KEVIN

MEET KEVIN!

Favorite East Bay spot to grab a bite and a drink? Cactus

How did you find your way to X˙CORE?

I walked in and Elaine signed me up!

Do you have a favorite xBURN or xCLIMB move?

Captain Morgan

What's your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up?

French fries and a protein shake

What’s currently capturing your attention, whether it’s a fascinating book, a thrilling TV series, or something else entirely?

BEEF on Netflix.

What’s the most memorable piece of fitness advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

My chiropractor Lacey Book said, “It matters more about what you eat and how you take care of the body than the outside. “

What’s a song that never fails to get you in a good mood or motivate you?

No Guidance - Chris Brown & Drake

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done or would like to do?

Joined X˙CORE and take a class with CORA!

Is there a unique or interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share with the X˙CORE community? Something they may not know about you?

I had never done pilates or the VersaClimber before joining the studio, and drove by 10 times before I finally walked in.

Thank you to our teachers!

To all the amazing teachers in our X˙CORE community and beyond, thank you for your unwavering dedication and profound impact. You've shaped countless lives, nurturing both minds and hearts.

Today, we honor all the teachers who have guided us on our personal journeys. Your passion, wisdom, and guidance have shaped who we are today. We are so pleased to highlight three wonderful people in our community: Alyse, Minh, and Marcella!

April 100 CLUB

Congratulations to our amazing clients who've completed 100 classes! Your dedication is inspiring. Each class has transformed your strength, resilience, and well-being. You're an example to others and we're grateful to be part of your journey. Cheers to more fulfilling classes and reaching new heights together!

Instructor Spotlight: Lauren

Many of you know her from her upbeat/dance-vibes xCLIMB classes on Sundays. She is warm and welcoming, and her playlists are HOT 🔥 Meet Lauren aka Lil Mama!

Instructor Spotlight: Kelly

Kelly, the Thursday Extreme Queen - she who will make you shake, wiggle-wiggle, and jiggle-jiggle in a 6-minute kneeling inner thigh.

PATRICK

Meet Patrick! He's a silent warrior who we've seen get stronger and stronger by the week. He's been an amazing staple of our community and we're thrilled to highlight him as Marin's first client spotlight! Thanks, Patrick, for being a bright light at X˙CORE.

Favorite Bay Area spot to grab a bite?
Good Luck Dim Sum in the Richmond District

How did you find your way to X˙CORE?
Through my wife, Delna!

You get a random day off -- how do you spend it?
Hiking, playing basketball, getting a nice coffee and taking a steam!

What three TV characters do you most relate to?
Michael Bluth (arrested development), Nick Miller (New Girl), Cory Matthews (Boy Meets World)

What song or genre are you most excited to hear in class?
Anything Top 50 Hip-hop. Still waiting for Sandstrom to make its debut (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq9LkYmME8c)

Strangest thing in your bag right now?
I wish it was something strange. Random socks is probably the right answer.

Where is the next place on your travel bucket list?
India!

Last thing you've binge watched?
Atlanta

Tell us your corniest joke.
Why do seagulls fly over the sea?
If they flew over the bay, they would be bagels.

Any fun facts you think the XCORE community might not know about you?
Spent a brief time living in Detroit!

NICKI

Meet Nicki! If we don’t see her on Piedmont machine #4, we always ask…”Where’s Nicki!?”. A staple of X˙CORE and one of our pillars through the pandemic, Nicki has been a bright light for X˙CORE. Sometimes we’ll sneak some Abba in just to catch a glimpse of her waving her arms and bobbing her head to the beat of the music. Thank you, Nicki, for bringing the cheer into out lives!

Favorite East Bay spot to grab a bite?

Doña on Piedmont Ave. Their vegetarian tacos and Palomas are the perfect combo!

How did you find your way to XCORE?

After decades of barre and yoga, I was looking for something different and challenging. The studio on Piedmont Ave had just opened. Perfect timing!

Favorite xBurn spot and why? (We know you love machine 4!)

