Is Redefining Movement and Mindfulness in Lynchburg

By: Abby Price / Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Situated in the Wyndhurst neighborhood of Lynchburg, VIE Wellness Club is a peaceful escape where movement and mindfulness come together. This members-only studio is designed for those who want a thoughtful, intentional approach to wellness. With services like Reformer Pilates, personalized coaching, and recovery options, VIE creates a space that supports both the body and mind.

Tory Varricchione, owner of VIE Wellness Club, moved to Lynchburg to attend Liberty University, where she studied pre-med and business. Her goal was to combine those two passions to create something deeper than a typical gym experience. She envisioned a space where people could focus on intentional movement, healthy eating, and genuine community—a place where wellness means growing, connecting, and feeling your best. That vision became VIE Wellness Club.

A Studio Experience Designed to Calm and Center

The intentionality behind VIE Wellness Club is evident from the moment you step inside. Calming, neutral-toned interiors set the stage for a serene experience, while every carefully selected detail—from the curated equipment to the cozy textures—is designed to help you relax, refocus, and feel your best. But the story of VIE began well before the first Reformer machine was placed in the studio. It actually started with its name and vision.

Varricchione said the idea for VIE took shape during a trip to Paris last December. She and her husband felt it was the right time to bring her long-held dream to life: to create a wellness space rooted in holistic health and meaningful connection.

“I chose the name VIE because it means ‘life’ in French, which felt like the perfect reflection of what I wanted the studio to represent,” she said. “It also stands for Vitality, Intention, and Empowerment—the three pillars that guide everything we do. To me, VIE is about creating a space where movement and wellness are integrated into everyday life with purpose and joy.”

Varricchione envisioned more than just a workout space. She wanted a place where people could gather, connect, and feel supported in all aspects of their wellness journey—physical, mental, and spiritual. That’s why “Wellness Club” is part of the name. She imagined members chatting over beverages, unwinding together, and building relationships as they grew stronger in every sense of the word.

To bring that vision to life, she blended modern design with warm, homey elements—natural wood accents, soft linens, sherpa textures, olive branches, and cozy couches throughout the space. Whether you’re sipping something from the mini café or settling into a plush seat in the lobby to chat with a friend, there’s a sense of calm and comfort that feels intentional in every detail. The result is a space that feels like a sanctuary—not just for movement and recovery, but for connection and renewal.

Services Offered That Go Beyond the Basics

VIE Wellness places a strong emphasis on Reformer Pilates, utilizing specialized Reformer machines that support both recovery and injury prevention. Originally designed to aid in rehabilitation, these machines are now a cornerstone of VIE’s holistic approach—helping members build strength, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of injury before it happens. It’s this proactive philosophy that sets VIE apart, focusing not just on healing, but on creating a foundation of long-term wellness.

VIE goes beyond traditional fitness to offer a complete wellness experience for both mind and body. Their services include red light therapy, a 20- to 30-minute treatment designed to reduce inflammation, improve skin tone, and support healing.

They also offer the VIE Reset—a 40-day guided wellness program featuring weekly group meetings, daily challenges, Scripture-based reflections, and full access to all of VIE’s offerings.

In collaboration with another local business, Endura Wellness, VIE now provides weekly on-site IV drip therapy to enhance hydration and strengthen the immune system.
For those looking for a deeper transformation, VIE’s holistic wellness program focuses on optimizing metabolic function, rebalancing hormones, and restoring full-body vitality.

This four-month commitment begins with a 90-minute deep dive into your health story and goals, followed by bi-monthly coaching calls, monthly nutrition check-ins, lab testing, personalized interventions, a custom supplement protocol, practitioner-grade remedies, and exclusive supplement discounts—all designed to support your complete well-being.

Membership Options Designed With Flexibility in Mind

VIE is an exclusive, members-only wellness club that offers two flexible membership options. The 3-month membership is perfect for those who want to experience the benefits of VIE’s offerings without a long-term commitment, while the annual membership provides continued access and added value.

What truly sets VIE apart is the exceptional value it offers. Unlike many traditional Pilates studios that limit clients to 10 or 12 classes per month, VIE allows members—whether on a 3-month or annual plan—to attend an unlimited number of classes. This unlimited access reflects VIE’s commitment to helping members build a consistent wellness routine without limitations.

For those curious about Reformer Pilates or unsure about committing right away, VIE also welcomes drop-in guests. It’s a great way to explore the space, try a class, and see if the club’s holistic approach aligns with your wellness goals.

Community and Philosophy at the Heart of VIE Wellness Club

Across the country, there’s a growing movement in the wellness community—one that emphasizes injury prevention, the importance of intentional movement, healthy eating, and meaningful connection with like-minded individuals.

Varricchione was motivated by the growing wellness movement, but also wanted to bring something more intentional and community-centered to Lynchburg.

“My vision for VIE has always been to create a space where women feel supported in nourishing their bodies, staying active, and connecting with others in a meaningful way,” she said. “It’s about cultivating a lifestyle—not just a workout.”

