As new fitness studios continue to open in Oxford, there are currently more than 15 located within town limits. Many University of Mississippi students are not only attending workouts but also stepping into instructor roles.
Instructors have different requirements to obtain certifications depending on the studio they work for and type of classes they are instructing.
Mercedes Granese, a junior psychology major, teaches barre and reformer pilates, a variation of the exercise style involving a special reformer machine, at Poise Wellness Club. She also serves on the wellness studio’s marketing team.
“Fitness is becoming more important to younger generations, even in smaller places like Oxford,” Granese said. “In the middle of everything going on in life, it offers a sense of peace and stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
Granese does not just lead workouts; she also builds meaningful connections with her students.
“Watching my students choose themselves every day inspires me just as much as I hope to inspire them,” Granese said. “They’re more than just students to me — they become friends, and I genuinely care about who they are and who they’re becoming.”
Other instructors also point to personal growth through their studio’s workouts.
Macie Coleman, a pilates instructor at Power Movement Pilates, is a senior business marketing major. She first became interested in pilates because of her mother.
“She helped me get certified, and it became my passion,” Coleman said. “I just fell in love.”
Coleman has watched students become more intentional about their fitness.
“Fitness in Oxford has grown tremendously over the last couple of years. It’s amazing to see people working to better themselves,” Coleman said. “My favorite part about my job is the community it has brought me. I have met so many people and made so many friends that I will have forever.”
Caroline Grice, a sophomore accountancy major, is also a reformer pilates instructor at Power Movement Pilates. She said that her passion for fitness continues to grow through both teaching and personal experience.
“My favorite workout right now is reformer pilates,” Grice said. “I am biased because I teach it, but it really is the best all-around workout for anyone. It’s low impact, customizable, and it really builds your core muscles.”
Grice said fitness has impacted her in ways beyond physical strength.
“Working out has made me stronger, but it’s also brought me so much happiness. It’s rewarding to see others experience that, as well,” Grice said.
Alongside the rise of pilates, cycling has emerged as another popular style of workout among university students.
Brelyn Binkley, a senior allied health studies major on the pre-nursing track, serves as a cycle instructor at ELMNT CYCLE. She said that the fitness community in Oxford continues to grow with a strong emphasis on support and connection.
“I feel like the fitness community in Oxford is really vast,” Binkley said. “There are so many great places to go to get a good workout in. Everyone is just trying to better themselves one day at a time, and it’s awesome to see.”
Binkley began working as an instructor in February 2025. Teaching came naturally to her, she said.
“I have always loved teaching because I used to be a dance teacher in high school. When ELMNT was opening and looking for instructors, I was so excited to apply and have the opportunity to teach,” Binkley said.
The desire for self-improvement among college students has become more evident in recent years, especially in Oxford.
“I think people are inspired to work out to find fulfillment within themselves,” Granese said. “It’s also about chasing a version of themselves they have in their mind.”
Binkley also commented on the overall benefits of younger generations taking part in exercise classes.
“I think the fact that younger generations are taking over fitness trends is incredible. I think that if you are blessed to be able to move your body, then you should be as active as you can and do things that will not only benefit you now but also in the long run,” Binkley said.
