June Athlete of the Month: Lanae Harper

Some people measure progress by a finish line or a number on the scale. For Lanae Harper, progress has been measured in much simpler moments: sitting through a movie without pain, picking up her boys, running across the yard, and stepping back under a loaded barbell.

After surviving a devastating horse-riding accident in 2020 that shattered her pelvis in 15 places and fractured her L5 vertebra, many people would have accepted a quieter life. Lanae chose a different path.

“I’m a wife & mom of two very active boys that play all the sports, a competitive bodybuilder and an equestrian.”

Those roles have shaped nearly every decision she’s made during her recovery. While bodybuilding may grab attention, being able to fully participate in life with her family has always been just as important.

For Lanae, the gym has never simply been about building muscle.

“Weight lifting is my favorite because it challenges me daily, pushing me beyond my limits, clears my mind and also I just like being strong. I like knowing my husband can count on me on moving heavy things.”

There are workouts she’ll gladly skip, though.

“HIIT. I’ve had a lot of injuries and I need and want more controlled movements.”

That perspective comes from experience. After her accident, doctors expected months of bedrest. She watched muscle disappear, weight increase, and everyday life become dramatically different. Rather than allowing that chapter to define her, she committed herself to rebuilding.

“I won a fitness challenge through 1st Phorm in July of 2021. In September of 2020 I fractured my pelvis in 15 places—praise Jesus I wasn’t killed in the horse accident—and the doctor told me I needed bedrest for six months. I rehabbed myself, locked in my nutrition and lost 45 pounds in five months. I showed up for myself and gained my life back. God revealed my true strength to me and I haven’t stopped since.”

Even after that remarkable comeback, another setback arrived. While preparing for a bodybuilding competition in 2023, a hinging movement caused her pelvis to shift, sending pain instantly to a 10 out of 10. For nearly two years, the pain repeatedly returned, interrupting training and daily life.

Eventually, those setbacks became part of another comeback story.

After beginning treatment with Dr. Allison Bullinger, Lanae gradually returned to consistent training. This spring, she stepped back on stage for what she says will be her final bodybuilding competition and delivered an incredible performance, earning first place in her Physique class and second overall.

For Lanae, however, the trophies aren’t what matter most.

“After my accident in 2020, I had been living in constant pain. My back and hip hurt all the time. Whether I was sitting, standing or laying, I couldn’t do any of it for long periods of time. I started seeing Dr. Allison in September of 2025 and within a month or two I was starting to live life again. I wasn’t in constant pain.”

That return to everyday life has made all the difference.

“They’ve helped me overcome living in constant pain. I can run with my boys again, pick them up, sit through a movie and a car ride, stand without bracing or tilting my pelvis in various positions to find relief.”

When asked why she continues to exercise, her answer has very little to do with competition.

“Exercise is where I can shut off my brain, jam out and renew myself, better myself. Where I can show my kids hard work, discipline and consistency extends to all aspects of life.”

Outside the gym, Lanae embraces a lighter side, too.

“I love kid movies! And Marvel.”

There’s still one item left on her bucket list.

“Learning to play the violin. It’s so beautiful… well, when a professional plays. I don’t know about my playing.”

If there’s one lesson Lanae hopes others take from her story, it’s simple.

“Go to a specialist, fight for your health, do not settle.”

Her journey isn’t just about recovering from injury or winning bodybuilding competitions. It’s about refusing to let circumstances define what’s possible. Whether she’s cheering from the sidelines of her boys’ games, training in the gym, or standing on stage with another trophy in hand, she continues to prove that resilience isn’t built in a single moment—it’s built one decision, one workout, and one day at a time.