Meet Erica Leonard | Master Trainer in Classical Pilates and Resistance Training (Lagree Method) and Block Therapy Meditation, Fitness Model and Mother of 2 beautiful girls

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Leonard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At the untouchable young age of 14 I was diagnosed and treated with what they thought was Colon Cancer. A few years after my diagnosis, I was hit by a drunk driver in South Florida, and then again 2 years later in Los Angeles, shortly after my career began as an actress. I had no idea at the time, almost 10 years later this once thought of to be “dreadful” path would lead me to a beautiful rewarding life as a fitness studio owner. I took the more holistic approach on the road to recovery. I didn’t believe in extensive surgeries or taking pharmaceutical meds to live live, when it seemed that was my only option. I started taking Classical Pilates as a means to heal the more physical injuries to my spine and knees. I began to study meditation, super foods and raw foods healing for inflammation and pain control. After 15 years of trial and error, I proved all my Dr’s wrong. Pilates became my world. I practiced for a few years, and became a master trainer. Which led me train some of the most. elite athletes world wide. I soon after opened my first Lagree/Pilates Studio at 37, after my 1st daughter was born, which was a miracle in itself. ( Cheers to the Pilates for that as well) I knew that my experiences led me to my life’s purpose. They became my “backbone” for my future endeavors. I knew the universe had a master plan for me. Today I spend my days helping people heal themselves within my walls of Core954 in Fort Lauderdale. We practice the Lagree Method, resistance *Slow Flow’ active stretching, Sound Bath healing, and Block Therapy Meditation. Our very humbling Core954 method implements these tools to build what I consider SUPER-STRENGTH, mentally, physically, and emotionally. They say it takes one to know one! Even though I had never expected this path to turn out as it did, I am truly grateful I was able to turn what was once a nightmare, into a dream come true. With prayer, persistence and a positive mind, I became the best version of ME. I was destined to share my hopeful journey with everyone I could. Core954 continues to do what it was meant to do today… we change lives, one day at a time. Just ask Harry Styles, he would know, he has been there! (No, seriously, he has been there!)

What should our readers know about your business?
Being the one of only Licensed Lagree and Block Therapy studios in Fort Lauderdale set us aside right from the start. I love the fact that Core954 offers methods which brings a unique twist on Meditation, and resistance training with the fundamentals of Classical Pilates integrated into it. It literally is the best of all worlds. It is all levels in every class, Whether you are rehabbing an injury, or training as an elite athlete, both will be humbled once they step foot in our doors. My ultimate goal for our space was to apply the techniques everyone needs to be able to help heal themselves. The journey definitely wasn’t easy introducing such a slow controlled method during the time where the fitness world was dominated by HIIT, CrossFit or Cycling studios on every corner. Everything was all about power and momentum. I never gave up because I knew, how we could make a change in the way people defined their power. Ive learned less is MORE. We don’t pack our classes full of people, we believe in quality over quantity., and everything in moderation. We house only 9 Mega-former machines at Core954. Every class is pre-registered on www.core954.com or within our custom booking app. Our classes are equivalent to having a personal training session with each visit for a fraction of a “private” price. Best of all, our method is scientifically proven, the less you do, the more results you’ll get. Who wants to spend hours in the gym anyhow, life is too short. for that! Our 45 min classes fly by as we believe in less time and more intensity. Each daily customized workout is specifically choreographed to keep the muscles (and members) guessing. You will never get bored or hit a plateau. We haven’t even taught the same class twice since the day we opened our doors in 2015. It’s definitely a part of what sets us out from the rest. At the end of the day, we all want to live life at the fullest, at Core954, you will always get exactly what you need to do just that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a native Floridian, so of course I live eat and breathe the BEACH. During the pandemic I had to shut down my newly expanded 2000 sq ft studio inland and moved to a quaint little spot on the beach across from where I live. Of course at the time, in the midst of the chaos, I didn’t didn’t see it as the blessing it is now. It just opened up and expanded our territory to all the fort Lauderdale beachfront hotels and more! However, being a bit of a workaholic any free moment I have, you can find me playing outdoors. I’ve recently took a LOVING for the beautiful Crystal River and Springs in the North West area of Florida. Surprisingly it only took me 45 years to experience these hidden gems just hours away, but it was well worth the wait! We definitely don’t have a shortage of good eats and top hot spots for a little fun. Some of my favorite gems which I always bring my friends to are Thai Spice, Scolapasta Bistro, Greek Islands, and LaSpadas. YUM! Luckily, we have some amazing venues to listen to some good beats, so there is a good chance that if a festival comes to town, I’d be somewhere in the crowd doing my thing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shout out my Momma and my step-father, who gave me the initial encouragement (and my first dollar) to open my doors in 2015 to begin this remarkable journey. To my children who have been extremely patient with me as Mommy “followed her dreams”. They will soon be old enough to realize why I do what I do. I am so blessed to be their Mother and set a good example for them to look up to. My soulmate Buck, who always reminds me of what I am capable of, though unconditional love and support especially when the days are long and the weight of world seems heavy. Most importantly, my incredible Core954 family of members who have believed in me for over 20 years. They have been with me though thick and thin along the way, especially post-pandemic when I nearly gave up. They motivated me to continue to live out my purpose, through unwavering support.

Website: www.core954.com

Instagram: instagram.com/core954

Facebook: facebook.com/core954