We had the good fortune of connecting with Christa Chase and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been a workout fanatic. Playing soccer, running cross country, and doing Pilates. I was an interior designer for the past 15 years, and realized when I had my two boys, I needed more flexibility in my life. Lagree was my favorite workout, so I was on a mission to design the best Lagree studios in Colorado! The workout changed my physique and stress levels. I knew I could inspire others to feel strong and healthy, no matter what their size, gender, or age was!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Lagree is a high intensity, but low impact workout.  Our workout combines strength,  cardio, balance, core, and flexibility not only in each session, but in every single move! Using the Lagree method allows you to workout smarter, not longer, for fast results!  We pride ourselves on our community and having everyone feel welcomed as they enter the door. A new workout routine is challenging, so we try to make it as fun as possible with amazing instructors, studios, and machines!
 
What are you most proud of with your business?
We were able to actually grow during COVID and purchase a competitor’s two studios. We now have three studios! Not many people would say COVID helped them grow, but we figured it out. I am one of those people that obsesses over the details. I spent about six months dedicating time to research exactly what I wanted in a studio. I met with Lagree Studio owners from California, New York, & Texas. I also called about ten other studio owners to chat through what worked for them and what didn’t. There was lots of mixed information, but I was able to decide what I wanted out of a studio. I knew I wanted everyone to feel comfortable entering my studios. A 20 year old or a 70 year old should get the same attention. Some studios were really feminine and pilates oriented. Pilates is a completely different workout and I wanted to differentiate between the two. If you want to get your heart-rate up and get a high intensity workout, then Lagree is the way to go! Lagree is a workout that can help at any age. It is great for men and women, and can make a world of difference in pregnancy or injury. I owe all the owners that took the time to meet and chat with me a huge thank you! As a small boutique gym, we all have to help each other to survive in this world! The biggest lessoned learned was the ramp up. I did all the research in the world and missed how hard it is to get the word out and actually start making that first dollar! I opened the doors, had the perfect product and team, and then would have classes with one person for months. You have to be prepared to have zero income for a while.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends visit, I always take them to Cherry Creek. You can have it all within a 15 minute walk. Whole Foods, Rise Nation, Soul Cycle, Clean Juice, and of course our Lagree studio. After a workout and some green juice, then I would take them to a restaurant and bar in the neighborhood. My favorites are True food, Little Ollies and Local Jones. If you don’t like one spot, you just hop down the street to the next!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sister would be first. She introduced me to the Lagree Method ten years ago. I was gym junky and didn’t believe you could get a decent workout in under an hour. The class was 40 minutes, and I thought I would just go to the gym later. Within the first five minutes, the workout was better than I had ever had. It was different and concentrated on small slow twitch muscle movements. I had never had my core work like that – I was sore for a week! My sister changed my life that day I finally did a class with her! I would also like to thank my husband! Since the day I met him, he has challenged me to think outside the box and push the limits. I was comfortable with my previous job, but knew I could do something bigger and better for myself. Starting a business is not easy, there is a lot of uncertainty and risk in every decision. Every move feels like it could make or break you when you start the process. It is uncomfortable to say the least! It was having a rock that listened to me when things were not going the direction I wanted, a person to inspire me to think differently, and the continued encouragement that made Lagree Luxe thrive these past two years. It also helps that he is a finance wiz and helped me with that aspect. I of course want to also thank Sebastien Lagree for creating the Lagree Method. Without these three people, I would probably still be at an architecture desk for ten hours a day!

Website: www.lagreeluxe.com

Instagram: lagreeluxe

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/35699244/admin/

Twitter: lagreeluxe

Facebook: lagreeluxestudio

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lagree-luxe-denver?osq=lagree+luxe

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX0G44vaSEU

Other: Mindbody – Lagree Luxe Cherry Creek, Lagree Luxe Central Park, and Lagree Luxe Golden Triangle REMOVE Mindbody  – starting March 3rd, we will be using Mariana Tek. They can find us in the App Store under “Lagree Luxe”

Image Credits
Lisa Haefner, Lindsey Jasso

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.