September 25, 2025 • 49 mins
In this episode of Trivia Tangents, I sit down with Aumi (my favorite Lagree Pilates instructor at Core40) and ride into the world of Lagree. If you’ve ever wondered how Lagree is different from traditional pilates, why the Megaformer machine costs over $18,000, or which celebrities swear by it, this episode is for you.
We talk about Aumi’s journey into Lagree, starting with her search for a low-impact workout after struggling with high cortisol levels, and what it really took to become an instructor — from the rigorous certification process and mentorship, to the licensing required to teach this method. Aumi also shares thoughtful advice for aspiring instructors based on her own training experience. Along the way, we discuss Sebastian Lagree, the inventor of the method, and his journey on making his at-home practice into the workout that has a chokehold on everyone and their mom.
In this episode we cover:
🏋️♀️ How Lagree Pilates stands apart from traditional Pilates
🎓 Aumi’s path to teaching and advice about: certification, mentorship, and licensing
🌎 Sebastian Lagree’s story and how the method began
💰 Why the Megaformer comes with an $18,000 price tag
🌟 The influence of celebrity endorsements on Lagree’s rise
🫶 The role of community, feedback, and connection in teaching
Beyond the trivia, we dig into the heart of teaching: the community, the personality an instructor brings to every class, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into playlists, class design, and responding to client feedback. For Aumi, that’s where the sense of purpose lives — in the connections she builds and the community she helps create.
Whether you’re a Lagree regular, a curious Pilates fan, or just here for the tangents, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this high-intensity, low-impact workout.
Sources:
https://www.lagreeacademy.com/the-evolution-of-lagree-fitness
https://pilatesmatters.com/products/lagree-fitness-m3s-megaformer-machine-pre-order
https://www.theflowspace.com/physical-health/prevention-longevity/lagree-pilates-guide-2960866/
https://www.lagreefit415.com/blog/celebrities-love-lagree-fitness
***
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 Guest Intro: Aumi!
02:06 Understanding LaGree Pilates vs. Traditional Pilates
04:31 Hot Take: Sticky Socks or Bare Feet
06:24 Trivia Q1
07:04 Sebastian Lagree
08:26 Origins of Lagree
10:03 Aumi's Journey Into Lagree
13:15 Teacher Training and Certifications
19:09 Trivia Q2
19:32 Megaformer and Class Prices
23:51 Crafting Routines and Fire Playlists
29:20 Don't be 'That Person' with the Springs
30:59 Celebrity Influence in Fitness Culture
33:56 The Appeal of LaGree Pilates
35:34 Building Community Through Fitness
37:50 The Instructor's Perspective on Teaching
43:04 Finding Purpose in Teaching
47:09 Guys Doing Lagree
48:19 Come to Aumi's Class in SF!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:08):
Welcome to Trivia Tangents. The podcast will return Everyday
passions into surprising trivia deep dives.
I'm your host, Lena, and each week I quiz a friend on
something they know way too muchabout, turning Everyday Passions
into trivia gold. We all know that on trivia
night, the bigger the team, the better you'll play.
That's why I bring the team together here on Trivia
Tangents. So get ready for some fun facts
(00:30):
you'll definitely want for your next trivia night.
In this episode I interview AMI.She's best known for being a
kick ass instructor at Core 40 with themed classes like
Pitbull, EDM, and House. Core 40 is a Lagree fitness
studio and AMI explains the difference between Lagree and
traditional Pilates. It was so interesting for me to
learn more about AMI's journey into Lagree overall, and I think
(00:51):
many other people will relate tothe need for low impact workouts
due to high cortisol levels. I know I do.
I loved talking with AMI about how she preps for her classes
and it brought me back to my teaching days at Bar 3 where it
taught two to three classes a week and put my heart and soul
into making fire playlists. I had a lot of fun quizzing on
me on where Lagree started, how much Megaformer machines cost,
(01:12):
and which celebs. Do Lagree enjoy the episode?
Hi, AMI, welcome to the podcast.Excited to be here, Honor.
I'm so excited to have you on the podcast today.
I feel like it's been a long time coming.
(01:32):
I know I was jealous. I saw Hannah and I was like, oh,
it's my turn now. Yes, yes, I feel like I I'm so
lucky. I have so many friends that have
such interesting hobbies and like every single one of my
friends is like a super talentedin one specific thing.
So I have a plethora of people to have on the on the podcast
and I'm really excited today to talk to you more about Pilates.
(01:56):
So AMI AMI mommy, I like to callher, introduced me to Lagree
Pilates through Core 40. And this is the studio where she
now teaches. Yep.
Full circle, just to like clarify, Lagree and Pilates are
different just so yeah. Because like technically Core 40
is just Lagree. So degree is just to like sum it
(02:19):
up. It's low impact and high
resistance. That's why you have a lot of
like runners and stuff doing theclass because it's like heavy
weights. But it's really easy on the
joints cuz you're going super slow.
You're not like bouncing around doing jumping jacks, things like
that cuz running so high impact.But then like classical bodies,
I don't know if people are familiar with.
(02:40):
I don't know if your followers are like SF Bay Area is like for
example that movement Pilates place on Union Street where they
do classical where it's more stretching and not as like it's
still low impact, but it's not high resistance.
So it's more like stretching. It's still a hard workout.
(03:00):
It's just like different intensities I would say.
Yeah, that's good to know. Yeah, just like yeah, because
people are always like Pilates and it's like no, it's not
Pilates. It's similar cuz the machines
are similar, but like we're working on a mega former.
I don't know what the machine of.
I think it's just a reformer. I know it sounds similar, but
yeah, just like yeah, just clarification.
(03:23):
OK, so throughout this episode, should I just call it Lagree?
Yeah. I think Lagree, but see like
people don't know what that is though.
So if you say they'll be like, Oh yeah, like the machine or you
know what I mean? So that's why even it's
confusing because on class pass they don't even have a Lagree
category. So we're technically in the
(03:44):
Pilates category. So when people come to class
they think they're taking Pilates but really no it's
agree, even though I could see why you're confused.
That makes sense, I did not knowthat fun fact.
Well, I so I became an instructor.
So it's yeah, really hard distinction.
Yeah, like I. Understand, I know that Pilates
(04:06):
and Legree, Pilates or Lagree are completely separate.
They have a different distinction.
But I didn't realize that we should just be calling it
Lagree. So that's what I'll do
throughout the rest of this episode.
Yeah. No worries.
So I just wanted to, I was like,I'm not sure if Lena knows that,
so I'm just gonna be there. And I feel like a lot of people
don't know that either. Good to know.
(04:27):
Yeah. Okay, well I wanted to start
before we get into the section specifically with trivia.
I think it would be nice to start with a little warm up hot
take question. Okay.
Yeah, so AMI hot take sticky socks or bare feet in class.
So I actually prefer bare feet, but like hygienic wise, I know
(04:50):
it's like gross, even though we do like wipe the machines down
and like clean them. So like I feel like every like
hygienic allies sticky socks. But like if we're talking like
if that wasn't if it was like myown machine at home, like
totally bare feet cuz I like feeling it with like my toes.
I know it sounds weird but it's just like and I have better grip
so. I'm I'm with you.
(05:11):
I'm I like bare feet. The sticky socks make it
slippery for me actually. Yeah, no, it, it definitely is.
And like. But The thing is that most
studios it's a requirement to have the sticky socks.
Really. Yeah.
If you go to body rock they won't let you on the machine
unless you like buy their socks.Wow a lot of P places in LA are
(05:32):
like that too. But like Core 40 were not like
that, but we've gotten a lot of class pass reviews from people
being upset if they see people barefoot.
So just I recommend like buying like one pair of socks or
something. Just yeah, hygiene.
OK, that's good to know. That's good to know for people
listening. We do wipe down the machines
like yeah, we have. More than one wet wipe like.
(05:54):
Yeah, the one they instructors only give me one.
I'm like, come on, I need two. Yeah, Tommy is a star
instructor. We love it.
Oh my God. OK so we have 3 sections to
cover today. First the origins of Lagree,
second, mega former money and 3rd celeb cults following.
Great sections. Yes, I'm excited.
(06:15):
Are you ready for question one? I'm ready.
I was born ready. Section 1 The Origins of Lagree
Trivia question one The very first Lagree studio opened
behind what kind of establishment A restaurant, B
(06:37):
Nike store, C coffee shop or D yoga studio.
It opened behind one of these establishments.
Was the first studio. Can I ask like a was it in LA?
Yes, it was in LA. Yeah, cuz that's where the HQ
is. I know that behind a Nike store.
Is that your final answer? Yeah, I'm.
(07:00):
Yeah, it was a restaurant. It's OK and interesting.
But do you know about Sebastian?Lagree.
Oh, do I? Yeah, we all have access to his.
He actually follows me on Instagram.
Wait, stop. That's that's amazing.
He's a, he's a, I've never met him in person, but like, yeah,
like we have access to his like on demand, like teaching things.
(07:23):
So like you see, like instructors of Lagree can have
like see all the videos he postsand stuff.
Yeah. And like I follow him on
Instagram and stuff. But yeah, he seems like a cool
dude. He's just busy because he is
travelling around the world, like going visiting studios and
stuff, but and he's also has like so many different machines.
He's coming up with it. That's like the interesting part
(07:44):
too is like if you go to like a Core 40 studio and then a
different Lagree studio, like we'll have probably different
names and moves. And also like each studio has
like their own specific lists ofmovements.
So not necessarily if you're doing like a move out like
another place in LA, like it might not be a Core 40 official
move. Like it depends on the owners of
(08:05):
what they want to do and they can kind of regulate that.
Oh, that's confusing. Like yeah, I would prefer to
have consistent naming nomenclature.
Actually goes by what Sebastian does good, but like we don't but
there's so many moves in like variation and they always like
evolve moves. So it's like some studios don't
evolve and. Yeah, but for the listeners and,
(08:28):
you know, for myself, Sebastian Legree was something completely
new to me. I had no idea who he was.
I didn't even know that this Legree method was named after a
person. I mean, that makes sense, but I
just had no idea. So I'm really glad.
I obviously looked it up and learned a lot of new things for
this episode. So let me give a little mini
(08:49):
deep dive on Sebastian and then I have some specific discussion
questions for you on me, mommy. So Sebastian Legree started
weightlifting at age 13 and later moved from France to Los
Angeles in 1998 and he moved over there to pursue acting.
Along the way, he became a personal trainer and got
(09:11):
certified in Pilates. And he noticed his clients were
getting faster, better results with a unique blend of training
that he was informally developing.
Later, in 2001, he opened his first Legree Fitness studio in
his tiny apartment tucked behindthe popular Ivy restaurant in
LA. So that's the answer to the
question. And then by 2003, he had a
(09:34):
commercial space attracting celebrity clients.
By 2006, he released the Pro Former, the very first piece of
Legree specific equipment obviously skyrocketed, leading
to licensing and eventually the creation of the now iconic Mega
former, which first released in 2010.
Today, Lagree is known as, like AMI said, high intensity, low
(09:56):
impact, full body, muscular endurance training, a method all
its own, completely separate from Pilates.
