Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Givens.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
After high school, I attempted community college (lol), I must have only attended 1 class during the semester and flunked out. As I was figuring out what I was going to do with my life, I had a coworker who had previously been in the Army. I remember thinking how cool it would feel to be a soldier and wear that uniform. The pride it came with would be enough for me. Sometime shortly after that, I enlisted in the Army as a physical therapy assistant. Once I finished 10 weeks of misery, I absolutely loved it. It is a different kind of security knowing the random person next to you would do anything for you, as you would do for them. I made lifelong friends and a connection to the military that would never end. I decided to get out of the Army when I was pregnant with my daughter. Figuring that I should have the discipline at this point to be successful, I attended the University of South Florida for my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. During that time, I fell in love with strength and conditioning, specifically for tactical athletes (military, police, first responders, etc.).
I desired to learn more about what it means to coach tactical athletes and how to ensure success. So, I flew up to Denver, CO, and attended a course with the national strength and conditioning association for tactical S/C. Once I got back to Florida, I partnered with a professor of mine to create a research review article on strength and conditioning training that aids in the performance of the elite military when carrying heavy loads. At this point, I knew I had to attend a graduate program in my field to increase knowledge that could be applied to tactical athletes.
My small business became a focus because I want to practice my craft while attending the graduate program in 2023.
I wanted to use the knowledge and experiences I have with potential/current tactical athletes. Right now, I have partnered with the Army’s Recruiting Battalion of Tampa to help future soldiers prepare for basic training.
Additionally, I have partnered with local JROTC programs to coach their students.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Attempting to balance school, work, and being a mom to a toddler is certainly not easy. For one, I have to stay within daycare hours because there are not many people that can pick her up beside me. On top of that, starting a small business requires some understanding that money does not immediately flow in. I do believe my stress levels have surprisingly gone down because it is my own business and I can choose how much effort I do/do not want to give.
The effort that I put in is simply for me and my athletes instead of another business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own a business called “Tactical Kilo”. I specialize in tactical strength and conditioning for Military, police, and first responders. The goal of tactical strength and conditioning is to optimize performance under stress and variable factors that tactical athletes have. For example, police officers have added weight on one side of their body changes how they move, react, and perform. If they train to adapt to that added weight to one side, they can reduce the risk of injury and increase performance.
Currently what I am most proud of is the partnership with the local Army recruiting battalion. I remember when I went to basic training and knew absolutely nothing about exercise, muscles, cardio, etc… I am excited to prepare young adults and teenagers to be successful in their military careers and avoid injuring themselves. Sometimes, practice and understanding how to move your body can make a huge difference in accomplishing tactical tasks.
Pricing:
- The new year special is buy one month, get one free at $500/month
- Potential Military Recruits get a special rate of $400/per month
- Seminars/Clinics are negotiated prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tacticalkilo.com
- Instagram: @tacticalkilo_
Image Credits
Chris Andrew – OnFly Media
