Get Serious About Your Training with Former Mr. America: Joe LaCerra

Q & A with Former Mr. Classic Physique America & On Repeat Sports Brand Ambassador: Joe LaCerra

When and why did you start lifting? When do you feel like you became a serious lifter?

I started lifting back in high school initially just to gain muscle and get stronger. I was always the super small and skinny kid growing up, so I wanted to make a change. I really got more serious in the summer of 2012. I will never forget. I got my driver's license, and the gym was the first place I went! That was really my transition into being a more consistent lifter because I could now get myself to and from the gym whenever I wanted. I would say that I truly became a "serious lifter" during the 2020 shutdown. Before that, I was honestly a big-time program-hopper with no real direction. I would follow something for a brief bit, and then change to something else. During the 2020 shutdown, I had nothing else to do but learn and research information, so that's exactly what I did! I dove into all types of bodybuilding literature, as that is my passion. From there, I was able to apply that new knowledge and make some of the best gains of my life over the past two years. I always preach to folks that you can still make great gains even years into your lifting career, as you can always learn, grow and optimize what you are doing with respect to your goals.

What time of day do you train and why?

I prefer to train in the mid morning/early afternoon. I find that if I train later at night, my mind is still going when I'm trying to wind down for the day.

What do you listen to on repeat at the gym to get you into beast mode?

I'm pretty eclectic when it comes to my music choices, but two of my go-to genres would be classic hard rock and some good ole hip-hop.

Do you have a favorite exercise?

I wouldn't say that I have one particular exercise that I like the most. I enjoy all of my sessions pretty equally, and simply just love improving and progressing everything. Although, there's nothing like a hard leg day!

What is your main fitness goal for the coming year?

My main fitness goal for this year is to establish myself as a competitive professional natural bodybuilder. I will be doing a few shows this year, and competing solely in the bodybuilding division is a big step for me. I know I am young in the sport of natural bodybuilding being only 27, so I have plenty of good years ahead of me, but I am excited to compete with some amazing bodybuilders this year and see how I stack up. This has genuinely been the most fun I've ever had during a contest prep, so I can't wait to compete!

Do you write down your goals?

Absolutely, I always have my goals written in either my training notebook or in the notes on my phone. I am a firm believer in manifesting your goals.

What has led to the biggest improvements in your training or physique?

The biggest improvements in my training/physique came from simply taking the time to learn what works best for me, which is a lower volume/higher intensity style training. I am a big believer in trial and error when it comes to training, and without applying that effort in it you'll never truly find out what works best for your needs and goals.

Who inspires you in the gym? Do you have a hero?

The biggest inspiration I have in the gym is my never-ending quest for self-improvement. I do look up to several other professional natural bodybuilders in the industry, but I draw my inspiration from simply wanting to be better. My parents are my heroes for completely different reasons. My mother is my hero because she is the ultimate caregiver, and my father is my hero because of his tenacity and determination. I also draw a lot of my values and discipline from my Martial Arts days (15 years of Tang Soo Do).

What is most overlooked when it comes to getting the results you want in the gym?

The biggest overlooked variable when it comes to getting results in the gym is patience. I find that most people want results to happen quickly, but they are unwilling to deliver the adherence, consistency and discipline required, so their lack of patience really gets the best of them.

What advice would you give someone new to the gym?

For someone new to the gym, I would simply tell them don't be afraid to make mistakes! There are never losses in the gym, only lessons.