Klaire Maranto Turns Love for Food into a Thriving Lynchburg Business

By: Olivia Carter | Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Klaire Maranto never imagined she’d run a thriving meal prep business here in Lynchburg. But a tablespoon of love for food, a few teaspoons of passion for helping others, and a large cup of faith led her to launch Klaire’s Kitchen in 2021.

Since then, her small idea has become a weekly staple for many of her clients in the area.

“I have always been a lover of health, fitness, and food and I come from a really big Italian family, so we always were in the kitchen,” Maranto said. “It was always just a way that you showed love or you brought a meal to someone when someone was in need. You’re always making food.”

Her connection to cooking, paired with a keen understanding of nutrition, became the foundation for what is now Klaire’s Kitchen.

But she says the journey to launching a business was far from straightforward.

Like many others, she found herself at a crossroads during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 graduate of Liberty University, she returned home to Buffalo, New York, only to be met with a bleak job market.

“Nobody was hiring. And I was like, ‘You know what? This is maybe my time to get all the nutrition certifications that I want,’” she said.

While she initially intended to use her expertise in a traditional job setting, something unexpected happened. Maranto started coaching family and friends on healthy eating habits, helping them with meal planning and giving them guidance on nutrition. Without realizing it, she was laying the groundwork for her future business.

When she and her husband moved back to Lynchburg for his law school studies, she took a job at a gym and noticed a consistent pattern.

“People would come in and be like, ‘What are you eating? It smells so good.’ And I’d be like, ‘Oh, you know, I just meal prepped,’” she said.

That curiosity quickly turned into meal prep requests.

“I actually love doing this,” she said. “These people are so happy when they get their food. It’s making their life so much easier.”

After a brief stint working at a local weight loss clinic, Maranto felt compelled to make a change and decided to meal-prep for others full-time. It was a bold move, especially since she and her husband were both young and in the midst of building their future.

“He was like, ‘You just went to school for four years to do something completely different,’” she laughed. “But I really feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Initially, she assumed that her primary clientele would be fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and college students looking for convenient, healthy meals. But to her surprise, her customer base expanded far beyond that.

“It’s actually been completely the opposite,” she said. “It’s been pregnant and postpartum moms, working parents, a lot of professionals, a lot of teachers, doctors, lawyers, other small business owners that are like, ‘I don’t even have time to go do anything. I can’t cook my own food.’”

Through trial and error, Maranto has her finger on the pulse of what Central Virginian’s palates are craving.

“Everybody loves Mexican food. So the beef burrito bowls, the chicken burrito bowls, we have a beef enchilada skillet,” she said. “Everyone loves the side salads as well as this one meal that has sweet potatoes, ground turkey, kale, bell peppers and goat cheese,” she said.

She said people can still eat what they want, such as pasta, but enjoy it in the correct portion size.

“You’re getting a cup of pasta instead of the two and a half [cups] fixing it at home,” she informed.

One group of customers in particular has touched Klaire’s heart: the elderly.

“Those people have such a special place in my heart at the kitchen, because they’re talkers,” she said fondly.

“I love being around people and they’ll come in and tell me all about their week and what’s going on.”

What started as a small-scale operation has grown significantly, with customers coming to rely on Klaire’s Kitchen not only for nutritious meals but also for the personal touch she provides.

“It’s not just about the food,” she said.

“It’s about connection and making people’s lives easier.”

Klaire’s Kitchen operates with accessibility in mind.

There are no subscriptions, no commitments, and no minimum orders.

“It’s literally, like, if you want to try one meal, you just order and try,” she said.

Each week, customers place orders and meals are ready for pick-up on Mondays at her new location at the corner of Old Forest and Wiggington roads. This system allows flexibility for busy individuals and families who might not want the pressure of a meal plan but still need healthy options available.

Although meal prep businesses are common in larger cities, Maranto had noticed that Lynchburg lacked similar offerings.

“I actually met with someone, a meal prep business owner [in New York], and that was super insightful,” she said. “But here, there was really no one doing this.”
She started with modest expectations.

“I really went into it like, ‘Hey, as long as I can pay my bills and as long as I’m happy doing something that fuels me, I’m good,’” she said.
But demand quickly grew.

“I had people just calling me saying, ‘Hey, I hear you cook for so and so, would you do it for me?’”

When Klaire first moved back to Lynchburg, she and her husband expected their stay to be temporary.

“We had this idea that we were going to be here for three years and then move somewhere else,” she said. But as Klaire’s Kitchen grew, so did their sense of belonging.

“We can’t walk away from this now,” she said. “The business has grown so much, and I’ve built this incredible community here.”

She credits much of her success to Lynchburg’s strong network of small business owners and supportive residents.

“People here really want to support local businesses and that’s something special,” she said.

She said her business isn’t just about selling meals, but about helping and serving people.

“If you’re passionate about something, you have to go for it,” she said. “I’m so glad I took that leap, because now I get to wake up every day and do something I love.”

