Cassie Kish
Fitness Instructor Since November 2016
Hometown: Oxford, MI
What Got you into Fitness?
I’ve always been physically active ever since I was little. I ran cross country and track in high school and absolutely loved the team aspect, the competitiveness, and my coach. I loved working out, running, and attending group exercise classes several times per week in college as well. I started attended college to go for a secondary education mathematics degree. I’d always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was 5 years old, but my second year in, I knew mathematics wasn’t the route I wanted to continue on. When I tried to think of another possible career path, it became evident that the one consistent part of my entire life was the health and fitness portion. I figured it would be a great way to keep the teaching aspect that I loved so much, while spreading my knowledge and love for health and fitness to others looking to lead that healthy lifestyle as well. I could not be happier with my career choice.
Who Is Your Biggest Inspiration?
It may sound kind of selfish, but my biggest inspiration is myself. I push myself to be a better person, a better trainer, a better friend, and lead a better life every single day. I’m consistently giving myself new goals to reach and conquer. It keeps me motivated and focused. I’m always looking to learn and gain knowledge and improve various aspects of my life. While it’s important to love and accept yourself, no one is perfect and everyone can always improve in some fashion. I think everyone should always strive to be a better version of themselves every day.
What’s Your Guilty Pleasure?
SWEETS. I love sugar. Dark chocolate is my favorite. It’s definitely something I’ve had to curb to eat in moderation though!
Favorite Quote:
“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.” – Bob Marley
What Does Family Mean To You?
Family is a word I choose to describe the special people in my life that I care about very much, and who care about me as well- blood related or not. Family also means the people you can count on to be there for you and to support and encourage you through life’s ups and downs (and vice versa). Family are the best friends that you share your deepest secrets with, and those that accept you completely for who you are. Family also means a group of people who all work together towards the same common goal, like the AFS family. We may not all know each other very well, but we are here to support each other and work together to all ultimately create and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Proudest Accomplishment
My proudest accomplishment would probably be traveling to Australia to live for one year on my own. I left the four jobs I had had for years, my house, my dog, my family, and my friends. It was difficult to leave every single thing I had known and been comfortable with for the last 27 years. I put my “whole life” into two suitcases and flew to the other side of the world. It was the scariest thing I had ever done, and it was completely outside my comfort zone, as I had only been out of the country once before (which was to Costa Rica, just 2 months before I left for Australia!) and never completely on my own. It gave me a new sense of independence and accomplishment, as I had no one to rely on except myself to adjust to a completely new lifestyle in a completely different country. Many people thought I’d be back within a couple months, but I stayed for the whole year! I was able to see so many things and meet so many amazing people I would never had been able to, if I had stayed in my little bubble of everything that was comfortable. I’m so glad I took that leap of faith. It helped me grow and shaped me in ways I never knew existed. I encourage everyone to do something they wouldn’t normally feel comfortable with. You never know what new adventures await you! 😉
What would You Sing In Karaoke?
Something by the Spice Girls maybe? LOL.
If You Had To Eat One Meal The Rest Of Your Life?
Jet’s BBQ Chicken Pineapple Deep Dish Pizza! Seriously, who doesn’t LOVE Jets?!