Why Lagree? The Studio (MDR) Founder Lisa Solomon on Building Community Through Movement
When Lisa Solomon first stepped onto a Megaformer in Los Angeles around 2008, she had no idea that a friend's recommendation would transform not just her own fitness journey, but eventually inspire her to create a wellness community that would impact hundreds of lives.
Nearly 17 years later, Solomon's commitment to the Lagree method has only deepened. As the founder of The Studio (MDR), she's building something that transcends the typical gym experience - a space where people feel seen, safe, and genuinely inspired to become their strongest selves.
"What I love most is how this method builds connection," Solomon explains. "Shared effort on the Megaformer creates bonds that last."
More Than Just a Workout
The Lagree method stands apart from traditional fitness routines in its holistic approach to strength building. Using the innovative Megaformer machine, the workout targets slow-twitch muscle fibers through controlled, deliberate movements that engage the entire body.
But for Solomon, the magic isn't just in the machine—it's in what the method enables people to do in their everyday lives.
"It helps everything on the outside," she says. "It helps runners run faster, surfers with balance, and athletes with coordination. It strengthens the core, improves posture, and builds functional strength that translates into everyday life, from lifting a suitcase into the overhead compartment to holding your kids with ease."
The Megaformer's versatility allows each movement to be modified for any fitness level, making it accessible whether you're a seasoned athlete or just beginning your wellness journey. The low-impact nature protects joints while still delivering intense muscle engagement -a combination that's particularly valuable for long-term fitness sustainability.
A Space for Everyone
Solomon emphasizes that The Studio (MDR) is intentionally designed to be inclusive. "It is a space for everyone, whether women, students, men, or athletes," she notes. This philosophy shapes everything from class structure to the studio atmosphere.
The sense of community extends beyond clients to the team itself. "I could not do any of this without our incredible team, teachers, and staff who genuinely care and help every client achieve their goals," Solomon says. "We celebrate milestones, cheer each other on, and foster a space where everyone feels supported and empowered."
The Joy Factor
In a fitness landscape often dominated by grueling, punishing workouts, Solomon brings a refreshing perspective: exercise should be enjoyable.
"Plus it goes by in the blink of an eye and is actually fun," she laughs. That joy is infectious, creating an atmosphere where challenge meets celebration, and effort is met with encouragement rather than judgment.
Expanding to Redondo Beach
Solomon's vision is now expanding to Redondo Beach, bringing the transformative power of Lagree to the South Bay community.
"I am excited to bring this approach to Redondo Beach and continue to grow The Studio (MDR) as a place where transformation goes beyond aesthetics," she says. "It is about creating strength, confidence, resilience, and community. This is what keeps me passionate about what I do every day."
For Solomon, success isn't measured solely in physical transformation—though that certainly happens. It's measured in the confidence clients gain, the friendships formed between strangers who started as neighbors on Megaformers, and the way functional strength empowers people to show up more fully in their lives.
All these years later, after that first Megaformer class, Lisa Solomon's passion for Lagree remains as strong as ever and The Studio (MDR) stands apart as one of the elite boutique fitness experiences in all of Southern CA. In a world where wellness can sometimes feel exclusive or intimidating, she's creating not only an incredible workout but a space where everyone belongs.
The Studio (MDR) offers Lagree fitness classes designed for all levels. For more information about classes and locations, visit their website here or follow the studio (mdr) on social media. Their Redondo location is at 1700 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach CA 90277 and will open this Fall.