OUR INSTRUCTORS
Audrey Bonafé (Owner)
Audrey is the Studio Owner and is certified in AFAA Group Exercise Fitness, Zumba, Resistance Training, Yoga, Pi-Yo, AntiGravity Fundamentals 1 & 2, AntiGravity Aerial Yoga, AntiGravity AIRbarre and AntiGravity Restorative, and AntiGravity D-Kink. She says “Years ago I found myself interested in fitness and the beauty of a sculpted body. Since then I have realized there is more to fitness than having a sculpted body. It is a lifestyle that allows you to live a happier and healthier life and more than anything is the best medicine to relieve stress”.
Audrey received her certification for teaching Zumba in 2009. She has been teaching ZUMBA for about 7 years and still loves it!
ZUMBA was just a jumping off point for Audrey. She has continued to immerse herself into learning more about fitness techniques and nutrition by reading all she could on anything related to fitness or nutrition.
Since then she received her AFAA Group X certificate in Sept. 2012, Resistance Training certificate in Feb. 2012, and Yoga training in Jan. 2013 and Feb 2013. Her latest certificates include AntiGravity Fundamentals Fitness in April 2014 and AntiGravity Aerial Fitness in August 2014, AntiGravity AIRbarre fitness in May 2015 AntiGravity Restorative in April 2016, Barre training in 2015, Pi-Yo and Volee, AntiGravity D-Kink in 2017, and Bungee Fitness in 2018. She now offers many class styles in Aerial Fitness that she has developed and expanded from on her own, Yoga, Resistance Training, Barre, Guns, Buns & 6 Packs (her own signature fitness design), and BUNGEE fitness. She is also a Personal Trainer who can design a customized workout around your specific needs and goals.
Audrey is eager to expand her knowledge and skills with the many different modalities she has studied over the past years especially with AntiGravity Fitness. She plans to continue to grow and bring new and fresh material to her studio.
As a wife, mother and Grandmother, she knows that life can get busy and often times seem stressful. One of the things she loves the most about Aerial Fitness is that you get an all-over body workout with increased flexibility and joint mobility, a decompressed spine to release pressure between the vertebrae and lengthened muscles but also get the best relaxation session that you have ever experienced. “I have never felt more relaxed then when hanging in a Hammock”. “It never gets old!” There is just something about it that closes you off from the hustle of the world and you feel safe and relaxed”. She wants everyone to be able to experience that same feeling.
My goal is to serve the people of the Richmond area and offer something that is new, different, exciting, and most of all, fun.”
This could be YOU!
We are hiring amazing Lyra, Aerial or other fitness Instructors!
Hiring talented, exciting and enthusiastic Lyra and Aerial instructors! If you have experience in either Aerial or Lyra and would like to become an instructor at Fighting Gravity Fitness, then we want to talk to you! Our Lyra is taught as a fitness class, not for performing or circus training. We make it fun, and challenging and very exciting. So give us a call!
Requirements: Must be able to learn choreography for Lyra and Aerial routines, must carry liability insurance that covers aerial teaching.
Must have either a certification in Aerial or Lyra or at a minimum of 1-year experience. We train for both Aerial and Lyra for a fee.
Looking for instructors with enthusiasm, great people skills and the ability to plan routines that are challenging, safe and innovative.
Give us a call 804-355-3700 or email fgf@fightinggravityfit.com
Michelle Tankesley
Michelle Tankesley is so happy to be an instructor at Fighting Gravity Fitness! She is currently a level one AntiGravity Fitness instructor with a specialty AntiGravity Kids certificate, but plans to become certified for AntiGravity Aerial Yoga soon.
Michelle is attending Virginia Commonwealth University, studying to become a Kindergarten teacher. She wanted to be an elementary school teacher almost her entire life and as soon as she tried AntiGravity Fitness she immediately knew she wanted to teach that as well. She fell in love with hanging upside down, swinging and flying. She feels it has really made her a healthier and happier person. Michelle wanted to start teaching AntiGravity Fitness so she can help other people receive the benefits of this practice because it has made such a big difference in her life. She also rides horses and has her own horse named Gump. She spends a lot of time at the barn riding and showing in Virginia horse shows. Michelle says AntiGravity Fitness has increased her strength and flexibility and has provided many physical and mental benefits. She can’t wait to help other people change their lives through AntiGravity classes at Fighting Gravity Fitness!
