City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Community in Motion

Founder of Park Cities fitness studio One Lagree, Jennifer Eitches shares how she built a community that empowers clients while fostering a strong sense of connection.

When Jennifer Eitches opened the doors of her fitness studio One Lagree in the heart of the Park Cities, she was on a mission to combine her passion for fitness with her desire to build a close-knit, welcoming community. Now, just a few years later, her fitness studio has become a Dallas staple, known for offering the innovative Lagree Method in an inclusive, boutique environment.

“A few years ago, I had just moved to Dallas and felt that there was a void in the fitness community—that void was the Lagree Method,” Eitches says. “My two primary goals were to make friends with others who love Lagree and to create a gender-neutral space where clients could bring their husbands or boyfriends without it feeling overly feminine. There’s a common misconception that Lagree or Pilates is just for women, but it's truly for everyone.”

The low-impact, high-intensity nature of the Lagree Method is one of the key reasons clients keep coming back to Eitches’ studio. “You get an amazing workout while being gentle on your joints,” she explains. “We never jump; we don’t speed through; we move as slow as possible so that our muscles are constantly engaged and exhausted.”

Along with the draw of the workout itself, One Lagree’s success stems from the community it fosters—it’s an environment where everybody is welcome and newcomers are encouraged. “We provide hands-on adjustments and modifications for all fitness levels so that any new client can feel comfortable,” Eitches says. “We strive to be a welcoming part of the community where we help our clients reach their fitness goals, whatever stage of life they may be in.”

To her, the studio’s supportive atmosphere is a reflection of the Park Cities itself, and One Lagree is dedicated to giving back to the neighborhood that’s embraced it. “I love how engaged and involved the community is,” Eitches shares. “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to donate to local schools and charities in the Park Cities, and am eager to continue to help out wherever I can."

In addition to giving back to her community, one of the most rewarding aspects of Eitches’ work is seeing the growth and transformation of clients—several of whom have even gone on to become instructors. “I love hearing how Lagree has positively impacted our clients’ lives!” Eitches beams. “Over half of my team originally started as clients. It’s incredible to see how our community not just transforms physically but also inspires individuals to take on leadership roles within our studio.”

Having launched her studio just two weeks after the birth of her first child—an incredible feat to say the least—Eitches' entrepreneurial journey, like most, wasn’t always smooth sailing. “Starting One Lagree was quite the adventure!” she laughs. “Balancing the demands of a newborn with building a business was definitely my biggest challenge.” Yet, it was this very challenge that fueled her passion to build something sustainable and meaningful.

Since its inception, One Lagree has continued to evolve to meet the needs of its clients, as Eitches is dedicated to creating a studio accessible to all. “We recognize that many of our clients have demanding schedules—whether they be busy moms, college students or entrepreneurs—and have thus continued to add more and more class times throughout the week,” she shares.

As a busy mom and business owner herself, Eitches deeply understands the importance of an active and balanced lifestyle, as well as having a support system that can hold you accountable—thus, the framework for One Lagree.

“Whether it’s helping my daughter practice her cheer routine or kicking around a soccer ball with my son, being there for my kids is what’s most important to me,” she says. “I’m thankful to have a wonderful, supportive group of friends who share these values. Britney Everett—also known as Stay Fit Brit—is not only one of my best friends but one of my greatest cheerleaders. While we operate in different fitness spaces, we both share the desire to empower others and stay active for our children.”

For those looking to begin their fitness journey but don’t know where to start, Eitches offers a piece of advice: “Be patient with yourself and find something that you enjoy. Consistency is key, so find something that will motivate you to keep coming back.” And if that “something” turns out to be the Lagree Method, Eitches and her team are waiting with open arms.

As she reflects on the past few years of One Lagree, Eitches is full of gratitude for her team and the community they’ve built together. And as the studio continues to grow, she’s dedicated to expanding their reach with the opening of a second location. “It’s an exciting step in our journey, and I can’t wait to bring the One Lagree experience to even more people,” Eitches says.

From new mom to fitness entrepreneur (and in the span of a couple weeks, at that), Eitches’ entrepreneurial journey has been one of passion, perseverance and a deep commitment to community.

“I love hearing how Lagree has positively impacted our clients’ lives! Over half of my team originally started as clients. It’s incredible to see how our community not just transforms physically but also inspires individuals to take on leadership roles within our studio.”