Our Team

APEX | Yoga Pod exists because of Gainesville—and because of what we learned along the way.

In 2018, we—Alex and Rae Jarboe—moved to Gainesville with a clear goal: to build a heart-driven, deeply rooted yoga and fitness community in a city that values intention and connection. We put down roots in the Oakview neighborhood and committed to showing up not just as studio owners, but as active members of the Gainesville community.

Yoga Pod began in 2003 as a one-room studio in Boulder, Colorado, founded on the belief that thoughtful movement and breath can change lives. Over the years, the brand grew and evolved, offering invaluable lessons about leadership, scale, and what it truly takes to protect culture and quality in wellness spaces.

Through years of hands-on experience building studios, leading teams, and shaping the brand alongside our partner Dan Carbonell, one truth became clear: this work thrives best when leadership is centralized, present, and rooted in the daily practice itself. That realization sparked a renewed vision—Yoga Pod 2.0—one grounded in centralized ownership, integrity, and long-term care for both people and community.

Yoga Pod Gainesville SW opened in June 2018 as the first full expression of that revised vision. It is not a franchise. It was intentionally built, owned, and operated by us from day one. The response was immediate—classes filled, waitlists grew, and a strong sense of belonging took hold.

Growth followed intention. When we expanded to Gainesville’s NW side, an opportunity emerged to build something complementary yet distinct. In 2019, APEX was born—developed by Rae Jarboe to bring modern, intelligent Pilates to Gainesville through challenging, intentional movement that blends strength, precision, and artistry.

Today, APEX | Yoga Pod is locally owned and operated by people who live here and care deeply about this city. We believe in growing from within. Every leader on our team began as a student first—many as Karma Yogis or teachers—before stepping into leadership through lived experience. We hire for attitude and aptitude, and we invest deeply in our people.

We have an incredible, robust team of passionate leaders that have found their way to Yoga Pod first as students and grew into leadership roles. Explore our team below and get to know them a little better, and best, go take their class.

At our core, we exist to positively impact Gainesville through breath, strength, and sweat. Guided by the principle of Kaizen—continuous improvement—our ongoing effort is to be a magnificent place to work, an incredible place to practice, and a meaningful part of the fabric of this city.

Learn more about us by exploring our culture, our classes, and our team below.