Perfectly Prepared

It feels like the end of an era…

I have shifted. I am no longer offering group or private posing, presence & mindset coaching in the fitness/bodybuilding space.

Thank you so much for your continued support over the years!

I’m not finished! I’m moving into a different space. I’m working on releasing online group coaching programs, personal coaching, photography, and some special events for women!!!

If you would like to continue to stay connected, I would love it if you follow me here:

Tara Annemarie Thatcher

Tara Thatcher Photography

Best wishes to you! I hope to see you in the next chapter!

- Tara

In order to start the year off and look into the future of our sport and more specifically the Mr America all American Sports Festival, head judge and president Marc Tauriello will be appearing with kicking off the first of many live discussions with a Q/A session from viewers. Topics for episode 001 will include a brief recap of 2022 along with some current events that are making headlines around the country, what this years event will look like, judging and more. Don’t miss this.

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Bodybuilding…
This isn’t a contest about having the most muscle.
This isn’t a contest to see who’s the leanest.
This isn’t a contest to see who chose to make the most sacrifices.
This isn’t a contest to see who dieted the hardest.
This isn’t a contest that is built on judging with metrics.
This is a contest to see who understood that the assignment was to look within. To be proud of who you are. To use your presence, to introduce you. To use your posing and transitions to show us who you are. And to display your physique in a way that leaves no question as to who is victorious.

Competitors! The 2022 season is fast approaching! You can put all the work in at the gym, and with your nutrition, but PLEASE do not neglect the most important piece of the whole journey; your Posing, Presence and Mindset.

As a former competitor who has done 13 shows, winning over half of them, as a coach specializing in Posing, Presence & Mindset coaching, and as judge who has been on judging panels since 2010, including head judging at the Mr America show on CBS Sports, as well as doing Live Commentary at the Natural Olympia, I bring so much knowledge and a deep understanding of the industry. If your goal is to look and truly feel comfortable and confident on stage, you have come to the right place!

I offer group and individual posing sessions.

My group sessions are a great place to connect with our community, in a safe and positive environment. We tackle so many aspects of prep with honesty and solution based coaching. Getting on stage should NOT be your first time with a group of competitors. Normalizing and getting reps and practice in this environment are KEY to success!

My individual coaching prepares far beyond the stage. You wouldn’t hire someone to give you a “cookie cutter” meal plan or training. So why would you do it in this arena? I offer a unique and proven approach to developing and executing your own style. This includes walk, poses that are tailored to your physique, and transitions that work for you. As a judge I’m looking for a competitor who is in complete alignment. That is exactly what I’m teaching. I believe that mindset is the most important part of the whole process, so I have coaching calls to help you navigate the wins and challenges you will face in their process. Helping you add some tools to your arsenal, including a strategy for game day, giving you the competitive edge.

If this resonates with you, and you would like to set up a discovery call for my individual coaching, please shoot me a message and we can get you scheduled.

If you are interested in attending group classes, here is a link to the next one:

https://fb.me/e/1opK6n8UB

“How soon before my competition do I need to hire a coach to start working on Posing?”

I can’t tell you how often I get this question. The answer whether you’re a first time competitor or a seasoned pro, give yourself AS MUCH TIME as possible.

I have clients who start working with me a year before their competition. On average, most of my clients begin working with me to put together their base about 5-6 months prior to their event.

The biggest piece of advice I would give anyone is DON’T WAIT until the last minute. Yes, training and nutrition is important. But the reality is that your posing, presence and mindset are AT LEAST equally as important! So give yourself time to learn, to practice and to develop your own style of walking, posing and transitions that suit YOU.

I am taking private clients for 2022 currently. If you are interested in a discovery call, message me and we can set up a time to talk about how you can be for the stage!!!

Link to the next Group Event: https://fb.me/e/OTNOzDQQ

I remember my name being called for first place at my very first show, the 2006 NANBF Mr/Ms Natural Minnesota. I couldn’t believe it! It was such an amazing experience, I get chills thinking about it. I was approached by a young lady who asked if I would coach her for a show. Although I was flattered, I also realized that I didn’t have enough knowledge to coach anyone else. Sure, winning a competition looked like a great start, but I needed more time and experience before I started coaching anyone else.

