Not everyone grows up an athlete or health enthusiast. Some people discover their potential later in life. This is the story of a person whose passion for fitness and nutrition was born from personal transformation. Today, Cassie Dimmick leads a thriving health and wellness community, empowering others to live their best lives.
“I am passionate about fitness and healthy eating for all people because I did not have an athletic or healthy background, I was able to learn, change how I thought, and change my habits and I got amazing results that have lasted for over 20 years through life’s many ups and downs,” says Cassie, who owns Achieving Your Best: Nutrition and Training (AYB) in Springfield. “Because of my history, I love to encourage people along their health journey, share tips and help them get there. Each person has the ability and willpower to have a healthy lifestyle and I help bring out that potential, nurturing their strengths to help them stay on track.”
Cassie has lengthy credentials: a master’s degree in nutrition, a registered dietitian with a board certification in sports nutrition, an exercise physiologist and an RRCA running coach - but she isn’t stopping there.
“I am currently in a program to be a certified health coach, a rigorous program to teach how to help people make meaningful connections and find motivation to make the changes they want to make,” explains Cassie. “Teaching people to give their body and mind what it needs and work with it is something that can change the outcome of our health and help us get the most out of our training and life.”
Although health and training play a significant role in Cassie’s life, that was not always the case. As a child, she was not involved in many sports and “was often picked last in gym,” she recalls. While at college at Texas A&M University, Cassie took a class on athletic development at the school’s recreational center.
“I learned how to do tough running drills and other bootcamp-like movements, improving my confidence and strength. I found the weight room and started lifting free weights, which was a turning point in my life,” recalls Cassie. “There were not many females in the weight room at that time, but I got over my fears and went for it. Strength training was the foundation that I needed to propel my body forward to be able to do so many physical things I was not able to do previously.”
After taking a nutrition class, Cassie also adjusted how and what she ate, a decision that was just as important as her physical workouts.
“I did not eat well when I was younger and, because I struggled with my weight, I tried every fad diet and my weight was like a yo-yo,” says Cassie. “I learned about the science behind nutrition, how the body works and how to actually look at research. I learned how to fuel my body and have eaten this way for over 20 years, with excellent results, body contentment, actual energy to live life, and so much more happiness than I could have dreamed of.”
With that wealth of knowledge, Cassie now works to help others have their healthiest lives through training programs and offerings at AYB. She works to simplify and personalize the paths toward a healthier lifestyle.
“I do this through building awareness, providing education, helping people with motivation through coaching, and setting actionable goals with accountability,” notes Cassie. “I am passionate about helping people enjoy life. We are only here for a short time and feeling good and enjoying your lifestyle is so important. If we don’t feel good and don’t enjoy it, we won’t do it.”
In addition to helping others, Cassie finds great joy in her own running, working with Lululemon and making memories with her family, like on a recent trip to Australia. Cassie began running during college as a way to manage stress and improve her health. After finishing her first 5k race, she felt empowered to do more and worked her way up to a marathon. Cassie finished her first marathon in Houston but felt she could do better. That’s when she became a certified running coach, board-certified sports dietitian, and an ACSM exercise physiologist. She qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2006 and 2007.
“I have continued my running in Springfield, training runners and leading groups of runners,” says Cassie. “I was even chosen as the Lululemon running ambassador for Springfield for 2023 and then was asked to continue for two more years. This has been such a great opportunity to connect with the community and work with a wonderful international company and our awesome local Lululemon store.”
All of these experiences have shaped Cassie into a health and wellness entrepreneur who truly just wants to live her best life and help others live theirs.
“We have so much research that shows that a healthy lifestyle is the most important thing you can do for your health to both prevent and manage disease and live a long, life full of vitality and purpose,” notes Cassie. “By focusing on small, consistent healthy habits, you can take control of your health without following extreme measures or following other people’s rules.”
Each person has the ability and willpower to have a healthy lifestyle.
On her recent trip to Australia...
I was able to see so many beautiful things. The people were welcoming and friendly and the animals were so unique. It was a wonderful time to disconnect from the business of regular life and connect with myself and my family so I had time to explore, have adventures and be spontaneous. Climbing a mountain in Tasmania, sipping wine in South Australia, exploring beaches on the east coast and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef were highlights of our trip. Taking time to re-energize and just be is so important, especially when you have a job that is mainly giving to others!