About Mark Shaner

Why I Started Lifting and Learning About Nutrition

I started lifting in November 2018 at 118 lb. I felt skinny and unsure of myself. I didn't have a plan or everything figured out. I just knew I wanted something to change, so I started there.

Training helped me find confidence. Learning about nutrition changed my relationship with food, too. I learned I could enjoy what I ate and still make progress without worrying about food all the time.

I started Shaner Strong in 2025 because I wanted to help other people find that same confidence. Along the way, I became certified as a personal trainer and nutritionist. I also earned my strength and conditioning coach certification. What matters most to me is turning what I've learned into help someone can actually use.

Health issues meant I had to step back for a while. Taking that break wasn't easy, but it reminded me that looking after yourself sometimes means slowing down. I'm preparing to return at the end of 2026 with a fresh perspective and a stronger commitment to helping people.

To me, strength is about more than what you can lift. It also means adapting when life changes, asking for support, and finding a next step that works for you. If you're living with a disability, managing health challenges, or starting over, your progress doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

That's what Shaner Strong is about: training and nutrition that leave room for real life. You don't have to be perfect. I'm glad you're here.

Mark Shaner in 2018, when he started lifting
Before / 2018
Mark Shaner after six years of training in 2024
After / 2024