I like being next to a mirror and usually go for Spot 4.

What song or genre are you most excited to hear in class?

As Elaine can attest: anything Abba or 80s inspired!

Strangest thing in your purse right now?

I’ve stopped carrying a purse!

Most beautiful place you've visited?

I have three: my home country South Africa, Israel and New Zealand.

It's Jewish Heritage month, do you have any family traditions that are especially meaningful to you?

We do a family Shabbat dinner every Friday night. I bake challah almost every week, we light candles and say all the blessings, and then eat together. Even if the kids are going out or have sports games, we do Shabbat before.

Any tips for fellow XCORE community members that might be looking for Jewish activities in Oakland and Piedmont?

The East Bay Jewish community is very active and vibrant - so much going on all the time for people of all ages! I recommend checking out the East Bay JCC, Urban Adamah, Jewish Studio Project, PJ Library… there’s definitely something for everyone.

Any fun facts you think the XCORE community might not know about you?

I love open water swimming and I’ve swum Alcatraz twice. I have two adorable dachshunds who are the loves of my life (after my husband and kids of course!). My (not so) secret passions are knitting and watching British crime shows.

COLETTE

If you only have time for xClimb or xBurn, how are you sweating?

Definitely xBurn! I’ll try xClimb one day…

When you're not at XCORE what can we find you doing?

Hanging out with my cat at home, at the beach, or on a hike!

After a long week of work, what's your go-to for relaxing?

Reading a good book or listening to music.

How did you find X˙CORE?

After moving from San Jose, I knew I wanted to find a killer Pilates studio. I took Sierra’s class and the rest is history!

Favorite place to eat in the East Bay?

Burma Superstar (the mango salad )

You suddenly have a totally free day, no plans. How do you spend it?

A day trip to Marin to hike the Dipsea trail!

Any facts about you our community might not know?

I teach high school even though everyone assumes I’m a student there!

FELICIA

If you only have time for xClimb or xBurn, how are you sweating?

If I have the time I am always down for xBurn! I love the discipline and pushing myself!

When you're not at XCORE what can we find you doing?

If I'm not at X˙CORE, you can find me spending time with my loved ones or exploring a new place!

After a long week of work, what's your go-to for relaxing?

After a long week, I love going out to eat or sending the evening ordering in and watching a good show or movie.

How did you find XCORE?

I found XCORE online! I was tired of the typical gym setting and wanted something new!

Favorite place to eat in the East Bay?

My favorite place to eat is Luca Cucina Italiana on San Pablo Ave. The best Italian I've had!

You suddenly have a totally free day, no plans. How do you spend it?

If I have a totally free day, I love going on day trips to Stinson Beach or a winery!

Any facts about you our community might not know?

I love cooking and baking! My apply pie has won first place in a bake-off.

SUE

If you only have time for xClimb or xBurn, how are you sweating?

xBurn all the way!

When you're not at XCORE what can we find you doing?

During the week, I am mostly at home (I work from home). I sneak out to x-core a couple of mornings a week. On the weekends, it depends. I’m still trying to figure out a new normal for me now that the COVID restrictions have lifted. I try to see friends, get a walk or workout in, go to the farmers market.

After a long week of work, what’s your go-to for relaxing?

Wine and a good book OR wine and a good show/movie. Basically, something lowkey + wine . I also love to unwind with a good self-care ritual. Hair mask, face mask, pedicure….

How did you find X˙CORE?

ClassPass a few years ago. I went to the Grand location maybe once or twice but couldn’t make the times work with my schedule. But started coming to the Piedmont location consistently since August 2021.

Favorite place to eat in the East Bay?

I have not ventured out for a good sit-down meal since COVID started but love Mama on Grand.

You suddenly have a totally free day, no plans. How do you spend it?

Hmmmm. I’m such a homebody. Right now, I have so many little house-projects going on so most likely that. Painting cabinets, changing light fixtures, printing travel pics to put up on my walls….

Any facts about you our community might not know?

