Kassie whirled into the Lair like a tornado of sunshine and warmth in April of 2023 when she came in for her Free Intro. She was excited to meet people here in Unity and immediately got started with our Beginner Foundation sessions to prep her to join the group classes!
Once in the group, she made an immediate impact on the entire community.
Her warm personality, permanent smile, and big energy fit right into the space as if she had always been around.
Her story was one that impressed many around here. It’s quite the tale: a young woman moving across the world from her home in New Zealand to Unity, Saskatchewan, to work for a local farming family as an Au pair. It takes a great deal of bravery to step away from everything you know to embrace an exciting experience in a new place.
With Fitness already being a huge part of Kassie’s life, it didn’t take her long to search out a new space to seek movement as well as community.
“I joined Fitness Lair in April 2023 after moving to Unity from New Zealand to be a nanny here, I wanted to join to make friends and get to know people as I didn’t know anyone yet and wanted to continue my fitness journey. I didn’t have any specific goals at the time I started.”
“Fitness has always been part of my life. I had played netball since I was 7, so I was always an active child! After high school I joined the gym and started lifting weights, but I had never tried CrossFit until I moved here.”
As with every new comer into our group, we spent a few sessions 1-on-1 with her and one of our coaches to make sure she knew the movements and felt comfortable entering into classes. However, Kassie was more than ready, she marched right in our doors and started to settle in as one of the crew immediately!
“I had the best experience and was welcomed with open arms by everyone and was able to make friends easily and everyone was always willing to help me whenever I needed it, especially the coaches.”
Making lifelong friends and connections was immediate, and the goals came quickly after.
Kassie learned she was quite strong and thrived with a barbell in hand, even though having no experience with it. She quickly learned technique and form, and her progress in strength and skill was fun to watch – we saw her name on the bright spot board often with a new win that day!
Kassie walks in with big energy and a can-do attitude that is infectious!
Kassie is an example of what we stand for at Fitness Lair:
We believe fitness should be fun, but also believe in dedication and hard work to get what we want out of life.
“I’m most proud of the confidence I’ve gained since joined!
I am more confident as a person, and in my body too.
I’ve built muscle and toned down.
I’ve noticed changes especially in my lifts like cleans, snatch’s etc. I’ve also gained new skills like pull ups, push ups, and many more skills!”
It wasn’t long before she was one of the fam – even stepping up to lead a team (Kiwi Canucks) during the 2024 Fitness Lair Intramural Open! (not to mention winning the spirit award!)
It’s a given that life can throw hurdles, and Kassie has faced her own challenges.
“My biggest hurdle is probably making sure I’m staying active when I can’t make it to the gym like during seeding and harvest times.”
Consistency can be a challenge with a buys schedule and the demands of the farm season, but one thing is for certain: we know she’s going to rush back in with infectious energy to brighten the space!
“I just want to thank all the coaches for helping me become this strong confident version of myself, and always encouraging me to Rx or add more weight to my bar, I sometimes need that extra push. I always know that when I show up for myself I am better for it and usually leave with a smile on my face.
Advice I would give to someone is that you need to forget about what others think and just focus on your self. Just accept compliments and praise when others give it to you and don’t doubt how strong you are.”
We couldn’t have put it better!
From being the new face from across the globe to becoming a pillar of our Lair community, Kassie’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when you step outside your comfort zone and commit to growth — both inside and out.
Her story reflects the spirit of the Lair: community, courage, and personal transformation. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or just looking for a space where you can be challenged and supported, Kassie’s experience proves that you’ll find your people here.
Ready to begin your own transformation?
Book your FREE intro session today — your Lair story starts here.