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Marc Monaco’s Possible Return To The Stage In 2024

In this insightful interview, we delve into the multifaceted journey of Marc Monaco—a name synonymous with excellence, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to the International Physique League (IPL). Marc’s legacy as a five-time IPL Pro titleholder and now Head Judge for the league underscore his profound impact on the fitness world.
     Marc Monaco’s story encapsulates the evolution of an athlete beyond the confines of the stage. Having claimed the spotlight twice on the covers of ATHLETIC Magazine in the past, his achievements in physique competition speak volumes. However, his transition from a seasoned competitor to a pivotal administrative role as the Head Judge for the IPL marks a significant chapter in his career. Amidst his contributions to the league, Marc’s ventures into modeling and promotional videos have further solidified his presence in the fitness industry. Today, as he contemplates a potential return to competition stage, we explore the nuances of Marc’s journey, shedding light on his experiences, aspirations, and the compelling narrative of his evolution within the competitive fitness landscape.

"...I DON’T THINK ANY OF THEM COULD TOP THE THRILL OF COMPETING AND WINNING THAT FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP IN FRONT OF MY KIDS!"

ATHLETIC MAGAZINE: Your journey in the IPL has been remarkable, earning you five Pro titles. Can you share some pivotal moments from your competitive career that have been instrumental in your success?
MARC MONACO: Thank you! The IPL has been an incredible journey for me! There were several pivotal moments during my competitive career. My first IPL show in Florida was obviously pivotal because it was during COVID, and I didn’t even know if I would ever be able to compete! Luckily, the show materialized and I was able to earn my first two Pro Cards in Athletic Masters and Open.
     My next goal was to compete at least once as a Professional, and my first opportunity was a few months later in Phoenix. That show will always be extra special to me because I won my first Pro title in Masters Athletic in front of my three boys. Needless to say, it was a proud moment for me!
     Overall, each of the six IPL shows were special to me and had their own defining moments. But I don’t think any of them could top the thrill of competing, and winning that first championship in front of my kids!
ATHLETIC: Transitioning from being an accomplished competitor to serving as Head Judge for the league is a significant shift. How has your perspective changed, and what insights have you gained from being in this new role?
MARC: My perspective has changed dramatically. Judging is definitely a challenge, a “whole other animal” so to speak! Competitors have different body types, strengths, weaknesses, etc. I never understood the complications of being on the other side of the stage until I became Head Judge. And I have grown a deeper appreciation for both sides, competitor and judge. Serving as Head Judge, I have been able to attain a lot of knowledge that I can use, both as a coach and competitor. I have learned a lot from the athletes I have judged, and I am grateful for that! 
ATHLETIC: Your presence in the modeling world, with various photoshoots and promotional videos for the league, has garnered attention. How do you balance the demands of modeling with your other commitments?

“MODELING FOR THE LEAGUE HAS BEEN A COMPLETE BLESSING! …SINCE THEN, I’VE BEEN BLESSED TO BE FEATURED IN SEVERAL OF THE LEAGUE’S MAGAZINES, AND EVEN PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS.”

MARC: Modeling for the league has been a complete blessing! I remember seeing my picture on the very first Athletic Magazine cover when I got done teaching a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class! I opened up my social media, and I had like 100 “likes” and messages under the magazine announcement. I was shocked and honored at the same time. Since then, I’ve been blessed to be featured in several of the league’s magazines, and even promotional videos. I’ll always remember Ben’s idea on short notice for the video that was the very start of the promos! That was a fun day of shooting video at the gym, and it started something incredible for all of the IPL’s athletes!
     Since then, I began to receive more recognition from photographers outside the league, and began collaborations for fitness and other visions of photographers. It’s been an extraordinary process, but it forces me to stay fit throughout the year. So it doesn’t interfere too much with my other commitments. I usually only need a couple weeks notice, depending on the project, and I can get into Photoshoot shape. Sometimes the photographer wants a fuller look, so I don’t need to prepare!
     When I do Photoshoots for the IPL, I try to come in as physically conditioned and muscular as possible because I want to be an example to fellow athletes, especially as their Head Judge.
ATHLETIC: Having graced the cover of ATHLETIC Magazine twice in the past, what impact did those cover features have on your career, and how do you view the role of media exposure in the realm of Physique Competition? 

"THE ROLE OF MEDIA EXPOSURE, AS WELL AS INTERVIEWS AND FEATURES IS EXTREMELY POWERFUL!"

