Cassi Niemann

• CASSTRONG OWNER

• THE BARBELL CLUB FOUNDER

• BARBELL Medicine ONLINE COACH

• UCANROW2 (CONCEPT2) LEAD MASTER ROWING INSTRUCTOR

• PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM ATHLETICISM COACH

• PRECISION NUTRITION Level 1 Certified COACH

  Follow me: @cassi.niemann

Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico at Iron Soul Gym.

About Me

I love super dorky things and probably say the word “awesome” too much. My goal is to live a happy and fulfilling life while helping others do the same - whether it’s by strengthening their bodies, building their confidence, or creating spaces where they feel empowered to thrive.

I began my athletic career as a gymnast at age 2 and retired at 15. After that, I competed in high school track & field before discovering collegiate rowing at Georgia Tech in 1997. Rowing shaped much of my athletic identity, and after graduating in 2001 from the College of Architecture, I launched dual careers in architecture and coaching. For 14 years, I balanced working full-time as a licensed architect with evenings spent coaching collegiate rowing, group fitness classes, CrossFit and strength training.

In 2013, a disappointing neck injury shifted my focus. I found a strength coach who introduced me to the transformative world of strength training and powerlifting. I realized how impactful this work could be, not just for myself, but for others. By 2016, I transitioned fully to coaching - a move that allowed me to focus on my true passion: empowering people of all abilities to discover the resilience, strength, and confidence they already have within.

My Coaching Philosophy

I believe training is about more than sets, reps, and whatever the weight is on the bar - it’s about meeting yourself where you are, building habits that fit your life, and finding strength in every season. My coaching approach emphasizes inclusivity, respect, and accessibility. I work with people of all ages, abilities, and experiences, fostering a supportive environment where they feel seen and empowered. Strength is for every BODY, and my mission is to help each person I work with build a life they enjoy - full of strength, confidence, and a whole lot of awesome.

When I’m Not Coaching...

You can find me competing as a powerlifter, dabbling in other strength events, or rowing on my erg (and on the water, if and when I find some in the desert). My best lifts are: 290 lb squat, 175 lb bench, 122 lb press, 358 lb deadlift and I’ll never do a 2k on the erg again, so don’t ask.

In October 2019, I became a mom after a long journey through infertility and multiple rounds of IVF. That experience gave me a new perspective on the challenges of balancing training with life’s many demands. Parenthood has been my most challenging coaching job yet - but it’s also helped me better understand and support my clients in their own journeys.

Architecture Meets Strength

I still find inspiration in my architecture roots. For me, there’s a natural overlap between designing spaces and coaching: both are about creating environments - whether physical or personal - where people can grow, thrive, and feel like they belong.

TESTIMONIALS

Curious about how coaching with me can help you reach your goals? Check out testimonials from clients who’ve experienced personalized coaching, strength building, and support. See how we’ve worked together to create lasting progress and confidence!

MY PLEDGE

I believe that every person has worth as an individual and every BODY is strong. Every person is entitled to dignity, respect, and strength; regardless of age, race, color, religion, ability, body type, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Thoughts and acts of prejudice have no place in the gym, or the world. I strive to provide weight-neutral, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, anti-racist and accessible fitness for all. I pledge to treat all people with dignity and respect, to discourage others’ prejudice in all its forms, and maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.