There is SO much more to coaching than just being a good competitor. So I kept showing up for opportunities. And have had SO many incredible experiences that have made me the coach I am today.

* I competed for 8 years and did 13 competitions myself.
* I’ve competed in both figure and bikini.
* I competed in several federations, NANBF, NPC, WBFF and Fitness America.
* I began judging in 2010.
* I have presented awards, expedited, and assisted promoters since 2010.
* I am the head judge at Mr. America.
* I have provided live commentary at the Natural Olympia in 2019 & 2021.
* I started coaching competitors in 2010.
* My clients have placed top 5, at local, regional, National and international shows.
* My clients have won pro cards in several organizations.
* I coach both amateur and professional competitors.
* I specialize in the three things you can control the day of the competition: Posing, Presence & Mindset.
* I’ve been a sponsored athlete and have worked at events such as the Arnold Classic and Olympia.
* I am a published fitness model and writer.
* I’ve helped clients get published on the cover and interior features of several magazines.
* I hosted Strong Fitness Magazine’s STRONGCAMP here in Minneapolis MN.

I share this with you because just being a successful competitor, doesn’t make you a great coach. Understanding the event and industry from every angle and being able to continue learning, being able to bring new, relevant information, makes you a great coach.

What are YOUR goals? And how can I help you achieve them? Will YOU be for the stage?

📸 .lipton

“How often do you host group events?”

I host one EVERY MONTH! Posing, presence, and mindset are ALL parts of your journey to the stage that can be worked on YEAR ROUND.

Training and nutrition are important, but THIS is at least as important, if not important to work with on. Whether it’s your first time competing, or you’re a seasoned amateur or pro, EVERYONE can learn, grow and improve here!

I am also taking clients for the 2022 season! If you’re looking for someone to help guide you through your first prep OR your ready to take your game to the next level as a pro or amateur, I’m here to help! Let’s set up a discovery call to see if I’m the right fit for you to help you achieve your goals and give you the competitive edge you’re looking for. Send me a dm to schedule your call!

Link to group event: https://fb.me/e/OTNOzDQQ

🗣LAST CALL!!! The next Perfectly Prepared group event is TOMORROW! There are still a few spots remaining…

I started competing in 2006. There are SO many details that go into a competition, it can feel overwhelming. After competing myself for 8 years and doing 13 shows, coaching clients since 2010, I specialize in the THREE THINGS you CAN CONTROL… Your Posing, Presence & Mindset.

No matter if you’re thinking about a competition, have one in mind as a goal, or are competing as a seasoned amateur or pro, these classes are designed for YOU. To help you understand what you are responsible for on stage, to connect with other women who are passionate about making themselves a priority, and to take the mystery out of what the judges are looking for.

Please, if you are feeling like you’re lost, not sure where to start, or ready to take your game to the next level, JOIN US!!!

➡️ Link to event page: https://fb.me/e/OR5fCVe7

I am also taking clientele for the 2022 season. If you are putting the time in with nutrition and training, posing, presence and mindset is EQUALLY as important to you on and off the stage. Make sure you have your bases covered, and give yourself the competitive edge to do your best!

Message me to schedule a discovery call and see how we can work on your goals TOGETHER!

Client stepped on the stage at for the very first time. I couldn’t be more proud of this woman right here.

Throughout her prep, we had very open communication through our in person posing and presence sessions and our mindset coaching calls. There are SO MANY things that can come up throughout prep that need to be discussed and worked through. I admire Elizabeth for her honesty and her willingness to work through challenges as soon as she had the proper tools.

I share this with you because your posing, presence and mindset are equally as important as your training and nutrition in your journey to the stage. Finding a coach that understands that, and helps equip you with the tools, knowledge and understanding you need gives you a HUGE competitive edge.