Heather Mazeika
Heather has been a fitness instructor for over six years. Before teaching, she completed numerous marathons, half marathons and triathlons. She enjoyed the active lifestyle, but slowed it down a bit and settled on exercises that were kinder to her body after having her son in 2008. Her journey into teaching started with her own shoulder injury and rehabbing herself. She loved what Pilates did for her and wanted to share it. She enjoys helping others get the best from their own bodies and watching them getting stronger. She started teaching barre five years ago and has enjoyed the fun atmosphere of the classes set to energizing music, laughing and sweating with her clients. Heather prides herself on the relationships she builds with her clients and helping them achieve their goals. She is certified in STOTT Pilates, TRX, Core Barre, and Total Barre.
In her spare time she is a busy wife and mom to a son and the family dog and cat. She enjoys her weekly dinners and brunches with her girlfriends. When given the opportunity, she escapes to the beach. Work hard, play harder!
Olivia Yohai
Olivia is a Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher who grew up dancing here in Richmond, Virginia. Her passion for movement, anatomy, and helping others led her to her calling within the healing arts. She completed her 600hr Licensed Massage Therapist training at Lotus School of Integrated Professions in 2015 and soon after completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training. In 2017, in search for more depth, Olivia ventured off to South East Asia where she studied Thai Yoga Massage in Thailand with Pichest Boonthumme.
Within the year 2018, Olivia completed a 50hr Rocket Training with Steve Pyka, a 10hr Hand Balance Intensive with Nicolas Montes De Oca at the Yoga Dojo, and her 85hr Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training at Humble Haven with Suzanne Burns. She believes a good teacher is forever a student.
Olivia teaches many forms of yoga believing in the benefits of both yin and yang styles. Some of her favorites include Hatha-Ananda, Ayurveda, Yin, Restorative, Rocket and hopes to lead Prenatal Yoga classes here in Richmond in the near future! Olivia is passionate about life and loves exploring inward and outward, enjoying all this world has to offer. She is thrilled to become a part of Fighting Gravity Fit and share her passion for yoga with its community.
Take a look on Instagram @Oliviayohai
Carlina Muglia
Carlina is an E-RYT 200 yoga instructor who completed her training at Black Swan Yoga in Austin, TX. Over the years Carlina has developed a personal style of teaching that integrates the learning from her own teachers and the insight she has gained through having a self-led practice of the poses, breath-work, and meditation. Carlina endeavors to incorporate yogic principles in all areas of her life which also include being a mother and film-maker. In so doing it is her hope to embolden more people to approach yoga as a holistic practice that contributes to high-functioning and higher levels of awareness. Through her work on and off the mat, Carlina hopes to bring people into greater connection with themselves and with one another through sharing vulnerably and courageously both in success and in times of hardship.
Matt Tomlinson
Matthew Tomlinson has spent his life being involved in all kinds of active lifestyle sports including climbing, surfing, snowboarding, and Muay Thai. After relocating to the east coast from California he found that he had a deep passion for Yoga and Hand balance. After refining his practice for a number of years he decided to enroll in The Yoga Dojo’s 200 hour RYT program, soon after receiving a 50 hour certification in Rocket VinYasa from Steve Pyka. Since being certified he has strived to refine his yoga practice to incorporate elements of inversion and balance, while also making sure the practice is always accessible to all levels and abilities. Matthew is always excited to share all of his knowledge and his practice with whomever he can.
Jodi Bock
Jodi eagerly joins the fun and friendly atmosphere at Fighting Gravity Fitness! Jodi has been teaching Hatha yoga since becoming certified in 1999. She understands the mental and physical benefits of yoga personally and has found great joy in sharing them with practitioners at all levels of experience.
In June 2015 Jodi discovered aerial fitness and found how much it complimented her Hatha yoga practice in that both target the mind/body connection.In September 2015, excited to learn more and develop her aerial practice further, she became a Fundamentals Level 1 & 2 certified instructor. She feels the key to staying consistent with any fitness program is to enjoy what you’re doing.
Jodi is an artist, owns a stained glass studio and sells her crafts all over the U.S.. She lives with her dog, cat, and photographer husband, Dan Lott, in the museum district. She enjoys traveling, wine tasting, festivals, walking, reading inspiring memoirs and meeting new people.