So AMI, what drew you to Lagree specifically?
Was it like the workout itself? Was it the culture?
The equipment. I'll take it back a notch.
I got really, I wasn't a very like athletic person growing.
I rode horses and I studied abroad like my senior year of
(10:18):
College in Australia and I got really into like F45, which is
like those really high impact, high intensity workouts.
I really liked it. But one thing I noticed was
like, I was like trying to lose a little bit of weight and like
I just like wasn't losing weighteven though I was like doing
everything like, right. So I went to kind of like a
dietitian person or an acupuncturist, I forget.
(10:39):
It was just like a holistic Wellness person.
And we did a bunch of tests and she was like, you're, you don't
do well with high impact workouts cause your cortisol
levels are through the roof evenwhen you're sleeping.
So you're just constantly stressed.
Your body's in fight or flight mode.
It's holding on to fat. And like that's why you can't
lose weight because your body just constantly stressed and
(11:00):
like trying to like hold on to fat for like energy.
Yeah. So that's why I wasn't losing
any weight. And so she was like, you need to
do more like low impact workoutslike walking or like so I was
like, but I really like like working out.
Like I wanna like she was like you can lift weights, but like
not anything crazy. And I'm not really a gym person
because I really want to be. But the problem is if I go to
(11:22):
all diddle daddle for like 3 hours at a time and like, you
know, I don't and I think about counting reps or doing so I just
like, didn't like that. So then I did research and I
found Lagree because I was like,oh, it's great.
It's like it was really blowing up like five years ago when that
one, I forget who that famous person was, that one to the Met.
And they were like that iconic line.
They were like, what do you do? And she's like, oh, I do Lagree.
(11:44):
And everyone was like started like jumping on the bandwagon.
Yeah, I was like, OK, let me do research.
And I saw Core 40 had like 5 studio or like 4 studios at the
time in SFI was like let me try it.
And I just like fell in love. Like the results like it was so
hard the 1st 10 classes like I didn't know the names of things.
Like I would just look at peopleand I was just like really
(12:06):
overwhelmed. But after you get over that
hurdle of like 10 classes, like the results were insane.
I lost like 25 lbs. I got so honed.
Like it was also just like mental.
It was great because it was only40 minutes.
So like I knew I was like getting out, like going in and
out at a specific time. I didn't have to think about the
(12:26):
workout. Like the music was great.
Like I just like really loved it.
And I did it for years. And then like I went through a
breakup last year and like for like a year or two before that,
I was like thinking about becoming an instructor.
But it was one of those things Iwas like, oh, like I'll do it
like whenever the time comes. And then like, I went through my
breakup and I was like, OK, I want a hobby.
(12:49):
So that I was like, you know what, I'm going to bite the
Band-Aid off or whatever, pull the Band-Aid off and do it.
Finally do it. And yeah, yeah.
I got into the bullet. RIP the Band-Aid.
Yeah, bite the bullet. RIP the Band-Aid.
Yeah, I love that. I'm so glad you went for it.
Teaching is is something that's was really fun for me, and I can
(13:10):
see how much joy it brings you to.
Yeah. So what was teacher training
like? What?
What did it entail? How long did it take?
OK, there's two parts to it. So the first part is the
certification part. And the certification is
actually like the easy part. It was just so they had someone
from the Lagree HQ in LA fly down for two weekends.
(13:33):
And so it was all day Saturday and Sunday for two weekends.
And it was literally just like going through each move very
specifically. Wow.
Yeah. And then you were, you were just
room on the machines and like just like practicing the moves.
And that was the first weekend. And then the second weekend was
more like what queuing is like transitions, like musicality,
(13:55):
stuff like that. Like, yeah, it all together type
of thing. And then that was that though.
And then the hard part though islike, I call it the like
mentorship part, which takes like that's kind of at your own
pace. The one thing that was really
nice about Core 40 specifically was they'll hire everyone that
like does their training. It just depends on how quickly
(14:18):
you get there. So like I was pretty quick.
Like it took maybe like 10 weekstotal, which I know doesn't
sound quick. But like if you think about it
for a degree, like you have to kind of be in the studio using
the machine, whereas like when you're learning yoga or
something, like you can do it inyour living room, but like,
right, you have numbers on the machine.
Like you need to practice queuing your transition times,
(14:39):
things like that, practice on the mic, like everything or
like, you know, like things likethat.
So it took like 10 weeks of that.
But what that part was like was we were just sending in videos
in the first part and then you would get feedback from the lead
instructor and. At the Lagree HQ.
No, not at the lead agree littledegree HQ lady was just there
(15:00):
for the certification part. You got your certificate and
also the pricing was different. So like if you knew you wanted
to teach at that, like Core 40 for example, it was cheaper, but
if you just wanted the certification to be able to
teach at any other degree studio, it would be more
expensive. That makes sense because like
obviously Core 40, if you take their training, they want you
(15:20):
like they've invested in you. They want you as the instructor
out there and. I think like if, if I have any
advice for people out there, like you should definitely like
do your certification of where you want to teach.
Because even if you get that certification at core 40 and
you're like, oh, I want to go teach at X core, they might put
you through additional training.Regardless of like even if
(15:43):
you're like a seasoned instructor at another studio,
you still have to get it becauselike I said, the names are
sometimes different between studios, the way they do their
routines. It might not be a 40 minute, it
might be 60 minutes. Or it's just like different
studios have different guidelines.
So there's going to. So I recommend if you know
there's somewhere you want to teach, you should like, like do
(16:03):
it there. And like my one piece of advice
I wish I did before was you should start like working front
desk for any studio you want. So then you could like learn
more about like instructor life and stuff like that.
And like you get the same benefits of free classes and
things like that. So I recommend if you don't know
if you want to do it work front desk.
(16:25):
But anyway, yeah. So then certification was two
weekends. The mentorship part was like 10
weeks. So that included like they would
ask us to like bring a friend tothe studio and record ourselves
like a video recording of like us teaching someone.
And then we would send it to just not the Lagree HQ people,
but like the head trainers that are leading the training at like
(16:47):
Core 40, like just locally. And then they would review it
and either they, they give you feedback and then they would
tell you like, OK, we need another video, like redo it.
Or then you get moved on to the next step, which we called, what
do we call them? Demos.
So a demo would be where that lead instructor would come in
person. You invite 5 or 6 of your
(17:09):
friends. It's just like 5 people.
It's like half a class or something.
And they watch you teach a full class to these five people.
And then if you don't pass that,you basically have to redo that.
But if you do pass, then you do a community class.
And community classes are actually public facing.
So they're on the website, they're free to the public.
(17:30):
So look out if you see a community class that's someone
in training and that's like their first official class.
But mind you, we don't get paid for any of this.
This is all free still. And then if you pass the
community, then you officially come on the schedule and get
paid and sign paperwork. Yeah, if you don't pass, you
just redo it. And what's really nice about 440
(17:51):
is like they will like get you on the schedule as no matter how
many takes it like times it takes.
The one thing that has been annoying that I've been noticing
for some people is like it's just hard scheduling those demos
and communities because it has to work with like the lead
instructor schedule as well and it interfere with other class
times. And the other hard part was like
(18:12):
practicing like Lean, I think you remember, like I could only
do it at like the only times we would be able to use the studio
would be like between like, I don't know, like 1:00 PM and
3:00 PM during the week, which was like, if you haven't been to
five, that's not doable. Or like weekends, like Saturdays
after 2:00 PM? Or like Friday, or like Monday
through Friday like after 8? PM Yeah, I remember the after
(18:35):
8:00 PM invites and I was like, I don't know if I can make it
that late. It was insane.
So that was like the really difficult part was figuring out
those times. But the good news is is like
you're not alone. Like a lot of the girls that at
least are core 40, they all have9 to fives like this isn't their
main source of income. So it's more of a like fun hobby
(18:56):
that everyone's getting too. So you're kind of all in the
same boat. So those girls like, are willing
to come at those times too. Trivia Question 2 How much does
an M3 S mega former machine cost?
I don't really know what that is, but I can guess it's
(19:18):
probably like $15,000.10 to 15,000.
Yeah, That's really, really, really close.
Or expensive. Basically I saw online it's
listed at $18,025 but then the like discounted price was like
12,000. Yeah, I think it's I guess a
certified if you bought the likemethod, maybe it's cheaper.
(19:42):
Yeah, or if you buy them in bulkor something like each one is
cheaper. But basically this is according
to pilatesmatters.com. I don't even know if that's like
which I mean I think it's legit,but I don't I don't know if it's
like backed by like Lagree specifically, but I will link it
below so you guys can Fact Checkme if you want.
(20:04):
Regardless of if that's the exact one, they're freaking
expensive. So M3 S mega former is like the
mega former that we use in in class.
Basically it has a smooth carriage of resistance springs
and like we said, costs a whopping $18,025.00 U.S.
dollars. So basically it's the Ferrari of
(20:26):
fitness machines. And given this price point, it's
no wonder that individual degreeclasses run like 3035, sometimes
$40 a session. I think Core 40 is $35 a
session. And what you're paying for isn't
just the awesome instructors, it's also the highly engineered
machine, the licensing format, which is something that I
(20:46):
learned about and then also likeboutique studio environment that
we all know and love. And then something that might
surprise people is that some studios, including Core 40
instructors, do have to pay for classes when they're not
scheduled to teach. But at least you guys do get a
discount, right? Yeah.
So we, we do get if so basicallylike we also have like like each
(21:08):
class like yes, it's $35 if you're just buying individually,
but we offer discounts if you'rebuying 10 packs or if you want
the unlimited, if you sign a longer contract, it's cheaper
month by month, which a lot of people do.
And so for us, the unlimited, like, OK, I'm just gonna guess,
I don't know, I haven't looked at the prices, but like for a
client it's usually around like 250 a month for the unlimited,
(21:30):
but for instructors it's 99. That's great.
Yeah. Which isn't bad, but for me.
But The thing is, is like if I don't do that, I get.
And so since I don't have to payfor a membership, I get 5 free
classes a month, which isn't bad.
That's good. And we're able to drop into
classes for free. OK if there's space.
(21:51):
Yeah, if there's space. So because basically how it
works is like if, you know, if you cancel within 12 hours, you
get charged a late cancel fee. Yes, but also I don't think,
don't quote me on this, I don't think they move someone off a
wait list within that 12 hour period because obviously like
what if that person like plans change?
So like someone that can't late cancels like that could be an
(22:13):
open spot for someone. Granted, clients get first like
if there's a client that's on the wait list and shows up to
class, like they can take that empty spot.
But let's say a lot of the timesthough, like just an insider
take, I've been able to almost drop into every single class
that I've been to because there's always at least one
machine free, which is nice. So that's great and we don't
(22:34):
have a grace period. So like if class starts at 12,
it starts at 12. I can I get dibs on the machine
even if you show up 12 O1 and you sign up for the class like
instructors on the mic, like like, sorry, like that's our
policy. Like we, that's just how it is.
And a lot of clients get like really upset about that, but
there's like nothing we can do at that point, so.
Yeah, I mean, yeah, it's interesting.
