Tara McFarland, ATC, CSCS
CEO & Owner of PPR ELITE training, LLC

Becoming ELITE: Being an athlete has always been an inherent part of my identity. Volleyball is my passion and my craft that I love to improve upon. However, I never knew how far it could take me in life until I received a full ride to play two years at a junior college. I took my first college anatomy course and discovered what I’m also very passionate about— the human body. After earning my Associates degree, I transferred to Saginaw Valley State University.

I began my journey into fitness and weightlifting the summer between my transfer. I was invited to try out for Saginaw’s club volleyball team and made their A-team. I was extremely excited that I could continue to play the sport I love and focus on school. As I was embarking on my journey into fitness, I was seeing astronomical differences in my game, jumping higher and hitting harder than ever before. I knew I had to keep working out to maintain this type of performance.

Academically, I loved athletic training, but wanted more in-depth knowledge about sports performance and exercise physiology. I decided to add Exercise Science as a second major to my curriculum.

During my time at Saginaw, I competed in national ranking volleyball tournaments and engaged in countless internship and clinical hours. After four years, I graduated with my Bachelor degrees in Athletic Training and Exercise Science.

I sat for my Board of Certification exam which licensed me as an Athletic Trainer and took the CSCS exam to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.


After passing both exams, I enrolled in Wayne State University’s Sports Administration Master Program to better prepare myself for owning a business and to learn more about the management aspect in sports and fitness at all levels.

After one year at Wayne State, I received my Masters degree in Sports Administration. Since then, I have accumulated seven years of college education and hands on experience in my respective fields. I retain a license as an ATC and certification as a CSCS. I am passionate about teaching my clients every tool I have learned through my education and have put into practice with my clients.

Building meaningful connections with people is at the forefront of PPR ELITE. I love to help others actualize the highest version of themselves through strength training.
I want you to feel like a super hero underneath what you wear to work everyday, to EMPOWER YOURSELF, and to show you that you have the strength within to accomplish anything you set your mind to. We teach you the tools and training you need to achieve your goals for a lifetime.

PPR ELITE is not just a business. It’s a mindset. A way of life. We serve to help others achieve their goals and work to dispel misconceptions within the fitness industry to promote sustainable strength, mental health, and better nutritional habits.
THIS is my passion, my “why,” and true purpose in life. — Tara McFarland, ATC, CSCS