I love to travel – can’t wait to get back to it this year!

I speak French fluently. I’m a terrible baker.

STEPHANIE

Why we love Stephanie.

This firecracker is always rooting for you - she’s loyal to the core and always rooting for those around her. She’s a tough cookie but genuinely sweet and thoughtful. Ever since she crushed it during COVID with us, we’ve loved seeing this badass take any class and challenge from 0 to 100. ..and beyond.

If you only have time for xClimb or xBurn, how are you sweating? 

I have to choose? I make time for both! But if I had to choose just one, xBurn with some HIIT thrown in of course ;) 

What's something you're hoping to do in 2022? 

Find my abs! They are under here somewhere.  

After a long week of work, what's your go-to for relaxing? 

I like to get Fearless on Fridays and then champagne with the ladies on the weekend. 

How did you find X˙CORE? 

It was the first Lagree class I ever took but then spent my time at other studios before finding my way back to Elaine and Cora during the pandemic. Thanks to their online classes I was able to stay relatively positive during a very dreary time. It was their persistence to provide for their Xcore community, in whatever way possible, a fitness sanctuary no matter what the current mandates were saying that impressed me the most. As the pandemic raged on, other gyms and studios slowly lost their online presence but Xcore continued to evolve during the pandemic, never letting anyone down. It was their drive to keep their business and the community they built afloat that has kept me so loyal and helped me flourish in my fitness endeavors.  

Favorite place to eat in the East Bay? 

Donato & Co in Berkeley….and my mom’s kitchen! 

You suddenly have a totally free day, no plans. How do you spend it? 

Have I already been to Xcore for the day? Then pajamas back on and under the duvet I go for a day of content binging and snoozing!  

Any facts about you our community might not know? 

I’m a Bay Area native, born in SF Children’s Hospital, but I became a citizen of beautiful New Zealand after immigrating there. I have actually spent 15 years of my life living in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  

STEVE

Why we love Steve.

What’s not to love about this man who loves the method so much! In fact, his transitions are so slick that he’ll probably be in the next move before you can blink. Steve is one of the hardest working people in class, in both xBURN and xCLIMB. He’s truly dedicate to whatever craft he chooses, and when he commits, he commits. We’ve especially loved growing stronger with him during our quarantine days as we sweat together online - he’s deserving of the prize for most calories burned! He’s also one of the most endearing, supportive and smartest people we know. Thank you, Steve, for being so damn AWESOME.

If you only have time for xClimb or xBurn, how are you sweating?

It depends on how I'm feeling! But usually xBurn

I have absolutely loved going to xClimb classes and improving my cardiovascular health (and trust me, it really needed improvement)! But even with X˙CORE classes, my heart rate can get pretty high so I feel like I'm getting a really unparalleled all-around workout.

What's something you're hoping to do in 2022?

SO MUCH! I want to do a lot more snowboarding than I did last year, and I'd love to get some backcountry trips in too. And if I can swing the vacation time, I'm looking to do plenty of high-altitude backpacking too (that cardio from xClimb & lunge strength from X˙CORE will come in v handy!)

After a long week of work, what's your go-to for relaxing?

FEARLESS FRIDAYS! But then: some cannabis and Netflix.

How did you find X˙CORE?

Many years ago I was a regular at some very challenging vinyasa flow yoga classes. After one class, I exclaimed "what a tough workout!" to one of the participants I'd befriended. She was like "yeah but it's nothing compared to lagree!" After some resistance, I finally broke down and went to a beginner class at Core40 (the first class was free just like drug dealers). It completely wrecked me! I couldn't believe how weak I was . As an Oakland native, I was on the lookout for east bay Lagree or Lagree-style pilates. Luckily the community is really well-connected so I was one of the first members of X˙CORE after it opened and I've been lunging, mermaiding and serving the platter ever since!

Favorite place to eat in the East Bay?

There are a ton of great options. Right now my favorite is FOWL & FARE (located in The Lodge on Piedmont Ave)!! But also an OG favorite is House of Curries in Berkeley. Or Mixt for healthy stuff.

