ATHLETIC Magazine Cover Story - Marc Monaco's Next Moves - Natural Bodybuilding Competitions

Cover Story – Marc Monaco’s Next Moves

Interview & Photography by Ben Yosef

Images captured on Friday, October 20th, the day before Marc served as Head Judge at the 2023 IPL Sunshine Classic in Destin, Florida. This is Marc’s second magazine cover since competing in the IPL. His first was the premier issue of ATHLETIC Magazine in the spring of 2021.

“…A YEAR OF LEARNING NEW SKILLS, EXPANDING INTO NEW AREAS, GROWTH, AND ACCOMPLISHING SEVERAL GOALS!”

BEN YOSEF: Okay here we go! What a year! Thank you so much for being such an integral part of this league! It’s been awesome working and traveling with you as well this year. I consider you a great friend, my man. I appreciate you. How would you summarize Marc Monaco’s 2023?

MARC MONACO: Thanks, Ben. It’s been an absolute pleasure working and traveling with you this year, and I appreciate our friendship as well! 2023 has been a great year for the league, and I’m even more excited for the future. The shows were amazing, as usual, and it was an honor to Head Judge in Phoenix, three times this year, Maryland, and Florida. The Photoshoots were amazing, and I was happy to participate in some of them for both myself and helping you to shoot additional footage for the athletes! The promotional videos were fun, and I’m happy we shot the original video at the gym and you came up with a wonderful concept for the IPL! The “Real IPL” has been an incredible addition for this league, and it was an honor to be a part of that process. Last but not least, IPL PRESS PASS has been a nice touch in introducing the Pro Athletes both before and after the show, asking questions about their prep, along with other aspects of their life. It’s truly been an incredible year of growth! So in general, “Marc Monaco’s 2023” was a year of learning new skills, expanding into new areas, growth, and accomplishing several goals!

BEN: Love it, man! What an incredible year, indeed! If you had to single out one particular moment as the highest point of the year with regards to the IPL, what would you say that is? And what would you say was the highest point for you in 2023 outside of the IPL? On the other end of that coin, what would you say was the biggest challenge for you within the league in 2023? And what was the biggest challenge for you outside of the league?

"…IF I DON’T ACCOMPLISH THE THINGS THAT BRING ME HAPPINESS, I CAN’T GIVE ENOUGH TO OTHERS. IT HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE COMING TO TERMS WITH THIS REALIZATION…"

MARC: Wow, those are some really difficult questions because I’ve had so many high points this year in both the IPL and in life. On the flip-side, I’ve had several challenges within the league and in my personal life. I would have to say my highest point within the league was the entire Florida IPL weekend! The entire experience was incredible, including the beautiful beaches, filming “The Real IPL” with you and Kimmy, helping and learning (from you) how to film and assist as the “B-Cam”, the show itself, being a part of the Press Pass, and ultimately, doing a shoot with you that landed me this cover and feature! The weekend was a complete blessing, and I also enjoyed the time with veteran IPL competitors and newcomers as well. I also enjoyed the time we had over the weekend to bond and speak about new ideas for the league in the near future!

The highest point in life this year has probably been my self-growth. I feel like I have really worked on myself over the past year, and have grown into a better, more-rounded, and mature person, and have learned to value myself more.

The biggest challenge within the IPL for me this year was to be open to more areas, and to learn and try new things. As I stated earlier, I’ve grown tremendously this year, and you have actually inspired me to be more active in the media, press, filming part of the IPL. All of these additional aspects within the IPL sets it apart from other leagues, and I’m proud to have an active role in them!

The biggest challenge outside of the league for me is to accept that I need to make myself a priority at times and not feel guilty for doing so. I have always been a “people pleaser” and have always had the intention to put my kids first, no matter how large the sacrifice. With self- growth, I have learned that I must have balance in life, and that sometimes I need to take care of myself and my needs before others’ desires. I have learned that if I don’t accomplish the things that bring me happiness, I can’t give enough to others. It has been a challenge coming to terms with this realization, but it’s something I have become aware of within myself.

BEN: Great lessons, brother. And there are certainly some great words of wisdom there! With just over one month until 2024, are there anymore goals you are aiming for, or do you just plan to relax at this point and enjoy the holidays?

"I WANT TO BE READY FOR WHATEVER COMES IN 2024! AND I HAVE A FEW MORE GOALS THAT I’M NOT READY TO RELEASE TO THE UNIVERSE YET!"

MARC: My entire life has been nothing but hard lessons. But without these lessons, I would never be the person I am today. I would never have such a burning desire to put all of my efforts and beyond to reach my goals! Yes, I still have a few goals left for 2023, believe it or not.

First, I have a couple more Photoshoots after Thanksgiving with two different photographers. One will be photos and footage. The other will be photos, but something a little different and “riskier” than I’m used to. Both should be fun! In December, I’m dedicating my time to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, especially to my son Dorian. He’s competing at No-Gi Worlds in Las Vegas in his final competition at Purplebelt. So I’m excited and hopeful he can win a world title at one of the toughest tournaments in the world!

The following week, Dorian will be promoted to Brownbelt, and I am supposed to be promoted to my Third Degree on my Blackbelt, God willing. We also have several students that will be promoted to their next rank, so it will be both exciting and emotional! I don’t think I know the definition of “relax!”

After all of that, I’m going to focus on bulking up and putting more muscle on my legs and shoulders. I want to be ready for whatever comes in 2024! I’d like to do at least a couple more Photoshoots with you, especially in Alaska. And I have a few more goals that I’m not ready to release to the universe yet!

BEN: [laughs] Love it! We’ll be keeping a close eye, watching for your upcoming projects! It sounds like you have plenty of excitement lined up in these final six weeks of the year! It was great getting to spend time with you and the boys, Dorian and Caison, working at APEX last weekend. You are a great father and role model for those guys!

I invite everyone to go and check out your first ATHLETIC Magazine cover story, where you discussed not only your Physique Competition life, but also your passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Also, the article that you penned for this publication titled “Training Kids Early”. As well as the interview we did which focused on jiu-jitsu and your relationship with and Dorian. Heck, you have a pretty extensive library of content now on the IPL site, so I invite everyone to check out your entire page!

Once again brother, I have much appreciation for you and I look forward to our friendship and working with you in the future! Any final thoughts for ATHLETIC Magazine?

"NO OTHER LEAGUE OR PLATFORM FOR THAT MATTER, HAS BEEN AS SUPPORTIVE AS THE IPL. THIS LEAGUE IS TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL!"

MARC: Thank you for all the kind words, my friend! Like I’ve said before, it’s been an honor to be part of this league as both a competitor and as Head Judge, amongst other endeavors! I’ve been in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years, and it’s an absolute blessing to be recognized for all my efforts. No other league or platform for that matter, has been as supportive as the IPL. This league is truly something special!

In addition, it’s been special for me to share my involvement in the IPL with my boys. As a father, it means the world to me for my kids to share in my passion. While also keeping them involved in the fitness world, something that is extremely positive. Thanks again for believing in me from the beginning. And a special thanks for all that you continue to do for all of us athletes on a daily basis. I look forward to the future of this league and any contributions to help with its growth!