Lady Lifter Spotlight: Tara!

And it’s time for another Lady Lifter Spotlight! This week features Tara! She is both a Sweat Pink and Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador with me!

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Name: Tara Gusmanis

Blog: http://meplusmytrainer.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MePlusMyTrainer

Twitter: @meplusmytrainer

Location: Toronto, Canada

Age: 32

What types physical activity do you enjoy? I really do a little bit of everything at the gym (and outside of the gym). I run, lift, crossfit, swim, bike, ski, hike, take group exercise classes and work with a personal trainer! Phewf!

How did you get started in weight lifting? I have been a member of one gym or another since I was 16 years old. I really started strength training in university, in an effort to counter balance the “freshman 15”. I would lift small weights and do lots of reps. It wasn’t until I started working for GoodLife Fitness and began to educate myself a little bit more on the benefits and techniques of weight lifting and strength training that I began to lift heavier. It is no surprise that once I started lifting heavier weights and doing bigger lifts that I also started to lean out and NOT bulk up or build a lot of muscle.

Favorite workout or lift? I love deadlifts. Trap bar deadlifts to be exact! I love doing them with my trainer or as a part of a CrossFit WOD. When I am with my trainer we always try and work towards my personal best (which right now is currently 155# for 8 reps). I love how strong deadlifts make me feel and the results that your body produces from doing them…well that speaks for itself! Deadlifts are also an exercise that I see being done incorrectly every time I go to the gym (bad form, too much weight etc) by so many people. If you want some tips on deadlifting safely and effectively, feel free to email me at tgusmanis@gmail.com 🙂

My current weight lifting goal is simply to continue to lift heavier and get stronger. I believe in proper technique and I will never sacrifice safety to lift a heavier weight. I believe in post workout nutrition so my body can continue to recover faster and get stronger so when it is time for my next workout, I am definitely going to be better than the last one!

Piece of advice for new lifters or those reluctant to try: If you are working out at a gym, invest in a few sessions (or more if you can afford it) of personal training. They are trained weight lifting professionals. They will help coach you on form and technique, as well as help ensure that you are using appropriate weight selections and timing so you can get the most out of your workouts. Personal trainers will help you set up a program that will get you results. You can not go to the gym day after day and lift the same weights with the amount of reps at the same tempo and expect results. Think of it as an investment in you!!! Cheers!