the course are somewhat lacking. I reside in Tampa, Florida, but proudly maintain my deep-rooted connection to my West Virginia origins.

 

Eric: It’s evident that your physical appearance and health are extremely important to you. How long ago did you begin your fitness journey, and what initially ignited that spark?

 

Josh: I began my fitness journey over a decade ago, during my undergraduate years studying Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University. My initial interest in fitness was sparked by a desire to understand the human body better and how it responds to physical activity. However, seeing how exercise could transform not just physical appearance but overall health and well-being really ignited the fire. As I dove deeper into my studies, I realized that fitness was a powerful tool for improving quality of life. That realization motivated me to commit to it fully—both personally and professionally. Over the years, this passion evolved into a dedication to natural bodybuilding, where I could push my limits and continually strive for excellence, all while staying true to my commitment to health and natural performance.

 

Eric: Eventually, the time you put into building your body became not just a hobby or lifestyle but a passion. This passion led you to begin competing in physique competitions. What led you to begin competing, and for how long have you pursued this?

 

Josh: The transition from fitness as a lifestyle to a full-blown passion that led me to compete in physique competitions was just a natural progression. As I became more serious about my training, I found myself constantly pushing the boundaries of what I could achieve. I wanted to see just how far I could take my physique and how much I could improve through dedication, discipline, and a natural approach.

 

The idea of competing came when I realized I enjoyed the physical challenge and the mental and strategic aspects of preparing for a competition. The thought of stepping on stage and showcasing the results of months, and even years, of hard work was incredibly motivating. I entered my first Men’s Physique competition in 2013, and the experience was exhilarating. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving to myself that I could commit to something so demanding and come out stronger on the other side.

 

Since then, I’ve been competing for over a decade, participating in more than 30 competitions and earning several titles. Each competition has fueled my passion further, driving me to refine my approach continually in and out of the gym.

 

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Eric: What are some of the highlights of your competitive career? What competitions stand out and why?

 

Josh: There have been several memorable highlights in my competitive bodybuilding career that stand out. One of the most significant was being crowned Mr. West Virginia in 2015. Winning that title was particularly special because it was a moment where I could represent my home state and showcase the results of years of hard work on a stage that felt deeply personal to me.

 

Another highlight was winning back-to-back Southeast Pro titles in 2019 and 2020. These victories were pivotal because they validated the consistency and improvements I had made in my physique over time. Competing at that level and coming out on top two years in a row was a testament to my dedication and growth as a natural athlete.

Most recently, winning the St. Louis Pro and Thunder Classic in 2021 were standout moments in my career. These competitions were incredibly competitive, and taking home titles from both was a huge accomplishment. It demonstrated that even after years in the sport, I could continue to evolve and perform at a high level.

 

Additionally, placing in the top 10 in prestigious events like Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe and winning the 2024 WBFF World Championship has been incredibly rewarding. These competitions brought together the best athletes in the world, and being able to stand among them was a true honor. Each of these highlights represents not just a trophy or a title but a milestone in my journey, pushing me to aim even higher in my future endeavors.

 

Eric:  What do you love most about being onstage and showing everyone your hard work?

 

Josh: Being onstage is the culmination of months of intense effort and discipline, and I love the moment when all that hard work is finally revealed. It’s an incredible feeling to showcase the results of countless hours in the gym, strict dieting, and mental focus. What I love most is the energy of the audience and the judges. It’s a powerful reminder that the journey, with all its challenges, has been worth it. The stage is where I can express my passion for bodybuilding and share it with others who appreciate the art and sport of physique competition.

 

Eric: You have also done a lot of modeling as well. Tell me more about it. Do you enjoy that as much as competing?

 

Josh: Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to do quite a bit of modeling alongside my competitive career. Modeling is different from competing but just as rewarding in its own way. While competing is about the adrenaline rush and the challenge of bringing my best physical package to the stage, modeling allows me to present my physique more creatively and expressively. I enjoy the variety it brings, whether a fitness shoot or a lifestyle brand. Modeling, in and of itself, offers another platform to showcase the hard work I put into my body. While competing will always be my first passion, modeling complements it beautifully and adds another dimension to my career.

 

Eric: Give readers an idea of what your training routine is like. Obviously, you train with weights and perform cardio as well. How many days per week? How long do you spend in the gym?

 

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Josh: My training routine is structured and designed to optimize muscle growth and conditioning. I typically train six days a week, focusing on different muscle groups daily to ensure balanced development. My sessions usually last about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the day’s focus. This includes both weight training and cardio. I perform cardio five times a week, ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on where I am in my competition prep. I also incorporate mobility work and stretching to prevent injuries and improve performance. It’s a demanding schedule, but I thrive on the consistency and the challenge.

 

Eric: Diet is a huge factor in creating such a sculpted body. What does a typical day of eating look like for you?

