I Stopped Waiting and Started Moving: My Lagree Journey with Studio 45

If you have been scrolling through Instagram lately and noticed Pilates and Lagree content taking over your feed, you are not alone. For months, I kept seeing these incredible workout videos, strong, focused women moving with intention on what looked like a supercharged reformer machine, and I was completely intrigued. I wanted in. But there was one problem: I had no one to go with.

The Solo Decision That Changed Everything

I kept waiting for a friend, a coworker, someone...anyone to want to try it with me. But weeks turned into months, and the opportunity never came together. That is when I had a bit of a personal reckoning: I could either keep waiting, or I could just go. I chose to go. And honestly? That decision changed everything.

There is something powerful about deciding to do things for yourself, on your own timeline, without waiting for permission or a plus-one. If you have been putting off a fitness class, a solo trip, a new hobby, or anything else because you do not have someone to join you, this is your sign. Go anyway. You might just surprise yourself.

What is Lagree?

Before I dive into my experience, let me give you a quick overview for those who are unfamiliar. Lagree is a high-intensity, low-impact workout method created by Sebastien Lagree. It is often compared to Pilates because both use a reformer-style machine, but Lagree takes things to a whole new level. The method focuses on slow, controlled movements that challenge your muscles to the point of complete fatigue, all while keeping the impact on your joints low. Think strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and cardio all rolled into one 45-minute session. It is as effective as it is efficient.

How I Found Studio 45: My Research Process

Once I made up my mind to go solo, I did what any good researcher does: I dove deep. I looked into several Pilates and Lagree studios in the Portland and Washington area, reading reviews, checking out websites, scrolling through social media pages, and comparing intro offers. Some studios had glowing, consistent reviews that made me excited. Others had mixed or questionable feedback that gave me pause. I wanted more than just a good workout. I wanted to feel welcome, especially walking in by myself for the first time.

After all my research, one studio kept standing out: Studio 45.

Studio 45 is a women-owned Lagree fitness studio with multiple locations across Portland and Washington. From the moment I started reading about them, something felt different, and that feeling carried over into my very first class. This studio has been built with a genuine spirit of inclusivity and empowerment. Walking in, I was not greeted with the intimidating, hyper-competitive energy you sometimes find at fitness studios. I was greeted with warmth.

I signed up for their 2-week introductory special, thinking it would be a fun little experiment. I had no idea it would turn into a full-on lifestyle change. That two-week trial turned into weeks, then months, and I have now taken over 120 classes. Yes, you read that right, 125 classes to be exact.

My Experience at Studio 45

An Exceptional Instructor Team That Truly Cares

Let me tell you what has kept me going back again and again. First, it is the team. The instructors and staff at Studio 45 are genuinely incredible. They are knowledgeable, encouraging, and attentive, whether you are in your first class or your hundredth. They remember you, they push you just the right amount, and they celebrate your progress alongside you.

Dynamic, Ever-Changing Classes That Keep You Engaged

Second, the classes themselves are fantastic. Each 45-minute session flies by, and no two classes are exactly the same. The routines rotate and target different muscle groups, so your body is constantly being challenged in new ways. Some days you will feel your core working overtime; others it is all about legs or upper body. But one thing is always consistent: you will leave feeling like you gave it everything you had, and you will feel amazing for it.

A Welcoming Community for Every Fitness Level

Third, the environment is just right. Studio 45 is welcoming to everyone — all fitness levels, all body types, all ages. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned athlete, you will find your place here. And as a women-owned business, there is a unique sense of community and empowerment woven into everything they do.

Real Results: What Lagree Has Done for My Body

I would be doing this post a disservice if I did not talk about what Lagree has actually done for my body because the results have been genuinely impressive. Over 120 classes in, my muscles are starting to be more defined. I am stronger, more toned, and more fit. My posture has improved, my core is stronger, and I feel more confident in my body every single day. The method works.

Why Staying Active Matters More Than Ever

I want to take a moment to talk about something that does not get enough attention: the importance of staying active, especially as we get older. Our bodies naturally lose muscle mass, bone density, and flexibility with age. But here is the thing: movement can slow all of that down significantly. Exercise is not just about looking good. It is about feeling good, staying independent, protecting your joints, boosting your mood, and showing up fully in your life for as long as possible.

For women, especially, strength training is a game-changer. As we age, maintaining and building muscle becomes critical for metabolism, hormonal health, bone strength, and overall vitality. Yet strength training is often overlooked or even avoided, often because it feels intimidating or unfamiliar. That is exactly why a method like Lagree is so powerful. It delivers serious strength work in a low-impact, approachable format. You are building real muscle without the fear of injury that can come from heavier weightlifting.

We need to move our bodies. It is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is a necessity. And the best part? It does not have to feel like a chore. When you find the right workout and the right community, it becomes something you actually look forward to.

My Challenge to You: Find Your Movement 

Here is my challenge to you: find your thing. It does not have to be Lagree. It might be hiking, swimming, dancing, cycling, yoga, kickboxing, or something you have never even tried before. The activity itself matters less than the act of moving, consistently and joyfully. Try new things. Be willing to feel a little uncomfortable at first. Take the risk.

And please, do not wait for someone to do it with you. Walk in solo. Introduce yourself. Be a beginner. There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing up for yourself, by yourself. In fact, there is something incredibly freeing about it.

If you are in the Portland or Washington area and have been curious about Lagree, I cannot recommend Studio 45 enough. The classes are fun, fast-paced, and genuinely effective. The team is exceptional. The community is welcoming. And the results speak for themselves. Whether you are brand new to fitness or looking to switch things up, give them a chance, just like I did.

Over 120 classes in, I have zero regrets. I love the classes, I love the team, I love the way it makes me feel. I stopped waiting for the perfect moment and the perfect companion, and I found something that has genuinely changed my life. You deserve to find that, too. Now go move your body. You will thank yourself for it.