Shannon Dykman
Personal Stats:
Age: 28
Current Residence: Wichita, KA
Height: 5’9”
Contest Weight: 160 lbs
Off-season Weight: 180 lbs
Education: Western Michigan University, B.S. Mechanical Engineering; Wichita State University, Master of Business Administration
Occupation: Engineer / Executive Assistant
Websites: Facebook
Bio:
I grew up in Western Michigan and never touched weights until my senior year of college. I began training with a close friend to simply relieve the stress of engineering studies. I have never been very athletic or interested in sports in general. In my earlier years of weight training I focused primarily on my upper body and continued to eat a horrible diet. Upon graduating in late 2005, I accepted a job offer in Wichita, Kansas where I quickly joined a local health club to fill my free time. At that time, I found myself being interested in bodybuilding magazines and I began educating myself through the Internet on proper nutrition (although it was nothing like my diet today). When I started cleaning up my diet I noticed significant changes and from that point forward I was hooked. Fast forward to early 2010, I decided that I wanted to turn my weight lifting hobby into bodybuilding. Upon graduating with my Master’s degree, I hired Kurt to prep me for my first competition. I was recommended to Kurt through his old workout partner and good friend, Brian Whitacre. I was hesitant to invest in Kurt’s services but looking back it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did Kurt help me win the Novice Overall at the 2010 Kansas City Natural Classic but he taught me everything I know about natural bodybuilding and proper nutrition.
Kurt’s practice what you preach attitude has been extremely motivating. I can’t count the number of times that I have motivated myself before an intense leg workout by watching his YouTube videos. Kurt has earned the title of the Animal because he eats, sleeps, and breathes natural bodybuilding every day! Not only has Kurt taught me about contest prep but also about the importance of the off-season and how to properly transition between the two. There are so many myths within bodybuilding that can cause a less than perfect physique. Using Kurt’s approach will expel these myths and lead you down the path of certainty, confidence, and success. I plan to utilize Kurt’s services for my attempt at earning an IFPA pro card in 2012.
Future Plans:
I am currently taking 2011 off from competing to heal an injury and attempt to build upon my weak-points (chest, traps, biceps). For 2012, I plan to prep for the Kansas City Natural Classic which is an IFPA pro qualifier. Along with my continuation of body building, I also plan to earn my NSCA-CPT.
Contest History:
2010 Kansas City Natural Classic: Novice overall winner