Elizabeth showed up on stage!!! She was poised, present, comfortable, confident, and you could FEEL it!!! Thank you Elizabeth for choosing to be for your event and for trusting me.

Client Sheila Erickson has had ONE HELL of a season so far!!! We talked about strategy, which shows made sense, and stuck to a plan. Mr. America was her Pro Debut after winning her pro card at the 2020 Mr & Ms Natural Minnesota. Her choices in competitions are not for the faint of heart. Sheila works so incredibly hard, we changed up quite a bit of her posing, stage presence, to reflect the move to the Pro division. We also had mindset coaching calls to work through the challenges of prep, life, and keep her on point with the vest competitive edge she could have.

She took 1st place at Mr. America in both the Masters Pro class and a stacked Pro class of 12! She was interviewed and featured on Generation Iron. Named the #2 Figure Pro by Called Out.

This past weekend, she went for a repeat in her home state at the . Where again, she walked into a very competitive Pro Figure Class. Walking away with another well earned win.

Her next and final show of the season is her biggest yet. We are heading to Las Vegas for the prestigious Natural Olympia!!! She is coming in HOT 🔥

I am so proud to work with this woman. Not only is she an incredible, hard working athlete, she’s such a kind person, and makes just an excellent role model for others in the industry. Sheila, it’s been an amazing season, and I’m excited to go finish it out with you in Las Vegas!!! Let’s GO! This is what happens when you cover all of your bases. Posing, Presence & Mindset coaching are as essential on stage as having someone for training and nutrition. Are you for the stage?

I’m SO PROUD when I look at these pictures. I’m brought to tears every single session. And I’m not sorry. Not even a little bit.

Together, we created an incredibly safe and supportive space where everyone could express where they were at, very honestly, with no judgement. You see, competing can feel very lonely. But often we create that. By pretending everything is great, we are doing well, and we don’t talk about the things that come up. The hard things. Challenges, life, change, disappointment, relationships. And when we don’t tell the absolute truth, we aren’t open for the connection we need and crave.

Connection comes in the space of sharing hard things. Telling hard truth. Working through shame, guilt, embarrassment, and admitting we are no where near perfect. And we most certainly don’t have our s**t together.

So often we miss these opportunities to connect because we live under a label like “perfectionist” or “people pleaser”. Both are extremely unfulfilling. Trust me, I’ve been there.

We shared those hard truths, and you know what? Everyone there felt less alone. And walked away with an incredible tribe of support.

For those of you have attended a Posing l Presence l Mindset Workshop, I’d love to hear what YOUR favorite experience or biggest takeaway was!!!

Ladies!!!! I’m so excited to see you tomorrow morning! If you haven’t yet, please make your final RSVP and get your payment in.

If you have a show coming up, please bring your suit, to wear at class! Take advantage of the opportunity to get in it and in front of people BEFORE your show!!! You will feel so much more comfortable and confident, trust me ☺️

Please arrive a few minutes prior to 8:30 am to park and check in either in the entry way or front desk and get situated. I will be starting promptly at 8:30.

Who else is PUMPED???

To RSVP follow the link in the Bio. RSVP on the event page, and send your payment in via Venmo!

Big CONGRATULATIONS to client for a great first show!!! She took home 1st 🥇 place in Masters Bikini and 3rd 🥉 place in Open Bikini at her very first show the Eastern USA!

One of the things I admire about Maryann is her resilience and growth mindset! She is able to move through challenges stronger, and share her experience and love for fitness and healthy lifestyle with others!

Next up for this powerhouse, .life!!!
Trained by

Yesterday, my group posing, presence & mindset workshop was FULL!!! Full of courage, sharing hard things like grief. Full of honesty about what our challenges are. Full of empathy, a safe space of non judgement where we connect as humans, as women, about LIFE.

I walk away from leading these sessions oftentimes in tears because I’m so damn proud the vision I had, I’ve brought to fruition. And the women here, we are connected. Because we show up. We show up for ourselves, and for others. This is what looks like to me. I’m grateful and honored to coach these women.

