Cover Story: The IPL’s First Ever Shape Open Pro, Megan Salonic!
Photography by Ben Yosef
Get ready to be inspired by the trailblazing Megan Salonic, the IPL’s very first Shape Open Pro! After an electrifying league debut at the August 2024 9th Annual IPL Southwest Grand Prix in Scottsdale Arizona, Megan not only claimed her Pro Card but also set the standard for the new IPL Shape Division. As she graces the cover of Natural Bikini Magazine, Megan opens up about the hard-fought victories, the rigorous preparation, and the determination that fueled her success.
"At that moment I realized that this sport was maybe something I should really try to take to the next level and see how far we can go."
NATURAL BIKINI MAGAZINE: Megan, congratulations on making IPL history as the league’s first-ever Shape Open Pro! What was going through your mind when you heard your name announced as the 1st place and Pro Card winner?
MEGAN SALONIC: I am honored and ecstatic to have won my Pro Card and be the first ever Shape Open Pro. When my name was announced all I could think about was all the hard work that went into preparing and feeling so proud. At that moment I realized that this sport was maybe something I should really try to take to the next level and see how far we can go.
NBM: Your debut at the 9th Annual IPL Southwest Grand Prix was amazing. How did you prepare mentally and physically for such a high-stakes competition?
MS: I took two years off after my first show with a different organization. So, I felt like once I made the decision to sign up for the IPL and commit to training it was GO TIME. I have an incredible coach who I trust with just about anything he throws at me, Chris Eugenio at My Way Fitness.
I knew the training would be a process because I had put on so much muscle. I knew, just like my first show two years ago, I would give my all into preparing for this moment to compete for my first time in the IPL. I have a background in competitive gymnastics and marathons as well as triathlons and Ironmans, so I am very comfortable with intense training. I am also someone who needs to have a plan and something to be working towards.
"I had my mind set on both divisions and, if I’m being honest, I wanted to win so badly."
NBM: Being featured on the cover of Natural Bikini Magazine is a huge milestone. What was your initial reaction when you saw the cover photo by Ben Yosef?
MS: I was in disbelief and just so proud and honored to be featured on the cover. I felt so welcomed by the IPL and I feel very proud to be a part of the organization.
NBM: You achieved 1st place in Shape Open and came very close in Bikini Open. How did you manage to excel in both divisions, and what strategies did you use to balance the different demands of each?
MS: I had my mind set on both divisions and, if I’m being honest, I wanted to win so badly. We focused a ton on glute, hamstrings, and upper body as well as conditioning. I was running sprints outside after we trained because we knew my body needed conditioning to be able to compete in Bikini. Personally, I feel the conditioning we did helped my posing on stage.
"...it was five months of work to prepare for stage. I’m glad we gave ourselves the time that we did because we were able to adjust as needed and not be stressed..."
NBM: You mentioned that the five-month prep was extremely challenging. Can you share a specific moment or obstacle during your preparation that truly tested you?
MS: Yes, it was five months of work to prepare for stage. I’m glad we gave ourselves the time that we did because we were able to adjust as needed and not be stressed because we didn’t have enough time. The beginning of prep was easing my body into the conditioning, and we slowly added more and more as we got closer to show day.
The last few months tested me in ways I never knew were possible. I was doing my core workout, plus conditioning, then cardio. I found the consistency with food and quite literally eating the same thing every day tied everything together. I’m an athlete at heart and strive to give things my all and I feel very confident that we achieved that.
NBM: Your statement about the cover reflects a deep sense of transformation. How has this experience changed your outlook on competition and personal growth?
MS: The fitness industry has always been a major passion for me. It goes deep for me and isn’t surface level or superficial. From my years of marathon running and even Triathlons to Ironman’s to then transitioning into the bodybuilding industry I have learned lessons and built confidence within myself that I never thought possible.
Training and goal setting and showing up consistently and working towards that goal and then achieving that goal transforms you mentally and physically. I’m reminded that you NEVER give up or quit on yourself. You keep going and you do your best and then a little bit more. I think community is also very important, and I have the privilege to be a part of the best community at My Way Fitness and now IPL.
"...if you want something, go get it...Don’t be afraid to go for it and have as much fun as possible."
NBM: With such a strong start to your IPL career, what are your goals within the league and the sport in general?
MS: My goal is to keep getting better in this sport. I will compete again in November at IPL APEX as a Shape Pro and in Bikini. Then continue to work with the IPL to try and inspire and influence as many people as I can. I eventually would like to compete in IPL out of state and really see how far I can go in this sport. I want to win a Pro Card in Bikini and continue to challenge myself in ways I never knew possible.
NBM: Finally, you mentioned that “anything is possible” with hard work and perseverance. What would you say to aspiring athletes who are just starting out and looking for inspiration?
MS: I would say to aspiring athletes that if you want something, go get it. You can honestly do anything you set your mind to with hard work and consistency. Finding a good coach, community and having that support system are also very important. Don’t be afraid to go for it and have as much fun as possible. NATURAL BIKINI
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