Tea Time with Catherine Chan

A while back, I had the chance to take Catherine's workout class at CORE40 Studios. Catherine is a full-time HR professional and a part-time Lagree instructor. If you're not familiar with Lagree, Lagree is a full body conditioning method that utilizes reformer machines to provide a safe and effective workout.

Catherine is a great example of a side-hustler who turner her hobby and passion into a side-gig. She's an amazing instructor and I had a lot of fun in her class! As a new student, it was pretty intimating; but Catherine was very patient with me and made sure I was doing the exercises correctly.

I'm very excited to have Catherine here to share her story on Wongevitea's Tea Time Series!

How did you come across the Lagree Method?

I came across the Lagree Method while browsing on Yelp and word of mouth from my now sister-in-law.  I was looking for an effective and time efficient workout that didn't seem like a chore in order to get into shape for my wedding.  I've taken different fitness classes over the years from pilates reformer, TRX and even Barry's Bootcamp, and nothing got me as sore, great results and hooked as classes at Core40.

You went from being a student to being a master - can you tell us more about how you became a fitness instructor?

I actually became an instructor initially from the encouragement of a fellow instructor.  She and I became friends when she started training by running her community classes (classes by instructor trainees that are live on the online schedule.  They arefree for anyone to take who'd like to sign up).  She told me that she thought I should become an instructor and I thought about it because I love the workout so much but told her that I initially wanted to wait.  She still encouraged me and gave me the email of one of the owners.  The Studio Director contacted me with training class information and I started training two weeks before my wedding, crazy right?  After I completed the training classes, I started running practice classes, and then got scheduled for community classes.  And the rest is history.  

Since becoming a fitness instructor, has it affected your own personal fitness routine?

I feel like I'm more aware how my body works and what it's capable of.  And, I still hate to commit to any workout that's an hour plus especially with seeing how effective a 40 minute full body workout can be!

Different instructors and trainers have different style of teaching. What is your style of teaching and how do you motivate your students?

I feel that my style of teaching is definitely not bootcamp style; it's the right balance of being encouraging and enthusiastic but also honest.  I try to motivate my students by being challenging enough but not defeated and letting them know that sometimes I even have to modify moves and give them the modification options.  I tell them that it's okay to take a modification if you need to versus just giving up.  

You work in HR and you are the living example of this question: Did your employer have any issues with you working as a part-time fitness instructor?

My manager has been very supportive with work life balance and has commended me for being a part time instructor as well.  My Tuesday night classes are late enough in the night where I never have to leave work early as well.  

I took your class on Saturday and I was sore for four days! I didn't realize how much I worked out until I tried to sit down on Muni. For all the newbies out there, do you have any recommendations to relieving the post-workout soreness?

I'm glad to hear that Wendy!  :-)  Sometimes, I still get sore as well!  Definitely recommend stretching after working out.  I don't always get a chance to drink a protein shake after working out, but it will help as well if you drink it within the first 20-30 minutes after you finish your workout.  I also don't believe in working out the next day while you are still very sore, as not only will you be hurting more and have a limited range of motion, but you can also risk injury.  Since the Lagree Method is a full body workout, this may just mean sitting out the next day or doing a light exercise such as yoga.  

Lastly, what is your favorite boba shop in San Francisco/Bay Area and what do you order?

I just discovered yesterday Boba Guys (ordered the Dirty Horchata) on Stockton which I really enjoy but I think it may be too soon to say it's my favorite.  My go to has been Sharetea and I usually order the Mango Green Tea Crema.  

If you're interested in taking Catherine's class at CORE40 Studios, you can visit her in Nob Hills on Tuesday nights! Newbies can try out the Lagree method for only $10