We all have been around people who make us feel something, who change the energy in the room. We can feel it. You know, when someone walks in and just commands your attention.

The way you walk into a room, the way you carry yourself, the way you introduce yourself before you say a word, that's PRESENCE. This is one of the things you can control. Your energy, your posture, your body language.

I share this with you because I believe that Presence is teaching your body to say what you want about who you are. This is something that so many people notice or feel, but don't really know what to call it. We use this EVERY SINGLE DAY, in all of our interactions, at work, at home, in the gym, not just on a competition stage.

When you walk in the room, what does your presence say about who you are?

Come find out, at our next Perfectly Prepared Group Posing, Presence & Mindset workshop! SUNDAY, AUGUST 22nd starting at 8:30 am.

Link to Event page: https://fb.me/e/Q66mXE0O

Oh boy. Where to start? I have trouble with things that aren’t happening right now. Realizing that they are going to happen doesn’t seem real to me. I don’t get excited about going on vacation until I get to the airport. Does that make sense? I feel like I needed to explain that first.

I was so honored when asked me to be the head judge at .america_official last year. As I boarded the plane to Atlantic City, the realization hit me. I was playing an important part in one of the most iconic events in bodybuilding. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to be included at this level.

So, I was at a friends house to watch the show on when it aired Thursday. I actually hid my face when I first saw myself on the TV and said out loud “people can see this”. LOl 😂 As I got over the initial shock, I was really proud of all of those who contributed. I have so much respect for all of my people.

Marc, I’m so excited to see where you take this. Thank you for giving our lifestyle a platform to be seen by the world, and for including me in that! I cannot wait to be back in Atlantic City again in October as the head judge. I’m so proud of you friend!

WE ARE HUMAN…

The biggest takeaway from our group workshop. You may think competing is glamorous, sexy and fun all the time, I’m here to let you know that isn’t the case. We don’t connect talking about your macros, the weather, or what body part you’re training.

We connect when we talk about REAL LIFE. What we struggle with, what our goals are, and how things really are. And in that connection lies so much beauty! We feel less alone. Less like everyone else has a perfect life. And less like we are going crazy.

Today, was human, it was connection, it was learning to ask, to be vulnerable, and to listen. We normalized feedback, by being open to giving and receiving it. And that was a HUGE GIFT. Each session I have, I realize how much we ALL need this.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, helped create a safe space, and shared with us the beauty of YOU. Can’t wait until next time!!!

We all embrace and love the journey to the stage.

But what happens when the lights go out, the show is over, and you’re not sure what’s next?

I’m working on an article about the post competition reality. As a competitor I experienced this in a really tough way. I went from one extreme to the other, unsure of how to create something sustainable that worked for me. I experienced depression and became really dependent on validation from others about how I looked. I didn’t seem to know how to move forward, now that my goal was accomplished.

I need YOUR HELP! Do you have any key issues or topics within this that you think would be helpful to touch on?

I hear SO many newer competitors complain about not seeing changes right away. I want to share that changes, especially to your physique as a competitor TAKES TIME. So be patient. And also be aware that you may be trying to achieve a physique that may not be possible, and that you may be experiencing body dysmorphia.

I want to share with you my Transformation timeline. Upper left to right, 2006, 2007, 2008, lower left to right 2009, 2010, 2013. The point is that real "gains" or transformations take time. Competing is a really fun hobby and can be part of who you are, but doesn't need to ever be the only thing you do. If you are passionate about fitness, you can be patient and take pride in the changes that you make. They come from daily work.

It seems as though everyone these days wants their "Pro Card", although many don't really know what that means and when asked, are not sure why they want it. It is great to have goals, but it is also great to be informed.

So if you are competing, whether or not you have a coach, research the organizations. Find a place where a physique like yours fits best. Have a plan to WORK. Winning is never a guarantee. Be informed. Knowledge is power.

Fun fact, I am the 2006 & 2007 NANBF Mr/Ms Minnesota Figure Tall Class Champion.

