When Studio Thrive opened its doors in January 2016, owner Shea Ware didn’t know a single person in Laramie.

She had just finished her master’s degree in Exercise Science, was preparing to move to Wyoming for her husband’s new coaching position at the University of Wyoming, and quickly realized there were no open jobs in her field. Rather than pivot away from fitness, Shea took a leap.

“About two months before moving, it was just laid on my heart — open a gym,” she said. “A place where people could thrive physically, mentally, financially, all around. Somewhere they would come to work out, but leave feeling better about themselves.”

With a business plan written in just weeks, Shea moved to Laramie and opened Studio Thrive almost immediately. Her original plan was simple: give it six months. If it didn’t work, she’d move on.

Ten years later, Studio Thrive is still here — and still growing.

The early days

Shea remembers the first week vividly. With no local connections, she offered a free week of classes and hoped people would show up. Some classes had one person. Others had five. Doubt crept in quickly.

“I remember thinking, what am I doing? I don’t know anyone. I’ve never run a business,” she said.

One moment stuck with her. While passing out flyers, a man told her, “Just what our town needs — another gym.” Shea said it was deflating. But weeks later, that same man returned with his girlfriend. The class was packed. His perspective changed — and so did hers.

“If I had listened to everyone telling me not to do it, I wouldn’t have been able to impact all these lives,” she said. “I learned it’s about walking, not running. Building slowly. Building relationships.”

A place that feels like home

For Christi Mack, Studio Thrive’s manager and head coach, the studio’s sense of belonging is what sets it apart.

“You can’t walk in without getting a couple of introductions,” Christi said. “Even longtime members help new people through the little nuances of class. You become part of the family within days.”

That feeling is intentional. Members often refer to themselves as the “Thrive Tribe,” and Shea says once someone walks through the door, they’re part of it.

More than physical change

Over a decade, Shea and Christi have seen countless physical transformations — but it’s the confidence shifts that stand out.

Shea shared the story of a longtime member who came in after multiple back surgeries, unsure if she could even participate. At first, burpees weren’t possible. Years later, she’s doing them fully, without pain.

“I always tell people, I wish I had a video of your first day,” Shea said. “We forget the small milestones along the way.”

Those wins extend beyond the studio. Members have reported faster cross-country ski times, half-marathon breakthroughs, strength gains that carry into horseback riding and everyday life.

“We love celebrating those crossover moments,” Shea said. “That’s where it really hits.”

What “community” looks like

Community at Studio Thrive goes far beyond workouts.

Baby showers. Wedding celebrations. Going-away parties. One of the studio’s oldest members — 94 years old — was honored with a farewell celebration that felt more like a family gathering than a gym event.

“If someone doesn’t show up, someone reaches out,” Shea said. “You’re more than a face.”

Christi echoed that sentiment.

“We see each other at our best and our worst,” she said. “That kind of connection carries into the rest of the community.”

Shea tells her coaches that technical perfection isn’t what keeps people coming back.

“Clients remember how you made them feel,” she said. “They come back because they mattered that day.”

Looking ahead

As Studio Thrive enters its next decade, both Shea and Christi are excited about what’s ahead.

Shea, who has spent the past few years in Oklahoma, will soon be closer again, allowing her to be more hands-on with workshops and events. Program design has evolved, new faces — including college students — are joining, and momentum continues to build.

Christi is especially excited about growing offerings for women, including prenatal yoga, postnatal support, and small-group training for those who may feel intimidated by large classes.

“It meets people where they are,” she said. “And that’s what we’re about.”

An open invitation

As part of the anniversary, Shea is extending a simple offer.

“If someone reads this and wants to try it out, I’m happy to offer a free week,” she said. “No pressure — just come see what we’re about.”

After ten years, Studio Thrive remains what it set out to be from the beginning: a place to move, to connect, and to feel like you belong.

725 Skyline Rd, Laramie, WY 82070
www.studiothrivefit.com
www.facebook.com/StudioThriveFit