your fitness journey starts here.

Andrea was first introduced to CrossFit in 2015 in Kona, Hawaii while serving with YWAM. She was a competitive sprinter in the 200m, finishing first in Manitoba's rural track and field provincials. Looking for a new way to stay active and enjoy doing so, she decided to try CrossFit. She instantly loved the training style and CrossFit community. Andrea joined the coaching staff at Respect the Corners (a functional fitness ministry) in Kona. Soon after, she became certified as a CrossFit Level 1 trainer and then moved back to Canada and joined a local CrossFit gym. After marrying Mike, they started a garage gym in Winkler.  In November of 2022 they moved Southland Barbell into a commercial space.  Andrea is the owner/head coach of Southland Barbell.  She is certified as a pregnancy/postpartum athleticism coach as well as a PN L1 nutrition coach.

 Melissa was first introduced to CrossFit back in 2018.  She joined an on-ramp program and has been hooked ever since.  Melissa loves the workout style and programming of CrossFit but most of all, she enjoys the community aspect that comes with being a part of a CrossFit gym.  Melissa participated in numerous sports growing up such as: basketball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, and baseball.  As an adult it can be hard to find that athletic outlet.  CrossFit fills that spot perfectly.  She became a member of Southland Barbell back in 2021 and has watched it grow.  Melissa has always enjoyed helping and nurturing others in their growth and helping them reach their potential.   She got certified as a CrossFit level 1 trainer in the summer of 2023 and now coaches part time.

 Mike is from Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Canada after marrying Andrea.  He was introduced to CrossFit at the age of 15 and quickly became hooked.  Before joining CrossFit, he was involved in a variety of school sports including football and wrestling.  As an adaptive athlete, Mike was able to excel in CrossFit and found a home in the incredibly supportive community of Hammer CrossFit. Mike comes from a very accomplished coaching tree that includes an all American gymnast, USAW coach and many others.  Mike got certified as a CrossFit level 1 trainer and served the RTC (Respect the Corners) a functional fitness ministry in Kona, HI. After returning to the mainland, he worked for a large gym in Arizona. After getting married, Mike moved to Manitoba and started a Garage Gym with Andrea.  Michael co-owns Southland Barbell with his wife and coaches part time.

I fell in love with CrossFit in early 2017 after watching the documentary Fittest in Earth: A Decade of Fitness.  I had always been active and interested in sports, playing hockey, golf, tennis, basketball, track and field…..pretty much played any sport I could growing up.  In adulthood I was missing that athletic outlet and CrossFit came into my life at the right time.  I joined my first CrossFit gym in late 2017 and never looked back. I love the feeling of pushing my physical limits, learning new skills and getting physically and mentally stronger.  Every once in a while you’ll find me throwing my hat in the ring at a local competition to scratch the competitive itch. After getting my CF-L1 in summer 2024, I now look forward to bringing my enthusiasm to coaching and spreading my passion for this sport and training methodology to positively impact the lives of others. 

Kim's passion for fitness began at a young age and grew stronger when she started working out at CrossFit Morden in 2017. Inspired to help others, she became a coach in 2018. Her commitment to learning about health and wellness led her to complete the Precision Nutrition course in 2019, along with certifications in Agatsu Kettlebell, CrossFit Scaling, and CrossFit Kids, expanding her knowledge and skills. After CrossFit Morden closed, Kim opened her own garage gym to continue offering Functional Fitness and Strength and Conditioning training through group classes and personal training.

Since 2021, Kim has also served as the dryland coach for the all-girls hockey program, Born to Play, each summer. Throughout her fitness journey, Kim has focused on helping clients move well, prioritize longevity, build healthy habits, and have fun along the way.

Now, Kim is excited to be part of the Southland Barbell family, where she hopes to help others become stronger, healthier, and happier together!