Megan Shellman started powerlifting six months ago to get stronger and manage pain she has dealt with since childhood.
I have several chronic pain conditions, one of which is severe rheumatoid arthritis. Before powerlifting, I couldn’t open jars on my own or carry in my groceries. Powerlifting gave me back my life!”
Megan graduated early from high school at age 16.
Now 21, she works as a Data Analyst for Cox Automotive.
She trains for powerlifting in the Cox employee gym, at LA Fitness, and with the Team Lis Smash women’s barbell club.
Megan competed for the first time on May 6th at the USAPL Atlanta Women’s Open.
In Megan’s words:
If anyone is suffering from chronic pain and questioning whether or not they want to start lifting, you should! I went from walking with a cane a year ago to needing no assistance whatsoever. Take your time and always focus on form over weight. It’s one of the best decisions I made for my body/myself, and it’s improved my quality of life tenfold!”
The competition was INCREDIBLE. I just wanted to get past my nerves and get on the platform. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to be for my first exposure to the powerlifting world.”
[At the meet] I learned that the community is tremendously supportive. Even though I was surrounded by women who could easily lift double what I could for their warm-ups, they still congratulated me on every lift and made me feel welcome into the community. Their support and enthusiasm helped ease the nerves I had for my first meet.”
My favorite memory from the meet was the seconds right after I finished the final deadlift. For a moment, I thought I got a red light. Then the realization hit that I not only successfully completed the lift, but I hit a new PR. It was amazing to walk off the platform and be congratulated and hugged by other competitors – who I had only met earlier that day!”
Megan’s advice to new powerlifters:
It’s really scary going to your first meet. I signed up for 2 and cancelled because of my nerves. If it hadn’t been for Lis and the Women’s Barbell Club, I wouldn’t have been as comfortable going to the meet. They eased my nerves and were supportive from the beginning. If you’re nervous or scared you can’t lift heavy enough – just the bar is enough to compete! Try finding some local powerlifting clubs or contact someone within the community – they are all super nice.”
Megan will compete again later this year, in September at the USAPL Powerlifting for Pups meet. Her goals for the next meet are to set new personal records, and also to have big plates (20-25 kg) on the bar for each of her opening attempts.
To stay in touch with Megan and follow her powerlifting progress, follow her on Instagram @megmegshell.