(22:56):
When I was a Bar 3 instructor, all classes for me were free
when I if I took some of the. It's all free.
Yeah, So it's like that's, I feel like it's an interesting
part of like the core 40 instructor experience that not
everyone knows about, but it's really good to know that you
guys get like 5 free classes a month, it's discounted and then
you can, you know, like drop it.I think it also highlights how
(23:17):
degree instructors are constantly training and
investing in their own growth. Like you said, you go to
different studios and you're investing in yourself outside of
your own teaching hours. So and.
We don't get paid for like the routines and playlists we make
every week. Like we have that.
So yeah, appreciate your instructors a little bit more
(23:38):
because they don't. Yeah, like I said, we get paid
like I think core 40P is better than yoga does, but it's still
like a lot of background work that like because personally, I
take a lot of pride in my playlist and my routines.
I don't know if like instructorsfeel the same way, but when I'm
like my transitions are very intentional move to move and I
change it up every week. I want it to be because I get a
(23:59):
lot of the same people every week.
You need to keep it like fun andexciting and yeah, I appreciate.
That I know, I know how much work goes into that.
So what's your process for preparing for classes like?
Especially you mentioned music playlists and routines, How does
that prep go? Well, I'm known specifically for
doing a lot of themes. Yeah.
(24:20):
So this kind of comes into play with, like, pay.
I don't know if you want to get into it, but basically like, so
I teach four classes back-to-back on Mondays.
My God, What's really nice is soI get paid made that whole 4
hour or like 4-4 shower block, which is really nice.
And then but we get a dollar perperson that takes our class
(24:41):
incentive for us instructors to fill our classes.
And one way I do that is I do like theme classes do really
well. So that's why I have a lot of
themes. And also it helps with playlist
making, it makes it easier because if I'm like I want to do
a Pitbull theme, I just play allPitbull music and see it's
actually easier than you think. But yeah, then.
But if I'm doing a generic playlist, we're told to actually
(25:03):
play a lot of EDM in house. Occasionally I'll do rap, but I
personally like EDM house too. So it's not very different for
me. But I usually start with a
slower song and then it just builds throughout the playlist.
And then like at the end is kindof my most upbeat song, you
know, cuz people are tired, motivating.
(25:23):
And then recently Core 40 has been instructing us to set
intentions for class. So I actually do like my first
song is like just like, like instrumental just to like get
people like, you know, in the vibe, like, you know, setting
their intentions and just slowlyeasing them into it.
So that's kind of how I do it for playlists.
And then for routines, I have a Google Sheet that's like
(25:47):
chaotic. I have literally I could.
It's like literally 70 tabs because I've never repeated a
routine which is crazy. That's really impressive.
It's nice because then I can seelike what it's in order of like
what I've done week by week. So I can be like, oh like, yeah,
I haven't done this move in a while.
So I'm going to like put that into the program and then I
(26:09):
color code it because we have a very specific setup for how we
do our routines. So how long does it take you to
like prep for a class though? It could take me like 30 minutes
to program it just because I have all my old like routines
and also I've been doing it for a while, I know how long how
many minutes each thing should be.
I remember when you were training like you, you mentioned
(26:29):
that they you have to have like a timer, You have to have a
little stopwatch thing and like you have to have that or you can
have it on your watch, but like either way, you have to have
something to keep track. When I was an instructor at bar
three, I memorized all my all myroutines because like at bar 3,
you, the instructor does everything with you.
Like you, you are taking the class with everyone else.
(26:52):
So you don't, so you don't have time to like look at a piece of
paper. But I basically memorized it
like with the music and that themusic really helped keep me on
cue. But Speaking of music, does
anyone ever come up to you afterclass saying like, can you share
that playlist? That was amazing.
Yeah, I mean, I've had a few of those.
A lot of my actually, the ones that people love the most are my
(27:14):
throwbacks with A twist that arelike the eating, like, yes, that
one I've gotten a lot of comments on.
But yeah, it doesn't happen thatoften.
I mean, because I get like kind of the same people every week.
So they just like they know I'm gonna play good muse.
They never. Yeah, but I've been getting,
I've been noticing a lot more saves on my playlist.
So I'm like, are people just like my name's pretty unique.
(27:35):
So I'm like I wonder if they just like look for my playlist
and they find it and are secretly saving it.
They probably are. Yeah, but I've gotten like
pretty good feedback. It's fun.
I have a funny story though, like one of the instructor
because I read class pass reviews even though I know it's
probably not good for my mental health because I'm brutal on
there. Yeah, but there was like one
(27:56):
class pass or I guess was sayingthat one of the instructors, I
don't know who is like playing Disney songs the entire class.
Oh, and they didn't like that. Oh my God, they hated it and
like, it was bad. But I, I don't know.
I, I don't know what happened, but I'm like, OK, we don't play
Disney music, so it's very cool.If you're gonna play Disney
(28:18):
music, you need to, like, advertise it.
This is a Disney themed class. Yeah, you.
Should expect. Theme Disney music.
But I don't think people want tobe listening.
It's like, kind of like if I wasto play country music, like no
one's gonna really want to work out to country.
Music. It's interesting that they let
you guys pick whatever you want because when I was at bar 3,
like there isn't there is a listof approved songs, songs like a
(28:41):
like a Spotify playlist, like approved songs you can use and
you you couldn't like stray fromthat basically.
Oh no, we're allowed to pick anything, which is nice.
It's just we're not allowed to use like profanity or like
controversial people, you know, like PD or like things like
that. Yeah, they're not as strict
about they do just like, want usto play like EDM and house.
(29:02):
I have done rap ones, but I've like made it themed and people
actually loved my Drake themed class.
So I might, like, do more of those.
I haven't done one of those in awhile.
So this this section was about, you know, mega formers.
So I had to ask, have you ever had to troubleshoot a mega
former like mid class? Was there any like sort of fire
(29:22):
that you have to put out? Like metaphorically, obviously
with a mega former? Honestly, like the biggest thing
that happens, listen up people don't take your springs off when
the machine is opened, OK? Make sure you see all the
springs before you change them 'cause I think the biggest thing
is when like people are in a move like especially off the
back, they're like, oh, this is heavy.
(29:43):
They take a yellow off, but it takes the spring completely off,
which isn't the worst thing. And that's so easy to fix.
And like usually we don't have to fix it during class because
there's enough yellows for them to use for the rest of the
class. So I just fixed that in between
classes. But like nothing.
Nothing bad where someone like wasn't able to like do the class
(30:04):
which is nice. I feel like it's mostly
intuitive, but yeah, they alwaysmake sure to remind us.
Like do not take the springs offwhile they're being used fully
go what is it to the back and then front to the front.
Sorry to the front. And then it's not being like
pulled on tension and then you can take it off.
(30:26):
Really easy to get, like a whiplash.
Is just make sure you see all the springs before you change
it. That's why I explain it to new
people and they're like, OK, usually people don't do it.
It's actually funny. It's not even the new people
that like forgot to do. It's like the people that have
been coming every week and I'm like, you know this, OK.
They're like trying to show off.Yeah, I know our brain isn't
(30:46):
working. I know we're disassociating.
It's OK on that. Yeah.
It's not the end of the world when the spring comes off.
That's so easy. OK, so question 3 is a little
bit different. It's not multiple choice, It's
not true or false. It's basically just name as many
(31:08):
as you can. And I don't think you can get
this wrong because like obviously there are probably
some celebrities who do agree that we don't know about, but I
just picked like the most influential people, I guess.
OK, so question three AMI, name as many celebrities as you can
that have shared their experience with Lagree.
(31:28):
I wish I remember that Lady at the Met that I was telling you
about earlier. I remember.
Is it with an L Lorraine or I don't know something Li?
Don't have someone with an L on here, but maybe.
No worries. I don't know people that do.
Lagree, Miley Cyrus. I'm just gonna guess.
(31:52):
Maybe, I don't think. Who I've seen like Love Island
cast members do solidly, Yeah. So I'm gonna say maybe like the
season 6 USA Love Island, like Kendall Kenny and like Rob from
Love Island of last year the US.But that was like one class.
(32:12):
You're talking about people thatconsistently do it, huh?
Yeah, it's OK. If you can't think of it, I I
can name a few. Natalie corporate Natalie, I was
telling you that's like a bear. She's like does all those funny
corporate like TikTok memes? Yeah, she's so funny.
Yeah, she's really funny. House Chris is another like
local Bay Area influencer that like does OK, but I don't know
(32:34):
if those were like celebrity. I don't know, Kardashians.
Yes, OK, good job. Finally, Kim Kardashian.
She does. Yeah, she does, along with.
My class if you're listening, Ohmy God, Rally Monday nights.
She probably has her own machineat home.
(32:56):
You fly me over, Kim, I'll give you a private should.
You play the best music for you,I.
Won't play Kanye. For you, yeah, I don't play
Kanye. So we also have Gwyneth Paltrow,
Meghan Markle, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Aniston, Vanessa
Hudgens and even Michelle Obama.Oh, all Queens.
(33:19):
Yes, all of the above, probably more.
I'll link the article that I gotthis from, but obviously Lagree
has become the go to workout forcelebs, especially since it
started in LA. That makes sense.
And you know these people are busy.
They want a good workout in under an hour and Lagree usually
is under an hour. Meghan Markle reportedly did
(33:41):
Lagree in LA before becoming royalty.
Obviously Kim K and Sofia Vergara swear are Vergara.
Yeah, I'm saying that right. Swear by the mega former for
glutes and core. And like I said, even Michelle
Obama has given Lagree a shout out.
And so with so many influential names behind it, Lagree has gone
from cult favorite to mainstreamfitness.
(34:04):
But the irony is that, you know,it's still relatively like
underground compared to yoga or traditional Pilates, and
sometimes even gets mixed up with the traditional Pilates.
Like we said, I just, I think the boutique mystery of it all
is kind of part of the appeal. Every Lagree studio I've seen is
kind of hidden upstairs or you have to go through a long
(34:25):
hallway to get to it. So it still has it sort of
special newness to it. Yeah, but yeah.
Even the machines are all look slightly different like if you
even like our Marina studio likeyou've seen it Lena, remember
how they changed like the foot pads or like they have those
like K bars like we still have the C&T bars at the other
(34:45):
studios and like I. Like the C&T, like Butter has.
Different, like solid core, theyhave different.
So it's just like it's like theyall have their own personality.
It's all not going to be the same.
Like, I remember I went to the studio, Lagree Studio in LA and
they were calling different likemoves like after hand or like
sushi rolls. And I was like, what are we
doing? Like this is a kneeling crunch.
(35:07):
OK, This is not a dragon king roll.
Like crunch. Like what are you what?
What the fuck? Yeah, it's crazy.
So I'm that's. So weird.
I was like, OK. I'm not trying to do a workout
move that's named after food because that's going to make me
hungry and I don't want to thinkabout that when I'm working out.
(35:27):
So I don't know, but it's just like, it's interesting when you
start going to different like studios, you notice like you're
not going to get the same thing everywhere.
And I just recommend finding a studio that like works best for
you. Finding the instructors, the
machines, the vibe, the community.