Riley Louden
Riley is a certified instructor in Aerial hammock, bungee, and Lyra. As a former college athlete, her passion for fitness met her passion for play when she discovered the AntiGravity® method. Riley has a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science and is pursuing a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys photography, drawing, hiking, and rock climbing.
Donna Bolan
Donna is so excited to join the Fighting Gravity Fitness team. Donna comes from a background in music and performance. She plays multiple instruments and is a classically trained vocalist who has performed in churches, theaters and Opera houses all over Europe. In 2010 she moved from RVA to Georgia to be closer to family and left the grind of corporate life. She began focusing on a healthier lifestyle and finding her passion again. In 2011, she became a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor and in January of 2012 she opened the doors to her own studio, specializing in Zumba and Yoga. In 2013, her family faced a health crisis and moved back to VA to receive better medical care. Since then she has continued to teach classes and pursue fitness and other group fitness formats including Piyo, Spin, Piloxing and more.
Donna can’t wait to bring Piyo Live to Fighting Gravity Fitness. Piyo Live is a Beachbody live format that is a music driven, Pilates and Yoga inspired cardio workout. It incorporates everything she loves. Awesome music! Strength Building! Increased Flexibility! And a fantastic cardio cleansing sweat session!
In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with her two beautiful grand babies, singing, dancing, and being the best wife and woman she can be.
Jade McGill
Jade McGill is thrilled to join the team at Fighting Gravity Fitness! Originally from upstate NY, Jade previously lived in RVA after graduating college, and is happy to be back. She is certified in INSANITY and Turbo Kick Live, and is a big fan of high-intensity formats. She loves helping her students unlock their full potential and can’t wait to see you in class!
Kamryn Mercer
Kamryn is excited to join the Fighting Gravity Fitness team as an Aerial instructor. Coming from a dance, gymnastics, and performance background, she has 15 years of ballet training along with other styles such as jazz, tap, contemporary, and musical theater. She has also been a dance teacher and choreographer.
Kamryn loves strength building through flexibility, body awareness, and fluid motion. Aerial fitness has been the perfect fit! Kamryn has always loved being upside down, challenging herself mentally and physically, and staying active in fun ways that don’t feel like a traditional workout. She loves the feeling of flying and is excited about all the benefits aerial fitness offers. It’s fun, adventurous, and there are always new things to learn and discover.
When not in the hammock, Kamryn enjoys photography, hand lettering, reading, traveling, hiking, drinking coffee, and spending time with her husband Davis.
Susheela Varky
I am a domestic and sexual violence attorney who works for the statewide legal aid office, Virginia Poverty Law Center. Throughout my life, I have participated in dance and fitness activities, including ballet, jazz, tap, bharata natyam, high- and low-impact, 80s-/90s-style aerobics, spin, lifting…you name it; I’ve done it! Now, I am excited to continue my career as a “dancing lawyer” by teaching BOLLYX!!
Justin Lowrey
Justin is a certified Acro Revolution teacher. He first tried Acroyoga in 2011 taking a class that would forever change his life in the best possible way. Since moving to Richmond, VA and finding a supportive community and a place that feels home, he’s been able to reach new heights and has dedicated himself to teaching and performing this amazing practice called Acro yoga. I love pops, whips and Acropeutics and really everything in between!
Liz Sykes
Liz has been practicing Acro yoga for almost three years, traveling all over the country to attend festivals and workshops to further her practice. As a teacher her goal is to create a fun, safe environment where people feel comfortable trying something new. Acro has brought a lot of fun and joy into her life and she loves sharing the practice with others
Kim Fuhrmeister
Kim is new to teaching and is absolutely thrilled to embark on this journey at Fighting Gravity Fitness. She strongly believes that you become your best self when you are challenged to get outside of your comfort zone. It’s no surprise then that Kim has sought out activities that don’t feel like exercise. She has a background in snowboarding, dance, cheerleading, ice-skating, and rock climbing. If it involves an adventure, Kim is going to be the first one on board.
Since beginning her journey with Fighting Gravity Fitness, Kim has earned her AFAA Group Exercise Certification, as well as a certification in Volee. Kim is excited to share Volee with the clients at Fighting Gravity. She credits the Volee exercise technique with strengthening her back muscles and therefore relieving the tension created by long hours sitting in the car or at a desk. Kim is also working on a certification in Buti Yoga. Buti Yoga is rapidly becoming the new “it” workout. With its unique combination of Eastern Religious Philosophy and Yoga technique, combined with tribal and hip hop dance moves this class will propel you into fun as you increase your strength and flexibility.
