Our Instructors

Ellie Gardill

Owner & Instructor

Ellie is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, with a passion for helping others lead healthier and more active lifestyles. She holds an undergraduate degree in Health Fitness Specialist and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health, also from ECU. Ellie is certified in numerous group fitness formats and is excited to share her passion for fitness with you!!

- ACE Group Fitness Instructor
- ACE Personal Trainer
- Barre Above
- BXR by the MVMNT
- Human Reformer Pilates
- Pumped Up Strength
- YogaFit Level 1

Brandy Stewart

Instructor

Brandy graduated from Liberty University in 2020 with a degree in Studio Art and a teaching license. She moved to the Outer Banks in 2023 and is now a local elementary school art teacher. Brandy has always loved creative movement and recently became certified to teach Human Reformer Pilates. She can’t wait to bring that same creativity and passion to the studio! In Brandy’s classes, you’ll find mindful movement, core strength, and a focus on balance. Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, her goal is to help you feel strong, centered, and inspired.

- Human Reformer Pilates

Lydia Surprenant

Instructor

Lydia was born and raised on the Outer Banks. She is a local middle school teacher and a former college runner. Lydia first found Pilates as a form of physical therapy after an athletic injury. It helped her rebuild strength, restore mobility, and reconnect with her body in a safe, empowering way - and she has been hooked ever since. In Lydia’s class, you’ll find intentional movement, core-focused strength, and feel-good flow. Whether you’re recovering, just starting out, or looking to challenge yourself in a new way, you’ll leave feeling strong, aligned, and refreshed.

- Human Reformer Pilates

Sydney Zentz

Instructor

Sydney is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and brings energy, positivity, and a passion for movement into every class she teaches. With a background in sports and an active lifestyle, she is all about helping you build strength, confidence, and consistency in a way that feels fun and empowering. Sydney graduated from East Carolina University in 2023 and moved to the Outer Banks in March 2025, where she has loved becoming part of such an amazing community. In Sydney’s classes, you can expect upbeat playlists, a motivating atmosphere, and workouts that challenge you in the best way. Outside the studio, she works in wedding planning and hospitality, loves spending time outdoors, and hanging out with my family and friends!

- ACE Group Fitness Instructor

Mya Lawrence

Instructor

Mya recently graduated from First Flight High School, where she completed an internship with Sound Side Studio and earned her ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification, discovering a true passion for fitness and wellness along the way. This fall, she will begin her freshman year at the University of North Carolina.

Outside of fitness, Mya is a passionate musician and works as a private violin instructor. She also enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and embracing new opportunities to learn and grow.

Mya is excited to teach Spin and Sculpt at Sound Side Studio and hopes to help others build strength, confidence, and healthy habits in a fun and supportive environment. As she begins this next chapter, she looks forward to continuing to learn, grow, and inspire others on their own fitness journeys.