So. Yeah.
So you've really built a community.
You have regular people who takeyour class.
(35:49):
You have friends who are also instructors.
Can you tell us a story of like when one of your clients have
seen you out quote UN quote in the wild?
Yeah, it's actually funny because like a lot of my
regulars at Hayes, because I've been teaching there for like 6
months now, it's like all the same people, like we know each
other's names, they follow me onInstagram, we hang out outside
(36:11):
of like the studio. So it's just like, I love the
community especially, well, that's just like me with my like
friends. Like there's some instructors I
don't know are as friendly or not.
I don't know what the vibe is, but at least for me, it's been
like very community oriented, which I love.
There was this one time, this isa funny story.
I've actually like never really run into clients out in public,
(36:34):
but there was this one time, it was during the Union Street Fair
that happened earlier this year.I was at bus stop on Union
Street and I was like in the bathroom with a friend and this
girl comes out of the bathroom stall because I think she was
hearing my voice. And she was like, you're my
degree instructor or like, she'sa Pilates instructor.
And I was like, and I didn't recognize her.
(36:56):
And I was like, oh, you've takenmy like core 40 class.
She's like, yes. Weren't you the one that did
that Valentine's Day theme class?
She was like, look, I'm wearing the claw clip right now because
I gave claw clips as a guilty bag.
And I was like, oh, yeah. And like, I like trans.
I don't work at the Marina studio anymore.
I just solely work at Hayes. And she was like, oh, like, I
miss your classes, like blah, blah, blah.
(37:17):
Like I want to follow you on Instagram.
Let's be friends. And I was like, Oh my God, yes.
So it's just like funny because I was like all the other girls
in the bathroom were just so confused, like who is this girl?
And I was like. I'm a celeb.
No, I. Love that star moment.
And for people who are not familiar with SF, the bus stop
(37:40):
is a bar. It's not actually a bus stop.
Yeah. Oh yeah, I should have.
Yeah. It's a ball.
No. It's OK.
Yeah. So now that you're on the other
side of the room leading insteadof taking the class, has your
relationship with Lagree changedit all?
Like, you know how people say ifyou work in an ice cream shop
long enough, you eventually can't even stand the sight of
(38:03):
ice cream? Does that ever happen with
degree for you? Or does teaching actually deepen
your love for it? It has definitely changed for
me. Like I definitely don't do as
many classes as I used to do. Yeah.
And I'm kind of a snob about it.And I love the instructors.
I take their classes, but I'm like, sometimes I'm like, why
(38:23):
are we doing this? Like this transition?
Like I I don't enjoy the workoutas much anymore because I'm like
why are we doing this transition?
We should be doing this transition instead or I'm.
Like you know that if you were teaching the class, you could do
it better. Yeah, like not in a snobby way
or like sometimes I'm like, wow,that was a really good class.
Like I still enjoy the classes. It's just like usually when I
used to be taking degree classes, like there was no
(38:45):
thoughts here. I was just like thinking about
the movement, my form and stuff.And like, now that I know it
all, I'm like in teacher mode. Like, oh, like actually I like
this transition. I'm going to keep that in my
head for next class or like, yeah, I'm not fully like present
in like my workout, which soundsterrible.
Like I'm still getting a good workout.
It's just like a different brainswitch.
(39:06):
I I. Relate to that a lot because
like when I was a Bar 3 instructor, I took other
people's classes and sometimes Iwould find a move or a
transition or a song or a sequence that I thought was
brilliant. And I was like, OK, I need that
in my class. And then the rest of the class,
I was just trying to remember itrather than just focusing on,
you know, like mind, body, connection and being in the
(39:27):
moment. And then?
Also the other way I would totally judge other instructors
and be like why did you do that?This was terrible.
Yeah, or like. So I guess like they're.
Talking too quietly in the mic or like I hate when instructors
have no variation in their voiceand they're just on its own.
I'm like like what's the point? Like do you even enjoy doing
(39:49):
this? I'm so sorry but like, you
should not be a character. Like you sound miserable.
Like why would anyone wanna takethis class?
Yeah, you should help with auditions for Core 40 because I
feel like. I have actually told him I was
like I would love, like I know I'm not I'm not even at my ear
mark, but I told him I was like,I would love to like help be
like an assistant or something, Because I do think one of the
(40:12):
thing, like I do think we do a good job like training people
and they get to that point, but we need to have personality in
there. OK, like, Yep, we don't like I
one of the things, like a lot ofthe class pass things we get is
like it sounded like she was reading off a script or like we
can't hear her or like everyone sounds the same.
And I'm like, that's not I don'tknow.
(40:33):
I, I would love an instructor that has more personality and
knows less about like what they're doing than vice versa.
Like do I think I know everything about Lagree?
No, but like do I have some spunk in personality?
Yes, like that's. Why?
I'm sure. Classes is not because I'm
necessarily like the hardest or like, you know, do the coolest,
(40:55):
like transitions or know the most about the muscles.
Like, yeah, take it till you make it.
Just have a personality, be a people person.
Ask them about their days like, you know, be like, you know, you
just got to have a personality and like, yeah, if you're just
in it for the money and just foryeah, just the money and just,
you know, a hobby, then you should not be doing this.
(41:18):
Like you need to like people arepaying for these classes.
That's the other thing too that I take to heart is like, I would
be upset if I was taking a classand someone was not like giving
it their like 120%. Like the way I make sure I have
my sleep. I'm like rested.
I even do vocal exercises in thecar before going to class.
Like it's like, it's like literally like a performance.
(41:40):
Like I like I'm, yeah, my TaylorSwift because she's like, you
know, performing especially for like yoga, like I'm doing the
whole routine. I'm, I have no mic in there.
I'm like yelling and like, you know, you just got to like be on
point and that's what's going tomake the class better.
And that's how you're going to fill spots.
(42:00):
Yeah, but totally. Anyway, sorry that part because
I'm just like I've taken a lot of classes lately that I'm just
like it's just not hitting like I want to take my own class and
experience it. I know, I know what you meant.
I wanted. Oh, I felt like that.
I want to just take my own classbecause I know that I bring my
110%. I have a bomb ass playlist.
(42:23):
I really thought through these sequences.
Everything is well thought out and executed well.
So I get that. And my biggest pet peeve with
any class, any sort of class is just like when the music is
either too soft or too loud, it has to be like just right.
And I don't know, it's always hard for me to like decide after
(42:45):
class if if, if a teacher like wasn't great or if something
there was something about the class I didn't really like.
It's always hard for me to be, you know, go up and tell them
because I would rather just, if as an instructor, I would rather
someone tell me to my face than like leave an anonymous review
on a class pass or something like that.
So it's hard, but. Like a lot of people won't read
the reviews so we won't know unless you like check every week
(43:08):
like me like a psycho so. What gives you that sense of
purpose when you teach, especially on the tough days?
The people I just honestly, it'snot about the music, the
routine, whatever. It's truly for me what gives me
adrenaline, even if I'm like don't want to teach that day and
(43:29):
I'm like not feeling it once I'min the room with the mic on, I
just get this like adrenaline rush and like I just get like
even like after I teach like I'min the car with the highest high
because of like the people that like come up to you, like are
coming every week, like specifically for my class and
(43:50):
they're telling me like, you're the only person that I like I
take your class or like if I miss a Monday, they'll be like,
we didn't come because you weren't there.
Or just like the community it builds or just like it's just
like nothing I've ever experienced before.
And especially when I was like going through my breakup in such
a low, like I didn't have much of A community in SF and now I
have so many people that like, love and care for me and like I
(44:14):
care for them. It's just like the most amazing
thing. And I highly recommend if you're
in a new area or you're like in your 20s or even 30s, like
become an instructor. Like that's the best way to meet
people and make new friends. And it truly is the people in
the community that like inspire me.
Like that keeps me going becausetrust me, there's days where I'm
like, I wanna quit. Like it's just so overwhelming
(44:35):
with life, but it truly is. And that's why I got my second
certification of Hot 8 because Ijust love that community as
well. Yeah.
Also just like be nice to your instructors.
And also like you were saying, like give them constructive
feedback. Sometimes when you just leave a
class pass review of like one star with no comment, like how
are we supposed to get better? Or like I had someone leave me a
(44:56):
room, room being like, oh, like great energy, but the arms were
meh. It's like, how were the arms
met? Like, like what?
What did you not like about them?
What was not working? Was it too light?
Like was it bothering something?Like, you know what I mean?
So just like we're humans, we make mistakes, but like know
that we're not doing again. Like I said, we don't get paid
(45:17):
that well. So, like, it's about the people,
at least for me. So, yeah, yeah.
I love that. Yeah.
I feel like the instructors, like good instructors, really
put in the time and energy to get to know their clientele and,
like, even become friends with them and build a sense of
community. And that's the reason why people
return back to the classes. And the personality.
(45:40):
And you know what? Even if you have a personality,
not everyone's going to like you.
Trust me, I probably have haterstoo.
Well, like. Who has haters like has 10 times
more people that like they're the haters are like the 1% and
then there's like 99%. Yeah, of the.
Following like love you basically.
Yeah. And it's like, yeah, you're not
(46:01):
gonna like some people may be like a more soft spoken person,
like great. We have people like.
You just need to find that person that, like, resonates
with you. And unfortunately, I'm not the
quiet talker in class. Like, I'm gonna maybe
occasionally accidentally swear or like, mess up or like, I
don't know, talk a little bit louder into the mic to really
motivate you or, you know. I loved, I think, I think this
(46:25):
was you. I liked when we were doing like,
I think it was like a the mermaid move and you were like,
now bring your arm overhead and wave demurely like a mermaid.
And at the time, Demure was likea trendy TikTok I love.
That when I do squats, sometimesI'm like, pretend you're at a
music festival, squatting over aport, a potty where there's no
(46:47):
toilet paper left. And everyone was like I was like
but you get the image. Right, like that can relate.
Yes, I know what that looks likelike.
Out of pocket like that so but people love it.
Some people hate, like, I don't know, sometimes the Karens, they
don't like my vibe and I'm like,totally fair.
I don't want Karens in my class anyway.
(47:09):
Yeah, everyone's a critic. Also want to take.
I actually like it when guys come to the great classes.
You know how like people say like this is for the girls only?
No, I think it's so cool that you're doing like.
Yeah, I think it's cool too. Out of your comfort zone and
like. It was invented by a man.
Yeah, like, don't be like, let'sall be inviting to men.
(47:30):
Like I don't even have like, I get the whole grunting thing.
Like, yeah, maybe like, calm down.
But like, it's a safe space for you.
Like, I don't know. That's my other hobby.
Oh my. God, everyone should be allowed
to go. But yeah, I'm a grunter.
I try not to. It's just so hard sometimes.
I have to like, I'm like, you know, like, oh, it's so hard.
But I like, I don't think peoplecan hear me but.
(47:52):
Well, I make like really intensefacial expressions 'cause I
shake a lot when I take like green glasses and I'm like and
like, and then everyone looking at me and I'm like, how are you
guys not dying? Are you not going slow enough?
