May 11, 2020

It’s been 9 weeks since we closed our doors on March 16; 10 days earlier than Safer at Home was officially implemented in our state. Initially, all of this felt extremely surreal. My kids, grades K and 2, left school and didn’t return for the remainder of the spring. My husband, a beer distributor, had thousands of kegs of beer that would expire as well as thousands of bars and restaurants that no longer needed his service. I had a nearly 2 year old studio that was once thriving and was important to so many people in our community that was now shuttered.

My family was thankfully healthy, but as all of this sank in, I was confused, scared, sad, and frankly, pissed off. Not at our state or the regulations, but at the universe. And if I thought ahead too many days, I would start to hyperventilate. So many unknowns. So much waste. Globally, 100% yes, but if you’ll allow me to be selfish, so much personal waste—a gorgeous studio with life-changing machines that sat empty. Everything I’d worked to build suddenly minimized to virtual workouts using paper plates and makeshift weights.

I did my best to continue with virtual schooling for my girls, but if all we managed to do in a day was read a Ramona Quimby book (Charlie) or play the card game, Golf (Carson), I told myself it was good enough. TBH, they’ve had way too much screen time and Charlie is frighteningly good at MarioKart. But we are getting through it.

During this time, I’ve been blown away by my team stepping up to teach and they have absolutely virtually kicked my ass. They send me flowers and chocolate and messages asking how I am. They’re not just amazing instructors; they’re amazing friends. I’ve been blown away by clients and even strangers expressing gratitude for these free virtual workouts and asking how they can help support the studio during this time. What has also been really cool is connecting with people around the world (California, Paris, Singapore and Munich) as they join the Instagram Live workouts and send messages thanking our little studio in Middleton, WI. During Safer at Home, REFORMadison has been my Little Engine That Could.

As we begin to think about opening our doors in a couple of weeks, I am cautiously optimistic. There are still a lot of things that worry me; have we flattened the curve enough? Will we have to shelter at home again? Are my kids going to be safe when we come home from our jobs or are we inadvertently exposing them? How can I keep my instructors and clients safe? Is anyone even going to come to REFORM???

I did say optimistic, though, right? I am optimistic. In 2 years, we’ve built a strong community that believes in social responsibility. A community that cares about the people shaking next to them on the Megaformer. We have new policies and procedures designed to keep you safe (please check our homepage). Finally, our team of instructors believe in you and want to see you come back and be stronger than you were before. And you will. And so will I. And so will REFORMadison because we can do hard things.

I hope you and your loved ones have stayed safe and healthy during this time. Please let me know if you have any questions and I cannot wait to see you shaking (6 feet away) in the studio once more.

XO,

Katie

July 17, 2019

3 years ago, I (Katie) literally stumbled upon a Lagree studio walking down La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles. The machines, I soon learned were Supraformers (the Megaformer’s beefier cousin) and they looked to be something out of the movie, Tron. Like so many of you, I had a little fear and anxiety, but was more intrigued and fascinated with just what in the hell this was. 25 shaky, sweaty and profanity-laced minutes later, I knew that the Lagree method needed to be brought to the Madison area.

To give you a little insight into my background, I was always active, but not fitness-focused. Nearly 6 years ago, after I left veterinary practice, I began working out, like for the first time in my life. I loved barre and yoga classes so I decided to learn how to teach them. That led to more fitness certifications (which you can see in the other section of our site). For a couple of years, I was really interested in heavy lifting and strength and power endurance workouts. All of these varied fitness experiences and certifications added to my arsenal of knowledge about fitness and how I loved to stay active.

What I love about the Lagree method is that it’s a blend of everything I love (stretching, strength training and cardio) while being unlike anything I’ve ever done. I don’t (and shouldn’t) Lagree every day so it leaves room for me to do other things (or nothing!). I know it’s giving me amazing benefits even when the workout is over and I no longer feel like my fitness is anxiety-driven. It has changed my body and has allowed me to not only find some body acceptance (‘cause yep, I struggle with that too), but also some, “fuck yeah, I can do that” confidence.

Knowing I’m not not the only one feeling the benefits of the Lagree method is amazing. I love our REFORMadison community; there’s so much positivity in the studio and DAMN our clients are strong! If you’re a part of our studio, thank you. Thank you for your support and your dedication. There is nothing easy about this workout, but you show up and you work your asses off. Pushing yourself pushes others and we all continue to inspire each other. If you haven’t yet experienced REFORMadison, I hope you do; you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

XO,

Katie