We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ciara Castagno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ciara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I think starting STAGHP was the biggest risk I ever decided to take. I had been frustrated with working and managing everyone else’s gym and teams – the fitness industry was starting to seem like more of a trap instead of a calling. My husband was the encouraging force behind all of STAG. He gave me the idea and confidence to pursue developing our own system and company and never look back. The decision was a lot of work – but didn’t feel like as much work as working for someone else.
I would say that other risks we have managed are my husband returning to medical school to become and ortho and also navigating the COVID terrain with such an in- person business model. Managing that while also establishing a support system for him through Medical school has been quite the journey.
Ciara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Sure! I’m Ciara Castagno a 2010 49ers graduate from the College of Health and Human Services : Exercise Science. Post-Bachelors I pursued a dual masters degree in Sport Science and Sports Studies from the U.S.S.A, Southeast U.S.A Olympic Training Center through 2012. In conjunction with the masters program, I ran competitively for Team Trysports through 2011 with a pinnacle competition at the USATF CLUB Nationals Cross Country Championships. In 2017, I began the entrepreneurial adventure with my husband, Ret. Army Captain Christopher Castagno – STAG Human Performance. I have published over 20 professionally accredited research pieces and continues to speak internationally on topics pertaining to exercise science, health, and fitness. From 2016-2018 I was named Charlotte’s Top Female Personal Trainer by Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, In 2017 Men’s Health and Fitness Magazine named me one of the TOP 21 Personal Trainers in the nation, and In 2018 I was deemed a Top 5 Finalist for HERS Health & Fitness Magazine as Ms. Health & Fitness, 2018 STANDOUT for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- Charlotte Chapter. In 2021, We started a 501c – 21 Gun Salute Foundation. 21 Gun Salute is dedicated to historical grave preservation and assisting veteran families. Currently we live in El Paso, Texas while Christopher completes his medical school career at Texas Tech P.F.S.O.M.
I began my career in fitness and health from the get go, entering college. Both Chris and I were dedicated to college sports (track/football). When we both met in 2017, that continued passion developed into STAG Human Performance. Our work, research and trainer / client influence within the international health community is what we are most proud of and look forward to continuing.
STAG Human Performance is a multifaceted performance based company that strives for client results along with sport science research and trainer education. Our specialties include personal training (in-person & online), peer-reviewed research/medical industry consulting & our competitors division of sponsored athletes.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Without hesitation – No. It’s interesting – within business and having your own company you have to be the type of person that is obsessed with impact. To be successful one literally has to eat, sleep and breathe the passion they have for that business. This point is overlooked and usually not fully executed by many who venture into business ownership. The same goes for philanthropy. You should dedicate your passion for helping others as much as you possibly can. There are millions of causes, issues, platforms to rise up with. Find your philanthropic passion, as well as professional and develop a life mission. The exceptional part about my life mission is that professionally and philanthropically – I choose to serve others every single day. Both missions overlap in the sense that I dedicate my whole self to the betterment of others. Being a fitness leader begins with removing – “I”. Any portion of my resume, or included information on this testament can be applied towards an example of leadership. The action of opening up those connections and sharing my testaments with other professionals is what real leadership is. I value the opportunities to connect and build with other people. Not only does this extend from me professionally but from a philanthropic standpoint. The speaking platforms I have been blessed with allow me to relate and teach so many other professionals from many walks of life. My largest outreach everyday is through the trainers I work with at STAG HP – their interactions and questions motivate and teach me something every single day. Good leaders know how to narrow their focus, they know how to include many backgrounds under one common goal and with fundraising efforts this is priceless knowledge. I am thankful for the opportunities and ability to help others when they need it.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Empathy. You must have compassion for those you are working to help. Learn to see things from the client’s perspective and be empathetic to their situations. You are helping them mentally as well as physically.
Success is not a straight shot! Building a clientele and reputation within the fitness industry will take years. You will need to pay your dues and rough it for awhile before you reach a successful level.
Don’t expose yourself to just one type of training – learn new methods and ways of helping people.
Put effort into learning the business and sales side of the fitness industry. Don’t just rely on the science to get you to the level you want.
Remember to take care of yourself as well. Your physical shape and mental wellbeing is just as important (if not more) than the work you put into your clients. You can’t help others if you are not first in control of yourself!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.staghp.com
- Instagram: @stagtrainer
- Facebook: @STAGHP
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-castagno-delgado-457ab331/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABhWP28nN3lM0TQw0M6ukw
- Other: Youtube = STAG Human Performance Personal Training & Research Hopefully the link works correctly to take you to the correct space. Company Email = [email protected]
Image Credits
Hair : Claudia B Salon / Claudia Bouchacourt Workout Photo Standing on rooftop : Jill Zogg Workout Photo Standing in Gym: @ellerileyphoto