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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Lagree Certified Trainer

    Travis has always been an athlete and was running before he could walk. He attended the University of Mount Olive where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and was a member and captain of the UMO Men’s Soccer Team. While in college, Travis gained experience developing personal training programs for clients and coaching youth soccer clinics within the community. He also has a passion for alternative medicine, rehabilitation, and assisting individuals with personal growth. Travis works in a few clinics and aspires to be a physical therapist.

    “Lagree Fitness caught my eye with how unique the training method is. I have always been very active through sports and resistance training; however, the workouts are different from anything I’ve tried. Being able to get a high intensity workout that is low impact and incorporates strength training, cardio, flexibility, and core reeled me in. I look forward to sharing this efficient method and helping individuals strive to improve their overall health.” - Travis

  • Lagree Certified Trainer

    As a mother of three very active boys, Kathleen sought out exercise for herself to keep up with them, as well as for her much needed “me time”. A huge proponent of self-care equals self-love, she tired almost every type of workout there is and always gravitated to classes that gave her that “runner’s high”. While she loved the feeling she got from the high impact, cardio workout, her body began to revolt against them. After having her third child, she recognized that she could no longer endure all those high impact classes and a friend, a Lagree fanatic, recommended that she check out the method. Curios and open to something new, she jumped at the chance and instantly fell in love!

    “Lagree gave me that high intensity, mood boosting, experience without all the pain on my joints. As I continued my Lagree journey, I wanted to know what was behind this amazing, result driven, low impact, high intensity workout. About four years ago our family relocated to Raleigh from Texas giving me the opportunity to attend two Lagree training workshops. This certification has provided me with a better understanding of the proper Lagree form and methodology. Elite Core is now allowing me to share the passion and knowledge I have for the Lagree method with all of you!” - Kathleen

  • 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.


  • Susan has long been turning to movement based fitness to combat the sedentary nature of her day jobs.  She started Jiu-jitsu while getting her PhD, and picked up pole dancing and aerial arts in 2020 after moving to North Carolina.  She approaches movement as a puzzle to be solved and delights in using her analytic nature to deconstruct complex techniques, such as pole dance tricks, and tailoring exercises to target specific muscle groups.  She found Lagree in 2022 and has since loved the simple and effective method along with the community it brings.  

    "I use Lagree as cross training for my other movement based hobbies.  I love how safe it is as I cannot afford to be injured as a pole dancer.  I am looking forward to sharing my passion for movement with everyone!" -- Susan

  • Lagree Certified, NASM

    Jai was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Las Vegas at age 21 to start her dance career. Her husband and three sons moved to Raleigh in 2020 and they love it!

    Jai has been coaching cheer, professional dance teams and athletes, including choreographing stage routines for many bodybuilders for over 20 years and has won many awards and recognition for her choreography and technical training. She loves coaching group fitness and has been a part of the Elite Core Team since the beginning! She is NASM certified, Lagree certified and a certified rowing instructor. She also has her Bachelors in Business, a recent 2nd Bachelors in Behavioral Health and was just accepted into Grand Canyon University for her Masters in Clinical Counseling! Her motto is “you’re never too old to try something new! Keep growing and keep challenging yourself!”

    Jai was drawn to Lagree for its unique workout with the MegaFormer. “It is so different than any other workout I've ever taught or done myself. I love how it individually challenges every level and age!”

    Jai is proud and honored to be, working alongside these awesome trainers and assisting in their growth, as well as learning from them!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Anne Ross has long found solace in lacing up her shoes and hitting North Carolina’s beautiful greenways, but her joint capabilities eventually began to outpace her strides. Still wanting a workout, and interested in trying something new, she found Lagree and fell in love! The shakes and sweats provided the stimulation she’d been missing, and the Megaformer’s low-impact nature helped her relax back into her body. While she both loathes and loves the six (6)-count, the slow pace of Lagree has become a cornerstone of her mind-body connection. Anne Ross is thrilled to be a part of the team and is passionate about helping others find freedom and joy in movement! “There’s no mileage to hit, no weight to exceed, no time to beat- no metric, no audience. All you can do is give into the sensation, breathe through it, and focus on the present. It’s just you.” -Anne Ross Pender

Studio Experience Team

  • 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! 

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!"