Located in the heart of Shoreditch, East London, Core Studio is a boutique fitness space offering Pilates, barre, and strength training designed to move with your body—not against it. Our method, led by Lara, fuses grace and resistance to deliver workouts that are as mindful as they are effective.
Body by Lara is a modern movement method that redefines fitness by blending strength training with intelligent body mechanics, functional performance, and long-term vitality. Positioned at the intersection of fitness and wellness, it’s designed for those seeking more than physical transformation—offering a deeper connection to the body, sustainable strength, and movement that enhances daily life rather than depletes it. Each class prioritizes intentional movement over mindless repetition, progressive resistance over burnout, and functionality alongside aesthetics, all grounded in science-backed principles.
At CORE, the home of Body by Lara, this philosophy comes to life across three distinct studios, each dedicated to a unique aspect of fitness. Together, they work in synergy to create a complete body transformation experience—both mentally and physically. Because fitness is not one-size-fits-all, our intelligently designed classes build agility, strength, body awareness, and resilience, adapting to you at every stage. Our infrared heated sessions further enhance results by boosting circulation, oxygenation, and detoxification, elevating both performance and vitality.
Beyond movement, our LED-powered recovery room offers a restorative space to reset and recharge. Using advanced light therapy, it supports muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, promotes cellular regeneration, and enhances overall wellbeing—ensuring your body not only trains effectively, but recovers intelligently.
At our Shoreditch fitness studio, we offer three unique spaces: the Weight Train Studio, the Sculpt Studio, and the Universal Reformer Studio—each focused on a specific aspect of movement. This holistic approach allows our clients to strengthen their bodies while improving muscular function, coordination, and reflexes.
At Body by Lara CORE, our mission is to empower and transform every individual through movement. Whether it’s Pilates, barre, or strength training, each class is carefully curated to work in harmony—providing our clients with a comprehensive and personalized fitness experience in East London.
Our philosophy is rooted in synergy. It lies in our ability to integrate the three studio environments. Each session or class allows you to dive deep into specific areas of fitness, ensuring all aspects of your body are activated. This balanced approach helps you build strength, flexibility, endurance, and mental clarity—across all Core Studio offerings.
Our workouts are designed to improve strength, form, and function while enhancing technique and body awareness. Every movement session challenges the body and mind—helping members build resilience, precision, and confidence in every class. Our studio in Shoreditch offers an inclusive space to grow stronger—inside and out.
I have always been fascinated by the study of humans and the body. Growing up, I studied literature, humanities, and philosophy. My father, who was in the army, encouraged us to train, and living by the sea kept us active.
I grew up in war-torn Lebanon. During that time, I was a bookworm, as we didn’t have much freedom for extended periods. We expressed ourselves through movement, art, and science. With a naturally curious and inquisitive mind, I developed a fondness for yoga at an early age. Although I never imagined becoming a trainer, I knew I had a love for research, attention to detail, and a drive for excellence.
When I moved to London in 2000, I decided to explore teaching yoga. To do so, I needed to understand the physiology of the body and the science of movement—the “nerd” in me wanted to do things properly. I trained extensively for years in classical and contemporary Pilates, Pilates for dancers, Gyrotonics, Gyrokinesis, Garuda, Garuda Barre, Barre, and yoga. This journey led me to develop my own method: Body by Lara, a unique exercise modality that integrates movement and the science of the body.
Beyond teaching, I worked on developing fitness concepts for major studios, training instructors to deliver Sculpt programs. I also launched two studios in London: Spiral Body and Body by Lara. Before that, I spent years touring globally with clients, including Sting and The Police.
Now, I am entering an exciting new stage in my career with CORE, where I will launch my Springs Sculpt™ method. Previously taught privately at my Notting Hill studio, Spiral Body, this technique will now be available in group classes —realizing my long-held dream of making specialized fitness methods accessible to everyone.
I am highly selective when building my team. Body by Lara concepts are taught by an exceptional group of trainers, and the CORE team consists of highly skilled professionals with expertise across a range of disciplines, including:
- Traditional yoga, preserving its essence and philosophy.
- Classically trained dance, blending artistry with movement.
- Advanced movement practices, enhancing coordination, agility, and balance.
- Weight training, focusing on strength, muscle development, and functional fitness.
Each instructor brings a unique perspective and a deep passion for their craft, ensuring that every member benefits from both expert knowledge and inspiration throughout their fitness journey.
At Core Studio in Shoreditch, our diverse team of instructors specialize in Pilates, barre, yoga, and strength-based movement, each bringing a unique perspective to our studio’s holistic approach.
