Meet Coach Dylan Watzeels!
“Every Body has a Story.”
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a fitness instructor?
When I was 15, I took classes in the gym in my neighborhood. They asked me to become a teacher and that was the start of my journey.
After that I developed myself in multiple programs. When I finished High School I decided to go to the University of Performing Arts in Amsterdam. I enjoyed it but decided after a year to become a physiotherapist. With this study, I felt more confident in teaching classes.
Nowadays I educate other trainers, I design fitness education programs, I present classes at the biggest conventions in Europe. Also, I was involved in the programming for different boutique gyms all around the world and I created over 200 virtual classes for big fitness operators worldwide.
At the moment I am designing a new training concept where music, knowledge, and fun come together.
How would you describe your classes?
Inspired by music, driven on beats, and based on science. My classes are made to motivate people to move. I don’t care if they do the best squat. The most important thing is that the participants feel like they are the best version of themselves in that moment.
I mix all my music myself, so a lot of passion and inspiration is also put in the music mixes.
As a coach, what are your top sources of inspiration and motivation?
The music drives and motivates me. I also like to be a role model for others. As a child I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease but I always found a way to move. Everybody was shocked but it helped me to feel better and happier!
1 Year ago, I got a rare syndrome in my neck. I could not move. All the nerves and blood vessels in my head were blocked. I used a lot of pain medication (because the surgery was delayed due to COVID). After the surgery, I built up my fitness level again from zero. In 2 months I was teaching again, no pain medication anymore and fit as never before. Fitness is my life saver!
Every Body has a Story.
What have been some learnings you’ve had being a fitness instructor that you wish you knew when you first began? Any advice you’d give to brand new instructors?
Keep on learning! Knowledge is power. You can be the best entertainer but without knowledge, it just doesn't make any sense.
Entertainment is also important but I prefer to call it personality. Especially with the virtual fitness classes as competitors, it’s important to make a personal connection. They come back for you!
Last thing: make it accessible for everybody. It doesn't matter if you can do crazy things. It’s not your show. Make sure your members feel better afterwards.
Lightning round! Give us your top pick for each of these:
Motivation Mantra: You are good enough.
Fav Move in your signature class: The push-ups in Black Pink’s “How you Like That.”
Walk-on Song: “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha
Fav Musical Artist: Ke$ha. What else?
We hope you’ll show Coach Dylan some love on his Instagram at @dylanwatzeels!