Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week: Mike Zylstra
Class You Compete In: S
uperheavyweight class
Birthdate: October 22 1978
Career: Shipper Receiver
Hometown: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
Years Competing: competed in 1999 as a junior then did not compete for 7 years, restarted in 2006
Competitive History: My first competition was at the age of 20 as a heavy weight at the provincial manitoba novice where I placed 1st, then went to provincials that same year winning the junior class and 2nd in heavy weights. I took time away from bodybuilding due to a complicated home life and was unable to train, my life turned for the better and I started training again in 2006 where I competed and won super heavy weights for manitoba. In 2008 I placed 2nd in super heavy weights and in 2010 won superheavy weights and the overall title for Manitoba. I then moved on to Nationals where I competed in 2012 in the super heavy weight division placing 6th at my first national show was in the first call out with the top guys but ended up 6th. This year I tied for third for Nationals in the super heavy weight class but ended off as 4th. Next year I am hoping will be my year to win the super heavy weight class and become a pro.
Next Competition: will be Canadian Nationals in Montreal and possibly the North Americans depending on how I do at the first show, Ultimatly I am hoping I only have to do one lol...
How did you first discover your love for bodybuilding? I first discovered bodybuilding from the movie Conan, Arnold intrigued me as a kid and I followed him and starte
d reading about bodybuilding etc, I was a big kid and knew I wanted to be like Arnold and the other bodybuilders I admired, I started training at the age of 15 and by the age of 18 I was close to 300lbs already. I started to train at a local gym and the owner approached me and encouraged me to start to train for competitive bodybuilding as he felt I had what it takes. From then on I have not looked back and have always loved training and even when I couldn’t compete I still knew in the back of my mind I would go back and compete when my life would allow, and here I am happy and content with my life and moving forward with the goal of winning a pro card.
What’s been the most memorable experience of your career thus far? Being at the Olympia and meeting some of the worlds top competitors, getting the chance to talk with them and hearing how they thought I was huge and had so much potential. Chris Cormier asked me " Where the hell are you from?" I told him Canada and he said "They don't make boys like that in Canada?" super encouraging and humbling to hear words like that come from an inspiration like him, that keeps you moving forward and realizing I have what it takes.
Describe your training protocol. Haha well can't in great detail the coach would kill me lol..but I train 5 day split, I am training one body part hard a day or every day with a lot of sets and reps up to 30 sets for large body parts and 12 to 15 for smaller parts. I keep up the pace usually resting 60 to 90 seconds even when squatting or deadlifting, presently I do not do any cardio we leave that for comp time to keep the size on.
What’s been a stubborn bodypart for you? How have you managed to improve it? Calves are the worst for me, because I have a high insertion point and long legs so it is hard to make them bigger. I have found that with multiple sets and reps and training them first during my workout when I have the most energy and having high rep days one day and a heavy day one day has brought them up over time but its an ongoing battle.
If you could be any bodybuilder from any era, even if only for one day, who would it be? Definately Arnold as I am sure that is what most bodybuilders say haha but it is because of his approach to the sport by being mentally strong and determined as well as focused and disciplined. Arnold was also a master with head games with his competitors and he always was relaxed and calm cause he knew in his mind he was the best and made sure every one else knew it, I am not like him at all I am completely oppo
site I wish I was a little more like Arnold.
What’s your favorite way to relax outside of the gym? Oh that would have to be going out to eat a great meal with my wife and kids, love to enjoy time with the family and of course eat....love food.
What’s your FAVORITE reason to visit Rx Muscle? To read the latest news on the industry like competitions and photos of new pros for inspiration and to help see what I will be up against one day.
Who would you like to thank for helping you along the way? First I always have to thank my wife who encourages me and cooks and cleans for me, without that I am screwed.... and I have to thank my coach Darren Mehling Freak Fitness who made me a better bodybuilder and helps me every day as a friend and a mentor. My sponsors as well keep me a float which is Kaizen Platinum, they have been behind me since 2010 and keep backing me up. And X2X clothing for all their support and publicity.
What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you? Email my wife lol, no seriously email her I am horrible with the computer or any technology....facebook as well she manages as I am a lost soul..haha
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