First off, is there anything you’d like me to say to introduce who you are as in where you’re from, age, what you do, what titles you have won, etc.?
Jana Hoffman, 33 years old. I am orginally from Southern Alabama, now residing in Northern Indiana for the past 14 years. However, Alabama is still the place I consider “home” as it partially made me the person I am today. I am an office manager for a local trucking company and my husband Bryan and I own, and operate a hardcore gym in Wheatfield Indiana, called Hoffman’s Barbell - Specializing in Strongman and Powerlifting! I gladly admit, we do not even own a treadmill for the gym! Who needs treadmills when you have huge tires to flip, and sleds to pull to work in some cardio and endurance? Right? I have personally been training strongman solely for about 7 months. I have placed well in all of the competitions I have done with women in my class. And have done fairly well when I am thrown into the mens class as well!
What first sparked your interest strongwoman events or powerlifting?
My wonderful husband is the person I have to thank here. He was training me just “basic training” more to loose weight, as I have always been uncomfortable in my own skin. I am 6 ft. tall…huge framed body and weigh in at 220lb. He was constantly telling me to try strongwoman. I personally thought he was crazy. But to statisfy him I said, “Ok, sure!”. So, we found a strongman meet in IL, 2 weeks out, and I decided to jump right on in! I went in and fell in love with a sport that truly has taught me more than I ever knew about myself! Respect what you have been given. It might be a gift you didn’t even realize you had all along! Embrace the time you have to learn the sport and achieve your goals. Set your goals high and achieve them!
How long have you been doing this for now?
After my 1st competition that I didnt at all train for, I begin training and competing more. I have officially been training and competing as often as I can for 8 months now. Seems a short time huh? We all have to start somewhere! I am making some big strides and i plan on being around for a long time, becoming a bigger, faster and stronger strongwoman! I have some amazing help in reaching my goals. My main trainer, Chad Coy, was the U.S. alternate for WSM in 2001. Chad designs my workouts, and pushes me to my limits. He has been such a positive role model in my life as many in my family find it hard to understand my commitment to this sport.
Do you ever surprise yourself with your own strength whether in the gym or just in daily day-to-day life?
ABSOLUTELY! There are so many kinds of strength. My two favorite kinds of strength is “Mentally Strong” and of course “Muscle Strong”. As far as suprising myself, it’s daily where I feel “WOW, I just did that”. Sometimes it’s in the gym, when I just set that new PR (personal record). Sometimes in the gym it’s when I dont really even think about what I am about to do.. I just walk up and pick that heavy object up and throw it down! Sometimes its when I know I am in so much pain from injuries I have sustained, and I just KEEP GOING. That’s strength to me. In my day-to-day life….. I am one strong mama! On top of work and the gym, I have kids and a husband to take care of! I pride myself both in the gym and in my home life!
Do you feel that there is a lack of female representation in the world of female strength athletes? If so, why do you think that is?
I think yes and no. We have some amazing women in strength sports. Strongwoman, powerlifters, and bodybuilders. These woman have come in and they represent us women with pride and dignity, and they show DEDICATION to the sport. I am sure they inspire more than just other “athletes”. I hear it all the time.. “You can lift that car…wow! I am inspired” There are no greater words. Being a strength athlete, to me, requires a fire and a determination to show everyone including yourself, “YES I CAN”! As far as the lack of female representation, I think it comes down to stereotyping. They see these dedicated athletes as “manly”. They dont want to “look” a certain way. I say go for it! Give these strength sports a try and Girl - i - fy them! Wear some pink…some pig tails….a cute sexy tank top….Ok…so look good while you are lifting the heavy things! Change the stereotype! You need strength and determination to achieve…everything else would just bring on a new level of fun! I Challenge all of you reading who may be a little skeptical…come in and set the bar high! Achieve your goals and change the way some other may be thinking!
What do you feel would encourage women to try taking up strength sports if they’re feeling hesitant about doing so?
