Christie Kennedy grew up in Kimberley, BC. Unsure of what she wanted to do after high school, she enrolled at College of the Rockies.
Also undecided about a career path, she chose to follow her sister’s lead and enrolled in the Recreation Management program in 1991.Soon, Christie found she was enjoying the anatomy and physiology programs so much that she was sure she had found her career path. After completing the Recreation Management diploma, Christie transferred to UBC to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics.
She remained in Vancouver for a decade, completing her education before moving on to work as a personal trainer in an elite private studio, with Corporate Fitness at BC Tel (now Telus) and then as a Health and Wellness Coordinator for West Vancouver and Richmond municipalities. Christie also used this time to take part in many certifications including spin instructor, yoga instructor, BOSU, rehabilitation and more. In her “spare” time, she rowed on the UBC Rowing Team and for Team BC.
Eventually, Christie returned home to the East Kootenay where she and her husband opened Core Fitness in 2009. Christie acts as the gym’s Manager, a personal trainer and a fitness instructor. “It is wonderful to be back in the area where I grew up and to use my skills to own and operate a successful business here.
Christie’s goal, through Core Fitness, is to provide a community centre with programs for all ages and fitness levels. In a short time she has done far more than that. Core Fitness has won awards for Best Fitness Centre (Kootenay Business Magazine) three years in a row, Favourite Fitness Centre (Readers Choice Awards) and Christie was recently presented with the Influential Business Woman of the Year award. Pretty remarkable achievements in just six short years.
Christie uses her success to help others looking to pursue the same career that drew her in so many years ago. “I have the opportunity to mentor students coming out of the existing Kinesiology program at the College and have them working as staff or trainers at the gym. It feels as though my career has come around full circle.”
Learn more about College of the Rockies Kinesiology and Recreation Management programs.