Tara Penawell

Tara Penawell is an elite personal trainer with over two decades of experience in the health and fitness industry. She has worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds, but her passion and specialty lie in helping women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond build strength, confidence, and resilience—especially through the transitions of perimenopause and menopause.

Tara believes that strength training is one of the most powerful tools women have for long-term health, independence, and vitality. She is particularly skilled at teaching women how to lift heavy well, with an emphasis on proper technique, progressive barbell training, and sustainable programming. Twice each year (April and November), she leads a popular barbell series designed to teach women the fundamentals of the major lifts in a supportive, confidence-building environment.

Her approach goes beyond workouts alone. Tara is deeply interested in "deep health"—the intersection of training, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and recovery. She has completed the Precision Nutrition Master Course and is currently pursuing advanced education in sleep, stress, and recovery, as well as specialized training in menopause-specific physiology and performance.

With a background in clinical exercise physiology and years of hands-on coaching, Tara blends science, experience, and empathy. Her goal is not just to help clients get stronger in the gym, but to feel more capable in their bodies and lives—now and for the long term.

Certifications:

Precision Nutrition (PN) Level 2 Master Health Coaching Certification
M, Ed. in Kinesiology (specialization in Clinical Exercise Physiology)
NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
Barbell Rehab Method Certification

Joined the CHF Team: 2004