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. She now offers classes in AntiGravity Fitness, Yoga, Resistance Training, and Barre. 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 AntiGravity 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 Christopher Harrison Hammock”. There is just something about it that closes you off from the hustle of the world and you feel safe. 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.”
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!
Lorie Lower
Lorie has been practicing yoga since the early 2000s. Drawn to it by the opening of a studio in a small town in South Carolina, she was intrigued in the beginning and hooked by the time she and her family relocated to Richmond, Virginia. Deciding to dig deeper into the practice, she became a certified 200 RYT through Om On Studio in 2013.
In her practice, she reminds others of being present in the moment, offers creative and playful sequences, provides deep and thoughtful cues and encourages all her students to “just try it!” Lorie establishes the foundations then offers a safe journey to the peak poses. Lorie has been teaching Power Yoga, Vinyasa, Yin, Gentle and recently Aqua Yoga. She has been heavily influenced by the teachings of Kathryn Budig, Rolf Gates and others less famous, but equally awesome!
Lorie discovered passion in the union of yoga and teaching. As with yoga, if it feels right and you can breathe easily, it was meant to be. The little and big life lessons learned on her mat have been a guiding force for a happier, fulfilled and busy life.
When Lorie is not teaching or driving her two teenage daughters all over Richmond, she can be found practicing on her big blue mat, traveling far and wide with her family, reading as much about yoga as possible, walking her rescue dogs and trying to bring more yoga to the world, one student at a time.
Thanks to all the teachers who have encouraged Lorie through this passion, her parents who always are available to listen, her daughters who provide a younger view and mostly her husband who never stops believing in her!
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.
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!
Traci Park
Traci is a nutrition enthusiast and an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. She received her Anti-Gravity certifications in Fundamentals I and II, Pilates and Suspension Fitness I and II at the Anti-Gravity Lab in New York City. She is currently working on finishing a degree in Health Science. Traci is dedicated to helping people of all shapes and sizes understand the benefits of a healthy relationship with food and how to enjoy moving your body. She believes moderation is a key component to your own happiness in relation to food and exercise as well as it being the foundation for finding balance and harmony within your life. She enjoys cooking, juicing and teaching people that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to at ANY age. Her classes are high energy with eclectic music and lots of fun so come with an open mind and leave your stress at the door, you’re in good hands!
Riley Louden
Riley is a certified AntiGravity® Fundamentals 1 & 2 Instructor and plans to continue her training in the near future to add AntiGravity® Aerial Yoga to her list of certifications.
As a former college athlete her passion for fitness met her passion for play when she discovered the AntiGravity® method. Riley has a Masters of Science in Exercise Science, and is hoping to pursue a degree in physical therapy. During her studies for her Master’s degree she worked as a Strength and Conditioning coach for the VCU Women’s Lacrosse team. Currently she works full time as a technician in a pediatric physical therapy clinic. In her free time she enjoys photography, drawing, hiking, and occasionally knitting.
Natalie Morales
Natalie found her devotion for Yoga in 2011 when she attended her first Bikram Yoga class. Over the years she became enthralled with various forms of yoga, including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, SUP Yoga, Yin, and meditation. She earned her 200-hour RYT certificate in the summer of 2015 through LifeTime Fitness in Reston, Virginia and has been teaching Vinyasa, Yin, and SUP Yoga at Cary Street Gym since March 2016.
She is eager to explore her new format at Fighting Gravity Fitness: Shakti Dance. Shakti Dance explores Yogic postures and breathing exercises set to rhythmic, expressive music, blossoming into a freeing and uninhibited dance. She aims to help students discover their own body’s natural intelligence and create self-discovery through physical movement. She will also be teaching Vinyasa Yoga, a class that flows through sun salutations, balance postures, strengthening sequences, and finishing stretches on the floor to awaken the body, mind, and spirit in a holistic way.
Natalie is freshly graduated from VCU with a BFA in Theatre Performance. Her experiences as an actress, singer, and dancer have shaped her teaching style and facilitated a love of public speaking, connecting with others, and sharing stories through her teachings. She hopes to use her skills as an artist to lead Yoga retreats across the globe and awaken within each person she meets a boundless self-love and awakening. She is thankful to everyone who has guided her to her path and hopes to inspire others in the way Yoga has inspired her.
