our story
Laurie always had a passion for fitness and thirst for adventure. After spending her career in Corporate America as an accountant, she decided to pursue a lifelong dream of opening a studio of her own. A dear friend of hers introduced her to the Lagree method in California and immediately she was hooked. Battling constant knee pain and numerous surgeries she was on the hunt for a low impact workout that still brought intensity. Laurie has brought this workout to Queens and her goal is to create a community of dedicated Lagree enthusiasts. You can find Laurie in the studio and taking class on the megaformer next to you.
our instructors
Astoria | Garden City
laurie benenati
FOUNDER & OWNER
IG Handle: @benela39
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Dancing Bear
Why I Lagree: I love the high intensity workouts without the high impact especially since I have multiple knee injuries. I am able to challenge my body while quieting my mind. It is so inspiring and heartwarming to workout with my amazing team of instructors and dedicated clients.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Smile! You Got This!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Obliques & Glutes
Fun Fact: I am obsessed with collecting passport stamps and want to step foot on every continent. Some of my favorite places I’ve been to include New Zealand, Thailand and Greece. I am scared to death of heights but have no problem skydiving!
Laurie grew up and currently lives in Queens, NY. She’s spent some time in Newport Beach, CA and Manhattan. Laurie graduated St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked for various media companies since then. She always knew she was meant to do something else in the field of fitness and service. In 2017, after taking a trip to Bali, she decided to jump ship, pursue a lifelong dream and opened lagreeny. Laurie has always been active and adventurous. She loves snowboarding, travelling and football.
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 2, Balanced Body Pilates Mat & Reformer, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Astoria
tiger brown
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @stigerb
Favorite Exercise: Scrambled Eggs
Why I Lagree: I always feel the most accomplished after my workout, and completely put back in alignment. It’s almost like taking a ballet barre for me. I feel so strong and ready to tackle whatever is in front of me.
You’ll Always Hear Me Say This In Class: Wrap Your Burritos! Knit your ribs!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Inner Thighs & Glutes
Fun Fact: I also teach dance master classes around the country!
Tiger originally hails from New Jersey (and proud!), but is happily living in Astoria. She is a serious foodie, wanderluster, yoga enthusiast, and book lover. She still continues her journey in the performing arts not only as a performer and teacher, but also as a choreographer. She holds a degree in Theater from NYU Tisch, and has been a dance teacher for over 10 years. Tiger is super proud to be a part of this stellar lagreeny team!
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 1
Garden City
Dana Henneborn
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @danahenneborn
Favorite Exercise: 5th lunge
Why I Lagree: to achieve maximum muscle tone and shakes!
Teaching style: Fun, upbeat, and focused on form, form, form!
Fun Fact: I have ben a professional dancer for over 10 years.
Astoria
andrea dusel-foil
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @aduselfoil
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Spider Kicks
Why I Lagree: To feel strong in my body.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: It’s gonna be fun. Are you breathing?
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Abs all day.
Fun Fact: I hate burpees.
Andrea was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, and grew up dancing. After graduating high school, Andrea completed her BA in Dance Performance from UNC CHARLOTTE, the Professional Training Program at North Carolina Dance Theatre and the Independent Study Program at the Ailey School. Since then, she has danced with Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Ballet Mink, MCG Dance and The Coppola Rhythm Ensemble. Andrea began her journey into fitness as a form of cross training and rehabilitation. She started with Pilates and Yoga and followed with her Lagree Fitness Certification in 2013. She believes in working with clients in a supportive and non-judgemental manner and promises you, “It’s gonna be fun.”
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 2, DK Bodybalancing: Comprehensive Pilates Certification, It’s Yoga International: 200 hr Ashtanga Yoga & 50 hr Rocket Yoga, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Astoria
marie carrol
INSTRUCTOR
Garden City
Danielle Robak
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @danielleashleyrobak
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Dancing bear- you’ll rarely find a class of mine without it.
Why I Lagree: The challenge is addicting! I’ve found that strength training is where I see the most changes in my body, and I love that Lagree is a low impact way for me to look and feel strong.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: “You’ve got this!”
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Biceps & Obliques
Fun Fact: I lived in Chicago for 2 years shortly after college, before moving to NYC.
Danielle grew up dancing competitively, which instilled a love for an active lifestyle from an early age. For her, fitness serves as an outlet; a way to feel better from the inside out. She’s passionate about sharing these benefits with her clients, and watching them grow stronger physically and mentally. Originally from Melbourne, Florida, Danielle moved to New York for a taste of the big city and her career in the financial industry.
Astoria
emily wolff
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @nycity_fit (fitness)
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Standing Inner Thighs
Why I Lagree: To challenge myself mentally and physically.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Draw your shoulder blades together / shoulders down your back / relax your shoulders or some variation of that… posture is everything!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Glutes!
Fun Fact: I am secretly a cat lady, but don’t own any 🙁 one day…
Emily moved to NYC from the Washington DC area in 2016. In mid 2017, she decided to leave her desk job to enter the fitness world. She currently teaches Lagree and barre at Physique 57, and loves all things fitness. She lives in the neighborhood, so if you skip class to go to QWNS Cafe, she’ll find you! 
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 1, Physique 57 Certified Barre Trainer
Astoria
jaime ordonez
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @jamgraceo
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Tailbone bicep curl
Why I Lagree: To feel strong in my body.
What is your teaching style? Encouraging, energetic, relatable to the clients.
Fun Fact: I am half Ecuadorian and speak Spanish
