FOUNDER, OWNER/ INSTRUCTOR

I took my first Pilates class in 2007 after it was recommended as a way to help mangage my anxiety. I fell in love right away + knew I wanted to share my passion for Pilates with as many people as possible. In 2020, I completed my 500-hour Comprehensive Pilates certification and opened a small, private- only studio. In March 2022, my first studio grew + became Rise Fitness + Wellness.

I would describe my teaching style as energetic, fun, and focused on form.

INSTRUCTOR

I grew up an athlete, running cross country and playing soccer, and my fitness mainly focused on weight lifting and endurance training. After hip surgeries at the ages of 17 & 20, I needed a new workout regimen that was low impact but would still give me results. One class at Rise was all it took for me to fall in love with Pilates. After finding that Pilates could help me manage my chronic pain and allow me to resume the lifestyle I wanted, I knew I wanted to become an instructor and share Pilates with others.

My classes are focused on toning the smaller muscles to help with posture and releasing tension carried throughout your body- I love to incorporate stretching during class. My personality is relaxed and chill, but I love to share my high-adrenaline stories from my day job as an Emergency Room tech!

INSTRUCTOR

I’m a graduate of UofSC and a full time paralegal. I started doing Pilates in 2021 and fell in love with how gentle it can be on your body while still giving an amazing workout. After finding RISE, I knew their instructor training program was the perfect opportunity to take my practice to the next level. I have a contemporary style and love to teach fast paced, strength building classes. When I am not doing Pilates, you can find me spending time with my husband and our two dogs.

INSTRUCTOR

I have been practicing Pilates since 2018; in 2023, I began my Comprehensive Pilates education.

In my class, you can expect a full body, contemporary Pilates workout that puts the Pilates principles into each exercise. Each class features a fun, curated playlist to fit the vibe- whether it’s the latest hip-hop, upbeat indie, or anything in-between.

I believe Pilates is for every body, and I enjoy providing guidance and modifications for clients, no matter their experience level or needs.

INSTRUCTOR

I am a full-time lawyer and I own a firm here in Columbia. I began taking Pilates several years ago to decompress and I took my practice to the next level when I became a certified instructor.

When I’m not at Rise teaching and telling silly Pilates-themed jokes, I spend time with my husband, two girls, and three sighthounds.

INSTRUCTOR

I’ve been practicing Pilates since 2022 and fell in love with the method. After being a longtime athlete, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that required me to change my workout routine.

CLIENT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Hey y’all! I am Caroline Benton and I am from Greenville, SC! I am a junior at the University of South Carolina and I am studying psychology with a concentration in medicine. I am also a minor in Spanish. Rise has gifted me with amazing co-workers and the best boss, KVB. I have gained so much confidence from working here because of the environment and the people that I work with. Everyone is always so kind and welcoming and I couldn’t think of a better place to be.

CLIENT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

I am currently a senior at the University of South Carolina studying Neuroscience. Rise provides me with such a supportive and caring environment- I love working here!

I felt like part of the Rise family right away, and being from out-of-state, that means so much to me. I look forward to attending the classes here at Rise because they brighten up my day.

My fellow CMCs, instructors, and KVB are the most amazing people I have ever met! My coworkers and the Rise members make Rise a welcoming, kind, and powerful community! I truly cannot think of a better studio, and am beyond thankful to be a part of Rise! 

CLIENT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Hey! My name is Kedra! I was first introduced to Pilates back in 2015 when Gold's Gym was offering group chair pilates classes. For years after that I didn't think much about it until I moved back to Columbia and started taking reformer pilates classes. Since then I have fallen in love with pilates  and it was only fitting for me to start working at a pilates studio :) Rise is a great fit and I am so excited to be a part of this team!