Earning top overall honors, Alex Shaw set personal records at the Metal Militia Meltdown 3.0 competition held in May in Youngstown, Ohio.

By day, Alex Shaw works a fast paced job as a process technician, but under the squat rack, this Sheffield graduate transforms into a localized titan of the barbell.

Shaw began powerlifting in December 2021 and his first competition was The Beast of the Northeast in Bradford, Pa., in March of 2022. “I had been lifting by myself for years and started to get interested in powerlifting and The Strongman Competition,” shared the powerlifter, “We started doing Strongman workouts to supplement our powerlifting, but are now starting to get heavy into competing in the sport as well. It is a ton of fun.”

Shaw knew the only way he was going to get better was to lift with other people who knew what they were doing. A friend encouraged Shaw to join the Powerplant gym in downtown Warren. Shaw said there was a good crew of powerlifters there, but more importantly he met the Powerplant owner Carl Seeker, a legendary powerlifter who became his first real coach. Seeker holds the Beast of the Northeast every year. “It’s a huge competition and super fun for anyone wanting to try it out,” said Shaw.

Curious if power lifting was something that Shaw wanted to do for a long time, Shaw answered, “Not really. I was lifting some good numbers by myself and saw videos of people competing in local meets and thought I would try it out. Now it’s my whole life and I love everything about it.”

The Metal Militia Meltdown 3.0 powerlifting competition in Youngstown, Ohio, in May was Shaw’s most recent one. A full power that included squat, bench, and deadlift against 38 competitors, Shaw was able to squat 825 pounds, bench 825 pounds, and deadlift 655 pounds for a total of 2,305 pounds. All personal records for him in a meet. In addition, Shaw won best male lifter overall by having the highest total, as well as first place in his weight and age class.

Shaw said that in his diet, he needs 300 grams of protein and 500 grams of carbs a day. “Chicken thighs, prime rib burgers, and jasmine rice are my go to. I just recently started eating sensibly for health rather than just large quantities of everything to put on weight, but I’m also not a bodybuilder so I love a pizza from Napoli’s or a bridge buster from Dock 9.”

During a deadlift at a meet, the biggest injury he has undergone was an umbilical hernia. Other injuries include torn muscles in the medial tricep on both arms. Shaw said, “Both are from separate instances during a meet where I failed a bench press and dropped it towards my face.” His left pec has been sprained twice as well as a sprained left brachioradialis while deadlifting in a meet. The hernia was the only thing that required surgery. Everything else healed from rest and rehab.

A member of the Metal Militia Federation with the support of the Metal Militia Club, Shaw shared that there are chapters that are located globally. “I started out lifting with the Steel Valley Metal Militia in Youngstown, Ohio, around July of 2022. I drove out there every Sunday for over a year to lift with these guys, and that place is truly where I fell in love with this sport. It was hardcore, loud music, heavy lifting, yelling, slapping, and weights slamming.” He shared he met the nicest and most caring people he had ever met in his life.

Shaw continued, “I prospected to be a part of their chapter for nine months before they made me a chapter member. After competing in and supporting a bunch of Metal Militia meets, I was asked if I would be interested in leading my own chapter.” Shaw became the Erie County Metal Militia chapter President in December 2024.

The method utilized is called the conjugate method. Shaw noted, “For example, we will do max effort bench on Saturday with low reps and heavy weight, and then dynamic day on Wednesday utilizing a Mac bar and bands with moderate weight and tons of reps. The accessories focus on where we are weak and lacking so they change regularly.”

Shaw’s advice for those starting out is to take it slow. “Especially if you want to try equipped lifting. You should have a strong raw base in squats, bench, and deadlift before you consider using equipment. The gear allows you to handle heavier weights, but there are no guarantees and it is extremely dangerous. Also, don’t eat like trash panda to put on weight. Losing that guy later while trying to maintain strength and muscle is no easy task. Figure out your macros, eat sensibly, and take your time,” he said.

Goals for Shaw include the desire to squat and bench 1,005 in a sanctioned powerlifting meet. He also wants to total 1,005-plus in a Static Monsters Strongman competition. He said the reason for the extra amount at the end is because even numbers are unlucky.

He plans to continue to grow the Erie County Metal Militia Chapter along with expanding the annual Boiling Point meet into a full fitness expo within the next five years. In addition, Shaw said he would like to create a Warren County High School Powerlifting Team.

Employed at Viking Plastics in Corry, Pa., Shaw said that his daily routine includes lifting in the gym almost every day of the week. If he is not there, it is due to a meet or a day for rest and recover. Outside of work and lifting, Shaw enjoys spending time with his daughter Areina and son Embry. Shaw said his daughter used to compete and actually won Tool City’s Biggest Bencher in 2023. He is hoping she will make a comeback soon. A favorite thing to do in the summer is swimming at Chapman Beach. “So if we’re not in the gym we’re in the water somewhere.”

A local group of men and women get together at the Warren YMCA to powerlift. A member of the Metal Militia locally in Warren, Sarah Frederick shared, “Alex’s talent as both an athlete and a trainer is unmatched in our area. The knowledge and skills he brings are invaluable, whether you’re interested in raw or equipped powerlifting. Alex provides technical instruction and teaches athletes how to build strength safely. For those interested in equipped lifting, which requires an advanced level of guidance and expertise, Alex specializes in that area as well. His genuine enthusiasm for the sport keeps you motivated and makes training a lot of fun, even while he’s pushing you to work hard.”

Currently, Shaw is seeking sponsors for the upcoming Boiling Point meet. This event is about more than competition, it’s about bringing the community together, supporting local athletes, and creating a positive experience for everyone involved. Local businesses and community members are encouraged to get involved and help make this event a success. Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Shaw for more information.

Extending an invitation to anyone interested in Powerlifting or Strongman is strongly encouraged to stop by the YMCA on Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Those interested in learning more should check out his Facebook or Instagram @mm_MegaMeaty.