I spent some time this week with Jesse Nasmith—photographing him and learning a little more about his story.
I know Jesse through his work as a trainer at Anytime Fitness, but there’s more to what he’s doing than what you see in the gym. He also coaches boxing with a local organization called Boxing for Health, working both in person and online with people living with Parkinson’s and other physical challenges—helping improve cognition and rebuild confidence.
What stood out to me wasn’t just what he teaches—it’s how he shows up, and how much he cares about the people he’s coaching.
He’s not trying to impress anyone. He’s simply doing the work, paying attention, and meeting people where they are.
© Dwayne Brown Studio / Jesse Nasmith, photographed at Anytime Fitness / Carling Ave..
Jesse Nasmith - What does making a difference mean to you?
“To me, it comes down to intention. We’re all creating change just by being here—but making a difference is choosing to do it on purpose. It’s showing up each day and trying to make things better, not just for yourself, but for the people around you.
It has to be bigger than you.
It’s easy to think about it, or to say you want to be a good person—but without intention and action, it doesn’t really go anywhere. Making a difference is deciding that what you do matters, and then following through on that.”
Jesse Nasmith
Anytime Fitness / Carling Ave
Boxing for Health