Obviously you're not going slow enough.
Finding those slow twitch musclefibers like I am over here.
Oh my God. Let's go a little bit slower,
Susie, OK? Is there anything that you would
(48:21):
like to promote on the podcast? I teach Mondays at Hayes Valley.
If you guys want to try my Core 40 classes, sorry, I'm going to
plug 4:40 PM, 5/30 PM, 6:20 PM and 7:10 PM on Class pass.
Or you can buy directly via Core40.
Look for my name. It's going to be AMI Milani on
there, not AMI Mommy. Unfortunately, that's AMI
(48:44):
Palani. But yeah, that's if you, yeah,
you want to come take my class or fun, maybe Lena will be there
and we can all take class struggle.
Yeah, thank you for listening tothe show.
This is Trivia Tangents, where we cover various trivia topics.
We have new episodes released every Thursday, which I like to
call Trivia Thursday. I'm Lena.
(49:05):
And special thanks to our guest AMI for sharing her awesome
insights and trivia tangents about Lagree with us.
Thanks for listening and learning.
(49:25):
If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five star
rating or thumbs up. Follow or subscribe and share
with a friend for bonus content.You can find trivia tangents on
TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and of course all podcast platforms
under Trivia Tangents Podcast. Check out our website at
triviatangentspodcast.com to purchase trivia starter packs
based on these episodes, perfectfor hosting your very own trivia
(49:46):
night.
Welcome to Trivia Tangents. The podcast will return Everyday
passions into surprising trivia deep dives.
I'm your host, Lena, and each week I quiz a friend on
something they know way too muchabout, turning Everyday Passions
into trivia gold. We all know that on trivia
night, the bigger the team, the better you'll play.
That's why I bring the team together here on Trivia
Tangents. So get ready for some fun facts
(00:30):
you'll definitely want for your next trivia night.
In this episode I interview AMI.She's best known for being a
kick ass instructor at Core 40 with themed classes like
Pitbull, EDM, and House. Core 40 is a Lagree fitness
studio and AMI explains the difference between Lagree and
traditional Pilates. It was so interesting for me to
learn more about AMI's journey into Lagree overall, and I think
(00:51):
many other people will relate tothe need for low impact workouts
due to high cortisol levels. I know I do.
I loved talking with AMI about how she preps for her classes
and it brought me back to my teaching days at Bar 3 where it
taught two to three classes a week and put my heart and soul
into making fire playlists. I had a lot of fun quizzing on
me on where Lagree started, how much Megaformer machines cost,
(01:12):
and which celebs. Do Lagree enjoy the episode?
Hi, AMI, welcome to the podcast.Excited to be here, Honor.
I'm so excited to have you on the podcast today.
I feel like it's been a long time coming.
(01:32):
I know I was jealous. I saw Hannah and I was like, oh,
it's my turn now. Yes, yes, I feel like I I'm so
lucky. I have so many friends that have
such interesting hobbies and like every single one of my
friends is like a super talentedin one specific thing.
So I have a plethora of people to have on the on the podcast
and I'm really excited today to talk to you more about Pilates.
(01:56):
So AMI AMI mommy, I like to callher, introduced me to Lagree
Pilates through Core 40. And this is the studio where she
now teaches. Yep.
Full circle, just to like clarify, Lagree and Pilates are
different just so yeah. Because like technically Core 40
is just Lagree. So degree is just to like sum it
(02:19):
up. It's low impact and high
resistance. That's why you have a lot of
like runners and stuff doing theclass because it's like heavy
weights. But it's really easy on the
joints cuz you're going super slow.
You're not like bouncing around doing jumping jacks, things like
that cuz running so high impact.But then like classical bodies,
I don't know if people are familiar with.
(02:40):
I don't know if your followers are like SF Bay Area is like for
example that movement Pilates place on Union Street where they
do classical where it's more stretching and not as like it's
still low impact, but it's not high resistance.
So it's more like stretching. It's still a hard workout.
(03:00):
It's just like different intensities I would say.
Yeah, that's good to know. Yeah, just like yeah, because
people are always like Pilates and it's like no, it's not
Pilates. It's similar cuz the machines
are similar, but like we're working on a mega former.
I don't know what the machine of.
I think it's just a reformer. I know it sounds similar, but
yeah, just like yeah, just clarification.
(03:23):
OK, so throughout this episode, should I just call it Lagree?
Yeah. I think Lagree, but see like
people don't know what that is though.
So if you say they'll be like, Oh yeah, like the machine or you
know what I mean? So that's why even it's
confusing because on class pass they don't even have a Lagree
category. So we're technically in the
(03:44):
Pilates category. So when people come to class
they think they're taking Pilates but really no it's
agree, even though I could see why you're confused.
That makes sense, I did not knowthat fun fact.
Well, I so I became an instructor.
So it's yeah, really hard distinction.
Yeah, like I. Understand, I know that Pilates
(04:06):
and Legree, Pilates or Lagree are completely separate.
They have a different distinction.
But I didn't realize that we should just be calling it
Lagree. So that's what I'll do
throughout the rest of this episode.
Yeah. No worries.
So I just wanted to, I was like,I'm not sure if Lena knows that,
so I'm just gonna be there. And I feel like a lot of people
don't know that either. Good to know.
(04:27):
Yeah. Okay, well I wanted to start
before we get into the section specifically with trivia.
I think it would be nice to start with a little warm up hot
take question. Okay.
Yeah, so AMI hot take sticky socks or bare feet in class.
So I actually prefer bare feet, but like hygienic wise, I know
(04:50):
it's like gross, even though we do like wipe the machines down
and like clean them. So like I feel like every like
hygienic allies sticky socks. But like if we're talking like
if that wasn't if it was like myown machine at home, like
totally bare feet cuz I like feeling it with like my toes.
I know it sounds weird but it's just like and I have better grip
so. I'm I'm with you.
(05:11):
I'm I like bare feet. The sticky socks make it
slippery for me actually. Yeah, no, it, it definitely is.
And like. But The thing is that most
studios it's a requirement to have the sticky socks.
Really. Yeah.
If you go to body rock they won't let you on the machine
unless you like buy their socks.Wow a lot of P places in LA are
(05:32):
like that too. But like Core 40 were not like
that, but we've gotten a lot of class pass reviews from people
being upset if they see people barefoot.
So just I recommend like buying like one pair of socks or
something. Just yeah, hygiene.
OK, that's good to know. That's good to know for people
listening. We do wipe down the machines
like yeah, we have. More than one wet wipe like.
(05:54):
Yeah, the one they instructors only give me one.
I'm like, come on, I need two. Yeah, Tommy is a star
instructor. We love it.
Oh my God. OK so we have 3 sections to
cover today. First the origins of Lagree,
second, mega former money and 3rd celeb cults following.
Great sections. Yes, I'm excited.
(06:15):
Are you ready for question one? I'm ready.
I was born ready. Section 1 The Origins of Lagree
Trivia question one The very first Lagree studio opened
behind what kind of establishment A restaurant, B
(06:37):
Nike store, C coffee shop or D yoga studio.
It opened behind one of these establishments.
Was the first studio. Can I ask like a was it in LA?
Yes, it was in LA. Yeah, cuz that's where the HQ
is. I know that behind a Nike store.
Is that your final answer? Yeah, I'm.
(07:00):
Yeah, it was a restaurant. It's OK and interesting.
But do you know about Sebastian?Lagree.
Oh, do I? Yeah, we all have access to his.
He actually follows me on Instagram.
Wait, stop. That's that's amazing.
He's a, he's a, I've never met him in person, but like, yeah,
like we have access to his like on demand, like teaching things.
(07:23):
So like you see, like instructors of Lagree can have
like see all the videos he postsand stuff.
Yeah. And like I follow him on
Instagram and stuff. But yeah, he seems like a cool
dude. He's just busy because he is
travelling around the world, like going visiting studios and
stuff, but and he's also has like so many different machines.
He's coming up with it. That's like the interesting part
(07:44):
too is like if you go to like a Core 40 studio and then a
different Lagree studio, like we'll have probably different
names and moves. And also like each studio has
like their own specific lists ofmovements.
So not necessarily if you're doing like a move out like
another place in LA, like it might not be a Core 40 official
move. Like it depends on the owners of
(08:05):
what they want to do and they can kind of regulate that.
Oh, that's confusing. Like yeah, I would prefer to
have consistent naming nomenclature.
Actually goes by what Sebastian does good, but like we don't but
there's so many moves in like variation and they always like
evolve moves. So it's like some studios don't
evolve and. Yeah, but for the listeners and,
(08:28):
you know, for myself, Sebastian Legree was something completely
new to me. I had no idea who he was.
I didn't even know that this Legree method was named after a
person. I mean, that makes sense, but I
just had no idea. So I'm really glad.
I obviously looked it up and learned a lot of new things for
this episode. So let me give a little mini
(08:49):
deep dive on Sebastian and then I have some specific discussion
questions for you on me, mommy. So Sebastian Legree started
weightlifting at age 13 and later moved from France to Los
Angeles in 1998 and he moved over there to pursue acting.
Along the way, he became a personal trainer and got
(09:11):
certified in Pilates. And he noticed his clients were
getting faster, better results with a unique blend of training
that he was informally developing.
Later, in 2001, he opened his first Legree Fitness studio in
his tiny apartment tucked behindthe popular Ivy restaurant in
LA. So that's the answer to the
question. And then by 2003, he had a
(09:34):
commercial space attracting celebrity clients.
By 2006, he released the Pro Former, the very first piece of
Legree specific equipment obviously skyrocketed, leading
to licensing and eventually the creation of the now iconic Mega
former, which first released in 2010.
Today, Lagree is known as, like AMI said, high intensity, low
(09:56):
impact, full body, muscular endurance training, a method all
its own, completely separate from Pilates.
So AMI, what drew you to Lagree specifically?
Was it like the workout itself? Was it the culture?
The equipment. I'll take it back a notch.
I got really, I wasn't a very like athletic person growing.
I rode horses and I studied abroad like my senior year of
(10:18):
College in Australia and I got really into like F45, which is
like those really high impact, high intensity workouts.
I really liked it. But one thing I noticed was
like, I was like trying to lose a little bit of weight and like
I just like wasn't losing weighteven though I was like doing
everything like, right. So I went to kind of like a
dietitian person or an acupuncturist, I forget.
(10:39):
It was just like a holistic Wellness person.
And we did a bunch of tests and she was like, you're, you don't
do well with high impact workouts cause your cortisol
levels are through the roof evenwhen you're sleeping.
So you're just constantly stressed.
Your body's in fight or flight mode.
It's holding on to fat. And like that's why you can't
lose weight because your body just constantly stressed and
(11:00):
like trying to like hold on to fat for like energy.
Yeah. So that's why I wasn't losing
any weight. And so she was like, you need to
do more like low impact workoutslike walking or like so I was
like, but I really like like working out.
Like I wanna like she was like you can lift weights, but like
not anything crazy. And I'm not really a gym person
because I really want to be. But the problem is if I go to
(11:22):
all diddle daddle for like 3 hours at a time and like, you
know, I don't and I think about counting reps or doing so I just
like, didn't like that. So then I did research and I
found Lagree because I was like,oh, it's great.
