Pilates | Yoga
Pilates is a unique and indivisible system based on an ordered and corrective sequence of exercises which flow from one to the other. Modifications are available for those that need it but other modalities or random exercises are not required to be added to the system itself as it is cohesive and intelligent and helps the body to repair itself.
Pilates and Yoga share many commonalities and provide our clients with different methods in which to strengthen and lengthen both body and mind.
What to expect at Thrive…
A wide variety of classes are taught on classical Pilates apparatus. There is a maximum of 3 per apparatus class and a maximum of 6 in mat class.
We ask that clients arrive 5 minutes prior to class. Grip socks preferred in studio.
​
To avoid a late fee of $15, please cancel class bookings within 6 hours of the scheduled time.
​
Private appointments forfeit a visit for late cancellations and/or missed appointments.
This location boasts ample parking, large restrooms that are cleaned twice daily, filtered water fountain and drink / snack machines.
Teachers
Stephanie Garner
Owner, Certified Pilates Teacher
​
Stephanie worked as an Account Coordinator and manager for a cosmetics company before being introduced to Pilates. It was during this time she began to experience low back pain. This started a path that led to three back surgeries. After suffering for over a decade of chronic back pain a friend introduced her to Pilates when all other attempts to feel better had failed. Rather quickly it was obvious this method was helping with strength and helping to alleviate pain. Stephanie knew then she wanted to share this with other people who may be experiencing this issue.
Stephanie did her first comprehensive teacher training program that focused on contemporary Pilates and taught for several years. However, the first studio she went to work in taught the classical method. After being reintroduced to Pilates and its original teaching Stephanie completed the classical Romana’s International Teacher Training Program.
Stephanie has been teaching since 2018 working with a variety of clients from those who are healthy looking to build strength and mobility, to injuries, pre and post rehab, pre and post natal.
Ginny Webb
Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor
​
Ginny first discovered Pilates when recovering from a hamstring repair. She quickly realized it was the perfect cross training regimen to strengthen her core, tone and stretch her body as well as focus her mind. Having a great outcome from practicing Pilates, Ginny became an advocate for the benefits of Pilates and obtained her Mat Pilates Certification from Vitality Studio Method in Atlanta. She is actively working on her comprehensive certification with Joel Cosby at Vitality Studio by learning the original work of Joseph Pilates through Classical Pilates Educational Coursework. Ginny grew up in Columbus, Mississippi and has a BS Degree in Business from the University of Mississippi. After receiving her Masters Degree in Business Administration from Millsaps College she worked in advertising and pharmaceutical sales. Ginny enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. When she is not teaching, she loves hiking, walking her dog (Belle), reading and playing tennis. As an instructor, Ginny has a great appreciation for Pilates adaptability and being able to meet her clients at their current level and create a program to meet their specific personal needs. Ginny has over 600 hours of teaching, training, and study. She has completed Level 1 & 2 of the comprehensive classical Pilates system certification from Joel Crosby of Vitality Method Studio in Atlanta.
Stacy Bazemore
Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor
​
Stacy is a Peak Pilates comprehensively certified instructor who studied under Sonje Mayo. She is a National Certified Pilates Teacher. She currently serves as an active instructor with the Authentic Pilates Union, as well as an ambassador for Pilates avatar.
From as far back as she can remember, she was in constant motion. Stacy fell in love with dance and didn’t stop dancing. Her love of dance led her to teaching. At 14, she was a dance teacher assistant and from then on, she was involved with dance in some form. From dancing in college & the NFL, to teaching dance camps for the Universal Dance Association, coaching and choreographing for national champion dance teams, judging competitions and more, she was always dancing or teaching. She left coaching and stayed at home with my two young children. She ended up teaching preschool, helping with her daughters dance studio, and found that she loved teaching fitness at a local gym. Before long, she quickly realized that she was teaching too many high impact aerobics classes, which eventually lead to a lot of back pain. She did everything possible to manage the pain, and many things would help for a while, but nothing lasted. She thought the only way to not live in pain was to limit movement. It wasn’t until she started learning the classical Pilates method that she gained control of her body, and could finally live pain free. She learned that movement wasn’t what was hurting her, but faulty movement patterns were, and were the primary reasons for the pain and injuries. She is still in awe at how Pilates can help any person no matter their age, gender, job, sport or lifestyle.
Ally Leonard
Yoga Instructor, Training: Rishikesh Yogpeeth in Rishikesh, India, HR/Educator
​
Ally is a native of Birmingham and after attending Randolph-Macon Woman’s College she lived and worked abroad. She finally settled back in Birmingham and worked as a Spanish teacher and school administrator for many years. While pregnant with her daughter, she began practicing yoga, then took a break from it when her kids were young. As her children got older, life got busier, and having consistent low back pain, she decided it was time to start practicing again. A passion for yoga began…
Her teaching experience and passion for yoga led her to marry the two – she attended 200 hour yoga teacher training Rishikesh Yogpeeth in Rishikesh, India. The depth of her training included asanas (poses), yoga philosophy, anatomy, meditation and pranayama breathing. She is eager to share her passion for yoga as a way to not only build strength but to connect the mind and body. On weekends and evenings, you can find her spending time with her husband and two children.
​
Kristi Thornton
Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor, TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
​
Kristi is a Certified Pilates Instructor who completed a 500-hour comprehensive Pilates certification program including the Reformer, Cadillac RTC, Mat, Springboard, EXO Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, TRX, Functional Standing Movement and Myofascial Release through Balanced Body.
Kristi is also TPI Certified (TPI Level 1 and Fitness Level 2) and will help you drive the ball farther, improve flexibility and minimize pain. When Kristi is not training clients, she enjoys playing golf, practicing Pilates, cycling, paddleboarding and spending time with her nephews and her French Bulldogs.
Sabrina Sabir
Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor
​
Sabrina’s Pilates journey began prior to her freshman year of college. Eager to find something new, she quickly realized that Pilates was what she needed to rehabilitate her body from a life of playing soccer. This grew into a deeper love for the holistic benefits of practicing Pilates, so she completed a contemporary 600-hour Comprehensive Teacher Training program while finishing her undergraduate degree in Atlanta, Georgia. After finding the true roots of Pilates through the Classical repertoire, she went through a comprehensive Classical “Bridge” program providing her the knowledge of Joseph’s original work and how to apply this from body to body, for optimal physical development. She has specialized training for pre and post-natal bodies. Ultimately, Sabrina believes that through the Classical method, you are truly able to have a complete mind-body connection and is eager to help all people achieve this.