THE ELITE FITNESS TEAM
Our experienced fitness trainers are certified in Lagree and we couldn't be more thrilled and confident to share their expertise in helping our clients reach their fitness goals. Our Elite Team fitness trainers are all passionate about this patented Lagree method and know exactly how to get the targeted results you want. We offer the best fitness trainers near you and proudly service the community of Morrisville, Cary, Apex, and Raleigh, N.C.
Our Team
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Lagree Certified Trainer
A former Amateur Boxer, Jonathan, dislocated his shoulder in a fight in 2008. During rehab, he began studying the biomechanics of the human body. This was the catalyst to his Personal Training Profession. His focus and passion quickly turned to how to improve fitness for others, through precise exercises that targets particular muscle groups.
"I have a passion for fitness. I love to help others achieve their fitness goals, when they think it’s not achievable. That’s what drives me. The Lagree Method drew me through the movements and range of motion one can get by using the MegaFormer. The workouts are very efficient and can relate to any sport or activities you do on a daily basis. High Intensity, very low impact with slow, concentrated movements." - Jonathan
Certifications: AFI, NCCPT, TRX Suspension Trainer, TRX Rip Trainer, Kettle Bell Concepts, USA Amateur Boxing Coach License
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Studio Manager/Lagree Certified Trainer
Bri moved from Virginia to the Raleigh area in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the city and the people. Exercise and staying active has always played a huge role in her life. Looking to build community through fitness and struggled finding a home, she discovered Rush Cycle Morrisville. She found the community she was searching with loud music, positive instruction on a bike to nowhere. She soon became a spin instructor. It was there that she found a deep passion for group fitness and coaching, hoping to inspire others, like other trainers had inspired her.
"On a whim I decided to come to Elite Core. I fell in love, fast! Lagree was foreign to me and the Megaformer scared me, but I quickly found myself being pushed physically and mentally and I became obsessed. I love that Lagree is really for anyone, old or young, well established in your fitness journey or at just the beginning, Lagree offers something for everyone. It only took 3 classes for me to start feeling stronger and seeing how working on my core was helping me in other areas of fitness! I wanted to quickly join the Elite Core team because I felt the joy the Elite Core community offered. I love group fitness and I love sharing my passion for it with those in my classes! In my class you can find upbeat positivity, a mix of personally curated music, and leave feeling good about what you’ve accomplished! " - Bri
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Bio Coming Soon!
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Amarachi was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to North Carolina from Tampa, Florida in 2020 after completing nursing school, seeking a new beginning both personally and professionally.
Her fitness journey began through 11 years of competitive cheerleading, where she cheered throughout college and at the elite competitive level, including competing at the World Championships in Orlando, Florida. She later gave back to the sport by coaching with the Universal Cheerleading Association, helping athletes develop strength, discipline, confidence, and mental toughness.
Beyond fitness, Amarachi is a mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of Mentally Fit, a wellness brand centered on holistic health, resilience, and balance. Her unique background allows her to approach movement with intention, recognizing that physical strength and mental wellness are deeply interconnected.
While she enjoys lifting weights, Amarachi has completely fallen in love with the Megaformer for its ability to challenge the body, sharpen focus, and build strength through low-impact yet powerful movement. Lagree’s emphasis on time under tension aligns perfectly with her belief in body awareness, control, and presence.
“Elite Core truly changed my life. I tried the studio after hearing a friend rave about it and have never missed a week since my first class. During one of the toughest years of my life, this studio not only helped transform my body physically, but taught me how to slow down and focus on the details, each 6-count becoming a reset for my mind. I learned how to leave the outside world at the door and fully connect with myself and the Megaformer. In my classes, you can expect motivation to feel physically strong and to leave mentally stronger.”
— Amarachi
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Originally from Boston, MA, Hailey moved to North Carolina after earning her Master of Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Passionate about fitness and eager to build a like-minded community, she began exploring various group fitness studios across the RTP area—trying everything from hot yoga in Durham to spin classes in Raleigh. Eventually, she and a friend decided to explore Elite Core, and from the very first class, she was hooked. The deep muscle engagement and core activation of the workout resonated with her instantly.
Hailey had always dreamed of becoming a fitness instructor, and after experiencing Lagree, she knew she had found her calling.
"My goal for every class is to create a fun, shake-inducing workout where people not only challenge themselves but also leave having learned something new. I want my clients to feel supported and empowered—to push their limits while also listening to their bodies. I’m honored to be part of your fitness journey and can’t wait to see you on the Megaformer!" – Hailey
When she’s not in the studio, Hailey is making waves in the beauty industry, working with Pact Collective to close the loop on hard-to-recycle beauty packaging. She’s also a dedicated advocate for environmental and human rights, serving on both the B Local Triangle Board and the Town of Cary’s Environmental Board.
In her free time, you’ll find Hailey alpine skiing, taking “hot girl walks’ after a good brunch, or hanging out with her two cats—one is an angel, and the other is a true Sour Patch Kid.
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Olivia has always had a passion for adventure and movement. Growing up near Raleigh, she stayed active through everything from long runs to weightlifting, but it wasn’t until her senior year of high school that she discovered her favorite workout—Lagree. After taking her first class at Elite Core, she was hooked and eager to learn more, which led her to become an instructor.
