Written by Palmetto Bluff
Jan 03, 2026
Kendra Till’s journey to Palmetto Bluff wasn’t exactly a straight line. After growing up in Iowa and attending the University of South Carolina, her adventurous spirit took her to London for a semester abroad—and then to Australia. She spent 15 years down under, working in professional sports, finance, and marketing, but it was a passion that had been quietly growing since she first stepped onto a reformer at 18 that eventually changed everything.
That early introduction to Pilates sparked a love for holistic wellness, mindfulness, and movement. In Australia, Kendra turned that passion into a career, completing her training and launching her career as a Pilates Instructor. When she eventually moved back to South Carolina to be closer to family, she brought that expertise with her, joining Palmetto Bluff to teach Pilates. Her energy, dedication, and genuine care for the community led her to become Wellness Manager three years ago, a role she describes with obvious affection.
Much of Kendra’s inspiration comes from her time in Australia, and “particularly the Gold Coast, it’s a leader in the wellness industry because of its active outdoor living culture.” But what truly drives her? The Members themselves. Kendra states, “People are investing time, energy, and resources into their health, wanting to live and be healthier for longer.” It’s that commitment from Members that she finds both humbling and inspiring.
When Kendra describes her role, “very diverse” might be an understatement. Working closely with Jeff Ford, the Director of Fitness and Wellness, she oversees a team of 25 staff members, leads strategic initiatives, organizes a schedule that features up to 75 classes a week, teaches Pilates, and manages private clients. She also handles the retail side of the business and coordinates events.
But she’s quick to share the credit. Kendra expresses deep gratitude to her team, explaining that Palmetto Bluff wellness wouldn’t be the same without their hard work and dedication. Also, the Palmetto Bluff Members make it easy to show up because Kendra believes that “contributing something really meaningful in a community is truly motivating.”
“To me, Palmetto Bluff is more than just where I work; it’s where my values live every single day.” —Kendra Till
The new 10,000-square-foot Palmetto Bluff Club Fitness Center represents a significant expansion of wellness offerings for the community. The space will include a self-use gym, a dedicated area for functional-based classes, a spin room with new bikes, and treatment rooms for physical therapy, massages, and dietitian appointments.
For Kendra, the numbers tell an exciting story: “This center will allow for a 20% increase in the number of weekly group classes and a 40% increase in the number of spots available to people.” The facility will feature high-quality, diverse strength equipment, including a unique HITT cardio machine called the Versa Climber. And a move that many Members will appreciate, all neighborhood facilities will become self-use gyms.
Perhaps what excites Kendra most is the new Reformer Pilates studio featuring six reformers in a completely private space. As a long-time advocate for the practice, she believes “it’s beneficial for everyone, regardless of age, mobility, or fitness level, and is key for increasing mobility and preventing injury.”
The reformers create a supportive environment for movement, particularly for people dealing with knee or shoulder issues. With more space and capacity, the team is already envisioning specialized offerings, such as rotational-sports Pilates designed specifically for the community’s many golfers, with a focus on injury prevention.
Ask Kendra about her wellness philosophy, and she’ll tell you it aligns perfectly with Palmetto Bluff’s approach: “wellness is not a trend, it’s a way of life.” She emphasizes the importance of nature and social connection within the community, where “care, balance, and growth are always prioritized.”
What she loves most is how the program honors “primitive aspects of wellness,” such as movement, mindfulness, and play. The goal? To offer a “charcuterie board” of scientific evidence-based practices that let Members pursue wellness on their own terms, picking and choosing what resonates with them personally.
From that first reformer at 18 to leading wellness for an entire community, Kendra’s journey reflects the same philosophy she brings to her work: growth happens when you’re open to possibility. The new Palmetto Bluff Club Fitness Center is just the latest chapter in that story, and with Kendra and her team at the helm, it’s one that promises to help Members write their own wellness stories for years to come.
If you are interested in living every day grounded in wellness, surrounded by uplifting staff members like Kendra, explore Palmetto Bluff properties today.
