Shauna Slaney
I have lifted for the past several years because I loved lifting. I wanted to be better at lifting weights, for the sake of being better at lifting weights. But some people have a goal outside of the gym. The gym itself is a way to keep to make sure you are ready for the real world. Or at least the world you make! Today we talk to Shauna Slaney. She has transitioned from horses to deadlifts in her pursuit of being active. That love of staying active has kept her in the GGC since YEAR 1, and brought her back again and again. Without further ado, let’s talk to Shauna Slaney.
Shauna Slaney Intro
Oh, hey! I’m Shauna let’s jump to it. In my teens I did track and field as well as had my own horse. We did jumping. To help pay for her many expenses my first job out of school was at the horse farm. As is the style for equestrians, I ended up with a broken collar bone. I went big and broke it in two spots from one fall! My job at the farm was over. I went from hauling hay bales and water buckets around to sitting behind a desk.
Took a few years, but I realized being out of shape and in pain sucked so I joined Goodlife and started doing cardio classes. I also started working towards my Natural Nutrition diploma around that time. When I found powerlifting in my Google perusals that went hand in hand with the nutrition education I was getting, I really wanted to try that. I wandered around the gym one day to see what free weights they had and ended up asking an employee where the squat rack was. When I was directed towards a smith machine I cancelled my membership and my home gym life started.
Home Gym Hear I Come
I started with a bench and small bar with plastic 45’s, 25’s and 10’s from Canadian Tire 10 years ago. Then I had a squat rack made. Then I kept on keeping on and excitedly outgrew the weights and found a metal olympic set online with an actual bar. A friend knew I had started working out at home and asked if she could join me.
I was super nervous about coaching another person but said yes anyways and it kind of exploded from there. A few other ladies joined us and I just kept saving up and getting more equipment (and more and more!) As we outgrew spots and moved houses I always made sure to have a spot for the gym. I’ve moved (thank god for friends!) the gym nine times since starting; I took over the living room and the back porch at times to keep lifting during renovations.
I like having the gym at home because I have no excuses to not make it there. I’m also super particular and this gives me the control to do what, when and with my own equipment. I can’t imagine going back to a commercial gym now. I’m also kind of excited it’s actually in a garage now and hoping it won’t be moving for a long time!
Where Did You Find The GGC?
In my never ending search for knowledge I came across the GGC on Instagram. I was used to non-team sports but it’s always nice to be part of a community. I loved this online vibe of fellow lifters grinding at home; it’s still you against you but now it’s that with background support and comradery. I’d never considered competing in powerlifting but when the first GGC happened it was definitely something I was eager to do. I thought it was such a cool event idea and I signed up to help log one of the day’s lifts (before entry forms :P) so I could be a small part in making it happen.
I’ve been pumped to compete every year; although this fall I broke my foot the month previous so while my numbers weren’t fantastic, having committed to doing it, it kept me going to the gym even when the circumstances weren’t in my favour.
What Brings You Back To The Gym Every Day?
The big WHY for showing up to the gym, year after year, and pushing myself is the love of doing physical activity. I never want to have to say “no, I can’t.” Mud runs, snowboarding, hiking and backcountry camping, paddleboarding, etc. Not that grinding in the gym isn’t fun but I kick ass in the garage so I can do epic shit outside the gym! I also feel grateful I can support my friends when they want to hit a bucket list item but want a partner and I can just say “count me in!”.
When trying for PR’s and doing those big lifts, I just think I got this and step up to the bar visualizing a good rep and knowing I’ll succeed. If you tried your hardest that day, PR or not, that is success. I like that about lifting and the gym in general; you know if you gave it your best. I think lifting and being strong has given me a confidence I didn’t always feel as well. That “I got this” mantra comes with me when I leave the gym. The weights also teach you failure and knowing that you can just put more time in and try again.
Wrap Up
To prepare for future GGCs, I just keep on keeping on. As I tell my fellow Fortem Gym ladies, just keep showing up.
And to end on a side note about music…I block out the tunes when going big. If I hear a favorite song (hello Hanson!) come on I usually end up busting a terrible dance move so it’s probably for the best!
Thanks Shauna!
If you’d like more from Shauna Slaney, check her out on Instagram!
