MEMBER FEATURE: Cassandra Morari

From Farm Girl to Barbell Queen — Finding Strength in Every Season

For Cassandra Morari, strength has always been part of the story—whether it was hauling hay and showing horses on the family farm outside Biggar, SK, or now, juggling life as a mom, entrepreneur, and CrossFitter. But ask her what fitness means to her today, and it’s simple: “I just want to be active, stay strong, and get sweaty!”

Cassandra first found CrossFit in 2017 thanks to a friend’s invite—though technically, that friend ended up babysitting while someone else took her spot. “It was one of the hardest but best workouts of my life, and I was immediately hooked.” After seven years at another gym, she was struggling to fit workouts into her busy life when Darian suggested checking out CFCL. “It happened to be only a few blocks away from my office, so I gave it a try almost two years ago. Jason and crew were quick to make me feel at home—and I’ve loved it since.”

Evolving Goals, Same Grit

“When I started, my goals were to get in shape and lose some baby weight. That quickly changed to wanting bigger lifts and faster times—the competitive environment was fun and motivating.” For a while, Cassandra was training five times a week, sometimes in her own garage gym. But life shifted. With her business growing and kids getting older, her focus changed.

“My goals have shifted to ensuring I stay active and maintain strength. I’ll turn 40 this summer and I’m more and more concerned about maintaining bone density and strength. I still have a competitive spirit—but really, I just want to be active and healthy now.”

Big Wins and Rope Climbs

One standout moment? Her first rope climb. “It was a move I thought I would NEVER get—it seemed so crazy! And the day it happened, I got to the top… and then realized I didn’t really know how to get down and screamed!! The coach ran below and held out his arms to catch me! Then talked me through the process of coming down, and we all laughed after about how he would have 'caught' me!”

When it comes to favorite movements, it’s all about the barbell. “That’s a tie between a clean & jerk or a snatch. I love 'throwing a barbell around' for the therapeutic value it brings, and the technical nature of both lifts. Being able to know I can put my body weight over my head and that it’s using just about every body part makes it such an efficient way of getting in a great workout!”

Strength That Shows Up Everywhere

“CrossFit was my therapy… until I realized I actually needed therapy!!” Cassandra jokes, but she means it: “I am more focused and way happier at work and at home when I am regularly getting to the gym.” Whether it's joining in with her kids' activities or sneaking in handstand hold challenges, she notices a difference.

Her outlook on health and life is shaped by her ability to manage a lot—running a growing ag business with her dad, parenting, and maintaining an unusually positive and supportive co-parenting relationship. “My girls’ dad and I are neighbours—and friends. We still spend time together with our kids and partners as a family. It’s not what most people expect after divorce, but I’m really proud of the life we’ve built. I always say I should do a TED Talk on co-parenting.”

That idea isn’t far off. Cassandra has recently been carving out time for a dream side project—launching a podcast and exploring the world of public speaking. Whether it’s business, leadership, co-parenting, or just managing the chaos of life while still making time for the gym, she’s excited to share stories, start conversations, and someday step into a keynote role. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do—and this feels like the right time to start.”

What Keeps Her Coming Back

Even with a full plate, Cassandra keeps showing up—on her terms. “Sometimes there are full weeks between getting to the gym. Years ago, I told myself, if I just always keep paying a membership, I will always go. But the day I decide not to pay, I might stop, and then it will be really hard to start again.”

“I grant myself the grace to be not my fittest, but just show up when I’m able to. Sometimes when it’s really hard I just tell myself—get through the doors and scale everything if you need to. But get in there, and you will feel better after—and I ALWAYS do!”

She’s inspired by many in the gym—especially Darian. “I often think, if I can even do half as good as her, I’m doing great! But really, everyone there has inspired me in some way—young, old, super strong, just starting. Seeing people push hard and have fun and get stronger is amazing to be a part of.”

Advice to Others (and a Reality Check We All Need)

“Just start!” Cassandra says. “People always say to me ‘oh, I need to get fit and be able to do 10 push-ups, then I could join.’ So untrue! Just get started, scale where you need to, and keep going.”

But perhaps her most powerful advice is for those who have already started—and feel like they’re not doing enough.

“Having been someone who was ‘more CF fit’ at one time and now ‘maintain fit,’ I just want to share that sometimes we feel like if we can’t go a lot, then we’re failing or not as good. I think it’s the opposite. Making time to get to the gym—even if it’s way less than you would like—is still a huge win.”

“If you’ve been away for a while, or are questioning if you’re there enough to ever be better, the answer is: just keep going, on whatever terms you can. You will feel great because of it.”

Amazing outlook and advice. Thank you Cassandra for sharing your knowledge and energy with our community. It is better because you are in it <3