Blog

Bay Meadows is excited to welcome LFBA Studios San Mateo, our newest wellness-focused retailer to Town Square and a dynamic addition to the neighborhood’s growing fitness and lifestyle scene. LFBA is a boutique group fitness studio exclusively licensed to teach the Lagree Method on patented Megaformer technology—a high-intensity, low-impact workout designed to build core strength, endurance, and full-body power through slow, controlled movement and spring resistance. The workout has developed a devoted following across the Bay Area, attracting everyone from yoga lovers and Pilates regulars to bootcamp enthusiasts looking for a new challenge. And now, Bay Meadows residents and visitors can experience it right here in the heart of San Mateo.

LFBA’s story is rooted in passion, perseverance, and family. Founder Kat first discovered Lagree in San Francisco in 2015 before becoming a certified trainer in 2017. After moving to the South Bay and noticing a lack of nearby studios, she and her husband Stephen decided to take a leap and open a studio themselves. “And it truly was a leap — we opened our first studio in May 2019, just 10 months before the Covid shutdown. Surviving that season pushed us to fully commit to the vision, and today LFBA San Mateo is our 7th Bay Area studio location.” That personal commitment still shapes the studio today. LFBA has built its reputation around expert coaching, thoughtful instruction, and a welcoming environment where clients feel both challenged and supported. As Kat explains, “We believe Lagree is more than just a workout — it’s a transformational mind-and-body experience.”

So, what exactly can newcomers expect from the Lagree Method? According to Kat, the three words most often used are “shakes, sweat, and soreness,” but the real secret is “time under tension.” Using the Megaformer, participants move through familiar exercises like squats, lunges, and planks in slower, more controlled ways that maximize intensity while remaining gentle on the joints. Classes flow continuously to minimize downtime and keep the body fully engaged. It’s a workout that pushes both physical and mental endurance—and keeps people coming back. “Our credo is simple: challenging workouts, good people, no ego,” says Kat. “The biggest thing we tell new clients is to keep an open mind, give yourself grace, and have fun with the process.”

“Lagree is for anyone — but it’s not for everyone. It’s a workout that challenges you physically and mentally, and there will probably be moments where you question why you signed up. But that’s also what keeps people coming back. The learning curve is steep, the shakes are real, and the results are undeniable.”

LFBA’s connection to Bay Meadows goes beyond fitness. “Honestly, Fieldwork is our favorite brewery!” Kat shares. “Born-and-raised in the Bay, we’ve always loved San Mateo for its culture and diversity, the best food, and endless lifestyle/leisure options. As a business in Bay Meadows Town Square, we’re lucky to have quality neighbors like Blue Bottle and Sidewalk Juice, with Hillsdale Mall steps away to shop at and collaborate with aligned brands like Lululemon.” The studio is already embracing community-building through collaborations and events, including monthly “Sweat + Sip” gatherings with fellow Town Square retailers and outdoor wellness pop-ups through The Bay Area Wellness Collective.

As parents themselves, Kat and Stephen were drawn to Bay Meadows’ walkability, family-friendly atmosphere, and connected lifestyle. Their vision aligns perfectly with the neighborhood’s energy: creating a place where wellness, movement, and community come together naturally. Founding memberships are now available for a limited time—learn more at LFBA Studios.