Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelyne To-ong.
Hi Angelyne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Angelyne To-ong, born in the Philippines and raised in the southwest side of Houston, Texas moved to Spring/The Woodlands area in 2012. I am a mother of two – Tatum, who is 12, and Piper, who is eight and wifey to Frankie. Besides being a Cert. Lagree instructor and owning my own fitness studio I also work full time as a Respiratory Therapist/Clinical Supervisor for MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in the Med center for 15 years now and for a span of 5 years a part-time student finishing grad school at Texas Tech with my master’s in healthcare administration.
I’ve always been active and have tried numerous workouts at my younger age and before kids, but nothing has ever been consistent. Both of my pregnancies were filled with complications – my first one with pre-eclampsia and my second one with gestational hypertension and diabetes. My first one was born at 32 weeks after being admitted due to high blood pressure. Luckily, my daughter was born healthy and stayed at the hospital for five weeks and was released home. She is now a healthy 12-year-old young lady. After her birth, everything went back to normal my blood pressure went back to normal, and life went on as it is. With my second daughter, I ended up with gestation hypertension and diabetes and was started on high blood pressure medications in the beginning of my second trimester of pregnancy. Not only that, due to the gestational diabetes, I also had to watch my diet. She was born a preemie at 36 weeks due to pre-term labor. Unfortunately, I was unable to come off my BP meds after giving birth and was pre-diabetic. I did not want to rely on medications forever, so I started eating better and working out more consistently. I wanted to do something low impact, and that was when I discovered Lagree. I fell in love immediately!
The inspiration behind opening a Lagree studio is being able to share the Lagree method to the community! I love Lagree for the feeling of self-accomplishment, whether it be teaching or taking a class. The Lagree method can quickly humble you and strengthen you at the same time. Each day is a challenge, and it never gets old.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I am proud to say that we just made one year! We opened on June 29, 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. Opening the studio during a global pandemic has been extremely challenging, and we did what we can to safely push through! We started out with just five machines opened to now 9 of 10 machines! We diligently followed all CDC guidelines and requirements.
Being a Respiratory Therapist, I ensured we always use proper safety measures and cleaned our machines before and after each class with hospital-grade cleaner just to ensure safety for both clients and instructors. We check temperatures at check-in, we required masks from clients when walking in the studio and the instructors wore masks when they taught. My team of instructors has been outstanding and extremely supportive, and our budding clientele truly love health and fitness. Looking back, we’ve come a long way! I am looking and hoping to continue a positive trajectory throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My profession before becoming a business owner is in healthcare (still is as of today) – I’ve always enjoyed my job as a Respiratory Therapist. Being able to help save lives is a rewarding feeling. The same goes with owning a fitness studio. Anytime my team can help with making a difference in someone’s life, whether it be physically, mentally, or both, is a good feeling for my team and me. Being able to make this come to life and to be able to have the opportunity to share the Lagree method to the community has been an amazing experience.
Lagree Method is a high-intensity low impact full-body muscular endurance workout that is adaptable to all fitness levels. It’s a perfect alternative to other high-intensity training options that can potentially damage the joints and connective tissues. Lagree fitness effectively combines strength, endurance, core, cardio, balance and flexibility training, and toning. Men and women can benefit from this full-body workout.
What sets you apart from others?
At TWL, our foundational pillars of success are CLIENTS – to build long time relationships with those we train and serve. CRAFT – to master and deliver the highest level of expertise and safety in our Lagree method instruction and COMMUNITY – to give back and improve the area in which we work and reside in.
The Lagree Method is an effective workout. It is challenging, addicting, and a true definition of mind over matter! My team has different styles of teaching, and we have fun in class! We are open seven days a week, our classes are 45 minutes long, and all full-body workouts. Every Sunday, we offer the 9;30am class as an arms/abs class. We are looking to add more classes like this in the fall. We also offer private and semi-private classes. and on weekends, we have an in-house DJ that plays your favorite hit music. The DJ is my husband – aka Htown Frankie. Just a little fun fact about him – he has been featured multiple times in the news/newspaper for his H-town inspired Christmas lights!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those who are just starting out, take the time to do a simple business plan and grow it as needed. Focus on something you have a passion for – know your why’s. Making an impact in someone’s life to me have always been a rewarding and fulfilling feeling. I chose a career in healthcare because of that aspect. The moment I discovered the Lagree method and saw how much it helped me both physically and mentally, I knew it was something I wanted to share to the community. Take risks and be willing to fail. Don’t let the fear of failure prevent you from going for what you believe to be a great idea. Never stop networking – connections will help to keep your business afloat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and lastly – don’t forget to stop, take a deep breath and take care of yourself!
Pricing:
- 10$ introductory class pack
- 2 weeks unlimited 75$
- 5 class introductory pack 100$
- 10 class introductory pack 175$
- 199$ Promotional monthly unlimited membership
Contact Info:
- Email: twlagree@gmail.com
- Website: www.thewoodlandslagree.com
- Instagram: @thewoodlands_lagree
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewoodlandslagree/
Image Credits
Albert Legislador photography
