Movement, refined.

Refined Resistance.

Mindful movement to challenge, strengthen, and energize.

Our classes follow the Classical Pilates method with intention and precision, always adapted to the individual. We focus on movement that promotes mind-body connection and creates lasting change. 

A community with a shared practice.

A woman ready for the open leg rocker pilates exercise on a black mat in a green grassy field, holding her legs, smiling, with trees in the background.
The image is a series of pilates exercises drawn out. They are classical pilates exercises transitioning from one to the next.
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Our Founder

A woman who is a pilates instructor with long red hair and fair skin smiling outdoors with green bushes in the background, wearing a blue t-shirt.
A woman who is a pilates instructor with long red hair and fair skin smiling outdoors with green bushes in the background, wearing a blue t-shirt.

Jenna Armstrong

Jenna Brynn Armstrong’s fitness career began in 2018 after she quit her day job at MGM Resorts Department of Government Affairs to teach yoga. In addition to teaching studio classes from Las Vegas to DC, she’s led meditations for conferences and corporations, held classes at the Departments of Justice, Commerce, and Energy, as well as at the White House Athletic Center. 

Jenna’s passion for movement has centered around resetting the mind through exercise. Her classes will have you so engaged in your body’s current action, the stress of life fades away. The exercise program Joseph Pilates created supports this philosophy. Recognizing the need for Classical Pilates in the Seacoast New Hampshire area, Jenna created Refined Resistance. Experience the mental and physical health benefits of the authentic Pilates method. 

The Bullet Points: 

➔ Over 5,500 Classes Taught 

➔ Over 1,000 hours of trainings & continuing eds led 

➔ Over 1,500 hours of trainings & continuing eds attended 

➔ Group fitness credits: 500 RYT, Barre, Heavy Weights, HIIT 

➔ 600 hour Comprehensive Classical Pilates training through Power Pilates

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Our Instructors

Kelly Marciano

Sculpt Instructor

A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Kelly discovered barre over a decade ago and immediately knew it was the modality she was destined to master. Trained in 2015 by Barre & Soul founder Andrea Isabelle Lucas, Kelly has since taught over 1,500 classes and established herself as a master-level instructor and trainer.


As Kelly’s personal movement practice evolved, she recognized the vital role that resistance training and targeted cardio play in maintaining strength, joint health, and longevity. Sculpt classes became her ideal fusion—combining barre precision, strength conditioning, and cardiovascular endurance.


Also holding a 200-hour RYT certification and currently pursuing classical Pilates training, Kelly brings depth and intelligent movement to every class. Known for her infectious energy, personal connections, and lighthearted humor, Kelly delivers a challenging, supportive workout that leaves students feeling empowered.

Brittany Fraser 

Classical Mat & Sculpt Instructor

Brittany grew up in Newburyport and fell in love with movement the moment she took her first dance class. After years of training in dance, she enrolled at North Carolina School of the Arts to focus on a career in ballet. While at NCSA, Brittany was exposed to different types of movement to help support her physical body and mental health. After a short stint dancing professionally, Brittany chose to leave the ballet world behind and pursued a B.A. in psychology and a M.Ed.

In the fall of 2017, Brittany completed the Barre3 instructor training and began teaching. Brittany loves teaching classes that help others connect with their bodies and find joy in movement. Brittany completed her classical Mat Pilates training at The Set in Newburyport, MA with Clare Dunphy and is now a a nationally certified Mat Pilates teacher. 

Brittany lives in Amesbury and when not teaching, works in Human Resources. Brittany loves spending time with her dog, Congo, and spending time with family and friends.

A woman who is a pilates instructor with blonde hair in a ponytail wearing a pink and purple floral zip-up athletic jacket, standing against a white background, smiling slightly with her hands behind her back.

As a former competitive gymnast, Megan developed a deep appreciation for strength, precision, and body awareness at an early age. After graduating from Bentley University, she’s grown her career in HR, but her passion for movement and instructing was always close to her heart. 

A nationally certified Pilates and American Council on Exercise certified group fitness instructor, Megan is thrilled to join Refined Resistance. Her passion for Classical Pilates deepened through her 2025 training with Clare Dunphy, a leader in the discipline who studied under Romana Kryzanowska. She looks forward to helping clients build strength, confidence, and connection through intentional movement. Meg’s classes focus on strong fundamentals, mindful alignment, and creating a supportive space where clients feel both challenged and empowered. 

She lives in Amesbury with her dog Rusty, and feels lucky to be a part of a community that values strength, balance, and lifelong movement.

Classical Mat & Sculpt Instructor

Meg Middlemiss

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Tasha Nathan

Classical Mat & Apparatus Instructor

Bio, background, & headshot coming soon.