MARC: As I stated earlier, it was an honor to grace the cover of ATHLETIC Magazine on two separate occasions! The first cover got me a lot of attention as a trainer and actually motivated me to resume that career as I had taken some time off to pursue other possible career paths. The cover definitively gave me exposure and helped me to pick up more clientele.
     The second magazine cover was extra special for me because I was going through a difficult time in life. I lost a relationship, I lost my dad a year prior, I fell into depression, etc. I needed to focus on a positive goal to feel “alive again” and that second magazine cover was the goal I had in mind! That cover is my personal reminder that if I refocus on myself and my goals, my determination can get me past life’s obstacles.
     The role of media exposure, as well as interviews and features is extremely powerful! This league is very special in so many ways, but the fact that athletes can be recognized and celebrated through this type of exposure is truly incredible!
ATHLETIC: You’ve mentioned feeling the urge to return to the stage as a competitor. What factors have contributed to this desire, and how do you anticipate this return might influence your career trajectory? 
MARC: Yes, I have had the “itch” to return to stage. I’ve always been a competitor, that’s my identity! The IPL Men’s Divisions have been growing with some tremendous athletes, and I feel it maybe time to challenge myself again. I’ve been preparing for several Photoshoots the past year or so, and I’ve gotten close to stage-ready again, especially for the Florida shoot that landed me on ATHLETIC Magazine.
    I feel I’ve done enough in Athletic and Sports Model. I’m really intrigued with the idea of possibly earning my Pro Cards in Bodybuilding. I’ve added considerable size and muscle to my frame since my last show, and I’d really like to challenge myself in a new division, especially since this division consists of more poses that showcase some of my strengths in my physique!
     There are still several factors that will determine when and if I return to stage. I need to speak with my kids to make sure they are all on board. When I prepare, it’s difficult on all of us, and I want to be fair and unselfish. Also, I need to make sure I can commit 100% because that’s all I know!
ATHLETIC: As someone deeply immersed in the competition scene, what lessons have you learned from your time away from the stage that you believe will benefit you should you decide to make a comeback as a competitor?

“IF I DECIDE TO COMPETE IN THE NEAR FUTURE, I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SHOWCASE MY STRENGTHS EFFECTIVELY AND APPLY THE LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED WHILE JUDGING.”

MARC: I’ve learned plenty of lessons while away from stage! While head judging, I’ve been able to study the athletes that are competing because obviously, I am judging both their physique and their presentation of their physique. I’ve picked up on some of the positives and negatives. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because we all have things in which to improve upon. I would have to say, I’ve learned the most within the realm of posing. I have seen athletes with a noticeable strength that were unable to showcase that advantage effectively because of their posing and presentation. But that’s such a “quick fix!” If I decide to compete in the near future, I hope to be able to showcase my strengths effectively and apply the lessons I have learned while judging.
ATHLETIC: With your extensive experience in the IPL, both as a competitor and in an administrative role, what changes or improvements do you envision for the league, and how do you see your involvement contributing to these developments? 
MARC: The IPL is different than any other league, and that’s an absolute fact! No other league celebrates their athletes the same, nor do they give their athletes the same exposure and accolades. As Head Judge, I always strive to improve my role. I always want to give each athlete the best experience, and the fairest scores. As a fellow athlete, I know all of the hard work, discipline, and sacrifice it takes to prepare for stage. I want each athlete to know I care about them. In my eyes, they’re not JUST a number!
     I’d like to delve into the photography and film projects to help our athletes gain more exposure and have an incredible experience. An experience they can remember for a lifetime and be proud of! I’m also available to give our athletes feedback after competitions. I hope each athlete knows that my feedback always comes with good intentions.
     I want them to succeed as long as they put in the work! I’m also open to any new additions to the IPL. We’ve had many additions and improvements. And IPL President Ben Yosef and I talk about these additions quite frequently!
ATHLETIC: Amidst your multifaceted involvement in the fitness industry, from competing to judging and modeling, what aspects do you find most fulfilling, and what motivates you to continue pushing the boundaries of your career?

"I STRIVE TO BE THE BEST I CAN BE. I ALWAYS WANT TO BE WELL-ROUNDED AS AN INDIVIDUAL IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE."

MARC: I’m a born competitor, so competition and new challenges are engrained in me! I had a difficult upbringing and have had to overcome a lot of adversity in life, so I have a unique determination to accomplish my goals. I take challenges extremely seriously, so I am always trying new things and keeping an open mind to new opportunities. Once I become intrigued with a new challenge or opportunity, I become obsessed! I strive to be the best I can be. I always want to be well-rounded as an individual in all areas of life.
ATHLETIC: Looking back on your illustrious journey so far, what advice would you give to aspiring physique competitors who aim to achieve success in the highly competitive sport of Physique Competition? 
MARC: The main advice I would give aspiring competitors is short and simple: believe in yourself, even when others try to convince you differently. The sky is the absolute limit if you believe in your capabilities, and then you push yourself to reach your goals. If I had listened to most people, I would never have been able to accomplish all that I have. Set your goals, ask God to help you on your journey, and believe that you can (and will) succeed!
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