Christina Langrall was feeling burnt out from her 20-year commercial real estate career. So, she made the jump and opened QC Lagree Training & Wellness, a new fitness studio right on Selwyn.
- Here’s a snapshot of our convo on entrepreneurship and what to expect from a Lagree class.
Tell me why you started QC Lagree?
I first discovered the Lagree method at HSM Core a little over ten years ago, and I was amazed at the way it changed my body and challenged my mind. I’d never encountered another workout like it.
What’s your relationship to fitness?
I was not a high-performance athlete growing up. I rarely worked out in college. I still hate running (sorry, runners!). But the impact that strength-based workouts, including Lagree, have had on my mental and physical well-being over the last 10+ years has truly helped me be better in all aspects of life. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way, or wanting to feel this way, and QC Lagree Training & Wellness is designed to both push and support everyone in their personal journeys.
What’s the difference between Lagree and pilates?
This is a hot topic in the Lagree community! While it may seem like they are similar at first, they are actually quite different.
- The Lagree Method is a high-intensity, low-impact workout designed to keep the heart rate elevated (often 145–150+ BPM) through continuous, slow-tempo movements with minimal rest, acting more as a cardio-strength hybrid. It is based on body-building techniques. Conversely, Pilates is generally a lower-intensity, restorative, or therapeutic workout with a lower average heart rate (often under 90 BPM).
- While Pilates is based on breathing, concentration, control, centering, flow postural alignment, and precision, Lagree Fitness is fundamentally based on the following: Effective Form, Effective Range of Motion, Effective Tempo, Effective Duration, Effective Sequence, Effective Transition, Effective Tension, and Effective Plane of Motion.
- Lagree is not Pilates, and the Megaformer is not a reformer.
What can clients expect from a workout?
Our Lagree classes are 40-minutes of full body work. QC Lagree’s machines are the Mega Pro edition of the Megaformer, and the workout is done on the machine using various spring loads to achieve different tension and resistance levels depending on the movement.
- Our trainers are Lagree-certified and will always start with an introduction to the Mega Pro for any new clients.
- While 40-minutes may not sound like a long time for a workout, there are no cued breaks, and the sequencing of moves creates quick transitions so that time under tension is not lost.
- There are over 1,000 distinct Lagree moves, so class does not get boring! We also are careful to program time within one move such that muscles are not over-worked or prone to injury.
- You will be shaking, you will get stronger, you will be challenged, and you will leave with a smile on your face.
Music wise, what’s the vibe?
Each trainer selects their own music, so there’s some variety to what you might hear. I am personally partial to hip hop when I work out, but you’ll also hear EDM and pop. Anything with a good beat!
Why Charlotte and why now for this biz?
I’ve lived in Charlotte for just over 20 years now, and I’ve seen quite a bit of growth over the years, some of which I even contributed to in my prior career! That being said, I didn’t pick Charlotte for QC Lagree because of demographic trends.
- QC Lagree is in Charlotte and specifically Myers Park because that’s my home and my community. I’ve spent so much of my career focused nationally, and I’m excited to have a business that’s hyper-local.
- We do have some amazing, dedicated clients making longer drives for our classes, but the vast majority of people choose to work out within a 12-minute drive of their home. Finding the right space for QC Lagree took about two years because I was so intentional about its location.
How often should someone be coming to class to meet their goals?
This is a tough one to answer broadly, and our trainers can help with more specific recommendations for each client’s goals. I personally find 3-4 times per week gives me the results I’m seeking. With our classes only being 40 minutes, it’s very easy to fit QC Lagree into your day!
What does one wear to Lagree?
We recommend wearing comfortable, breathable athletic clothes in which you can easily move. We do require participants wear grip socks for safety and hygiene purposes.
What are your membership options? What about drop-in rate?
We offer an introductory option of $20 for your first class, and then we have a variety of plans to meet everyone’s preferences. We offer single-class drop-ins for $35 (after your first class) and class packages in 5-, 10-, and 20-packs that can be used at any rate throughout the course of a year.
- We also offer monthly recurring memberships in 4-, 8-, and unlimited classes per month.
- You can find all of our offerings and terms on our website at www.qclagree.com or in our app, QC Lagree.
What’s the class schedule?
After a week of preview classes for our Founding Members, we officially opened on February 7!
- We are currently running a limited schedule while we finish training for our instructors.
- Our full class schedule will start at 5:30 am on weekdays, 7:10 am on Saturdays, and 8 am on Sundays with over 60 classes a week.
Are you hiring instructors?
We’re always interested in meeting more talented instructors! Right now, we have a pretty full roster of trainers, but we’d encourage anyone interested to submit their information through our website in case a spot opens up in the future.
I know you just opened, but what’s next, Christina?!
Our Lagree group classes are just the beginning! We will also be building out personalized training and wellness solutions in our studio, including Lagree for Golf, women’s strength, stretching and mobility, and more.
- Follow us on Instagram (@qclagree) for live updates or subscribe to our newsletter through our website to be the first to know when these programs are introduced.
Anything else we should know?
I subscribe to the fitness philosophy of doing the hard thing now so life is easier later. QC Lagree is not an easy class, but an easy class doesn’t challenge your mind and change your body.
- I was new once, too, and it can feel intimidating or strange to learn your way around the Mega Pro and feel the burn in your core or the shake in your legs for the first time.
- My favorite part about Lagree is that it is accessible to everyone, no matter your fitness level, and at QC Lagree, our trainers are passionate fitness professionals who will meet you at your level and help you rise to the next one.
