Lifelong Vancouverite Kate Marshall is a well-known member of the Vancouver fitness community. Her wide-ranging athletic life has taken her from a sporty upbringing in North Vancouver and on Galiano Island to playing on the football field where she was a wide receiver for the BC Legends pro lingerie football team, playing rugby for the Cayman Islands’ National Team, to being a fitness and yoga instructor for Oxygen Yoga, as well as the head of sport programs at the Hollyburn Golf & Country Club.
Her latest business project is AURA Nutrition, a nutrition company focussed on making products for the everyday female athlete. Read on to find out more about the local life of Kate Marshall and how she lives in Vancouver:
How long have you lived in Vancouver for?
I have lived in and out of Vancouver my whole life. I grew up in North Vancouver and Galiano Island, did a two-year stint in the Cayman Islands, and now have been in Yaletown for several years.
What’s your “claim to fame” in Vancouver?
I USUALLY would say lead instructor and owner of Oxygen Yaletown… but I just happened to sell my business (after 4 wonderful years) in October! I have most recently started AURA NUTRITION (a wellness/nutrition company specifically made for women, by women) with an awesome group of people, and I am the Director of Athletics at Hollyburn in West Van.
What are the best places to get a good workout in Vancouver?
Well…. I still do teach at Oxygen Yaletown, so I have to offer up trying out one of my 6:15am fitness classes OR take one of Ashley’s fitness classes! I personally LOVE the family at SoulCycle (the entire crew slays), Barb at RIDE is an absolute RIOT, and the combo class at Kondi is also SO money!
Any local hidden gems to share with Modern Mix readers?
I may be late to the party… but I just discovered Nemesis Coffee and their house ALMOND CASHEW MYLK. It’s literally nuts.
What’s the best way to connect with your local neighbourhood or community?
ATTEND A FITNESS CLASS. Honestly. Every single person is there because you share something in common, your love for a good sweat. Like-minded people are in that same space, at that same time. I have seen life-long friendships begin within the four walls of so many studios in the city. The best part, people are high off exercise endorphins after the sweat sash… so just going up to someone who you feel might be awesome, introducing yourself, and asking them for a post workout hang is not so scary.
What are your top 3 favourite things to do in our city?
GET OUTSIDE. I can’t say this enough. I get on the seawall as much as possible. I swim in the ocean every full moon (yes, even in Dec, Jan, Feb…..). I try to get a hike in minimum once a month (summers hikes happen weekly) and deeply inhale the fresh air as often as I can. I secretly love the Grouse Grind.
I love strolling through uncharted streets, solo, with a coffee, every 4-6 weeks. The alley art along Granville and down into Gastown is SO unreal. Going solo without music or distractions allows me to be fully present.
Visit Banyen Books or Amethyst Creations on West 4th in Kits. I love to go to these stores and spend time perusing the amazing selection of books or soaking up the vibes of the crystals. If you haven’t visited these two stores, go.
What are your favourite places to eat in Vancouver?
I LOVE TO EAT.
- NUBA – ANY location, so on point. Najib Special anyone?
- HEIRLOOM – on Granville & 12th.
- MEET – Main Street or Yaletown, fave locations.
Also: freakin’ SUSHI. It’s not called freakin’…. just sushi in general. YVR has the best of the best. The Gomae at Fresh Sushi is out of this world, you have to try it! When I’m on-the-go, Body Energy Club always has my back (and the Gastown location is BEAUTIFUL).
Where are your favourite places to get a good drink in Vancouver?
I don’t drink alcohol very often, but when I do, I thoroughly enjoy the margs at Tacofino or the Aperol Spritz at Per Se Social Corner.
Anywhere that makes their own nut mylk for coffee holds a special place in my heart! I think my all time fave would be an Americano Misto or Matcha Latte from Small Victory made with their own house almond.
Who are some of your favourite local brands to support?
Kits Kitchen Soups, Shackles Co and Nutmeg Nut Mylk. I’m also a pretty big fan of my own brand, AURA NUTRITION.
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Local Lives is a new series on Modern Mix Vancouver where we feature the lives of prominent members of the Vancouver community and how they live in Vancouver. Know someone we should feature? Email us here.
