OUR STORY

BEHIIND THE STUDIO.

THE PEOPLE

Built by someone who needed it. Coached by people who love it. Held together by a community that keeps showing up. This is Elite Core.

FOUNDER & OWNER

DR. RACHEL E. STEWART

OWNER · HEAD COACH · THE REASON THIS PLACE EXISTS

Rachel built Elite Core Studios from the ground up, not because it made sense on paper, but because she needed it herself. She signed the lease two weeks before COVID shut the world down, moved forward anyway, and opened in January 2021 with machines eight feet apart and masks on.

What she built wasn't just a studio. It was proof that the thing you need most is usually the thing worth building.

THE WHY

I WAS LOOKING FOR MYSELF.

I WASN’T LOOKING FOR A STUDIO.

I want to tell you how this place started, because I have a feeling you might see yourself somewhere in it.

I stopped going to the gym when I was in school. There wasn't a big moment. No injury. No breaking point. I got busy. I got stressed. I got bored. And slowly, without even realizing it, I stopped showing up for myself.

Months passed and a quiet voice kept reminding me that I used to take care of myself. I kept telling it… next week.

When next week finally came, I walked into a Lagree class expecting Pilates, and I had no idea what I was getting into. I remember shaking. I remember letting go of control. I remember looking around the room at women who made it look effortless while I was in disbelief.

When it was over, I thought: that was so much harder than I expected. And then: I actually finished.

I did something I genuinely didn't think I could do. And sitting there, legs still shaking, I had one thought: Can I make it through another class?

I kept coming back. Two weeks in, I was hooked. Not because I looked different. But because I felt different. Stronger. More capable. More confident. And it had nothing to do with the mirror.

WHAT I WANT YOU TO KNOW

I want women to feel the way I felt after my first class. And I want them to know something it took me a long time to learn: it is okay to put yourself first.

Taking care of yourself doesn't take away from the people who need you. It makes you better for them. The stress, the responsibilities, they'll still be there when you walk out those doors. But you will meet them differently. Stronger. Clearer. More grounded.

And I'll be honest with you. There have been seasons where I've fallen off too. Times I put the business first just to keep the lights on. Times I put my family first because they needed me. Times I'd look at my own schedule and think… maybe tomorrow.

And every time I come back into that room, I remember why this matters. Because it's not about the workout. It's the moment you realize you can do something you didn't believe you could.

It's fighting the same move week after week. The one you dread. And then one day, you hold it. You finish it.

It's catching your reflection after class and thinking: "I just did that." And that feeling? It doesn't stay in the studio. It goes with you. Into your car. In the meeting. At pickup. Quietly reminding you who you are.

Why the doors opened

I opened this studio for the woman looking to build confidence. For the woman who needs to be cheered on during the hard days and celebrated during the best ones. For the woman who believes she can and the one who doesn't yet.

I opened it for my kids, so they could watch their mom do something hard and come out stronger. Because they're watching what taking care of yourself actually looks like.

To create a place that believes in you, even on the days you don't believe in yourself.

So if a part of you is reading this and thinking… maybe it's time.

Come find out what you're capable of.

— Rachel

Owner, Elite Core Studios

THE COACHES

the people who

show up for you.

Every coach at Elite Core came to Lagree the same way you did, they walked in not knowing what to expect and left not being able to imagine their week without it.

  • BRI
    STUDIO MANAGER· LAGREE LEVEL 2 CERTIFIED

    In Bri's class: upbeat positivity, a personally curated playlist, and you'll leave feeling proud of what you accomplished. She discovered Lagree on a whim and was obsessed within three classes.

  • KASEY
    LEAD INSTRUCTOR

    Kasey brings a supportive and friendly coaching style to every class. She found Lagree after years of cycle instructing and never looked back. Watch for her at the beach or deep in a good book.

  • AMARACHI
    INSTRUCTOR

    Mental health nurse practitioner, founder of Mentally Fit, and someone who believes physical strength and mental wellness are deeply connected. In her classes: expect to leave mentally stronger than you arrived.

  • MARIANNA
    INSTRUCTOR

    Marianna accidentally walked into a Lagree class thinking it was Pilates and never left. A pediatric nurse practitioner by day, her goal is to create a space where everyone feels strong, supported, and excited to move.

  • HAILEY
    INSTRUCTOR

    Hailey creates shake-inducing workouts where people leave having learned something new. Environmental advocate, beauty industry innovator, and owner of two cats: one an angel, one a Sour Patch Kid.

  • ANNA
    INSTRUCTOR

    Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon!

  • OLIVIA
    INSTRUCTOR

    Olivia found Lagree her senior year of high school and became an instructor before heading to UNC Wilmington. She was sore in muscles she didn't know existed after class one and that's exactly what got her hooked.

  • MELISSA
    TRANSFORM INSTRUCTOR

    Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon! Bio coming soon!

STUDIO EXPERIENCE TEAM

THE FIRST FACES

YOU SEE.

The people at the front desk aren't just staff, they're the reason members feel at home from their very first visit. They know your name. They remember your week. They make this place feel like yours.

  • 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.

  • 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! 

  • 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!

  • Bio Coming Soon!

JOIN THE TEAM

LOVE WHAT WE DO?

COME DO IT WITH US.

We're always looking for people who are passionate about fitness, love building community, and want to be part of something that actually matters. If that sounds like you, reach out.

GET IN TOUCH →