Now a student at UNC Wilmington, studying Psychology, Olivia continues to share her love for Lagree while helping others push their limits and build strength.
"After my first class at Elite Core, I was sore in muscles I didn’t even know existed—ones I wasn’t able to target at the gym. That’s what got me hooked! The detail that goes into each move, the duration, and body alignment is unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’ve always had a drive to help people, and Elite Core gives me the platform to encourage others to become the strongest version of themselves." – Olivia
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Kasey moved to North Carolina from Sandwich, MA in 2020. Knowing only her roommates, she was eager to meet new people. The energy, camaraderie, and shared dedication found in group fitness quickly became the foundation of her new home.
In 2022, Kasey took her love for fitness to the next level by becoming a cycle instructor. She learned how to motivate, inspire, and bring people together toward a common goal. Always eager for a new challenge, she soon found herself on a Megaformer, shaking through her first Lagree class. The intensity, controlled movements, and undeniable challenge had her coming back for more.
“As an instructor I want to bring a supportive and friendly coaching style to every class, creating an atmosphere where everyone—whether a seasoned athlete or a total beginner—feels empowered to push themselves. I love nothing more than seeing people grow stronger, and am grateful being a part of their fitness journey.” -Kasey
Outside of the studio, you can find Kasey watching Boston sports, planning her next beach trip, petting every dog she meets, and getting lost in a good book.
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Marianna made her way to North Carolina from Seattle, Washington, but she’s a Jacksonville, Florida native at heart (go Jags!). Her Lagree journey began two years ago in Austin, Texas while she was travel nursing, when she accidentally walked into what she thought was a Pilates class and quickly discovered it was so much more. One Lagree class later, she was hooked.
She continued taking classes and became deeply involved at her Seattle studio. When it came time to move to North Carolina, finding a Lagree studio was non-negotiable and Elite Core Studios was on her radar before she even packed a box. Wanting to take her love for Lagree to the next level, Marianna decided to become an instructor.
“I never thought I’d become a fitness instructor, but now I can’t imagine life without teaching Lagree. My goal is to uplift, encourage, and create a welcoming space where everyone feels strong, supported, and excited to move their bodies. I want my classes to be something people genuinely look forward to!”— Marianna
When she’s not in the studio, Marianna is a pediatric nurse practitioner. You can usually find her lifting heavy, reading a good thriller, cuddling her French bulldog, or catching happy hour with friends.
Studio Experience Team
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Born and raised in Cary, NC, Ashley is a proud alumna of Meredith College, where she earned her bachelor’s in exercise sports science. Afterwards, she went on to receive her master’s in healthcare administration. Ashley has worked full time in clinical trials for the past 5 years. Ashley and Bri connected during an event which is what brought Ashley to the studio experience team at Elite Core. When she’s not at work, you can find her immersed in a book on her Kindle, traveling, or exploring the ever growing triangle area with family and friends.
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Born in raised in Raleigh, NC Courtney is a graduate of East Carolina University where she received her bachelors in Elementary Education. She has worked as a 2nd grade teacher for the past 6 years. Courtney loves the community spirit that Elite Core encompasses which is what brought her to the Elite Core experience team. If she’s not at the studio, you can find her outside on a walk, with her family and friends, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen!
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Born in raised in New Canaan, CT, Bridget moved to Apex in 2018. Bridget is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Masters in Literacy Education. She has just completed her first year of teaching second-grade. Bridget enjoys the motivating environment that Elite Core encompasses which is what brought her to the Elite Core experience team. If she’s not at the studio, you can find her outside playing pickleball, enjoying the beach with her family, or trying new restaurants in the area!
THE OWNERS
DR. RACHEL E. STEWART, D.C, CEO AMY M. STEWART, CFO
Rachel and Amy are sisters who were raised in a holistic health and fitness-focused family and have continued this lifestyle into adulthood. After moving to Southern California, to be closer to Amy and her family, Rachel entered Chiropractic College, in pursuit of a holistic health profession. It was during this time, that Rachel discovered the Lagree Method and quickly became addicted to this workout. As an avid runner, Amy recognized that Lagree would be a great alternative exercise for her body, compared to the high impact of running. She, too, was quickly hooked.
Elite Core Studios, Inc. has been six years in the making. The dream, the relocations, the planning, the ideal studio location hunt, the negotiations, and finally, the signing of the lease. Then two weeks later, COVID-19. The dream was instantly put on hold. After months of contemplation, during the worldwide lockdown, both Rachel and Amy decided to move forward. Their vision hadn't changed. Family & Friends (Community) and creating strong health for others was their mission. In a time when health and connections are critical, they needed to move forward in creating such a space where people could come and work and improve their health. Fortunately, the 2100 sq. ft studio, with only 10 machines was easily set up for social distancing. Staying strong and healthy, physically, mentally, and emotionally is critical in life and even more so during a pandemic.
Join the team
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more? Join our dynamic team of Lagree Fitness instructors and become part of a community that thrives on energy, vibrancy, and personable connections. We're seeking individuals who are passionate about fitness, enthusiastic about helping others achieve their goals, and love to bring the noise! As a member of our team, you'll inspire and motivate clients through Lagree's unique high-intensity, low-impact workout method, fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to push their limits. If you're ready to bring your charisma and passion for health and wellness, we invite you to join us in transforming lives!"