I say…what do you have to loose? Take a step into any gym and watch. Be inspired by those you see around you. Once you are feeling a huge amount of inspiration, jump right in! Get a feel for it. I am confident they will feel such an amount of achievement! If I had stayed hesitant about trying out strongwoman when my husband kept telling me, I could be great at it…and me saying “NO… I have never done a sport!” If I didnt eventually break down that wall of doubts… I wouldn’t be the strong and confidant woman I am today! Before it was all about loosing weight! Now it’s, “Hello I am Jana Hoffman. 6 ft. tall, 220 lbs. HW Womens Strongman Competitor!” I wouldnt have it any other way! I am proud and strong and Confident in my own skin. The body I used to be so embarrassed of is now my prize possession!
How do you deal with injuries in this sport?
I am still learning to deal with injuries! And I will admit not very well! Some say take the time off to heal. But taking time off to heal is like a punishment for me! I truly miss training! So, I try to still find ways to be able to keep down the injuries symptoms and just support my injury to the best of my ability medically through braces etc. and just work through them. If they get to where it is horrible, then I go ahead and give myself some extra rest days!
In what areas do you feel you need to improve on (if any)?
PRESSING! Pressing is a huge struggle for me as I have an injury in my shoulder that requires surgery to fix. And secondly, just learning how to be a true “Athlete”. Take the good with the bad and just use both of these to fuel your fire and determination with the sport.
It seems that in the sport of strongwoman, there are fewer events than in the strongman competitions. Is there anything you’d like to see added to the events? If so, why?
I compete nationally, and state level, I have personally not experienced fewer events at all. If anything, once your are on the national level, you see promoters pushing the ladies even harder than they used to. We are a strong group of athletes out there now. I say let’s keep raising the bar for the ladies! Bring on some car lifts without handles! 
Which up and coming female strength athletes aside from yourself should we be paying attention to?
Wow, there are so many female athletes who inspire me. Dana Shealy, powerlifter. She does full power… and she has a prostetic leg. She is an amazing athlete! She has even graced the strongman arena with me doing the odd lifts of strongman! If you want to see determination… look no further. She is it! She is awesome!
What are your future plans and/or goals?
It’s very simple. I want to become an international level athlete. I want to compete on international ground. Experience the different implements that might come with them being a part of another country. I will become WORLD’S STRONGEST WOMAN…when it is my time… and I have EARNED my chance to go and represent America… I will achieve my goal! I am an athlete who truly feels you need to earn it…through hard work and dedication… and do it for yourself! My immiedate plan….is to lift a car with no handles!! As requested. Then it will be time to conquer the world! In closing, thank you to everyone who has shown me such amazing support through my journey! Buckle up… We are all in for a BIG ride of accomplishments! We have just begun! And to my husband…who is my rock, I couldnt do this without you!! And Dee Starvik. Thank you for asking me to do this for you! It has been a pleasure!
-Jana
(L-R Susan Holland-Keen, Leigh Keen)
So tell us about about yourself, please.
Leighann Holland-Keen 22 year old, orginally from Scotland, I have been living in Australia for 8 years now. I’m a nurse. I have competed in 7 strongman competitions. Have placed 1st in two, 2nd in four and 3rd in one. I won NSW Strongman League Finals late last year.
Q: What first sparked your interest in powerlifting or working out in general?
A: I have always been active, I sprinted for both my school in Scotland and Australia. I first got involved in Strongman through my parents, as both of them also compete. Lifting weights came quite naturally for me, so I continued with it.
Q: How long have you been doing this for now?
A: I have been competing in Strongman competitions for 1 year now.
Q: Do you ever surprise yourself with your own strength whether in the gym or just in daily day-to-day life?
A: I have to admit when working out in my local gym, it is quite funny to have a look around and notice that you’re lifting heavier weights than most of the males!
Q: Do you feel that there is a lack of female representation in bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongwoman, etc.? If so, why do you think that is?
A: Absolutely, the sport lacks female competitors badly, I believe that the stereotype of lifting heavy weights will somehow make your sprout massive muscles, stops female’s competing. I believe alot of females underestimate their own strength. It is a very male dominated sport, but recently there has been a slight increase in females which is fantastic. You can still remain feminine while being part of a sport such as strongman/woman.
Q: What do you feel would encourage women to try taking up powerlifting or any strength sport if they’re feeling hesitant about doing so?
