I recently met up with Barrington Fitness and Wellness Coach, Erin Matta, and we talked about her family, her passion for fitness and health, and so much more. 

Please tell us about yourself and your family. How long you have been in the area, and where you are originally from? 

I was born and raised in Wausau, WI. My husband and I moved to Barrington in 2012, where we continue to raise our three children.  I’ve always enjoyed being active, spending time in the sun, and sharing laughter. Most of all, I cherish moments with my husband, our kids, and our dog, Duncan.  When I’m not with my family, I enjoy listening to health-related podcasts. 

Tell us about your coaching, have you always been into fitness? 

Like many, I grew up playing youth sports, with soccer being my favorite. My parents instilled a strong foundation in exercise, which led me to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), where I played soccer for one year. During that time, I developed a passion for Psychology and Human Development, initially thinking I wanted to become a counselor — I always knew I wanted to help people. 

While those were my academic focuses, it was leading group fitness classes at a local YMCA that ultimately guided me toward a career in health, wellness, and personal fitness. After gaining experience in corporate fitness management as the Fitness Coordinator for the Humana Insurance Employees in Green Bay, WI, and coaching at CrossFit Barrington, I found my niche as a fitness and wellness coach.  I also have a certification in Pre & Postnatal Fitness.

Today, my work revolves around functional fitness, promoting wellness and longevity for clients of all ages.

Describe your typical client.  

I don’t have a typical client. Through my experience, I’ve learned to meet each person where they are, regardless of their age or current physical condition. My goal is to guide them toward a more consistent, holistic lifestyle.

What advice can you offer to people who need to develop self-discipline to stay with a fitness routine? 

My personal advice is that it’s a choice, which I say with compassion. I understand that people are in different seasons of life and when we stack day by day of mostly good decisions of taking care of our bodies, we create a protocol of discipline and consistency and accountability, which is analogous to simple daily tasks such as brushing one’s teeth or doing your laundry. 

Are there any inspirational quotes that resonate with you?

"Don’t let one bad decision derail you/your day."  "Start now, don’t wait for a specific day."  "SOMETHING is better than nothing."  "If you are working within your capacity, your body has no reason to change." "Be the things you loved most about those you’ve lost."  The last one is often on my mind after losing my mother to cancer. 

I have seen your name on a lot of signs around town. What made you want to run for the Library Board? Why should residents vote for you? 

I’m running for Library Board Trustee because as a mother I care about our community, and I have a lot of skin in the game.  

Trust and Transparency go hand in hand. When it comes to our community’s tax dollars there are simple things, like meetings being recorded or live streamed, that can be done as a way to increase trust with our community constituents.  

There’s also been confusion about book banning, with some using phrases like "freedom to read".  I stand for freedom, and we are fortunate to live in the United States. To be clear, there has not been any book banning, and both Joe Bosnick and I stand firmly for our freedoms. 

That being said a public library should offer a wide diversity of viewpoints while catering to the needs of the community. It is essential for librarians to have access to the best resources to make informed decisions. The Barrington Area Library is a popular materials library that adapts quickly to changes. For example, did you know that audiobooks are growing in popularity while DVDs are declining?

Which local restaurants are your family's favorites?

Tacos El Norte 

Saddle Room 

Sushi Yoru 

What is one of the scariest things you have ever done? 

I’m currently doing it; it’s cold plunging multiple times a week. 

What is a little-known fact or talent about yourself?

I hunted deer as a youth.

What are some songs that are meaningful to you.

Jesus Saves, Riley Green

Sirens, Pearl Jam

You Are, Jimmy Wayne

Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells their Story, Hamilton Musical 

What are a few things on your bucket list?

Travel with my family to Europe.

Go anywhere, just my husband and I for a couple days.

Live near the beach in SC. 

What is your go-to breakfast? 

First …coffee w/raw heavy whipping cream & a sprinkle of LMNT chocolate caramel salt. Then a couple hours later, 2 pastured eggs over easy w/ a raw milk chocolate protein shake. 

Burst Mode - Quick answers:  

Are you a better dancer or singer? 

Dancer (met my husband at a wedding on the dance floor ;)

Favorite Exercise: 

Squats 

Least Favorite Exercise: 

Power Cleans 

Next Vacation Destination: 

Carolina’s always on my mind 

I always bring ______ to a party: 

A bottle of Marlborough Sauv Blanc & a smile!

What book do you recommend everyone should read? 

"The Courage to Be Disliked" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga.

There’s not enough ______ in the world.

Jesus 

You can contact Erin on Instagram @erinmattafitness