Get to know Tara Chase – Trainer and Nutritionist

Get to know the ATP Lab supplement brand and the athletes who represent our lifestyle through our exclusive interviews.

ABOUT THE ATHLETE

My name is Tara Chase and I am 24 years old. I currently work as a personal trainer and a nutritionist. I used to be involved in many sports growing up until I suffered a severe knee injury that prevents me from performing any sport. After about two years of sedentariness and unhappiness, I was introduced to weightlifting. My best friend let me come with her to the gym and I fell in love with weightlifting. I was then 19. My new-found love for weights, and bodybuilding style workouts eventually led me to compete in bodybuilding shows, in the figure category.

Question 1

WHAT IS THE ONE WORD THAT DESCRIBES YOU BEST?

Tara: Committed

Question 2

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP-3 FAVORITE ATP LAB SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS?

Tara: 

My current favourites are:

1. Probio7

2. NZI

3. Myoprime

Question 3

When did you start your career as a nutritionist and professional athlete?

Tara: I have always been intrigued by nutrition. It is so fascinating how food can have such an impact, not only on how we look but also on how we feel. So, at a very young age, I was already interested in becoming a nutritionist. After completing my degree in biology, last year I went on to complete my Registered Holistic Nutritionist certification from CSNN (The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition).

I did my first bodybuilding show in 2014 in the bikini category. I now compete on the national level with the Canadian Physique Alliance in the figure category.

Question 4

If you could choose another career or sport what would it be?

Tara: When I was little, I wanted to become a marine biologist because my favorite animal is the dolphin, plus I love the ocean! I still think this is an awesome job given the fact I could live somewhere sunny and help animals!

As for a sport, I always thought being a sprinter would be pretty cool! First, it’s a timed sport (not judged) and second, you must get a crazy adrenaline rush! Unfortunately, running ain’t my strongest skill...

Question 5

WHAT OR WHO MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

Tara: My mom definitely had a huge impact on me for this. She always emphasized on the importance of homemade cooking (as opposed to packaged food) and she taught me how fun it is to be active! I remember always going out skiing during winter, then biking or rollerblading in the summertime! As much as I love the gym now, she really did teach me that being “healthy and active” doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours in the gym. On the other hand, you can also have a lot of fun working out and socializing. It becomes a part of your everyday life! Now, if I’m not active or nourishing my body, I feel like garbage!
Question 6

WHEN IT COMES TO OUR PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FLAVOURS, WHICH ONE DO YOU PREFER?

Vanilla, Chocolate, Raspberry or Salted Caramel?

Tara: Chocolate is my weakness so, it’s my obvious pick! Although, I do love vanilla too since it is so versatile!

Question 7

What is your position on the use of illegal or uncontrolled drugs in certain sports such as the fitness world?

Tara: I think that it is every person’s choice if they do or do not want to partake in that kind of activities. As long as they don’t try to hide or lie about it and they act as safely as possible, then it’s their life and I am not there to judge. It’s the people who lie about it, with whom I have an issue with.
Question 8

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Tara: Growing up I was super shy, and I still am, so being a little more outgoing would probably be something I would change.

Question 9

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS HERO?

Tara: Arnold Schwarzenegger - he can really do it all!

Question 10

What do you think of the Canadian fitness scene and what are you most excited about its future?

Tara: An exciting thing that is happening this year in bodybuilding in Canada is that there is an International and pro show for the natural stream! This is the stream that I compete in and it is drug tested but previously, a national competition is as far as you could go in this natural stream.

Question 11

What is your favorite song to listen to while training?

Tara: Rob Bailey, motivational speeches, house music.

Question 12

IF YOU HAD SUPER POWERS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE?

Tara: Teleportation so that I could wake up anywhere in the world!

Question 13

What is your guilty pleasure or favorite cheat meal?

Tara: Pizza with pineapple (don’t hate) & Oreo’s ice cream!

Question 14

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH GOALS FOR THIS YEAR?

Tara: I really want to focus on feeling good this year. Both mentally & physically. Focusing on nutrient dense foods that I know will make me feel good, but still incorporating some fun foods here and there because these also make me feel good in moderation. In the gym, I want to keep weight lifting since this is what I love, but also put an emphasis on stretching because this is so important. I sure know I don’t do enough stretching!

Question 15

We all know that nutrition and physical activity are essential to health in general. How has your experience as a nutritionist affected the way you eat and train?

Tara: Again, I think the main point is finding what works for you because every person is different! Obviously putting a focus on good quality whole foods so that your body gets the nutrients that it needs, but also listening to what foods digest easily in your body or what type of eating plan or “diet” works into your own lifestyle. I always ask my clients if they can see themselves sticking to this “diet” for six-plus months because if they can’t, then there is a huge chance they won’t last more than a week. This is why crash or fad diets don’t work long term!

Question 16

We see you often post your own recipes on social media.

What has been your go-to or favorite post-workout meal lately?

Tara: I love doing oatmeal because it’s super quick and easy! I always mix in a scoop of chocolate NZI since it is a fast digesting protein plus it tastes great in oats! I’ll always top my oats with either a banana or berries too!

Question 17

Do you believe that women are well represented in the sports and fitness industries?

Tara: I think that women are getting better represented in sports and fitness than they were in the past. It is now much more mainstream to see women working out in a gym or having muscles!

Question 18

What is your favorite workout routine and why?

Tara: I personally love legs training because although it is brutal, I always feel super accomplished after it!

Question 19

WHY ATP LAB?

Tara: I believe that what we put into our bodies is so important. I love ATP Lab since it is pharmaceutical grade, there are never any added colors, flavors or fillers, plus all the supplements have actual science backing them! There is a purpose for every ingredient in each supplement and ATP Labs uses the best raw materials possible to make these products.

Question 21

In a few words, what advice would you give to fans who seek a healthy lifestyle?

Tara: Start with baby steps and don’t try to do it all at once! If you want this to become a lifestyle you need to force it into your day to day life, so that it becomes a habit. For example, start by increasing your water intake, incorporate more veggies in each meal, go to the gym four times a week, etc. All of those small changes eventually add up!
Let us know in the comment section if you have a special question for one of our athletes?