A: I believe starting off with lighter weights can help females with joining the sport, Iguess seeing females deadlifting 150kg+ , would be rather daunting for newcomers, but everyone needs to start somewhere. It is a brilliant feeling to train and look back at where you started and to see how you have excelled with your lifts. My words of wisdom to any females slightly hesitant to joining the sport is, Give it a go! What’s the worst that can happen?
Q: What would you like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
A: There are numerous Strongman groups in Australia, It would be fantastic for everyone to join together and put idea’s together, after all we all compete in the same sport. One slight issue with the strongman culture is that ego’s can get a little big, and it can cause minor issues at times.
Q: How do you deal with injuries in this sport?
A: Fortunately, I have never suffered any serious injuries from this sport, the odd pulled muscle here and there, rest, is the key! Deepheat is your friend in this type of sport!
Q: In what areas do you feel you need to improve on (if any)?
A: I believe there are many area’s in which I need to improve. That’s the beauty of this sport, you can never be on top of everything, it give’s you good motivation to carry on and train. My max lifts are - 155kg Deadlift, 60kg Overhead, 90kg Atlas stone to 1.3m, 100kg each hand farmers walk for 15m, 200kg Yoke for 20m. Only recently have I started a proper training routine, so hopefully I shall see big improvements with my lifts.
Q: What are your future plans and/or goals?
A: I plan to carry on with Strongman/woman this year, I have recently been sponsered by Viking Supplements, which is a great help and great motivation to stick to it.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share? Any shout-outs?
A: I would like to thank my wonderful parents, Susan and Lance Holland-Keen, they have always been great support and push me when i get a little lazy! My mum Susan, is a fantastic sports athelete, and I really do look up to her. Amazing strength and a brilliant mum! My Father Lance Holland-Keen who put together NSW Strongman League, does a fantastic job of every competition that is put on, and is also a fantastic athelete in both strongman and highland games.
NSW Strongman League on facebook:
Q: So for those who do not know, do you compete in bodybuilding, strongwoman, or powerlifting (or all 3)?
A: I do strongwoman.
Q: How long have you been participating in the sport?
A: I have been doing this sport since July 2010.
Q: Do you feel that there is a lack of female representation in bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongwoman, etc.? If so, why do you think that is?
A: I do feel there is a HUGE lack of female representation! I believe a lot of females do not think they are capable of doing the event’s also I think they attach the stereotype of “manly” woman to the sport. I am trying to break that stereotype, I wear pink in all my competitions and girly it up the best I can.
Q: What do you feel would encourage women to try taking up these sports if they’re feeling hesitant about doing so?
A: I think the more that females see that it can be a girl thing too and that they are capable of achieving their goals in this sport the interest will rise. A lot of people - men and woman - have no clue that there is a women’s division. I think that if us strongwomen push for more publicity and respect, the more people will take it more seriously as well. Women will realize the are 100% capable of accomplishing anything they set their mind too!
Q: Do you ever surprise yourself with your strength in day-to-day life?
A: I do find strength in my day to day life. I have always been strong willed, but the things that God has me accomplish in life has far surpassed my expectations of how strong I truly am mentally and physically. Being a full time student, working two jobs, horses, training, volunteering, and all the other fun things life throws at me requires balance and focus. My favorite saying is “leave no doubt”. I never want to look back at my life and wonder if I could have done something more. I love life and never want to take it for granted!
Q: What are some of your achievements in either strongwoman or powerlifting?
A: I have only done 3 competitions. I placed 2nd at NAHA Nationals*, 1st at the Battle of the Bluffs, and 4th at NAS Nationals last year. I have been sponsored by Elite Performance Nutrition and Dino Strength equipment who is going to make pink gear!
Q: How do you deal with injuries in this sport?
A: So far I have not had any serious injuries. When I feel as though something is wrong I take care of it and back off what lifts I need to so I can get back into to it as fast as possible.
Q: What are your future plans or goals?
A: My future plans and goals are to continue competing and place in the top 3 this year at Nationals. I don’t want all of this to be about me though, I want to use my success to help others. I am doing everything possible to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. For example I am starting a weightlifting/conditioning program for the high school here this summer. None of our accomplishments and success matters in life unless we pass it to others along the way. I hope that I will be able to get more women together in the midwest that will share the same passion for the sport so it can continue to grow.
