How did your fitness
journey begin?
I started lifting at age 12. My father was a high school wrestling and football coach when I was young, so sports have always been in my life. My brother introduced me to lifting and I looked up to him.
At age 14, I joined a new gym and met my trainer, friend, and mentor, Austin Kjergaard. Austin started training me and got me into bodybuilding. Before bodybuilding, I wrestled and played football. The gym became my home and addiction. I weighed 105 pounds as a high school freshman. I hated being small and decided to build mass. I put on more than 120 pounds in high school and wrestled at 103, 135, 152, 171, and 215 pounds. I even wrestled as a heavyweight.
I competed in my first bodybuilding show at age 16. I weighed in at 154.4 pounds and was instantly hooked. I placed third in the teen division. I took a couple years off before recently competing in the 2013 North Star in Minnesota.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
My passion for the fitness industry emerged because of the likeminded people who I admire. Everyone is bettering themselves and perfecting their own physique within the industry. I like to surround myself with people who are better and have a positive outlook on life.
What or who
motivated you?
My trainer, mentor, and friend, Austin Kjergaard, motivated me to be a bodybuilder. He's been there for me since I was 14 years old. He recently won a NGA pro card, which was a dream come true for him. Being around someone who accomplished a life-long dream is amazing. Without him, I don't know where I'd be today.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I only have one chance, so why squander any opportunity? My faith is very important to me. God plays a huge role in my life. When push comes to shove, I can always rely on my faith and God to lift my spirits.
What are your future fitness plans?
I want to continue training as long as my body allows. I want to put on quality size and move up a weight class at my next show. I would like to continue in the fitness industry in any way possible.
What is the most important fitness tip?
Always wake up unsatisfied and hungry for more. Never be satisfied and never give up on your dream. Losses will come before victories, so don't get discouraged. There will always be room for improvement.
Who is your favorite competitor?
Austin Kjergaard, Phil Heath, Kevin Levrone, Shawn Ray, and Kai Greene are my favorite competitors.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
Bodybuilding.com has many articles to learn from. Knowledge is power and Bodybuilding.com keeps me on my toes. I order supplements from the store and love the free gifts that arrive in my orders.
Dylan's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Simple Man" by Shine Down
- "Undead" by Hollywood Undead
- "Montreal" by The Weekend
- "Ambition" by Wale
- "Dirty Diana" by The Weekend
Competition History
- 2010 Minnesota State - 3rd Place Teen Division
- 2013 North Star - 2nd Place Teen Division, 4th Place Middleweight