Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gardner.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The story of The Refinery didn’t start with a business plan; it started on a local track nearly two decades ago. While most third-graders were focused on recess, Karlie was discovering the grit of a running program. That early spark ignited a fire that carried her all the way to the elite stage of Division I athletics. Years of high impact training led to muscle imbalance and injury for Karlie. Pilates became the missing piece that added challenge, and restored muscle balance to her body. Since she began Pilates about 3 years ago, Karlie has been able to return to competing as an elite athlete in various competitions.
While Karlie was sprinting toward her goals, her mother, Amy, was the steady heartbeat of the family’s active lifestyle. A former high school athlete with a lifelong commitment to fitness, Amy has always understood that wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. Movement to Amy is healing and life giving. Amy’s yoga practice provides the perfect compliment to the athlete recovering from intense training.
Joining the duo is Karlie’s oldest brother, Peyton, who brings a scientific edge to the studio’s holistic approach. With a B.A. in Exercise Science and a deep-rooted passion for fitness, Peyton serves as The Refinery’s Nutrition Coach. His expertise ensures that the work clients put in on the mat is fueled correctly in the kitchen, bridging the gap between movement and metabolic health and coaching members into healthy eating habits that provide the edge every athlete needs to make gains.
Together, this family offers a unique experience. The Refinery Fitness Studio is a sanctuary where the science of movement is met with the warmth of a neighborhood hangout. A supportive place for athletes of all ages to challenge and encourage each other in their athletic journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Quite honestly, from the moment we started planning, we knew this business was meant to be. Doors have opened. People are showing up for workouts, and the community has welcomed The Refinery Fitness Studio with open arms. Grand Rapids is such a great place. The residents want a place like this. A place that embraces the total body with workout and recovery methods. The process has honestly been so smooth.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Refinery Fitness Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Refinery Fitness Studio is a boutique fitness studio that focuses on Mat Pilates, yoga workouts, and intentional recovery practices that aid the intense athletic training. This is the first studio to offer a complete fitness experience from warm up to cool down and recovery with red light therapy. Additionally we offer mindfulness classes and partner with local holistic wellness businesses to offer health and wellness for the whole body. We value community. We value generosity. We value hard work and dedication. We are most proud of our business as a family run operation that embodies the whole person. We offer fitness classes, personal training, nutrition coaching, recovery classes, mindfulness classes that include sound bowl and red light therapy. Additionally we have a “retail therapy” component with branded athletic wear. Because let’s face it, sometimes we work just a little bit harder when we feel good in what we’re wearing. This is a place that brings out the athlete in everyone. A place where people can conen
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way for anyone to contact us is through e-mail info@therefineryfitnessstudio.com. We love to host workshops with local businesses that offer holistic wellness services such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, essential oils, and nutrition.
Pricing:
- Drop in $35
- 5 class pack $150
- 10 Class Pack $250
- 3 Month Unlimited $230/mo
- Refined 12 Month Unlimited $190/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therefineryfitnessstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinery.fitness.pilates/




Image Credits
Sarah Galle
