Megan Nechanicky’s interest in helping others reach fitness and health goals comes from her years as a leader and an athlete. Her parents—a physical education teacher and a county recreational department director—encouraged active lifestyles as Megan and her three brothers grew up. Her days were filled with school, soccer, and swimming. Megan's passion for soccer began early in life. Megan led her year-round club team as a midfielder, and participated on her high school team, too. Megan excelled on her year-round club, high school and community swim team, which years later, she coached.
"Mother's of swimmers saw Megan on her morning runs, noticed she planned nutritious snacks for their children, and that she truly cared about the team's diet and overall well-being"
As a high school student, Megan spent her summers coaching the “Pre-team,” the children in the community aged 4 to 7. Parents of her team complimented Megan on her ability to engage and interest the swimmers through the daily two-hour practices. Her work with the Pre-team impressed families in Megan’s large community, and they urged Megan to become the Head Swim Coach during summers in college. A very visible position, Megan not only developed relationships with each swimmer on her team, but parents, too. Megan coordinated team-building events which entire families attended. Mothers of swimmers saw Megan on her morning runs, noticed that she planned nutritious snacks for their children, and that she truly cared about the team’s diet and overall well-being.
An afternoon after practice, a team mother approached Megan. She expressed her interest in losing weight, and asked for Megan’s help. Megan planned a workout routine for her, walked and lifted weights with her twice a week, and discussed her diet. Soon, word got out. Megan worked with addition swim team parents that summer, and realized her passion for helping others reach goals.
"Megan believes that eating habits are as integral to athletic success as workouts, and that 'eating is part of training-it can be beneficial or detrimental'."
As a Division I rowing captain in college, Megan worked with her team’s coach to alter the unhealthy habits many teams develop while traveling, such as fast food stops. Teammates’ awareness of Megan’s genuine concern for their health opened the door to one-on-one meetings and workouts. Megan worked individually with teammates, and served as a guide and motivator as they reached personal goals. Megan saw her work with her peers positively influence the state of their team—boats were stronger, as was morale.
Megan believes that eating habits are as integral to athletic success as workouts, and that “eating is part of training—it can be beneficial or detrimental". Megan strives to bring her clients the dietary balance that she maintains in her own life. Megan’s interest in eating and food led her to earn a BA in food marketing from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. Graduated at the top of her class, leaders in the food industry sought Megan to represent their brands—something that she could not do, as she did not believe in the mass-marketing of their products.
Her knowledge of healthful eating and interest in food science led her to a position in the Human Nutrition research department of the USDA. There, Megan worked with scientists to plan and orchestrate dietary research studies and monitored results. Her responsibilities heightened her interest in diet and exercise and lent her an understanding of nutritional and medicinal research. Megan then decided that she wanted to focus her career on the improvement of the health of individuals and society.
After college, Megan continued daily workouts, but missed the competition of rowing. She continued to run in 5K and 10K road races and swam to stay in shape. A member of her running group urged her to begin a biking routine and compete in an upcoming local triathlon. Megan purchased a bike, trained, and placed first in her age group in her very first Olympic-length race. She was hooked. Megan quickly transitioned from the Amateur age group and into that of Elite. She has competed in some of the country’s top triathlons, including the Eagleman and California Ironman 70.3 triathlons, the New York City Olympic Distance triathlon, and the USAT Olympic Distance Age Group National.
"Megan does not believe that any demographic, family dynamic, career, or location should determine lifestyle-anyone, no matter circumstance-should and can live a healthful, active life."
Megan continually places within the top 10 of her age group in every competition.Her goal is to become one of the country’s top amateur triathletes, to continue to enjoy every aspect of the sport through training and competitions and to help others who wish to become involved in triathlons.
Megan resides in San Diego, California and Montgomery Village, Maryland. She is currently earning an MS in nutrition and exercise physiology. Upon completion of her program, Megan will be a registered dietitian.
Megan’s diverse client base includes both novice and experienced athletes, those who have long since fallen out of an exercise routine, women who wish to lose weight, or those who need to improve their general health. Megan does not believe that any demographic, family dynamic, career, or location should determine lifestyle—anyone, no matter circumstance—should and can live a healthful, active life.