It's like it was really blowing up like five years ago when that
one, I forget who that famous person was, that one to the Met.
And they were like that iconic line.
They were like, what do you do? And she's like, oh, I do Lagree.
(11:44):
And everyone was like started like jumping on the bandwagon.
Yeah, I was like, OK, let me do research.
And I saw Core 40 had like 5 studio or like 4 studios at the
time in SFI was like let me try it.
And I just like fell in love. Like the results like it was so
hard the 1st 10 classes like I didn't know the names of things.
Like I would just look at peopleand I was just like really
(12:06):
overwhelmed. But after you get over that
hurdle of like 10 classes, like the results were insane.
I lost like 25 lbs. I got so honed.
Like it was also just like mental.
It was great because it was only40 minutes.
So like I knew I was like getting out, like going in and
out at a specific time. I didn't have to think about the
(12:26):
workout. Like the music was great.
Like I just like really loved it.
And I did it for years. And then like I went through a
breakup last year and like for like a year or two before that,
I was like thinking about becoming an instructor.
But it was one of those things Iwas like, oh, like I'll do it
like whenever the time comes. And then like, I went through my
breakup and I was like, OK, I want a hobby.
(12:49):
So that I was like, you know what, I'm going to bite the
Band-Aid off or whatever, pull the Band-Aid off and do it.
Finally do it. And yeah, yeah.
I got into the bullet. RIP the Band-Aid.
Yeah, bite the bullet. RIP the Band-Aid.
Yeah, I love that. I'm so glad you went for it.
Teaching is is something that's was really fun for me, and I can
(13:10):
see how much joy it brings you to.
Yeah. So what was teacher training
like? What?
What did it entail? How long did it take?
OK, there's two parts to it. So the first part is the
certification part. And the certification is
actually like the easy part. It was just so they had someone
from the Lagree HQ in LA fly down for two weekends.
(13:33):
And so it was all day Saturday and Sunday for two weekends.
And it was literally just like going through each move very
specifically. Wow.
Yeah. And then you were, you were just
room on the machines and like just like practicing the moves.
And that was the first weekend. And then the second weekend was
more like what queuing is like transitions, like musicality,
(13:55):
stuff like that. Like, yeah, it all together type
of thing. And then that was that though.
And then the hard part though islike, I call it the like
mentorship part, which takes like that's kind of at your own
pace. The one thing that was really
nice about Core 40 specifically was they'll hire everyone that
like does their training. It just depends on how quickly
(14:18):
you get there. So like I was pretty quick.
Like it took maybe like 10 weekstotal, which I know doesn't
sound quick. But like if you think about it
for a degree, like you have to kind of be in the studio using
the machine, whereas like when you're learning yoga or
something, like you can do it inyour living room, but like,
right, you have numbers on the machine.
Like you need to practice queuing your transition times,
(14:39):
things like that, practice on the mic, like everything or
like, you know, like things likethat.
So it took like 10 weeks of that.
But what that part was like was we were just sending in videos
in the first part and then you would get feedback from the lead
instructor and. At the Lagree HQ.
No, not at the lead agree littledegree HQ lady was just there
(15:00):
for the certification part. You got your certificate and
also the pricing was different. So like if you knew you wanted
to teach at that, like Core 40 for example, it was cheaper, but
if you just wanted the certification to be able to
teach at any other degree studio, it would be more
expensive. That makes sense because like
obviously Core 40, if you take their training, they want you
(15:20):
like they've invested in you. They want you as the instructor
out there and. I think like if, if I have any
advice for people out there, like you should definitely like
do your certification of where you want to teach.
Because even if you get that certification at core 40 and
you're like, oh, I want to go teach at X core, they might put
you through additional training.Regardless of like even if
(15:43):
you're like a seasoned instructor at another studio,
you still have to get it becauselike I said, the names are
sometimes different between studios, the way they do their
routines. It might not be a 40 minute, it
might be 60 minutes. Or it's just like different
studios have different guidelines.
So there's going to. So I recommend if you know
there's somewhere you want to teach, you should like, like do
(16:03):
it there. And like my one piece of advice
I wish I did before was you should start like working front
desk for any studio you want. So then you could like learn
more about like instructor life and stuff like that.
And like you get the same benefits of free classes and
things like that. So I recommend if you don't know
if you want to do it work front desk.
(16:25):
But anyway, yeah. So then certification was two
weekends. The mentorship part was like 10
weeks. So that included like they would
ask us to like bring a friend tothe studio and record ourselves
like a video recording of like us teaching someone.
And then we would send it to just not the Lagree HQ people,
but like the head trainers that are leading the training at like
(16:47):
Core 40, like just locally. And then they would review it
and either they, they give you feedback and then they would
tell you like, OK, we need another video, like redo it.
Or then you get moved on to the next step, which we called, what
do we call them? Demos.
So a demo would be where that lead instructor would come in
person. You invite 5 or 6 of your
(17:09):
friends. It's just like 5 people.
It's like half a class or something.
And they watch you teach a full class to these five people.
And then if you don't pass that,you basically have to redo that.
But if you do pass, then you do a community class.
And community classes are actually public facing.
So they're on the website, they're free to the public.
(17:30):
So look out if you see a community class that's someone
in training and that's like their first official class.
But mind you, we don't get paid for any of this.
This is all free still. And then if you pass the
community, then you officially come on the schedule and get
paid and sign paperwork. Yeah, if you don't pass, you
just redo it. And what's really nice about 440
(17:51):
is like they will like get you on the schedule as no matter how
many takes it like times it takes.
The one thing that has been annoying that I've been noticing
for some people is like it's just hard scheduling those demos
and communities because it has to work with like the lead
instructor schedule as well and it interfere with other class
times. And the other hard part was like
(18:12):
practicing like Lean, I think you remember, like I could only
do it at like the only times we would be able to use the studio
would be like between like, I don't know, like 1:00 PM and
3:00 PM during the week, which was like, if you haven't been to
five, that's not doable. Or like weekends, like Saturdays
after 2:00 PM? Or like Friday, or like Monday
through Friday like after 8? PM Yeah, I remember the after
(18:35):
8:00 PM invites and I was like, I don't know if I can make it
that late. It was insane.
So that was like the really difficult part was figuring out
those times. But the good news is is like
you're not alone. Like a lot of the girls that at
least are core 40, they all have9 to fives like this isn't their
main source of income. So it's more of a like fun hobby
(18:56):
that everyone's getting too. So you're kind of all in the
same boat. So those girls like, are willing
to come at those times too. Trivia Question 2 How much does
an M3 S mega former machine cost?
I don't really know what that is, but I can guess it's
(19:18):
probably like $15,000.10 to 15,000.
Yeah, That's really, really, really close.
Or expensive. Basically I saw online it's
listed at $18,025 but then the like discounted price was like
12,000. Yeah, I think it's I guess a
certified if you bought the likemethod, maybe it's cheaper.
(19:42):
Yeah, or if you buy them in bulkor something like each one is
cheaper. But basically this is according
to pilatesmatters.com. I don't even know if that's like
which I mean I think it's legit,but I don't I don't know if it's
like backed by like Lagree specifically, but I will link it
below so you guys can Fact Checkme if you want.
(20:04):
Regardless of if that's the exact one, they're freaking
expensive. So M3 S mega former is like the
mega former that we use in in class.
Basically it has a smooth carriage of resistance springs
and like we said, costs a whopping $18,025.00 U.S.
dollars. So basically it's the Ferrari of
(20:26):
fitness machines. And given this price point, it's
no wonder that individual degreeclasses run like 3035, sometimes
$40 a session. I think Core 40 is $35 a
session. And what you're paying for isn't
just the awesome instructors, it's also the highly engineered
machine, the licensing format, which is something that I
(20:46):
learned about and then also likeboutique studio environment that
we all know and love. And then something that might
surprise people is that some studios, including Core 40
instructors, do have to pay for classes when they're not
scheduled to teach. But at least you guys do get a
discount, right? Yeah.
So we, we do get if so basicallylike we also have like like each
(21:08):
class like yes, it's $35 if you're just buying individually,
but we offer discounts if you'rebuying 10 packs or if you want
the unlimited, if you sign a longer contract, it's cheaper
month by month, which a lot of people do.
And so for us, the unlimited, like, OK, I'm just gonna guess,
I don't know, I haven't looked at the prices, but like for a
client it's usually around like 250 a month for the unlimited,
(21:30):
but for instructors it's 99. That's great.
Yeah. Which isn't bad, but for me.
But The thing is, is like if I don't do that, I get.
And so since I don't have to payfor a membership, I get 5 free
classes a month, which isn't bad.
That's good. And we're able to drop into
classes for free. OK if there's space.
(21:51):
Yeah, if there's space. So because basically how it
works is like if, you know, if you cancel within 12 hours, you
get charged a late cancel fee. Yes, but also I don't think,
don't quote me on this, I don't think they move someone off a
wait list within that 12 hour period because obviously like
what if that person like plans change?
So like someone that can't late cancels like that could be an
(22:13):
open spot for someone. Granted, clients get first like
if there's a client that's on the wait list and shows up to
class, like they can take that empty spot.
But let's say a lot of the timesthough, like just an insider
take, I've been able to almost drop into every single class
that I've been to because there's always at least one
machine free, which is nice. So that's great and we don't
(22:34):
have a grace period. So like if class starts at 12,
it starts at 12. I can I get dibs on the machine
even if you show up 12 O1 and you sign up for the class like
instructors on the mic, like like, sorry, like that's our
policy. Like we, that's just how it is.
And a lot of clients get like really upset about that, but
there's like nothing we can do at that point, so.
Yeah, I mean, yeah, it's interesting.
(22:56):
When I was a Bar 3 instructor, all classes for me were free
when I if I took some of the. It's all free.
Yeah, So it's like that's, I feel like it's an interesting
part of like the core 40 instructor experience that not
everyone knows about, but it's really good to know that you
guys get like 5 free classes a month, it's discounted and then
you can, you know, like drop it.I think it also highlights how
(23:17):
degree instructors are constantly training and
investing in their own growth. Like you said, you go to
different studios and you're investing in yourself outside of
your own teaching hours. So and.
We don't get paid for like the routines and playlists we make
every week. Like we have that.
So yeah, appreciate your instructors a little bit more
(23:38):
because they don't. Yeah, like I said, we get paid
like I think core 40P is better than yoga does, but it's still
like a lot of background work that like because personally, I
take a lot of pride in my playlist and my routines.
I don't know if like instructorsfeel the same way, but when I'm
like my transitions are very intentional move to move and I
change it up every week. I want it to be because I get a
(23:59):
lot of the same people every week.
You need to keep it like fun andexciting and yeah, I appreciate.
That I know, I know how much work goes into that.
So what's your process for preparing for classes like?
Especially you mentioned music playlists and routines, How does
that prep go? Well, I'm known specifically for
doing a lot of themes. Yeah.
(24:20):
So this kind of comes into play with, like, pay.
