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, ASSISTANT STUDIO MANAGER

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! 

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 discovered Pilates in 2022 and was immediately drawn to its blend of strength, control, and mindful movement. What started as a way to move my body soon became a vital tool for stress relief and a consistent source of energy in my daily life. Wanting to deepen my personal practice, I enrolled in the teacher training program here at Rise, which opened up a new level of connection to both the method and myself. Now, I’m passionate about sharing that experience with others. My approach is all about making Pilates accessible, empowering, and a space where you can recharge both mentally and physically. Whether you're new to Pilates or looking to build on what you know, my goal is to help you feel stronger, more grounded, and energized after every session.

INSTRUCTOR

My Pilates journey started shortly after COVID, when I took a few classes and immediately felt the impact, both mentally and physically. After losing touch with the practice for a while, I took my first class at Rise. I was hooked from day one, and for the past two years, I’ve been taking classes class five days a week. As someone who works from home, Pilates has become more than just a workout; it’s a way for me to step out of the house, manage anxiety, and connect with my body in a way I never had before. I’ve never felt stronger, more grounded, or more aware of myself. What makes Rise so special to me is the diversity of the community. No matter who you are, you’ll see someone in class who looks like you, and that matters. It reminds us all that we belong here, and that if I can do it, you can too. I fell in love with Pilates because it truly changed my life, and now I’m beyond excited to share that love with others and (hopefully) be a part of someone else’s transformation.

CLIENT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Hey y’all! My name is Caroline Benton, and I’m from Greenville, SC. I’m a senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in psychology with a concentration in medicine and minoring in Spanish. I’m on the Pre-Physical Therapy track and plan to attend graduate school to become a physical therapist.

Working at Rise has truly been a gift—it’s given me incredible coworkers and the absolute best boss, KVB. The supportive environment here has helped me gain so much confidence, both personally and professionally. Everyone is so kind and welcoming, and I genuinely couldn’t imagine 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!