Achieving Your Best is all about helping individuals live their best life. The AYB team of professionals offers personal training, metabolic testing, and nutritional consultation. Among those team members are a group of highly qualified women who make AYB stand out in the community.
Adrianne Hughes – Marketing Manager, Trainer
What has working at AYB meant to you?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without AYB. When my husband and I moved to Missouri, I kept hearing about AYB and something inside my heart just knew it'd be a perfect fit. After my first phone call with Cassie (the owner), I knew it was right. She was so understanding about my season of life and made my dream employment a real possibility.
Now I get to walk alongside women, pre- and post-partum, as they learn how to train in ways that support their bodies and find nutritional balance in everyday life. Every woman’s journey looks different. I love creating a welcoming space where each client feels supported.
What indicators of health deserve more attention?
Core strength, pelvic floor health, and breathing deserve so much more attention. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles separate as baby grows, which can disrupt stability and the nervous system. When we restore core function alongside the pelvic floor and healthy breathing patterns, we often see less pain, reduced leakage, improved posture, and stronger, more supported joints overall.
Tori Keltner – Office Manager
Tell me about your journey to AYB.
I grew up in St. Louis and have been in Springfield for 20 years. Cassie’s kids went to school with mine, so we got to know each other that way and quickly became friends. In 2012, she helped train me for my first half marathon and I became increasingly interested in AYB. Not too long after, I started helping at the front desk and I’ve been here ever since.
What patterns do you see among women who successfully build healthy habits?
I see a lot of consistency in those who are truly successful here. Because AYB is smaller, not a franchise, it becomes a community atmosphere and people tend to stay. Some clients have been with us since 2017. The quality of the staff is high and people recognize that, so when you couple that with a dedication to being consistent in your habits, that’s when you see success.
Amanda Rathbun – Nutrition Manager, Dietitian, Chef, Trainer
How did you discover AYB?
When I was in college, I had a professor discuss working in a private practice. In her conversation, she mentioned that one of the most successful ones was a small business in Springfield: Achieving Your Best. When I heard that, and the fact that it was female-owned and operated, I knew I wanted to be part of it. This is my dream job, and I love every single person I work with – co-workers and clients.
We often equate health with appearance or weight. How do you define strength for women today?
I have come to define strength as a balance of contentment and confidence. Contentment is celebrating your capabilities and blessings without comparing them to others’. Confidence is knowing that you are in control of the “controllables”: food, hydration, movement, etc. Only when we look at both our internal and external wellness can we really see a true reflection of health and strength.
Cassie Dimmick – Owner, Dietitian, Trainer, Running Coach
At AYB, why is it important to help women adapt their health routines as their bodies change?
Adapting your health routines as we age is vital for wellbeing and continued progress. It's easy to miss the healthy balance you need for our changing bodies. There is no one-size-fits-all way to navigate this, though. Learning to work with your body and being curious about what it is telling you, no matter what stage you're in can help you feel more in control and empowered. We are here to help you figure out what your body is telling you, what it needs and how to work best with those needs, which will ultimately get you where you want to be.
How can women learn to work with their bodies rather than against them in these transitions?
We must be aware of where we are physically and what our habits are – that is a great starting point. When you figure out what thriving looks like for you, our team can help you build a clear path to getting there. Once you know where you are and where you want to go, keeping goals simple and small is key. You don’t have to have it all figured out in order to get started. When things don’t work out, take it as an opportunity to listen to and learn from your body instead of blaming yourself. Our bodies are amazing and they'll respond when we give them what they need: appropriate movement, nourishing food, connection with others, purpose, adequate rest, and fun. When you work with your body, you truly can achieve your best life!
No one is the same and I love being able to treat each client as an individual.