Meet Kyle & Melissa Rayner

About Us

Our mission is to help you build sustainable lifestyle habits so you can live as the healthiest version of YOU—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In 2021, we launched our first 60-Day Fitness Challenge, not realizing the powerful impact it would have on our local community. With 1-on-1 personal training often costly and time-restricted, we wanted to create a more accessible way to support people on a larger scale.

That first challenge included a done-for-you transformation eBook, packed with workouts, nutrition guidance, and mindset tools. The goal? Help people kickstart a total lifestyle reset in just 60 days.

Now, three years and 10 challenges later, we’ve helped hundreds of people develop lasting, healthy habits—proving that transformation doesn’t require perfection, just the right tools and support.

We never imagined how fulfilling this work would be. That’s why we’ve decided to level up—bringing you even more tips, tools, and strategies to live a healthier, more energized life for the long run.

Kyle Rayner coaching a client through a strength training session at Higher Standards Lifestyle

From Pro Strongman to Lifestyle Coach, Kyle has over 15 years of experience in Health & Fitness:

Hey Lifestyler! In the spirit of being real and raw with you I’ll cut right to it, I was overweight as a youth. Struggling with body image issues never really left my mind. It didn’t matter how much fun I was having, the dark cloud of lower self esteem followed me everywhere and affected me every day.

I know from first hand experience what it’s like to not love your physical self, IT’S TERRIBLE! I began weight training to prepare myself for high school football, and instantly I fell in love – not with football but with the self esteem and self love I found when actually DOING something to fix my ‘problem’.

With my new love for weight training, and my ever growing interest in strength sports I met a long time friend Dallas Hogan, who, at the time was 4th strongest man in Ontario, Canada. We began training together and I was hooked, I wanted to be the strongest man in the world. This gave me massive amounts of purpose along with a competitive spirit to be my absolute best.

Through the pursuit of the highest level of strength and physical discipline I met many top coaches and mentors in the fitness industry and tried to absorb as much knowledge as I could. Learning from Charles Poliquin was amazing, the man was a human encyclopedia with an amazing knack for producing lean, strong, and healthy athletes. The knowledge Charles passed on to me has proven invaluable, time and time again. He has propelled me to new heights as a coach and mentor.

In 2009, at the age of 20, I started my personal training business. And with six years of in the trenches experience and overall success, in 2015 we opened our first brick and mortar training facility. This was a huge step forward, and also a great learning experience. Since then, almost a decade has passed and with 1000s of successful transformations (in health, fitness and lifestyle) we are once again taking things to the next level.

I derive a lot of my self worth from what I can do for others. I’m a firm believer that we must always give back to our fellow human. The Higher Standards Lifestyle program is the catalyst which can help us reach more users. We have spent countless hours building this vehicle for the success of our followers. We strive to build a community where everyone can find success, and hopefully motivate and inspire others, as well as improve the quality and longevity of their own life.

Hey Lifestyler — let’s get real.

I grew up overweight, and those early struggles with body image never really left me. Even during happy moments, low self-esteem was the shadow I couldn’t shake. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your own skin, you know exactly how consuming it can be.

That started to shift when I began weight training to prep for high school football. I wasn’t falling in love with the game—I was falling in love with progress. Lifting gave me something I had never truly felt before: self-respect and control over my body and mindset.

It was through strength training that I met a longtime friend, Dallas Hogan—who at the time was the 4th Strongest Man in Ontario. We trained together and I was hooked. I set a new goal: to become the strongest version of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

As I pursued elite-level strength, I sought out top mentors in the fitness world. One of the most impactful was Charles Poliquin, a legendary strength coach known for transforming high-performance athletes. His methods taught me how to build lean muscle, dial in nutrition, and develop sustainable strength for life. The wisdom I gained from him remains core to what I teach today.

In 2009, I launched my personal training business. By 2015, we opened our first brick-and-mortar training facility—a major milestone built on six years of in-the-trenches coaching. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of clients through body and lifestyle transformations.

Helping others unlock their potential is what fuels me. That’s why we created the Higher Standards Lifestyle app—to take everything we’ve built and bring it to more people, right from their phones.

The app includes expert-backed fitness plans, personalized meal coaching, habit tracking, and a supportive community that holds you accountable.

This isn’t just about working out—it’s about building a stronger, longer, more energized life.

We’re on a mission to help people raise their standards, transform their routines, and lead with confidence. And it all starts with showing up.

Let’s build something stronger—together.

Melissa Rayner providing personalized fitness coaching at Higher Standards Lifestyle

Meet Melissa: From Skater to Strength Coach – Supporting Women Through Every Chapter

Hi! I’m Melissa — an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer with a specialized certification in Ante & Postnatal Fitness. But fitness wasn’t always part of my plan.

I grew up in a small town in Ontario, Canada, where access to fitness was practically nonexistent. In fact, up until recently, there wasn’t even a public gym! My background was in competitive figure skating, which I pursued from early childhood until age 19. That passion naturally led me into coaching, where I became a certified skating coach and worked with our local club while completing college and university.

Everything changed after becoming a mom.

After having our son, I was searching for something that would empower me mentally and physically—and I found that in fitness. Starting out wasn’t easy. I didn’t understand the gym equipment, proper form, how to plan a workout, or how nutrition played into it all. I felt overwhelmed and even embarrassed walking into a gym.

But here’s what I’ve learned: everyone starts as a beginner. And if I can do it—with zero knowledge and a brand-new baby—you absolutely can too. And I’m here to walk with you every step of the way.

Today, I’m a full-time mom, wife, and professional working in the Social Services field—plus I run my own business in the fitness industry. I know firsthand what it’s like to juggle a busy lifestyle while trying to prioritize your health.

Through fitness, I’ve improved my energy, confidence, mental clarity, and overall wellness. And helping other women experience those same breakthroughs? That’s my purpose.

Fitness can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve built the Higher Standards Lifestyle system—to give you all the tools, workouts, and guidance you need in one spot.

Whether you’re a busy mom, a first-time gym-goer, or someone ready to put your health first—we’re here to support your journey to the healthiest version of YOU.

Let’s raise the bar together.

Client performing a strength training exercise with guidance from Higher Standards Lifestyle coach
Client transformation showcasing strength and confidence gained through Higher Standards Lifestyle coaching

Transform Your Health - Higher Standards Lifestyle

Higher Standards Lifestyle is your all-in-one fitness and wellness app, designed to help you take control of your health—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up your routine, our app keeps you motivated with:

  • Customizable fitness plans for all levels

  • Expert nutrition guidance and meal tips

  • Daily habit tracking to stay consistent

  • Supportive community features to keep you accountable

Achieve lasting results and a balanced lifestyle with step-by-step coaching—all in one easy-to-use platform. Start building healthier habits today and unlock your full potential with real guidance, real results.

Your Fitness.
Your Schedule.
All in One App.

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Ready to Live Life on Your Terms—with Higher Standards?

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