Tara Qualey

In 7 months, I gained 4 lbs of muscle, went from an 8:36 mile to 7:05, my flexibility and strength increased too.   My body composition changed a lot in only 7 months and I can notice more muscle definition! Starting weight – 124 Current weight – 129

NAME, AGE & HOMETOWN

Tara Qualey, Age 40
Prior Lake, MN.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU

Mom of a 4yr old daughter Quinn (my mini me) 😉 

I’ve lived in MN most of my life and absolutely love it here. We live on a lake which is so much fun in the Summer and Winter! Summer is fishing, paddle boarding, and boating while in Winter we snowshoe and ice fish. 

My career has mostly been in the insurance industry. I’m also a certified personal trainer.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LOOK FOR AN ONLINE FITNESS COACH?

Every year I like to pick a personal goal that is challenging and this year I turned 40, so I wanted to do something big and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve always had an interest in a bodybuilding competition, and after I researched more about it – I went all in.  I knew I needed a coach and wanted someone who had competed before who had a lot of experience. 

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

In 2014 I ran my first marathon – another bucket list item
In 2020 I competed in my first ever figure competition (NANBF) – took 4^th

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT JULIE LOHRE’S ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINING PROGRAM?

I found Julie online when I was looking for a coach.  What drew me to choosing her was that I was getting training from HER and not someone else. She put a program together that fit MY needs and goals and was not a cookie cutter program.  It was also important that I was working with a woman who understands the female body. 

WHAT WERE YOUR ORIGINAL CONCERNS AS YOU STARTED TOWARD YOUR WEIGHT LOSS TRANSFORMATION?

The only concern I had with an online coach was they would not be physically with me in the gym training me. I have good background on form and technique, but I didn’t know if I could push myself past my limits alone.  Reading the testimonials on Julie’s site and consistent communication with her assured me that I would be well taken care of and given the 100% support I needed to compete.

TELL US THE SPECIFICS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS TRANSFORMATION

It has been a 7 month transformation process.

In 7 months, I gained 4 lbs of muscle, went from an 8:36 mile to 7:05, flexibility and strength increased too.   My body composition changed a lot in only 7 months and I can notice more muscle definition!

Starting weight – 124
Current weight – 129  

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF THIS JOURNEY?

The mental challenge. It all starts with your outlook and getting myself prepared mentally was the hardest part. I knew the road to competing was going to be long and would take time to gain muscle and to see the changes. I had to be patient with myself and that is something I struggle with.  This is a sport where you don’t see changes overnight, or even after weeks but I knew if I was CONSISTENT the results would come.  Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the sweet treats and occasional drink at gatherings and birthdays was also difficult. 

The other challenge I had was the gyms closed due to COVID and I had to finish the last 3 months of training at home. I had heavy dumbells, but not the super heavy weights I needed like the barbell squat rack, cables, leg press, etc.  On the flip side, I believe training (and prep) during the pandemic was the best thing for me and probably came at the perfect time because everything was laid out for me. When to eat, what to eat, how much to eat, training days, it was all mapped out for me. It was the only “certain” thing I had going for me. It truly was the best time for me to prep as I was working from home and had more time to get my training done and meals planned out.

HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOU HAVE MADE AN INCREDIBLE WEIGHT LOSS TRANSFORMATION?  HOW HAS YOUR OUTLOOK ABOUT YOUR BODY AND YOUR LIFE CHANGED?

I feel amazing. I have continued eating the way I did when I first started training. I’m now lifting heavier weights than I ever have and cannot believe how much stronger I am. I’m honestly in the best shape of my life.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS DID YOU USE DURING THE PROCESS?

UMP Protein powder was a staple in my diet.  If I didn’t have time to prepare protein I would always have the protein powder with me at all times. So easy to mix with water and tasted great too.

WHAT IS THE BEST AND WORST PART ABOUT WORKING WITH JULIE LOHRE?

Best: the encouragement and support for sure. Also, loved how the programs were put together. 
Worst: Not having a trainer in person to push me harder

“I feel amazing. I have continued eating the way I did when I first started training.
I’m now lifting heavier weights than I ever have and cannot believe how much stronger I am.
I’m honestly in the best shape of my life.“