You suddenly have a totally free day, no plans. How do you spend it?

Take my dogs for a long walk in the East Bay Regional Parks; do some gardening or housework. Read a book!

Any facts about you our community might not know?

I'm completely deaf on my left side (in fact the nerves that connected my left ear to my brain stem were completely severed) as a result of brain surgery back in 2014 (read more here). This also affected my balance (since your inner ear is what your body primarily uses for balance input), so balance-y moves are an extra challenge (and great balance training) for me

AMBER

INSPIRATION ALERT

Since January 1st

65 lbs. total lost

55 lbs. total body fat lost

Decreased body fat percentage by almost 16%

WHY WE LOVE AMBER.

Her determination and drive is an inspiration, and we couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s been on an incredible personal journey and we’re honored to be part of it. We’ve watched her grow STRONGER with every class, and we love catching her smile as she powers her way through the burn. Amber has made invaluable contributions to our community - remember that 30 minute plank challenge with our Crazy Craig? Well, we can thank Amber for the idea of turning it into a fundraising event and helping us make it a success by using her incredible tech and zoom skills. Thank you, Amber, for your awesome generosity and support. We can’t wait to continue growing with you!

Why X-CORE?

X˙CORE is the first method I have stuck to for longer than a couple of weeks. I used to walk by the Grand location almost every day and wonder what those crazy machines were; one day I looked it up and booked a class. It all seemed impossible at first and for the first year, I was terrified of taking anything but a Basics class. Even when things felt like they were falling apart, I tried to show up for at least those 40 minutes and focus on myself. X˙CORE has helped me to strengthen my commitment to myself and I feel a million times more confident than a few years ago. Twenty-eighteen Amber could not comprehend what 2021 Amber has accomplished and I absolutely owe some of that to the support I get from the X˙CORE fam.

How long have you lived in Oakland?

I moved to Oakland from Sacramento in 2000 for art school. I spent a few years in SF, but have been back in Oakland for the last 4 years. Living in SF, I really missed the community vibe of Oakland. Other things have changed, but that certainly hasn't.

What is your favorite restaurant in Oakland?

Grand Lake Kitchen!

What do you like to do for fun? Hobbies?

I love seeing movies at the Grand Lake Theater (they're open again, yay!) and traveling - I've driven Iceland's Ring Road twice!

fun facts about AMBER

I studied graphic design and printmaking in college and had my internship doing letterpress. I have a big orange cat named Leo and I'm also related to Blackbeard the Pirate!

What's your day job?

IT Program Manager for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative - it's great to work with an organization that's supporting change in the world.

Favorite quote?

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose" - Dolly Parton

Who inspires you?

Right now, myself! Over the last 6 months, I've lost close to 60lbs. I've been unhealthy most of my adult life and around Christmas 2020, I decided I wanted to change that once and for all. I committed to healthy eating, with X-Core and 10,000 steps/day as my exercise. Once I got into those habits, it was amazing to see other habits outside of my appearance change as well - I've been able to drop most of my medications, perform better at work, and become physically stronger. It's also been amazing to see changes in people around me! Coworkers have been inspired to adopt healthier habits and I love that my friend Rachel is coming to all the hard classes with me.

Favorite xBURN move(s)

Leg sweeps (fka scrambled eggs)! It's unassuming, but super effective and challenging. And any of Elaine's sea related moves - dolphin, Captain Morgan, swimmer.

Did you learn any new skills in COVID?

Is Zoom a skill? I would say communication. Starting a new job during COVID and never meeting any of my coworkers in real life has been super challenging. Learning how to express my thoughts effectively has been integral - and absolutely something I will take back to real life.

Anything else we should know about you?

I love coordinating my grip socks to my outfits and have around 30 pairs. (so do we!)

NICOLE

“Something interesting about me is that I am working on learning skills that could help me in the event of a zombie apocalypse, such as, wilderness survival, how to drive a stick shift, and lock picking. Next on my list is learning to fly a plane and ride a motorcycle.”

