Season 4 Episode 10

From College Athlete to Strength Coach: How Tara Laferrara Transformed Body Image into Body Empowerment

WITH YOUR HOSTS: Monica Grohne & Norah Candito, RD

In this powerful season finale of The Flow State podcast, hosts Monica Grohne and Norah Candido sit down with strength coach Tara Laferrara to explore her journey from collegiate track athlete to empowering women through strength training, body acceptance, and mindful movement.

From Struggle to Strength

Tara openly shares her experience with disordered eating, body image issues, and using alcohol as a coping mechanism during her college years. After receiving a public email about her weight threatening her scholarship, she made the brave decision to leave her program - a turning point that eventually led her to discover strength training and a supportive fitness community.

Redefining Women's Fitness

Now a successful online strength coach, Tara reveals a shifting tide in women's fitness goals:

Clients now seek strength over weight loss
Focus on "taking up space" rather than shrinking
Emphasis on performance over aesthetics
Building confidence through progressive strength gains

The Mind-Body Connection

A unique aspect of Tara's coaching is her integration of mindset work, including:

The "thought ladder" technique for shifting negative self-talk
Body awareness through simple check-ins
Focus on feeling over metrics
Permission to rest and recover

Training Through Your Cycle

The conversation touches on menstrual cycle awareness and training, with Tara emphasizing:

Listen to your body while maintaining consistency
Adjust intensity based on how you feel
Track cycles simply using apps like Clue
Challenge misconceptions about having to train less during certain phases

Building Sustainable Habits

Key insights for sustainable strength training include:

Training 3-4 times per week with intention
Prioritizing recovery and rest
Focusing on proper nutrition and fueling
Celebrating small wins and progress

The Impact Beyond the Gym

Perhaps most powerfully, Tara discusses how strength training has improved every aspect of her life, from body confidence to intimate relationships. She emphasizes that building physical strength naturally leads to mental strength and overall life satisfaction.

Ready to support your hormone health while building strength? Try Marea's PMS Elixir, formulated with essential nutrients to help maintain hormonal balance and support muscle recovery. Use code FLOWPOD for a special discount at checkout.

For anyone looking to start their strength journey, Tara's message is clear: focus on consistency over perfection, surround yourself with supportive community, and remember that true strength comes from within.