Staying true to your vision and values is non-negotiable. There will be countless opinions thrown your way, but holding onto what you stand for is key. It’s like navigating with your own North Star — it keeps you grounded and authentic, which people can sense and appreciate.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Hirsch-Solomon.
Prior to becoming the fitness entrepreneur that she is today, Lisa Hirsch-Solomon worked in New York City as a successful executive in the music industry for fifteen years. In 2007, Lisa made the life-changing decision to relocate to Los Angeles and reconnect with her true passion, fitness.
Growing up in New York, Lisa had always been a “Workout Queen”; donned in leg warmers, she would grapevine along with the Jane Fonda workout and experiment with different fitness classes like step aerobics and spinning. Later in her music business days, working out had also been Lisa’s own private refuge where she could escape from the chaos of her demanding career. It wasn’t until she discovered the true benefits of the Lagree Method, in particular, and the incredible effect that the exercise can have on transforming one’s body that a light bulb went off. Lisa’s ongoing study of physique training and nutrition while learning to live with epilepsy, in conjunction with the powerful results she experienced from the Lagree Method, all became a catalyst for change in other areas of her life.
Drawing on her years of experience managing client relationships, nurturing new business opportunities and the positive impact fitness had on all aspects of her life, Lisa was inspired to pursue her dream of having her own studio. She launched the first The Studio (MDR) location in 2011. Lisa’s singular vision of creating a safe and comfortable space that was not only a workout, but a refuge for people to feel good, supported and empowered remains the ethos of The Studio (MDR). In over twelve years, the studio now has five locations with a thriving community of loyal clients and interested newcomers, with plans to continue to expand.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
AtThe Studio (MDR), our mission extends far beyond just fitness. We aim to create a positive ripple effect through health and wellness. By focusing on Lagree fitness, we offer a challenging and effective workout that transforms bodies, fosters mental resilience and overall well-being. We take a holistic approach, understanding that physical health is deeply connected to mental and emotional wellness.
Inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of what we do. Our programs are designed to cater to diverse needs and backgrounds, welcoming professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and individuals simply looking for a great workout. The Studio (MDR) serves a broad audience interested in fitness and wellness for both body and spirit. We foster a supportive community that encourages personal growth, helping individuals build confidence, reduce stress, and enhance their quality of life.
We also believe in giving back. We partner with local and global initiatives; we extend our impact beyond our studio walls. Our collaborations with local charities and organizations amplify our reach, contributing to a healthier, more connected world.
Ultimately, our work at The Studio (MDR) is about empowering people to lead healthier, happier lives. In doing so, we inspire positive changes in their communities and beyond.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1 . Prioritize Sleep:
Getting enough quality sleep is a game-changer for overall well-being. Aim for 7–9 hours per night. I used to struggle with insomnia, which affected my productivity and mood. Once I started a bedtime routine that included shutting off screens an hour before bed, using a sleep mask, and meditating for 10 minutes, my sleep improved significantly. This boost in sleep quality made a world of difference in my energy and focus during the day.
2 . Incorporate Movement Daily:
Regular physical activity is key to maintaining physical and mental health. Even short bursts of activity can make a big difference. One of our amazing members at The Studio (MDR) started with just 10-minute walks during her lunch breaks. Gradually, she built up to attending full Lagree classes and saw a remarkable improvement in her strength, mood, and stress levels.
3 . Practice Mindfulness:
Taking time to be present can reduce stress and increase happiness. During a particularly stressful period, I found mindfulness practices to be transformative. Integrating just 5 minutes of mindful breathing into my morning routine helped me manage anxiety and start the day with a clear mind. This inspired us to offer meditation sessions at The Studio (MDR), helping our community experience these benefits.
4 . Try Cold Plunges:
Incorporating cold plunges into your routine can boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. I started doing cold plunges a few months ago and have noticed a significant improvement in my recovery time after workouts and a heightened sense of alertness and well-being. It might be uncomfortable at first, but the benefits are well worth it!
5 . Foster Connections:
Building and maintaining strong relationships is vital for mental health. During the pandemic, we saw firsthand how important our community was for our members. We hosted virtual classes and social events to keep everyone connected. This not only supported physical fitness but also provided a crucial sense of belonging and emotional support during a challenging time.
These small, manageable changes can collectively make a big impact on your well-being, as we’ve seen within our own community at The Studio (MDR).
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would start a global initiative called “Wellness for All,” in partnership with The Studio (MDR). This movement would focus on making holistic wellness accessible and inclusive, while staying within our expertise. Our goal would be to provide essential fitness resources, guided meditation, and general nutritional guidance to support overall well-being.
The Studio (MDR) would help by establishing wellness hubs in community centers, schools, and workplaces. These hubs would offer Lagree fitness classes, meditation sessions led by certified instructors, and general health workshops. While we aren’t medical professionals, we would connect with local doctors and specialists to ensure our initiatives complement and support broader health efforts.
Educational campaigns would be launched to raise awareness about the benefits of fitness and meditation, offering practical tips for integrating these practices into daily life. We would prioritize inclusivity to make our programs accessible to diverse communities and promote sustainable practices that benefit both individuals and the environment.
By leveraging our expertise and collaborating with local medical professionals, “Wellness for All” would aim to create a world where wellness is accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to lead healthier, more balanced lives through a comprehensive approach that includes fitness, meditation, and community support.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
If I could hop into a time machine and give my past self a heads-up, I would share these five pearls of wisdom.
First, I’d emphasize the importance of building a strong support system. Think of it as your personal cheerleading squad! When times get tough, having people who believe in you can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
Then, there’s the power of consistent communication. I learned through trial and error that keeping everyone in the loop is essential. Think of it as the glue that holds your team together, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Now, let’s talk about failure — my old nemesis. I used to think failing was the end of the world and when something went wrong my stomach would hurt for days. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Failure is actually just a stepping stone on the path to success. Every setback is a lesson in disguise, pushing you closer to your goals.
Oh, and self-care. When I started, I treated self-care like it was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Big mistake! Taking time for yourself is crucial even if it’s just a walk around the block to get away from the computer or the phone for a bit. Your well-being is the foundation for everything else, and trust me, nobody wants to be around a burned-out version of you.
Lastly, staying true to your vision and values is non-negotiable. There will be countless opinions thrown your way, but holding onto what you stand for is key. It’s like navigating with your own North Star — it keeps you grounded and authentic, which people can sense and appreciate.
So, if I had known all this earlier, maybe I would have avoided a few missteps. But every journey has its lessons, and I’m grateful for what I’ve learned along the way.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is a cause dearest to me because I’ve seen firsthand how it impacts every aspect of our lives. At The Studio (MDR), we prioritize not just physical fitness but also the mental well-being of our community. During challenging times, such as the pandemic, we saw how crucial it was to support one another emotionally. I’ve personally experienced the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporating these practices has been transformative for me and our members. It’s important to create a space where people feel safe, supported, and connected, and that’s what we strive to do every day. Mental health is the foundation for a fulfilling, balanced life, and I’m passionate about promoting it in every way I can.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
www.thestudiomdr.com
Instagram @lisanhirsch and @thestudiomdr
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