I don't know if you want to get into it, but basically like, so
I teach four classes back-to-back on Mondays.
My God, What's really nice is soI get paid made that whole 4
hour or like 4-4 shower block, which is really nice.
And then but we get a dollar perperson that takes our class
(24:41):
incentive for us instructors to fill our classes.
And one way I do that is I do like theme classes do really
well. So that's why I have a lot of
themes. And also it helps with playlist
making, it makes it easier because if I'm like I want to do
a Pitbull theme, I just play allPitbull music and see it's
actually easier than you think. But yeah, then.
But if I'm doing a generic playlist, we're told to actually
(25:03):
play a lot of EDM in house. Occasionally I'll do rap, but I
personally like EDM house too. So it's not very different for
me. But I usually start with a
slower song and then it just builds throughout the playlist.
And then like at the end is kindof my most upbeat song, you
know, cuz people are tired, motivating.
(25:23):
And then recently Core 40 has been instructing us to set
intentions for class. So I actually do like my first
song is like just like, like instrumental just to like get
people like, you know, in the vibe, like, you know, setting
their intentions and just slowlyeasing them into it.
So that's kind of how I do it for playlists.
And then for routines, I have a Google Sheet that's like
(25:47):
chaotic. I have literally I could.
It's like literally 70 tabs because I've never repeated a
routine which is crazy. That's really impressive.
It's nice because then I can seelike what it's in order of like
what I've done week by week. So I can be like, oh like, yeah,
I haven't done this move in a while.
So I'm going to like put that into the program and then I
(26:09):
color code it because we have a very specific setup for how we
do our routines. So how long does it take you to
like prep for a class though? It could take me like 30 minutes
to program it just because I have all my old like routines
and also I've been doing it for a while, I know how long how
many minutes each thing should be.
I remember when you were training like you, you mentioned
(26:29):
that they you have to have like a timer, You have to have a
little stopwatch thing and like you have to have that or you can
have it on your watch, but like either way, you have to have
something to keep track. When I was an instructor at bar
three, I memorized all my all myroutines because like at bar 3,
you, the instructor does everything with you.
Like you, you are taking the class with everyone else.
(26:52):
So you don't, so you don't have time to like look at a piece of
paper. But I basically memorized it
like with the music and that themusic really helped keep me on
cue. But Speaking of music, does
anyone ever come up to you afterclass saying like, can you share
that playlist? That was amazing.
Yeah, I mean, I've had a few of those.
A lot of my actually, the ones that people love the most are my
(27:14):
throwbacks with A twist that arelike the eating, like, yes, that
one I've gotten a lot of comments on.
But yeah, it doesn't happen thatoften.
I mean, because I get like kind of the same people every week.
So they just like they know I'm gonna play good muse.
They never. Yeah, but I've been getting,
I've been noticing a lot more saves on my playlist.
So I'm like, are people just like my name's pretty unique.
(27:35):
So I'm like I wonder if they just like look for my playlist
and they find it and are secretly saving it.
They probably are. Yeah, but I've gotten like
pretty good feedback. It's fun.
I have a funny story though, like one of the instructor
because I read class pass reviews even though I know it's
probably not good for my mental health because I'm brutal on
there. Yeah, but there was like one
(27:56):
class pass or I guess was sayingthat one of the instructors, I
don't know who is like playing Disney songs the entire class.
Oh, and they didn't like that. Oh my God, they hated it and
like, it was bad. But I, I don't know.
I, I don't know what happened, but I'm like, OK, we don't play
Disney music, so it's very cool.If you're gonna play Disney
(28:18):
music, you need to, like, advertise it.
This is a Disney themed class. Yeah, you.
Should expect. Theme Disney music.
But I don't think people want tobe listening.
It's like, kind of like if I wasto play country music, like no
one's gonna really want to work out to country.
Music. It's interesting that they let
you guys pick whatever you want because when I was at bar 3,
like there isn't there is a listof approved songs, songs like a
(28:41):
like a Spotify playlist, like approved songs you can use and
you you couldn't like stray fromthat basically.
Oh no, we're allowed to pick anything, which is nice.
It's just we're not allowed to use like profanity or like
controversial people, you know, like PD or like things like
that. Yeah, they're not as strict
about they do just like, want usto play like EDM and house.
(29:02):
I have done rap ones, but I've like made it themed and people
actually loved my Drake themed class.
So I might, like, do more of those.
I haven't done one of those in awhile.
So this this section was about, you know, mega formers.
So I had to ask, have you ever had to troubleshoot a mega
former like mid class? Was there any like sort of fire
(29:22):
that you have to put out? Like metaphorically, obviously
with a mega former? Honestly, like the biggest thing
that happens, listen up people don't take your springs off when
the machine is opened, OK? Make sure you see all the
springs before you change them 'cause I think the biggest thing
is when like people are in a move like especially off the
back, they're like, oh, this is heavy.
(29:43):
They take a yellow off, but it takes the spring completely off,
which isn't the worst thing. And that's so easy to fix.
And like usually we don't have to fix it during class because
there's enough yellows for them to use for the rest of the
class. So I just fixed that in between
classes. But like nothing.
Nothing bad where someone like wasn't able to like do the class
(30:04):
which is nice. I feel like it's mostly
intuitive, but yeah, they alwaysmake sure to remind us.
Like do not take the springs offwhile they're being used fully
go what is it to the back and then front to the front.
Sorry to the front. And then it's not being like
pulled on tension and then you can take it off.
(30:26):
Really easy to get, like a whiplash.
Is just make sure you see all the springs before you change
it. That's why I explain it to new
people and they're like, OK, usually people don't do it.
It's actually funny. It's not even the new people
that like forgot to do. It's like the people that have
been coming every week and I'm like, you know this, OK.
They're like trying to show off.Yeah, I know our brain isn't
(30:46):
working. I know we're disassociating.
It's OK on that. Yeah.
It's not the end of the world when the spring comes off.
That's so easy. OK, so question 3 is a little
bit different. It's not multiple choice, It's
not true or false. It's basically just name as many
(31:08):
as you can. And I don't think you can get
this wrong because like obviously there are probably
some celebrities who do agree that we don't know about, but I
just picked like the most influential people, I guess.
OK, so question three AMI, name as many celebrities as you can
that have shared their experience with Lagree.
(31:28):
I wish I remember that Lady at the Met that I was telling you
about earlier. I remember.
Is it with an L Lorraine or I don't know something Li?
Don't have someone with an L on here, but maybe.
No worries. I don't know people that do.
Lagree, Miley Cyrus. I'm just gonna guess.
(31:52):
Maybe, I don't think. Who I've seen like Love Island
cast members do solidly, Yeah. So I'm gonna say maybe like the
season 6 USA Love Island, like Kendall Kenny and like Rob from
Love Island of last year the US.But that was like one class.
(32:12):
You're talking about people thatconsistently do it, huh?
Yeah, it's OK. If you can't think of it, I I
can name a few. Natalie corporate Natalie, I was
telling you that's like a bear. She's like does all those funny
corporate like TikTok memes? Yeah, she's so funny.
Yeah, she's really funny. House Chris is another like
local Bay Area influencer that like does OK, but I don't know
(32:34):
if those were like celebrity. I don't know, Kardashians.
Yes, OK, good job. Finally, Kim Kardashian.
She does. Yeah, she does, along with.
My class if you're listening, Ohmy God, Rally Monday nights.
She probably has her own machineat home.
(32:56):
You fly me over, Kim, I'll give you a private should.
You play the best music for you,I.
Won't play Kanye. For you, yeah, I don't play
Kanye. So we also have Gwyneth Paltrow,
Meghan Markle, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Aniston, Vanessa
Hudgens and even Michelle Obama.Oh, all Queens.
(33:19):
Yes, all of the above, probably more.
I'll link the article that I gotthis from, but obviously Lagree
has become the go to workout forcelebs, especially since it
started in LA. That makes sense.
And you know these people are busy.
They want a good workout in under an hour and Lagree usually
is under an hour. Meghan Markle reportedly did
(33:41):
Lagree in LA before becoming royalty.
Obviously Kim K and Sofia Vergara swear are Vergara.
Yeah, I'm saying that right. Swear by the mega former for
glutes and core. And like I said, even Michelle
Obama has given Lagree a shout out.
And so with so many influential names behind it, Lagree has gone
from cult favorite to mainstreamfitness.
(34:04):
But the irony is that, you know,it's still relatively like
underground compared to yoga or traditional Pilates, and
sometimes even gets mixed up with the traditional Pilates.
Like we said, I just, I think the boutique mystery of it all
is kind of part of the appeal. Every Lagree studio I've seen is
kind of hidden upstairs or you have to go through a long
(34:25):
hallway to get to it. So it still has it sort of
special newness to it. Yeah, but yeah.
Even the machines are all look slightly different like if you
even like our Marina studio likeyou've seen it Lena, remember
how they changed like the foot pads or like they have those
like K bars like we still have the C&T bars at the other
(34:45):
studios and like I. Like the C&T, like Butter has.
Different, like solid core, theyhave different.
So it's just like it's like theyall have their own personality.
It's all not going to be the same.
Like, I remember I went to the studio, Lagree Studio in LA and
they were calling different likemoves like after hand or like
sushi rolls. And I was like, what are we
doing? Like this is a kneeling crunch.
(35:07):
OK, This is not a dragon king roll.
Like crunch. Like what are you what?
What the fuck? Yeah, it's crazy.
So I'm that's. So weird.
I was like, OK. I'm not trying to do a workout
move that's named after food because that's going to make me
hungry and I don't want to thinkabout that when I'm working out.
(35:27):
So I don't know, but it's just like, it's interesting when you
start going to different like studios, you notice like you're
not going to get the same thing everywhere.
And I just recommend finding a studio that like works best for
you. Finding the instructors, the
machines, the vibe, the community.
So. Yeah.
So you've really built a community.
You have regular people who takeyour class.
(35:49):
You have friends who are also instructors.
Can you tell us a story of like when one of your clients have
seen you out quote UN quote in the wild?
Yeah, it's actually funny because like a lot of my
regulars at Hayes, because I've been teaching there for like 6
months now, it's like all the same people, like we know each
other's names, they follow me onInstagram, we hang out outside
(36:11):
of like the studio. So it's just like, I love the
community especially, well, that's just like me with my like
friends. Like there's some instructors I
don't know are as friendly or not.
I don't know what the vibe is, but at least for me, it's been
like very community oriented, which I love.
There was this one time, this isa funny story.
I've actually like never really run into clients out in public,
(36:34):
but there was this one time, it was during the Union Street Fair
that happened earlier this year.I was at bus stop on Union
Street and I was like in the bathroom with a friend and this
girl comes out of the bathroom stall because I think she was
hearing my voice. And she was like, you're my
degree instructor or like, she'sa Pilates instructor.
And I was like, and I didn't recognize her.
(36:56):
And I was like, oh, you've takenmy like core 40 class.
She's like, yes. Weren't you the one that did
that Valentine's Day theme class?
She was like, look, I'm wearing the claw clip right now because
I gave claw clips as a guilty bag.
And I was like, oh, yeah. And like, I like trans.
