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ABOUT US

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Welcome to M Wellness, the crystal coast’s premier destination for luxury fitness and personalized physical therapy.

Located in downtown Morehead City, we offer a unique blend of group Reformer Pilates classes, private Reformer sessions and individualized Physical Therapy services—all designed to support your wellness journey in a sophisticated, supportive environment.

Whether you’re seeking a dynamic group fitness experience or one-on-one rehabilitation and performance care, our team tailors every session to align with your fitness goals and preferences. At M Wellness, we’re more than a studio—we’re your partner in achieving lasting strength, health, and overall well-being.

Our Instructors

PT, DPT

Dr. Payton McLaughlin

Payton is a Physical Therapist, and the founder of M Wellness. She was born and raised in Morehead City, where she played travel sports and was into exercise her entire life.

Payton is a Physical Therapist, and the founder of M Wellness. She was born and raised in Morehead City, where she played travel sports and was into exercise her entire life. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from UNCW, and then her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She has had experience in many different settings, working mostly with active individuals that strive to move better and feel better as a whole. Payton spent her years in Nashville at cycle classes or reformer pilates classes. She is trained in both Reformer 1 and Reformer 2 Pilates Instruction. She just recently moved from Raleigh back to her hometown of Morehead City to treat patients one-on-one and to teach reformer pilates locally back in her favorite beach town!

Maria McLaughlin

Maria moved with her husband from Charlotte to Morehead City 30 years ago, and has been a local ever since!

Maria moved with her husband from Charlotte to Morehead City 30 years ago, and has been a local ever since! Maria is a devoted mother of four children (including Payton, her oldest), and has had to stay active her whole life to keep up with her kids. She maintains her activity level through walking many miles per day, weight-training and mobility work. Maria is trained in both Reformer 1 and Reformer 2 Pilates Instruction.

Ruth Varner

Ruth was born and raised in Morehead City, eventually attending UNCW for her undergraduate degree. She and her husband have recently moved back to Morehead City.

Ruth was born and raised in Morehead City, eventually attending UNCW for her undergraduate degree. She and her husband have recently moved back to Morehead City. Ruth has always had a passion for exercise: playing sports, weight training, Orange Theory – she has tried it all! Once she began Pilates, it became a fun, sustainable workout for her that she fell in love with and began to look forward to everyday.

Bryson McLean

Bryson is a local instructor who has had a lifelong passion for movement, athletics, and helping others feel their best.

Bryson is a local instructor who has had a lifelong passion for movement, athletics, and helping others feel their best. She has been a dedicated fitness professional since 1997, working as a personal trainer, running coach, group fitness and cycling instructor with certifications from AFAA, ACE, YogaFit, CoreBarre, Schwinn, Johnny G, and the YMCA—including specialties in pre/postnatal fitness. She is also trained and certified in Reformer 2 Instruction. She loves to bring energy, experience, and heart to every class. She is fully motivated by motivating others to appreciate the importance of flexibility, strength, coordination, and overall cardiovascular endurance.

Reformer Pilates

Physical Therapy