Jessica Cooper
Jessica Cooper is an active yoga teacher in the Richmond and Chesterfield County areas. She first started practicing yoga eight years ago and eventually replaced a daily workout routine with yoga. As her practice grew, Jessica realized there were not many yoga studio options in her area of Chesterfield County. It was at this time that Jessica set out to become a registered yoga teacher and bring the authentic practice of yoga to a more convenient and comfortable environment closer to home. In 2017, Jessica received her 200 RYT at OmOn Yoga in Richmond, VA. With continued practice, Jessica has seen how yoga has transformed her physically and mentally. Yoga has helped her mind and body grow stronger, more flexible and inspires her to live each moment more mindfully. Jessica enjoys being her most authentic self while teaching yoga.
Jessica is very excited to join the team at Fighting Gravity Fitness and become an aerial yoga teacher. She first fell in love with the hammock and Aerial fitness during a “Mommy and Me” class she attended with her daughter at Fighting Gravity Fitness. She quickly saw and felt the mind-body connection while moving in and out of the hammock, and knew right away this was meant for her!
When she’s not on her mat or in a hammock, Jessica loves playing with her kids, gardening, painting, reading, traveling, singing and playing music with her husband. One of her favorite quotes to live by…..
“Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves.”
Pema Chodron
Sigrid Lampe
Sigrid Lampe has been a dancer for most of her life and found that AntiGravity® was the perfect fit for her. She studied dance at the Kirov Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, South Carolina Governors School, and Covington Regional Ballet. She then went on to dance with the Richmond Ballet, which brought her to live in RVA and to becoming a dance teacher. Sigrid is transferring to VCU this coming fall, to major in environmental science and to pursue a career in oceanography. She has always loved the ocean and believes that it is very important to keep our biosphere safe.
She is thrilled to be a level one certified AntiGravity® instructor at Fighting Gravity Fitness and wants to soon pursue becoming certified in Aerial Yoga. She fell in love with AntiGravity® after her first class and believes that it helps heal and to understand our strengths within ourselves. She also believes that it is a great way to have fun and let go of stress within our everyday lives. She also discovered that it has been beneficial to minor joint problems that she obtained from many years of dancing. Sigrid can’t wait to share her experience with others and to help them find the benefits that come with AntiGravity®!
Lauren Cobert
Aerial Silks + Hula Hoop Instructor & Performer
Lauren joined the circus world in 2011 and has been an instructor since 2012. As a former college cheerleader and competitive dancer, so she naturally fell in love with the acrobatics of circus arts. Lauren specializes in aerial silks and hula hooping, including fire hooping. She is inspired by interesting shapes and ballerinas, and is happiest when she’s 30 feet in the air!
Lauren Hagy
Lauren is an RVA native who left her career in medical sales 3 years ago to pursue her lifelong dream of being an artist. Around that time, she discovered aerial yoga and was immediately hooked. Lauren is extremely excited to join the Fighting Gravity Fitness family and pursue her newest dream: to help others experience the exhilaration and inspiration of aerial fitness. She loves creating a fun, comfortable atmosphere for newcomers and seeing them surprise themselves by their own strength and abilities in the swing!
When not “hanging” out in the hammock, Lauren is painting in her studio with her furry 4-legged assistant, Tally, building frames, attempting to play the ukulele, or sharing bad puns with tolerant friends.
Rachel Hilton
After practicing yoga on and off for 10 years, the ‘aha’ moment came for Rachel after the stark reality of keeping a small human alive. The birth of her son brought a need and desire to be present, to alleviate frustration, to listen to her body and breathe. It is this mindfulness that she offers to others.
Rachel completed her 200hr RYT training with Yoga Medicine under Tiffany Cruikshank and Allison Candelaria. She is currently working toward her 500hr RYT with Yoga Medicine. Rachel hopes to inspire people to tune in, to pay attention, live big and practice anywhere. Through yoga, she finds that the impossible is possible. And that a good playlist can help us all along the way.
Rachel has training in and teaches Miofascial Release to help clients recover from their weekly workouts.
We Are Hiring more fitness instructors! Give us a call! 804-355-3700 We are always looking for great talent.
Interested in Barre instructors, 200RYT or more Yoga instructors, Pilates instructors, HIIT, or Tabata Instructors or Cardio based instructors