1) Ok, so tell us about yourself & how long you’ve been powerlifting for?
My name is Jennifer Joy Milliron O’Neil. I’m 35 and I was introduced to weight lifting in high school. The football coach had his team lifting and decided to put a powerlifting team together one year, and he needed a few girls for the team so I was offered to train with them. I loved it instantly and at 17 won States in Michigan and placed second at ADFPA teen Nationals. Then life went on, and I never really competed again until 2010. In 2010 I started lifting again, and that year won IPO, GPC and IDFPA Irish National Titles, bombed out at GPC Europeans but took Second at GPC worlds.
2) Do you feel that there is a lack of female representation in bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongwoman, etc.? If so, why do you think that is?
I do feel this is predominantly a man’s sport, which is why I was happy to answer your questions.
3) What do you feel would encourage women to try taking up these sports if they’re feeling hesitant about doing so?
I got a taste of power sports when I was younger and always missed it and felt really lucky to find people participating over here, but there are gyms all over to support anyone that would like to learn more about lifting in all its forms. There are loads of women bodybuilders but far fewer powerlifters. I think it’s not looked upon as the most feminine sport, but then again, what sport is? You can’t be afraid to get a bit dirty or sweaty. I would encourage any woman to try lifting, they’ll be pleasantly surprised with not only how good they look and feel but how strong they really are!
4) Do you ever surprise yourself with your strength in day-to-day life?
In day to day life, not really. In training, well I train with a great team, and we all push each other, so the numbers don’t intimidate me any more. When I look back and realize now I train with more than what used to be my max, well that surprises me but in a very good way!
5) What are some of your achievements in powerlifting?
I guess I covered those in my intro, and I benched 80 kilos raw last week at a bench press competition. :) I was very happy with that as I only weigh 69 kilos or so. :)
6) How do you deal with injuries in this sport?
Injuries are tough, and when one of your team mates is down it taxes us all emotionally. But you just deal with it and move on, don’t ever let it psych you out!
7) What are your future plans or goals?
My plans are to continue in the sport as long as possible, and I didn’t like getting so close to winning worlds and falling short, so I really want to win that this year!
Welcome to the female strength athletes blog! You’ll be seeing plenty of interviews and other cool surprises here so make sure to check back frequently. Today we have an interview with Bernie McKinley from Scotland who has competed in both powerlifting and strongwoman events.
1) What interested you in getting into powerlifting and strongwoman competitions?
I have been competing in powerlifting since 2004. I have always been a competitive athlete and was initially a 400m hurdler until a stress fracture in my shin stopped me from competing as I couldn’t train to the extent I had to to continue to compete at the level that I was. I didn’t want to give up the competitive element and was convinced to take up shot put, which turned out I wasn’t too good at, however, I was far more successful with the weight training element. I was convinced to take part in the Scottish powerlifting chamiponships in January 2004 and won the competition, beating girls that have competed in the sport for years. From that competition, I qualified for the British championships and went on to win that and also the Europeans and the worlds in the same year.
2) How long have you been doing this for now?
I first competed in strongwoman in 2004 also just as part of a competition within my gym. I was the only female competing but got a buzz for the sport and later went on to compete in Scotland’s, Britain’s and UK’s strongest woman in 2006 until 2009 when I started work as a police officer and had to prioritise my training and powerlifting is now my main focus.
3) How do you deal with injuries in this sport?
Unfortunately, injuries are par for the course in any type of sport and I am no different. It can sometimes be a struggle dealing with an injury and the inability to train. However, you have to be strong both physically and psychologically to deal with any setbacks that you encounter in your sporting career. A good coach and training partner is essential and taking the time to rehabilitate properly is paramount to ensure that you do not return to training too quickly.
4) What are your future plans and/or goals?
As for future goals and plans, by the end of 2011 I want to be injury free and win my fourth world powerlifting title. However, whilst I am injured and awaiting knee surgery, it is my intention to compete in bench press only and attempt to set new world records in both equipped and unequipped sections of the drug free powerlifting federation.
