Staff Spotlight: Tad Taggart
Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!
Our staff member in the spotlight this week: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer Tad Taggart! You may know him as one of the friendly faces you see behind the trainer desk or in our Nutrition Services office, but did you know he also knows jiu jitsu?
Q: How long have you been a personal trainer?
A: 6.5 years
Q: What is your educational and certification background?
A: I am a Registered Dietitan Nutritionist, Precision Nutrition Coach, and certified personal trainer.
Q: What made you want to become a personal trainer?
A: Fitness has always been my escape from the stressors of the world. When I'm in the middle of any type of workout, the rest of the world seems to melt away. I've always wanted to help others discover this feeling. I also love helping others discover the sense of accomplishment and improved health that comes with exercising regularly.
Q: What is your favorite kind of workout?
A: One that challenges me both mentally and physically. I like to find things I'm not good at and trying to improve. Some of my top picks are boxing, jiu-jitsu, running, climbing, powerlifting, and Olympic lifting.
Q: Do you participate in any other fitness activities outside of Western?
A: Yes! I do jiu-jitsu and rock climbing at different gyms a few times a month. I also enjoy running and rollerblading on the Fox River trail in the summer.
Q: What’s your favorite non-fitness hobby (or hobbies)?
A: Some of my favorite ways to spend my time that don't (usually) involve sweating include playing board and card games, reading, and playing video games.
Q: What motivates you?
A: The people I have in my life. I've been blessed to have some incredible friends, family, coworkers, and clients in my life who have helped me get to where I am and become who I am. The more I grow, the better I can show up for them and pay it forward.
Q: What’s your favorite song to workout to?
A: My current top song is “Watch the World Burn” by Falling in Reverse.
Q: If you could train any celebrity, who would you pick?
A: I'd have to pick Chris Pratt. Based on interviews, I feel he and I have the same sense of humor and value-set. Besides seeing my clients achieve their fitness goals, my favorite training sessions usually involve lots of laughs or deep talks about life.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or any words of wisdom you can share?
A: “Challenges make life interesting. Overcoming them makes life meaningful.” -Joshua J. Marine
Q: What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled?
A: Hawaii is the furthest I've ever been from home (Green Bay), but I've still never been out of the USA.
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: Parkway Drive in St. Louis. The venue was tiny, there was barely standing room, and the energy was incredible.
Q: What’s your favorite junk food?
A: I don't necessarily think any food is "junk" (unless you're a raccoon), but my favorite dessert would be carrot cake. I'll never pass on carrot cake, no matter how full I am.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The people. Both my coworkers and the members at Western enrich my life beyond measure and give meaning to my career.
Q: What’s something you’re proud of?
A: I draw confidence from all the times I messed up, failed, or wanted to quit and didn't stop working to improve - whether it had to do with fitness, my job, my health, or my schooling.
Q: If you had to have a career outside of fitness, what would you want to do?
A: Any job that would be active and not a significant amount of time behind a desk. Probably something like landscaping or carpentry.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
A: 1. Despite the fact that I'm a dietitian, I'll never tell you ANY food is off limits. And also no, I don't just eat fruits and veggies. Pizza is, in fact, a staple for me. 2. While I enjoy all music, heavy metal is my favorite music both to work out to but also to relax to. The heavier the better.
Lightning Round: Either/Or Questions
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Tattoos or piercings? Tattoos
Outer space or the bottom of the ocean? Outer Space
Christmas or your birthday? Christmas
Breakfast or dinner? Breakfast
Texting or calling? Calling
Burgers or tacos? Can I have both?
Movie at home or movie in the theater? Usually at home
Introvert or extrovert? Usually extrovert
