Bio

My passion for fitness started at an early age.  I was always active, and tried several different sports.  By the time I reached high school, I had narrowed them down to track and field, swimming and speedskating.  I enjoyed being competitive, and working hard to achieve my goals.  After high school, I attended community college, then joined the Marine Corps. It was there that I was re-introduced to weight training.  As military police, I always wanted to be stronger and faster, and thought that lifting weights would be a great way to accomplish that!  A few fellow Marines taught me the basics of weight training.  I was hungry for knowledge, and I ended up as a personal trainer at a local gym.  A fellow trainer invited me to a local NPC competition, where I first fell in love with “figure”.  I was in awe of the beautiful, muscular, lean physiques on that stage.

I made it a goal of mine to compete!  As I embarked on training and dieting for my first show, I had no idea that it would go past getting on stage once.  I started training in the basement of my apartment building, and doing cardio outside.  I poured through magazines, such as Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness, as well as websites like Bodybuilding.com, to find inspiration and motivation.  I even cut out pictures of all of my favorite competitors, and glued them onto pages of my food journal!

My first competition was full of mixed emotions for me.  I looked at my friend Amber, who came to help with my hair and makeup, and wanted to leave, after I saw the other competitors.  I didn’t think I belonged there.  She made me stay, and I ended up winning my height class of nine.  What a feeling, I LOVED being on stage. I was hooked!

I have been competing since 2006, and have grown and changed not only as a competitor, but as a person!  Competing really showed me what I was made of, and gave me a confidence that helped me in other areas in my life. I have worked with a few different trainers along the way, and each of them has helped me immensely.  I enjoy the discipline and drive that it takes to live a healthy lifestyle, and try to be a positive, healthy, fun, fit role model for other women.

I worked with Shawn Myzska of www.explosiveedgeathletics.com, for over three years. We have really made some good improvements to my physique over the years, and I am thankful to have such a motivating, inspiring, caring individual whom I trust, to bring me into my contests in peak condition.  Shawn has always had my best interest at heart, and I thoroughly have enjoyed working with him!  He has not only been a trainer and coach to me, but a mentor, someone who I respect and look to for guidance, as well as a friend.

I have a wonderful support network in my life. My parents have never been anything short of incredibly supportive, and encourage me to follow my dreams!  I have a super  group of friends, many of which compete as well, and some that I consider as close as family! I am incredibly thankful for all of my blessings!

Join me, as I continue to pursue my passion for fitness and make my mark in the fitness industry, with my latest venture, Perfectly Prepared LLC!!! I created this company to help first time Bikini and Figure competitors be “Perfectly Prepared” for their first competition, by covering all of the details!  I also offer Nutrition,  Image, and Fitness Model Consultations, support and networking services.Professional Presentation classes are also offered to competitors as well as women just looking to learn how to strut their stuff!!! So, please check out my “Services Offerings” page as well as our Facebook page!!

In Health & Fitness,

Tara