If you’ve been on the upstairs fitness floor lately, there’s a good chance you’ve already crossed paths with him. Tao has joined the Club as our new Fitness Manager, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry with him. We were able to chat with Tao over email to ask about his background, what drew him to Eugene, and what members can expect to see from him around the Club.
Before we get to that, a word of thanks to Levi Stoffal, our previous Personal Training Manager. Levi built our Personal Training program into what it is today, and we’re glad to say he hasn’t gone far. He’s still training members at the Club and has spent recent weeks showing Tao the ropes, from the way our training process works to the people who make it run. That kind of handoff, one built on trust and continuity rather than a clean break, is what makes this transition feel less like a change and more like a next chapter. Thank you, Levi!
A Day in the Life at the DAC
No two days look quite the same for Tao, but a typical week includes one-on-one personal training sessions with clients, outreach and support for the Personal Training department, and hands-on leadership of our training staff. You’ll also find him coaching the ZONE class Tuesday morning at 6:30am and sitting down with leadership and department heads to keep our programs running smoothly. It’s a role that keeps him moving between the training floor, the classroom, and the front office.
What drew him to the position in the first place was the chance to build something meaningful. “The opportunity to build a high quality personal training program and lead a team of exercise professionals in the most beautiful fitness and wellness facility in Eugene,” Tao told us when we asked what brought him to the DAC.
Nearly Three Decades in the Fitness Industry
Tao is originally from Coos Bay, Oregon, though his career has taken him well beyond the Oregon coast. He’s called Boise, Seattle, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Miami home before landing back here in Eugene. That path has given him a wide-angle view of the fitness industry; from gym management and personal training to work as an exercise specialist, wellness coach, boutique fitness studio director, and education coordinator. Now, as Fitness Manager, he’s bringing all of it together.
What he’s most excited to bring to the DAC and our members is a passion for functional fitness and whole-person wellness. Tao described his mission as “improving the lives of others by building a professional personal training process, one that creates a highly personalized approach to helping people reach their health and fitness goals.” That focus on each individual, not a one-size-fits-all program, is at the center of how he leads.
Life Outside the DAC
During his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball on Fridays at the Club and at Westmoreland Park, trail running up Spencer’s Butte, and spending time hiking and camping along the Oregon Coast whenever he can get back out there. He also spends time with his mom and sisters.
When he’s looking for a good meal, Tao points to Bon Mi, the Vietnamese restaurant just around the corner from the Club. He’s a big fan of how fresh and flavorful the food is, and he singles out their green curry pho as something he hasn’t found anywhere else. “It’s the only place I’ve ever had green curry pho, which is absurdly delicious,” he said. (We second this!)
His Advice for Anyone Starting Their Fitness Journey
Tao’s advice for anyone just beginning is to slow down before speeding up. He encourages people to deeply reflect on and write out what they ultimately want to achieve with the time, energy, and resources they’re dedicating to improving their health, fitness, and well-being. In other words, get clear on your “why” before you worry about the how. It’s a philosophy that shapes the way he trains and leads our personal training team, and it’s one members will feel the moment they start working with him.
Say Hello
Tao’s office is tucked in the far corner of the stretching area upstairs, but you’re just as likely to run into him out on the upstairs fitness floor. Whether he’s working with a client, coaching the ZONE class, or getting his own workout in, don’t be shy about stopping to introduce yourself. He’s looking forward to meeting the members who make the DAC what it is.
Ready to work with Tao or one of our trainers? Schedule a consultation with our Personal Training team. Wanting to play him in pickleball? He’ll gladly accept.
The information shared on the Downtown Athletic Club’s blog is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
The Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) has been Eugene’s locally owned, family-operated health club for over 40 years. Under one roof you’ll find a full Gymnasium, Cardio + Strength Floor, Group Exercise classes, a Lap Pool, warm-water therapy pool, Downtown Pilates Studio, The ZONE training program, Newberry Preschool, KidStop Daycare, and Zest Kitchen + Bar on our third floor. Locally owned means we get to build a club around the community we’ve built, and continue to build.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Enjoy a complimentary guest pass and come see why so many Eugene families call the DAC home. We’re located at 999 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401. Give us a call at 541-484-4011 anytime.
