ABOUT JOE WHEATLEY
Mr. Wheatley has worked with the original format of the bodybuilding shows at Muscle Beach and partnered with City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks and became the Promoter in 2000. Since that time he has advanced the competitions and has successfully introduced the Teen, Figure, Bikini, Vintage Swimsuit, Angel Bikini, Men’s Physique, Wellness, Classic Physique, and Couples categories. Record numbers of athletes have registered to compete, and come from all over the United States and as far away as Germany, France, Norway, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria and England to be involved in the notoriety of Muscle Beach.
He has organized media coverage to promote health and fitness which included two live national three minute segments on Fox Good Day L.A. and an interview on Fox Community Affairs. The Muscle Beach Venice shows have been featured on the Travel Network as one of the ten best beach shows in America. With Mr. Wheatley’s assistance, Discovery Channel filmed a documentary on bodybuilding. Japanese film companies have interviewed Mr. Wheatley and recorded his knowledge and expertise of the fitness industry. Television coverage from all major Los Angeles area networks (NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC and KNBC ) are highly anticipated for each of the three events promoted by Mr. Wheatley. The Venice events have also been covered in the press by the L.A. Times, The Argonaut, Ironman Magazine, Muscle Mag, Steele Jungle, Flex, and Muscle & Fitness Magazine. YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram in recent years has allowed Joe Wheatley Productions and the athletes competing at the events to post their pictures, profiles and personal successful interactions with the events at Muscle Beach.
In an effort to promote and highlight a fit and healthy lifestyle, each Bodybuilding show is accompanied by a Fitness Expo area. Vendors from a variety of industries have an opportunity to educate the public regarding various aspects, products and support equipment that assist in a positive healthy outcome. Icon Muscle, ProFight, MuscleTech, Bobybuilding.com, Dymatize, Weider, Quest Nutrition, Big Back Lifting Grips, Gaspari Nutrition, Gold’s Gym, Labrada Nutrition, Herbalife, World Gym Int’l, Coca Cola and Vitamin Water are among the many vendors that have supported the efforts at Muscle Beach.
In 2003, Don Howorth, was recognized as the first inductee into the Muscle Beach Venice Bodybuilding Hall for Fame. The Hall of Fame, created and founded by Mr. Wheatley and his wife Christine, recognizes the contribution of athletes, fitness experts, historians and photo journalists to the sport of bodybuilding and the fitness industry. Each recipient has been honored with a 15 x 9 inch Bronze plaque mounted on the famous Muscle Beach Weight Pen. To date, a total of 65 individuals have been inducted and are acknowledged on the “Muscle Beach Walk of Fame”. Lifetime Achievement awards have been presented to Ben, Joe & Betty Weider and Jack LaLanne. Other inductees include Dave Draper, Robby Robinson, Bill Grant, Franco Columbu, Cory Everson, Joe Gold, Chris Dickerson, Bill Pearl, Mickey Hargitay, Lee Labrada, Rich Gaspari, Ed Corney, Dennis Tinerino, Lenda Murray, Tony Pearson, Samir Bannout, Leroy Colbert, Frank Zane, Steve Reeves, Rachel McClish, Chris Dickerson, John Balik, and many more.
In 2007, Joe Wheatley Productions, in conjunction with Bodybuilding.com, started the Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive, which has assisted in the LAPD Pacific Division’s Winter Wonderland Giveaway. This traditional has continued and culminated in the Toy Drive’s 15th Anniversary in 2022. Hugely successful, Mr. Wheatley looks forward too giving back for many years to come.
At the Memorial competition, branches of the Armed Services are incorporated into the event to honor the men and women who commit themselves to the freedom of the United States. The highlight of the Memorial Day show begins with a Color Guard supported by Edwards AFB and a C-17 flyover – (the largest plane in the U.S. Air Force) from March AFB, which comes in “LOW, SLOW and DIRTY”.
In 2009, Joe received a Proclamation from the City of Los Angeles, presented by Councilman Bill Rosendahl, acknowledging his contribution to Muscle Beach Venice. In 2011, he received a Certificate of Congressional Commendation from Congresswoman Jane Harman. In 2012, he received a State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition from Senator Ted Lieu. All of these awards recognize his work and engagement of the community. In conjunction with the Mission of Muscle Beach and Joe Wheatley Productions, Joe is quick to emphasize his commitment to the Venice community and the athletes . Athletes and sponsors recognize Mr. Wheatley’s shows as a successful, well organized and positive experience. Mr. Wheatley provides a value packed show that attracts large audiences to the event. “I spend a lot of time at Muscle Beach and am honored to have the opportunity to continue furthering it’s world wide recognition.