— Nicole

Why we love Nicole.

She warms our hearts when we see her online with her vibrant smile and dancing moves. Nicole is a genuinely kind person who has always brought her A game to the studios, and now continues to bring it almost every single day to xLIVE. Thank you, Nicole, for your energy and dedication - you’ve helped us get through these challenging times and we appreciate you!

Why X˙CORE?

Over the last few years, fitness has become a very big part of my life. I found the healing space of yoga while getting out of a relationship and it snowballed my love for fitness and the endorphins that come with it. My stepmom got me started on Pilates and when I moved to Oakland shortly after I discovered there was a studio just an 8-minute walk away. X-CORE was the perfect way to start my Saturday mornings and I started by taking one class a week. I really enjoyed the intimate space of the small class and how the instructors could focus on each individual during the allotted time. And since COVID I have been taking the xLive classes almost every day of the week. I have had my family join me for a class when I went back home to visit and a few friends have joined me as well when they spend the night. Every instructor has been so kind and encouraging always pushing me to hold on a little bit longer. It's that interaction that makes it so worthwhile. It is a space of empowerment and a space free from judgment. I have enjoyed every minute of every class. Well, that's a lie because sometimes I feel like I'm dying :) but I love it still. This community is part of me now and I am so grateful for all of the love and support.

Where did you grow up?

I am originally from Thousand Oaks, Ca. I moved to the Bay Area for university in 2005 and have lived in SF, Marin, and now Oakland for 3 years this coming March.

What is your favorite restaurant in Oakland?

Oooo there are so many tasty spots here. I don't have a favorite but I really like Drakes. The outdoor area with its trees and lighting. I have had many fond memories there and afterward, you can get ice cream at Humphry Slocombe.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love having conversations with strangers while traveling and exploring new places. I have always loved hiking especially in forests and lately, I have been doing 10+ mile hikes around the Bay. I love planning/working events and recently before COVID I started working for a catering company part-time (A job that I got because of someone special I met at X-CORE). I watch way too many movies and have stacks and stacks of books around my flat. Video games or board games, I don't discriminate :) Dancing pretty much any time of the day or anywhere always makes me happy. For fitness besides X-CORE, I have a favorite yoga teacher I adore taking classes from and running around the lake when I can get enough motivation to do so.

Favorite COVID pastime?

When COVID started it was lonely and I needed people to talk to so I selfishly started a gathering every Wednesday evening with my neighbors and me in our courtyard to chat, play a game, watch a movie on a projector or have dinner together. (Sadly since it has gotten cold and dark early we haven't done it these last few months.

Favorite xLIVE class?

How could I have a favorite? Each class is so different and challenging! I love the new challenge of the penny board. Megan and Maren are always watching to make sure I don't give up. Elaine making Paul work so hard always fills my heart with love and laughter. Sierra makes my legs hate me for days and Bibi kicks my butt every class. I also really love the new yoga class with Catrina and her partner because if balancing wasn't hard enough they added weights too.

How do you make time for xLIVE?

I keep noon to 1 pm blocked off on my calendar at work and I let my team know how important doing these classes live are, and everyone I work with is so supportive and encouraging.

What can't you wait to do once everything re-opens?

Amongst all the things I miss like going to concerts and movie theaters or even just spending time with all my friends, I can't wait to travel again and go off on adventures.

What's your day job?

I am a Visual Designer and I work on projects that involve branding and website redesigns mostly.

Favorite quote?

My dear, find what you love and let it kill you. Let it drain from you your all. Let it cling onto your back and weigh you down into eventual nothingness. Let it kill you, and let it devour your remains. For all things will kill you, both slowly and fastly, but it's much better to be killed by a lover. Falsely yours, Henry Charles Bukowski

Who inspires you?

I find that the people I surround myself with inspire me most. They push me to be better and introduce me to new things. Before COVID I would go to a lot of book signings and film screenings and listening to others' stories and picking their brains has always inspired me.