Becca

What inspired you to kickstart your fitness journey? Fitness has always been a pretty big part of my life! I started dancing at 2, trained pretty intensely my entire adolescence, and eventually went on to have a professional career here in LA.  I was really fortunate to be introduced to methods such as traditional Pilates and yoga in high school.  Implementing these activities alongside my dance training had an almost immediate effect on the way I felt mentally and performed physically - so it stuck!

How have you noticed yourself evolving since you started? I began practicing the Lagree method on and off around 2018, and found Studio (MDR) in 2021 during what I would call a “transitional” period in my life. It was at that point that I really dove into the training and experienced its effects. Physically - the body is giving! Muscles have become stronger, while remaining lean and functional. Mentally - my mind is STRONG. Because the classes NEVER get easier (they are not lying when they say this), you face just as many mental hurdles each class as you do physical ones. The mental strength I gain each time I fight through an endurance plank or long jump hold has been instrumental in maintaining a happy life off the megaformer. This is truly my favorite effect of the method!

What’s been the biggest hurdle you’ve faced along the way? OK quick story time! About 6 months ago, I was riding my bike over to the west location and was struck by a car *insert gasp emoji*. Very grateful to be alive to tell the story at all my dinner parties, but still working through a pretty gnarly knee injury that I sustained. This is the first major injury I’ve ever had (which given my career is something to also be grateful for), and the words “take it easy” don’t have a huge presence in my vocabulary. Let’s just say…it’s been challenging.

I spent a couple weeks on crutches, going absolutely insane, and knew I needed to get back into some sort of regimen ASAP. After an encouraging convo with one of my favorite former instructors (shoutout Vanessa!), I stepped back into the studio. That was humbling, to say the least. However, Vanessa, Prima, and Samarah have shown such incredible care along this journey toward regaining full functionality. As with all injuries, there are good days and bad days, but the staff here at Studio(MDR) create an environment that allows us all to come in and grow from whatever place we’re at, without ever feeling judged or out of place. This has been instrumental in my rehabilitation, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Any pearls of wisdom for those just starting out? If you’re new to Lagree, give yourself grace. There is a learning curve to it that may take a few classes to grasp. I guarantee, if you stick to it you will NOT regret it. Push through!

How has your fitness journey spilled over into other aspects of your life? Having a physically demanding dance career was definitely the catalyst to my fitness journey, but my choice to continue it after transitioning into a full-time Director/Cinematographer was the result of its positive effects on my life. By maintaining a consistent Lagree practice, I’m able to build upon the functional strength acquired over the years and maintain a high level of physicality while working on demanding sets. Additionally, the mental fortitude and stress management built from each class have been essential to achieving mental stability in an often unstable entertainment industry.

What keeps your fitness fire burning bright? Honestly…addicted! The natural high from a good workout is right up there with warm chocolate chip cookies for me. Looking great doesn’t hurt either:)

Any unexpected perks or benefits from your journey? I think one of the cool things I’ve gained from consistent practice here at the studio is a heightened awareness of when my alignment is off, and the ability to correct it by engaging the muscle groups I’ve developed. I am no stranger to back spasms, or tweaking my neck (yikes my age is showing), but I’ve definitely noticed a decrease in severe occurrences!

What major fitness milestones are you aiming to conquer next?  Obviously - full recovery of this knee is the main one. Beyond that, simply maintaining consistency, balance, and strength:)

How has your mindset shifted since you began this journey?  Naturally, I’m competitive! Balls to the wall, 200%, tough kind of girl. I don’t like to quit or give up, but Lagree ALWAYS finds a way to test my limits. Throughout this part of my fitness journey at Studio(MDR), I’ve definitely had a shift in my mindset to include more patience and grace with myself. A modification is not a white flag, but rather a green light for growth. By applying that idea across all areas of my life, I’ve seen so much positive growth!