A long time ago, I made the decision to compete for the first time. I didn’t have a trainer or a posing coach, but I did have desire, discipline and determination.

The pic on the left is from the 2006 NANBF Mr/Ms Natural Minnesota, which was my very first show. I showed up and almost left. I got really discouraged because I started comparing myself to everyone else there. A friend shared that she thought I would be really disappointed if I left. She was right, so I stayed.

I was able to turn my around. And I decided to just have fun. I LOVED it! Being on stage was a rush like nothing I had ever experienced. When they called my name for first place, I thought it was a mistake. I had no idea what I was doing. I went up there and just had fun. And that was the most magical experience I would have in my 8 years as a competitor.

After my first two competitions, I realized I needed help. So I hired a trainer and got a posing coach. I loved competing, but I knew that to feel the way I wanted, and to progress, I needed guidance and expertise that I just didn’t have. I’m so glad I did that. I set myself up for a lot of success both on and off the stage.

And now, I coach women in the three things I have found that you can control the day of the competition, Posing, Presence, & Mindset. I am proud to say that I am able to help women have a truly meaningful experience in their journey to the stage, on stage, and in LIFE.

LADIES! Whether you are just thinking about competing, getting ready to get on stage this season, or finishing your competition season up, THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU.

I believe that your journey to and away from the stage has to do with SO MUCH MORE than just getting in great shape. It is a journey to reconnect with yourself, to see what you can accomplish when you commit to YOU.

I am here to help women connect with their "WHY", to become comfortable and confident in their own skin, celebrate what is unique and double down on that, and take the pillars of my business Posing, Presence & Mindset, into the stage of LIFE.

I share this with you because BODYBUILDING CHANGED MY LIFE. I coach because that's how I can give back to people, what this sport gave to me. If you are looking for a sign, here it is!

I am available for private sessions. If you feel like you aren't where you want to be, and you're not feeling excited to be on the stage, I am here to help!!! Shoot me a message, and let's chat about your goals and how I can help support you in those goals!

💥Link to event: https://fb.me/e/HNcph0t9

When do I start posing with a coach?

This is a question that I hear a lot, so I wanted to give you an in depth answer...

This varies for everyone. And it depends on what you need to create the experience you want. I have clients that begin working with me a year prior to their competition because they want to take the time to really feel comfortable and confident in their body, and on stage. I also have clients that start working with me 3-4 months prior to their competition. Some people perform better when they have a little pressure and the date seems closer.

Is one of these right or wrong? NO. Posing, presence and mindset are a PRACTICE. Not something that you can learn overnight, for sure. But something that you begin and build on. Creating a solid foundation of who you are, and how you want to show that while you’re on stage, it takes time.

Being confident in your heels and suit, walking, posing and transitions, those are very personal. My advice to those out there wondering when to start? Start NOW. The more time you allow yourself to set intention, to practice and to understand, the better. Think about how you want to FEEL on stage. You have invested so much time and energy into training and nutrition, your posing, presence and mindset are also a key part of that, and what you can control the day of your event.

If this resonates with you, and you are interested in private sessions to help you create your own style, choreography for your individual presentation, and give you the tools to understand and feel confident in knowing how to navigate different scenarios on stage, let’s chat! I’m here to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, both on stage and in LIFE. DM me and we can set up a phone call to have you for the stage.

I look forward to connecting with you ☺️

📸 .stewart

Sunday’s Group Workshop was SO AWESOME!!! Holy crap, sometimes I don’t realize how much I need group session to get filled up. How much I need those good vibes. Today was ALL the things.

Thank you to everyone who attended, for sharing your time, your energy, your space, your feedback and your wisdom. It’s SO IMPORTANT for us to CONNECT. That means sharing things that aren’t “pretty” that might be hard or feel shameful.

Today was CONNECTION at the very core in the best way possible! Excited for the next one!

We are the magic. We are the change ❤️

.america_official
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what a great time last year and this year will even be more fun and exciting at the 2021 sports festival. Start your prep and register so you don’t miss out on all we have planned! We can’t wait to welcome back this all star crew and