I don't work at the Marina studio anymore.
I just solely work at Hayes. And she was like, oh, like, I
miss your classes, like blah, blah, blah.
(37:17):
Like I want to follow you on Instagram.
Let's be friends. And I was like, Oh my God, yes.
So it's just like funny because I was like all the other girls
in the bathroom were just so confused, like who is this girl?
And I was like. I'm a celeb.
No, I. Love that star moment.
And for people who are not familiar with SF, the bus stop
(37:40):
is a bar. It's not actually a bus stop.
Yeah. Oh yeah, I should have.
Yeah. It's a ball.
No. It's OK.
Yeah. So now that you're on the other
side of the room leading insteadof taking the class, has your
relationship with Lagree changedit all?
Like, you know how people say ifyou work in an ice cream shop
long enough, you eventually can't even stand the sight of
(38:03):
ice cream? Does that ever happen with
degree for you? Or does teaching actually deepen
your love for it? It has definitely changed for
me. Like I definitely don't do as
many classes as I used to do. Yeah.
And I'm kind of a snob about it.And I love the instructors.
I take their classes, but I'm like, sometimes I'm like, why
(38:23):
are we doing this? Like this transition?
Like I I don't enjoy the workoutas much anymore because I'm like
why are we doing this transition?
We should be doing this transition instead or I'm.
Like you know that if you were teaching the class, you could do
it better. Yeah, like not in a snobby way
or like sometimes I'm like, wow,that was a really good class.
Like I still enjoy the classes. It's just like usually when I
used to be taking degree classes, like there was no
(38:45):
thoughts here. I was just like thinking about
the movement, my form and stuff.And like, now that I know it
all, I'm like in teacher mode. Like, oh, like actually I like
this transition. I'm going to keep that in my
head for next class or like, yeah, I'm not fully like present
in like my workout, which soundsterrible.
Like I'm still getting a good workout.
It's just like a different brainswitch.
(39:06):
I I. Relate to that a lot because
like when I was a Bar 3 instructor, I took other
people's classes and sometimes Iwould find a move or a
transition or a song or a sequence that I thought was
brilliant. And I was like, OK, I need that
in my class. And then the rest of the class,
I was just trying to remember itrather than just focusing on,
you know, like mind, body, connection and being in the
(39:27):
moment. And then?
Also the other way I would totally judge other instructors
and be like why did you do that?This was terrible.
Yeah, or like. So I guess like they're.
Talking too quietly in the mic or like I hate when instructors
have no variation in their voiceand they're just on its own.
I'm like like what's the point? Like do you even enjoy doing
(39:49):
this? I'm so sorry but like, you
should not be a character. Like you sound miserable.
Like why would anyone wanna takethis class?
Yeah, you should help with auditions for Core 40 because I
feel like. I have actually told him I was
like I would love, like I know I'm not I'm not even at my ear
mark, but I told him I was like,I would love to like help be
like an assistant or something, Because I do think one of the
(40:12):
thing, like I do think we do a good job like training people
and they get to that point, but we need to have personality in
there. OK, like, Yep, we don't like I
one of the things, like a lot ofthe class pass things we get is
like it sounded like she was reading off a script or like we
can't hear her or like everyone sounds the same.
And I'm like, that's not I don'tknow.
(40:33):
I, I would love an instructor that has more personality and
knows less about like what they're doing than vice versa.
Like do I think I know everything about Lagree?
No, but like do I have some spunk in personality?
Yes, like that's. Why?
I'm sure. Classes is not because I'm
necessarily like the hardest or like, you know, do the coolest,
(40:55):
like transitions or know the most about the muscles.
Like, yeah, take it till you make it.
Just have a personality, be a people person.
Ask them about their days like, you know, be like, you know, you
just got to have a personality and like, yeah, if you're just
in it for the money and just foryeah, just the money and just,
you know, a hobby, then you should not be doing this.
(41:18):
Like you need to like people arepaying for these classes.
That's the other thing too that I take to heart is like, I would
be upset if I was taking a classand someone was not like giving
it their like 120%. Like the way I make sure I have
my sleep. I'm like rested.
I even do vocal exercises in thecar before going to class.
Like it's like, it's like literally like a performance.
(41:40):
Like I like I'm, yeah, my TaylorSwift because she's like, you
know, performing especially for like yoga, like I'm doing the
whole routine. I'm, I have no mic in there.
I'm like yelling and like, you know, you just got to like be on
point and that's what's going tomake the class better.
And that's how you're going to fill spots.
(42:00):
Yeah, but totally. Anyway, sorry that part because
I'm just like I've taken a lot of classes lately that I'm just
like it's just not hitting like I want to take my own class and
experience it. I know, I know what you meant.
I wanted. Oh, I felt like that.
I want to just take my own classbecause I know that I bring my
110%. I have a bomb ass playlist.
(42:23):
I really thought through these sequences.
Everything is well thought out and executed well.
So I get that. And my biggest pet peeve with
any class, any sort of class is just like when the music is
either too soft or too loud, it has to be like just right.
And I don't know, it's always hard for me to like decide after
(42:45):
class if if, if a teacher like wasn't great or if something
there was something about the class I didn't really like.
It's always hard for me to be, you know, go up and tell them
because I would rather just, if as an instructor, I would rather
someone tell me to my face than like leave an anonymous review
on a class pass or something like that.
So it's hard, but. Like a lot of people won't read
the reviews so we won't know unless you like check every week
(43:08):
like me like a psycho so. What gives you that sense of
purpose when you teach, especially on the tough days?
The people I just honestly, it'snot about the music, the
routine, whatever. It's truly for me what gives me
adrenaline, even if I'm like don't want to teach that day and
(43:29):
I'm like not feeling it once I'min the room with the mic on, I
just get this like adrenaline rush and like I just get like
even like after I teach like I'min the car with the highest high
because of like the people that like come up to you, like are
coming every week, like specifically for my class and
(43:50):
they're telling me like, you're the only person that I like I
take your class or like if I miss a Monday, they'll be like,
we didn't come because you weren't there.
Or just like the community it builds or just like it's just
like nothing I've ever experienced before.
And especially when I was like going through my breakup in such
a low, like I didn't have much of A community in SF and now I
have so many people that like, love and care for me and like I
(44:14):
care for them. It's just like the most amazing
thing. And I highly recommend if you're
in a new area or you're like in your 20s or even 30s, like
become an instructor. Like that's the best way to meet
people and make new friends. And it truly is the people in
the community that like inspire me.
Like that keeps me going becausetrust me, there's days where I'm
like, I wanna quit. Like it's just so overwhelming
(44:35):
with life, but it truly is. And that's why I got my second
certification of Hot 8 because Ijust love that community as
well. Yeah.
Also just like be nice to your instructors.
And also like you were saying, like give them constructive
feedback. Sometimes when you just leave a
class pass review of like one star with no comment, like how
are we supposed to get better? Or like I had someone leave me a
(44:56):
room, room being like, oh, like great energy, but the arms were
meh. It's like, how were the arms
met? Like, like what?
What did you not like about them?
What was not working? Was it too light?
Like was it bothering something?Like, you know what I mean?
So just like we're humans, we make mistakes, but like know
that we're not doing again. Like I said, we don't get paid
(45:17):
that well. So, like, it's about the people,
at least for me. So, yeah, yeah.
I love that. Yeah.
I feel like the instructors, like good instructors, really
put in the time and energy to get to know their clientele and,
like, even become friends with them and build a sense of
community. And that's the reason why people
return back to the classes. And the personality.
(45:40):
And you know what? Even if you have a personality,
not everyone's going to like you.
Trust me, I probably have haterstoo.
Well, like. Who has haters like has 10 times
more people that like they're the haters are like the 1% and
then there's like 99%. Yeah, of the.
Following like love you basically.
Yeah. And it's like, yeah, you're not
(46:01):
gonna like some people may be like a more soft spoken person,
like great. We have people like.
You just need to find that person that, like, resonates
with you. And unfortunately, I'm not the
quiet talker in class. Like, I'm gonna maybe
occasionally accidentally swear or like, mess up or like, I
don't know, talk a little bit louder into the mic to really
motivate you or, you know. I loved, I think, I think this
(46:25):
was you. I liked when we were doing like,
I think it was like a the mermaid move and you were like,
now bring your arm overhead and wave demurely like a mermaid.
And at the time, Demure was likea trendy TikTok I love.
That when I do squats, sometimesI'm like, pretend you're at a
music festival, squatting over aport, a potty where there's no
(46:47):
toilet paper left. And everyone was like I was like
but you get the image. Right, like that can relate.
Yes, I know what that looks likelike.
Out of pocket like that so but people love it.
Some people hate, like, I don't know, sometimes the Karens, they
don't like my vibe and I'm like,totally fair.
I don't want Karens in my class anyway.
(47:09):
Yeah, everyone's a critic. Also want to take.
I actually like it when guys come to the great classes.
You know how like people say like this is for the girls only?
No, I think it's so cool that you're doing like.
Yeah, I think it's cool too. Out of your comfort zone and
like. It was invented by a man.
Yeah, like, don't be like, let'sall be inviting to men.
(47:30):
Like I don't even have like, I get the whole grunting thing.
Like, yeah, maybe like, calm down.
But like, it's a safe space for you.
Like, I don't know. That's my other hobby.
Oh my. God, everyone should be allowed
to go. But yeah, I'm a grunter.
I try not to. It's just so hard sometimes.
I have to like, I'm like, you know, like, oh, it's so hard.
But I like, I don't think peoplecan hear me but.
(47:52):
Well, I make like really intensefacial expressions 'cause I
shake a lot when I take like green glasses and I'm like and
like, and then everyone looking at me and I'm like, how are you
guys not dying? Are you not going slow enough?
Obviously you're not going slow enough.
Finding those slow twitch musclefibers like I am over here.
Oh my God. Let's go a little bit slower,
Susie, OK? Is there anything that you would
(48:21):
like to promote on the podcast? I teach Mondays at Hayes Valley.
If you guys want to try my Core 40 classes, sorry, I'm going to
plug 4:40 PM, 5/30 PM, 6:20 PM and 7:10 PM on Class pass.
Or you can buy directly via Core40.
Look for my name. It's going to be AMI Milani on
there, not AMI Mommy. Unfortunately, that's AMI
(48:44):
Palani. But yeah, that's if you, yeah,
you want to come take my class or fun, maybe Lena will be there
and we can all take class struggle.
Yeah, thank you for listening tothe show.
This is Trivia Tangents, where we cover various trivia topics.
We have new episodes released every Thursday, which I like to
call Trivia Thursday. I'm Lena.
(49:05):
And special thanks to our guest AMI for sharing her awesome
insights and trivia tangents about Lagree with us.
Thanks for listening and learning.
(49:25):
If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five star
rating or thumbs up. Follow or subscribe and share
with a friend for bonus content.You can find trivia tangents on
TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and of course all podcast platforms
under Trivia Tangents Podcast. Check out our website at
triviatangentspodcast.com to purchase trivia starter packs
based on these episodes, perfectfor hosting your very own trivia
(49:46):
night.
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