Marine Corps to Fitness Model – Inspirational Woman: Tara Thatcher

From chasing the bad guy to gracing the stage, Tara Thatcher, has turned fitness into a lifestyle. Find out how this inspirational woman made the switch from the Marine Corps to fitness modeling and what both have taught her about being fit.

Womens Ab Workout: TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF. WHO ARE YOU?

My name is Tara Thatcher. I am an athlete, woman, fiance, daughter, and friend. How long have you been training and what are your goals and aspirations in the fitness industry? I have been training seriously since ’04, and next year will mark five years of competing for me!  My goals include being a strong, positive role model to other women, and taking my competing to the highest level that I can!

WAW: YOU JOINED THE MARINE CORPS AFTER COLLEGE AND WERE FIRST INTRODUCED TO LIFTING WEIGHTS THERE. HOW DO YOU GO FROM CHASING THE BAD GUY TO GRACING THE STAGE IN 5 INCH HEELS? WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION TO START COMPETING? HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT DIVISION YOU WANTED TO COMPETE IN?

LOL!  I started lifting weights so I could be stronger, and faster when I was chasing the bad guys!  I was working as a personal trainer at Ballys many years ago, and a fellow trainer took me to a local NPC bodybuilding show.  She asked me if I had ever thought of competing, and I decided after watching the figure ladies on the stage, that that was my next challenge!  I went from wanting to compete once, to really loving the industry and wanting to be involved in National level competitions!  My motivation is challenge. Tell me I can’t do something, and I will prove you wrong!!!

WAW: TRAINING FOR A FIGURE OR BIKINI SHOW REQUIRES A LOT OF DEDICATION TO A WORKOUT THAT WORKS – AND YOU’VE FOUND ONE – AS APPARENT BY YOUR PICTURES! WHAT DOES YOUR WORKOUT LOOK LIKE? DOESI T CHANGE AS YOU GET CLOSER TO SHOW DATE?

I agree! Thank you.  I work with a trainer, Shawn Myzska out of Explosive Edge Athletics, and he is wonderful about switching up my training every few weeks, so that we continue to see the results that we are striving for.  I lift 3 times per week, Day one is chest, shoulders, and triceps, Day two is back and biceps, Day three is LEG DAY!  I add cardio as needed, and will do more as a show gets closer.

WAW: WHAT ARE YOUR THREE FAVORITE AB EXERCISES FOR A FLAT STOMACH?

I really like weighted rope cable crunches, romanian twist with a medicine ball, and planks.

WAW: WHAT FIVE SONGS ARE ON YOUR IPOD RIGHT NOW TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH YOUR WORKOUT?

“Adrenaline” by 12 Stones, “Sandstorm” by Darude, “Hella Good” Gwen Stefani, “Airplanes” by B.o.B., and “Cinderella Man” by Eminem.

WAW: WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE BUSY WOMEN WHO ARE TRYING TO GET INTO FITNESS MODELING AND FIND SPONSORSHIP IN THE SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY?

My advice would be to put yourself out there! Show others why you are different, and what sets you apart from the rest of the crowd.  And don’t look back, keep moving forward!

WAW: CLEAN EATING IS THE BIGGEST PART OF BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY. WHAT DOES YOUR DIET LOOK LIKE ON A TYPICAL DAY? DOES IT CHANGE WHEN YOU GET CLOSER TO A COMPETITION OR PHOTO-SHOOT?

I eat 6-7 small meals per day, combining lean protein, slow digesting complex carbs, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables. I allow myself 1-2 cheat meals per week.  When getting closer to competition or important photo shoots, I look to my trainer to help me change up my diet a bit. I avoid processed and high sodium foods. I also don’t drink sodas, and limit my alcohol.

WAW: WHAT IS ONE FOOD THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? HOW DO YOU AVOID CRAVINGS FOR ‘UNHEALTHY’ FOODS?

The one food I couldn’t live without would be OATMEAL!  I make protein pancakes every morning mixing old fashioned oats, blueberries, and egg whites. I look forward to this meal every day!  I deal with my cravings by making texture rich, healthy snacks! I bake Kale “chips” to satisfy my need for a crunchy snack, and eat lots of mini sweet peppers with hummus for a sweet fix!

WAW: WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU THIS YEAR?

I have did three competitions in three months this year, so I am done competing until next year. I am working with my trainer to bring up some of my weaker points before I return to competition next year. I am still undecided on which organization and division to compete in.  So stay tuned for updates on that!

WAW: WHERE CAN WE FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOU?

You can check out my website, www.taraathatcher.com, where you can find healthy recipes, tips, and information that is updated on a daily basis! You can also follow my blog, http://taraathatcher.blogspot.com/, where I talk about all kinds of topics!

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2. Finding the Key to Success – Inspiring Women: Raechelle Chase
3. Age is Just a Number – Inspiring Women: Barbara Server
4. Stepping on Stage and Stepping to Success – Inspiring Women: Tania Chrzanowski
5. Believe in Yourself – Believe in Success – Inspiring Women: Megan Moon

Tags: 5 Inch Heels, Ab Workout, Athlete, Bad Guys, Bikini Show, Edge Athletics, Fellow Trainer, Fiance, Fitness Industry, Fitness Model, Fitness Woman, Goals And Aspirations, Inspirational Woman, Lifting Weights, Marine Corps, Npc Bodybuilding, Personal Trainer, Positive Role Model, Tara, Thatcher