 

Josh: Diet is crucial to achieving and maintaining a sculpted physique. For me, a typical day of eating is highly regimented and tailored to my goals. I usually eat five to six meals a day, each carefully balanced with the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Breakfast might consist of egg whites, oats, and some berries, followed by grilled chicken with sweet potatoes and green vegetables or lean beef with brown rice and avocado. I also incorporate healthy snacks like almonds or protein shakes to keep my energy levels up. Hydration is vital, so I drink plenty of water throughout the day. My diet is clean, nutrient-dense, and strategically designed to fuel my training and recovery.

 

Eric: You are a 100% drug-free competitor. What made you decide to go that route, and what are some natural supplements that you utilize to assist you in building muscle, burning fat, and staying healthy?

 

Josh: Choosing to compete drug-free was a decision rooted in my commitment to health and integrity. I wanted to see how far I could push my body naturally, relying on hard work, proper nutrition, and smart supplementation. I take pride in knowing that everything I’ve achieved is the result of my own efforts without taking shortcuts. As for supplements, I focus on high-quality, natural products. I use whey protein for muscle recovery, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle repair during workouts, and creatine for strength gains. I also include multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and a greens supplement to ensure I’m covering all my nutritional bases. These supplements help me maintain my physique, burn fat efficiently, and stay healthy, all while staying true to my natural bodybuilding principles.

 

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Eric: I know you have a very busy work schedule. How do you balance this and your personal life with such an extensive training regimen?

 

Josh: Balancing my work, personal life, and training regimen requires careful planning and discipline. I’m very strict with my schedule, carving out dedicated time for each area of my life. Early mornings are usually reserved for my training so I can start the day with a clear mind and a sense of accomplishment. I’m also very intentional about meal prepping, which saves time and ensures I stay on track with my nutrition. As for work, I make the most of every hour, staying organized and focused on my tasks. It’s also important to me to spend quality time with my family, so I make sure to prioritize that as well. It’s a juggling act, but I’ve found that it’s easier to find the motivation to make it all work when you’re passionate about what you do.

 

Eric: So, a couple of years back, you reached out to me and asked me to become your “coach.” Since then, I have been responsible for creating your workouts and diet and preparing you for competitions. What made you contact me? How has working with me elevated your overall regimen and, of course, your physique?

 

Josh: I reached out to you because I knew I needed expert guidance to take my physique to the next level. Your reputation and experience in the field speak for themselves, and I wanted to work with someone who could not only push me but also fine-tune every aspect of my training and diet. Since working with you, my regimen has become more strategic and effective. Your tailored approach has helped me overcome plateaus and achieve a level of conditioning and muscle symmetry I hadn’t reached before. Your insights have been invaluable in elevating my overall physique, and I’m grateful for your impact on my competitive career. I mean, there is a reason your nickname is Merlin, after all! You are the physique transformation wizard!

 

Eric: Readers should know that we work together entirely online. How does that work? Is this an effective method for others to pursue if they wish to transform their bodies and health?

 

Josh: Working together online has been surprisingly effective. It allows for high flexibility and convenience, which is crucial given my busy schedule. We can communicate regularly, adjust my programs as needed, and track my progress closely. The key is consistency and clear communication. An online coaching relationship can work for others looking to transform their bodies and health, provided they’re committed and responsive. The technology we have today makes it easier than ever to receive expert guidance, no matter where you are, and I’ve found that the results speak for themselves.

 

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Eric: I must ask – it is incredibly challenging to build a physique like yours and even harder to achieve a competitive condition. Where does your dedication and discipline come from?

 

Josh: My dedication and discipline come from a deep-seated desire to be the best version of myself. I’ve always believed in the power of hard work and perseverance. Whether in my professional life or bodybuilding career, I’m driven by the challenge of pushing beyond my limits and seeing what I can achieve. The satisfaction of setting a goal, working tirelessly towards it, and ultimately achieving it is what fuels my discipline. I’m also motivated by the people around me—my family, my coach, and my fellow competitors. Their support and belief in me keep me focused, even when things get tough.

 

Eric: So, tell me what is next. You just won the WBFF Pro World Championships in your division – a huge achievement! Where do you go from here? What’s the next competition?

 

Josh: Winning the WBFF Pro World Championships was a massive milestone for me, but I’m always looking forward to the next challenge. My immediate focus is improving and refining my physique, which you and I have already begun working on. My main goal for 2025 is to defend my WBFF Pro World Championship title, which is why you and I are dedicating this next year to intense training and all-out preparation for the competition. Beyond that, I’m exploring opportunities to expand my influence in the fitness industry, whether it’s through more modeling, coaching others, or even branching into new areas like fitness entrepreneurship. The journey doesn’t stop here—there’s always another level to reach, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

 

Eric: Josh, with your attitude, passion, and work ethic, I have no doubt you will achieve everything you set out to!

 

 

Send all inquiries for Eric Broser to bodyfx2@aol.com

Website: www.broserbuilt.com 

Free Online Coaching Consultations available here: https://coach.broserbuilt.com/ 

Spellbound Nutrition physique altering supplements: www.spellbound-nutrition.com 

Eric Broser

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