Meet the Uplift Fitness Center team

In 2013 after battling health issues, I started a nutrition plan to help balance out my hormones and work on overcoming fast food addiction. With a degree in education, at the time, I was in an administrative role and over the next few years battled with chronic stress and anxiety. After discovering the effects of nutrition and exercise on the body I decided to dive deeper into mental, spiritual, and physical health. Through this I was able to overcome and reverse symptoms of PCOS, started developing workouts that were feasible for that season of life and grew a passion for inspiring and helping others get healthier. I decided to earn my Health and Life Coach certification and then pursue a career in personal training and online health and fitness coaching. Over the last several years I have done extensive studies and research in women’s health, exercise, gut health, etc. Exercise and nutrition have been a part of my daily habits for 10 years now and I have accomplished results through many seasons of life, including my own postpartum journey! After 4 + years in the online industry, the door opened to open my own gym. I am more than honored to be a small piece of what the Lord can do in our community in Pike County, GA and look forward to seeing lives transformed from the inside out.

Katie is a founding member of Uplift Fitness Center and has been invested in our gym since before the doors ever opened. She is one-of-a-kind, high energy, and you’ll never leave a class without being encouraged and challenged to push yourself. Katie is a wife, mom, loves fitness and is passionate about inspiring and helping others.

Rachel has trained in mixed martial arts for several years, holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and has a love for combative sports. We love incorporating her experience into our classes. Rachel teaches cardio kickboxing where you are sure to experience a high intensity workout while learning fun striking combinations. Rachel is passionate about helping you and encouraging your interest in combat sports!

Ethan has turned is passion for lifting weights into a calling to help others grow stronger-both physically and mentally. Certified through NASM, he specializes in strength and hypertrophy training with a bodybuilding-style approach. Ethan believes that building muscle and strength isn’t just for bodybuilders-it’s for anyone who wants to feel confident, move better, and build a physique they’re proud of. His training philosophy is simple: look good, feel good, and be great through progressive, intentional training. He strives to make muscle building approachable by taking the intimidation out of the process and focusing on mastering the basics with excellence. He’s currently pursuing certifications in Corrective Exercise, Stretch & Recovery, and Nutrition Coaching to further serve his clients holistically.
Ethan’s message to anyone starting their fitness journey: You don’t have to be Mr. Olympia to have a great physique-you just need consistency and commitment to the little things.

Hi, I’m Ashley! I started my fitness journey as a participant in group exercise classes 16 years ago and decided to encourage and teach others to reach their health and fitness goals.

I have completed my Personal Trainer Certification through AFAA. Fitness and health are a priority and passion in my life, and I enjoy sharing them with others! I strongly believe that exercise and nutrition are a lifestyle, not the latest fad, commercial, or quick fixes. Connecting with others encourages and motivates you to get started, keep going, and push yourself. I am excited to be part of the Uplift coaching team and supporting the goals toward making lifestyle changes of each member.

When I am not at the gym, I am teaching special education preschool at Upson-Lee Pre-K. My husband, Mark, and I have a blast cycling on the road together!

I’m Leila Thompson. Raised here in good ole pike county since I was 4 years old. I graduated from Pike County High and furthered my Education at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. I Played 4 years of collegiate D1 softball and got my bachelors degree in Exercise Science and Wellness. I came home to my roots and became a community coach for the Lady Pirates Softball program at the high school. I have been exposed to various ways to move my body. I love lifting weights just as much as I do a long outdoor walk. I love the feeling of helping people get one step closer to their goals! Come train with me, let’s have fun improving your lifestyle one day at a time!

Hi, I’m Amber! I fell in love with working out years ago, and that fire has only grown stronger with time. Powerbuilding and lifting heavy are my happy place, and nothing excites me more than helping others discover their own strength.

I became a trainer to share what lifting has given me: confidence, resilience, and the belief that strong is something we can build at any age or stage. Whether you’re stepping into your first class or chasing a new PR, I’m here to guide you, challenge you, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Let’s get strong together!