LU Professor Brings Unique Ultramarathon into its 20th Year

When the clock strikes midnight on the second Saturday of December each year, there is no sign of bedtime for a group of runners at Camp Bethel in Fincastle. In fact, physical rest will only come approximately 18 hours later. Because the only way these athletes are getting back to where they started is via 66.6 miles of darkness, woods, steep elevation gains, and possibly—depending on the season—extreme winter weather conditions.

But this is the Hellgate 100K—and the race roster is full yet again.

“I think Hellgate is appealing to people because it’s such a difficult race,” said Dr. David Horton, race director. “People are attracted to tough things, to unique things.”

Horton, a professor of health sciences at Liberty University for more than 40 years, has a lot in common with the men and women who come out each year to attempt Hellgate, the race he founded in 2002.

Despite his impressive athletic resume, the 72-year-old didn’t start running until he was an adult, attempting his first ultramarathon (a race longer than a 50K) in 1979, not long after he started teaching at LU. After that accomplishment, he was hooked—it was the first of about 30 marathons and 160 ultramarathons he would log in the coming decades. Horton also ran across the United States twice.

“Volkswagens are suited for mileage but not for drag racing. I’m suited for longer distance runs,” Horton said with a laugh. “I found the further I went, the better I did.”

Alongside this newfound passion, Horton felt called to bring more ultramarathon opportunities to others. He founded the Mountain Masochist Trail Run 50 Miler (Montebello) in 1983, the Holiday Lake 50K (Appomattox) in 1996, and the Promise Land 50K (Bedford) in 2000.

Through the years, he directed these races, and dozens of others, but over time has passed each one on to someone else to lead—all except Promise Land and Hellgate, his two favorites.

Hellgate has had the same course since it was created 20 years ago. While it’s a 100K, the exact distance down the Glenwood Horse Trail ended up, ironically, being 66.6 miles.

According to Horton, Hellgate seems to have the largest and strongest following in the ultrarunning world.

“Runners from 30 or more states come and run it,” he said of the approximately 150 participants who take part each year.

John Anderson, a 47-year-old father and veterinarian in Crozet, will mark his tenth Hellgate experience this December. He is hoping for his ninth top-10 finish.

“Hellgate is like a test at the end of each year—a life test,” said Anderson, who started running marathons once he turned 30. “Not only are you in shape to tackle this race, which is so hard, but also are you in a mental space where you can handle the race?”

Each runner has to train and prepare for 13,000 feet of elevation gain during the Hellgate course; that’s about 2.5 miles of hills. Much of the terrain is covered with leaves and very uneven.

As is typical in the Virginia mountains, the weather is a mixed bag from year to year.

“We have anywhere from nice weather in the 70s to 10 degrees with a foot of snow. But we have never canceled a race,” Horton explained. “Two years ago, it rained for 10 hours during the race. We called that race Watergate, instead of Hellgate.

There was also Snowgate one year.” There is also the dreaded Hellgate Eyes—a condition where your cornea literally freezes, causing blurred vision. About five or six athletes deal with this each year, Horton says.

The 12:01 a.m. start time means the first seven hours of the race are practically pitch black, with handheld flashlights or headlamps helping to guide the way.

Along the trail, Horton and his team set up nine aid stations that are manned by dedicated volunteers. These stations provide help to runners if they need it and also make sure they stay on course, especially during the nighttime hours.

All of the darkness is a prelude to Anderson’s favorite part of the race: “And then, the sun comes up. It’s like a rebirth, but right when things are getting tough,” he said.

In a way, the Hellgate race—with its demand for physical and mental fortitude— mirrors the life of its founder and director, who has been the subject of two movies, Extraordinary and The Runner.

After several knee injuries and surgeries left him unable to pound the pavement (or trail), Horton had to hang up his marathon days about a decade ago. But he didn’t take that as a reason to stop competing and quickly transitioned to distance biking.

This past summer, Horton completed a bike race from Portland, OR, to San Diego and finished it in just over 13 days. He has also biked across the United States twice.

“Did I want to switch to biking? Nope. I wish I were still running,” said Horton. “But you always look for different challenges. And since I teach at LU, I want to be an example to my students.”

Horton holds himself to a very high standard—and is equally as tough on the athletes that choose his races. This is one reason why Anderson keeps coming back year after year.

“David has been there for several 100-mile races that I have done, and when things are tough, and he knows they are tough, he doesn’t coddle you, or give you false bravado—he will say a comment or two that makes you realize that this is your race and what you choose to do with it is your decision,” said Anderson.

Last year, the fastest Hellgate runner completed the race in just over 10 hours. The average time is around 16 hours. There is an 18-hour time cap.

Horton is proud to say that 90 percent of the people who start the Hellgate race finish it within that time frame.

“It’s not about who wins, it’s about challenging yourself to do something you aren’t sure you can do,” he said.

As for his personal finish line, Horton has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Retirement isn’t on the table just yet, and the Hellgate and Promise Land races will continue “indefinitely,” much to the delight of ultramarathon runners like Anderson.

“Virginia arguably has the best ultrarunning community on the East Coast, and I would argue, the nation. It’s a tight knit group, and this is OUR race,” Anderson said. “Everyone respects Hellgate and takes some pride in it.”