About Us
Our Story
We started in 2019 with a simple idea: to create a private, welcoming space for personalized, adaptive training.
From day one, our focus has been on people, not programs.
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Our first studio in Bristol, RI was small, but our passion for helping clients feel stronger, healthier, and more confident was anything but. That deeply personal approach quickly built trust, meaningful relationships, and a growing Thrive community.
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As our community grew, so did we. In 2020, we moved into a larger private studio in Warren, RI, continuing to support clients in a motivating, judgment-free environment.
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In 2022, we took our biggest step yet and opened Thrive Medical Fitness in Swansea, MA. Today, Thrive is more than a training studio — it’s a comfortable, inclusive space for people of all abilities who want expert guidance without the pressure or intimidation of a traditional gym.
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Our experienced personal trainers, strength coaches, and medical fitness specialists are here to support you every step of the way.
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We’re proud of how far we’ve come — and even more excited about what’s ahead: helping people move better, feel stronger, and thrive, one workout at a time.
Our Mission
At Thrive Medical Fitness, our mission is to provide safe, personalized, and empowering fitness experiences for individuals of all abilities. Through expert coaching and compassionate care, our certified trainers and medical fitness specialists help clients overcome challenges, rebuild confidence, and thrive through movement.
Meet Our Team
Our team is comprised of personal training professionals with a broad and unique range of education, experience, training methods and specialized skills. We are confident that we can help you achieve your goals.
Lauren Falcone
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President
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Co-Owner
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Barre Instructor
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Certified Personal Trainer
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Medical Fitness Specialist
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Lauren’s interest in movement and health began as a young girl when she was enrolled in dance classes at the age of 3. Teaching dance became a passion as she completed the Dance Teachers Club of Boston teacher training course in high school and then became a dance/psychology double major at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.
Years later, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2017, Lauren turned to her past dance and fitness experience to help keep her body strong and fight the many symptoms that can come with having a neuromuscular disease. She decided to put her former dance training to good use and become certified as a barre instructor through American Barre Technique, and then chose to further pursue her certificate as a personal trainer through AFAA.
Her main goal now as a personal trainer and barre fitness instructor is to help others in similar situations find a connection with their bodies and achieve greater strength and mobility.
Jim Nolan
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Vice President
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Co-Owner
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Fitness Director
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Master Personal Trainer
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Strength Coach
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Medical Fitness Specialist
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Assisted Stretch Specialist
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Mobility Bodywork Specialist​
At the age of 11 Jim's father introduced him to weight lifting along with the belief that proper form and technique were more important than anything else. Jim enjoyed various sports such as football, boxing, baseball and track and field as well, and realized that his weight training helped him perform better within those respected sports.
Over the years, Jim studied exercise, movement and human anatomy which only fueled his passion to train and exercise even further. At 16 years old Jim developed a reputation with team members and friends as a guy who knew how to workout and get results, so at the age of 16 he began training others out of his father's garage.
At 18 years old Jim received his first of many personal training certificates and began training formally. His 30 year background includes a wide variety of training methods including strength training, functional movement, athletic training, power lifting, mobility and balance, assisted stretching, weight loss coaching and body building.
In his late 20s Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and told at that time that he would end up in a wheel chair. As is his way, he began fighting back against the disease with his knowledge of exercise and proper nutrition with great success.
Now Jim uses his extensive knowledge, experience and personal battle with MS to help coach others to achieve their goals. He firmly believes that with great effort and efficient, safe exercise selection, anyone can overcome their limits. As he says often, “If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.”
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Matt Wilkinson
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Certified Personal Trainer
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Medical Fitness Specialist
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Functional Training Specialist​​
Matt began his fitness journey when his high school cross country team needed members. He had never run competitively before, but decided to give it a try. This marked the beginning of a lifelong love for running and exercise.
After a spinal stroke in 2009 left him with limited movement in his upper body, Matt was unsure if he would be able to accomplish everyday tasks, let alone workout or run again. Through extensive physical therapy and exercise, Matt was able to regain his movement and strength.
Overcoming this injury inspired him to become a personal trainer. "I will always be grateful to those who helped me reclaim my life, and I want to do the same for our clients." Matt has since completed numerous races, including 5ks, 10ks, and obstacle courses.
Our Partners
Please visit our partners in business to learn more about them or shop their merchandise. As a team we proudly help you Thrive in your health and wellness.
Best Brands, Best Prices, Best Service! The best local source for supplements and vitamins. Visit Big Mike and tell him Jim and Lauren sent you.