Sydney Leighton
In 2015 Sydney Leighton graduated with a BFA in Sculpture and Extended Media from VCU and took her enthusiasm for performance and creation back to her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Coming from a background of dance and gymnastics, she found passion in the aerial arts scene of North Carolina, training on aerial silks, trapeze, and Lyra. A few years later she found herself back in Richmond with the desire to teach others this empowering art form!
Sydney believes the body is an outlet and a form of expression, as much as the paintings and sculptures she creates. Her approach to fitness is practical, and she insists that by treating the body well and having fun, what once might have seemed impossible is possible! She also believes that with proper coaching and instruction, the aerial arts are for all ages and fitness levels.
Her classes will challenge your strength, flexibility, and creative spirit. She is also certified in VOLEE and hopes to complete AntiGravity certifications soon.
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!
Erin Chancellor
Erin has been a member of Fighting Gravity Fitness since November 2015! She is excited to be a fitness instructor because it combines two passions: teaching and a healthy lifestyle!
Erin used to be a competitive swimmer and diver, currently teaches 4th grade, and loves taking cool pictures of her food.
Come join the world of Barre fitness! It’s a 45 minute total body workout combining the principles of Pilates, Yoga, and ballet (but no dance background is required!) All ages, abilities, and fitness levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and bare feet, and be ready for upbeat music and an energetic time: results show within weeks!
Erin believes that with support comes progress, and progress FEELS GREAT!
In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights, bicycle riding, and finding adventurous activities to do.
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
Gabriella Mikalus
Gabriella first stepped foot on a stage at the young age of three, and hasn’t been able to shake performing since. She spent the first 20 years of her life dedicating her time and energy to all forms of dance. She has trained and studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, ballroom, and acrobatics. It wasn’t until she was 21 years old when she discovered circus arts. She began training on fabric, corde lisse, and static trapeze. She developed a deep love for the trapeze, and began focusing most of her energy into that apparatus, admired by how free and how much room the trapeze allowed for creative expression. She has was a part of the aerial dance troupe The Cabiri in Seattle, WA and now performs with Host of Sparrows in Richmond, VA. She is thankful for all the wonderful opportunities that have come her way, and is excited for her next chapter at Fighting Gravity Fitness.
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.
Heather Lockett
Heather is really excited to start up her new endeavor at Fighting Gravity Fitness as a Country Heat Live instructor. She enjoys pursuing her personal health and fitness journey, while helping to motivate others as a health and fitness coach to adapt their own healthy lifestyle. Heather has always enjoyed Group Fitness classes, taking many over the years starting when she was in high school. She will be pursuing her group exercise certification with ACE in the next few months. Heather works full time for Aetna Medicare Pharmacy Operations, and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Professional Communications from Old Dominion University. She is married with two “furbabies”, Socks (cat) and Lilly (Labrador). In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning new things, reading, cooking, working with animals, volunteering (she volunteers with Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs, as well as other volunteer opportunities), doing DIY crafts and drinking wine. Heather is passionate about helping EVERYONE and believes living a healthy lifestyle not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your moods. “Seek progress not perfection on your personal journey.”
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®!
Haleigh Brown
Haleigh Brown began her dance training at the young age of two. Training at local studios in Colonial Heights, Virginia the next fifteen years of Haleigh’s life were immersed in a wide variety of styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip-hop. Upon graduation from high school, Haleigh continued to pursue her love of dance through the Conservatory at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. During her time at Shenandoah, Haleigh worked as a choreographer and dance educator at various studios in the Richmond Tri-Cities area. After receiving her B.A. in Dance in the Spring of 2017, Haleigh continued to expand her dance education under the guidance of Maurice Fraga while traveling to France, Greece, and Barcelona where she was introduced to aerial arts. Hoping to pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy in the future, Haleigh is currently teaching children of all ages at Gotta! Dance School of Performing Arts in Prince George, Virginia and is excited to begin a new journey teaching Antigravity® at Fighting Gravity Fitness!