Anyone who’s ever wanted to try a Lagree workout soon will have more options when the Tri-Cities’ only licensed Lagree Miniformer studio, Bluecarrot, opens two new locations in central Kennewick and west Pasco.

Bluecarrot, established two years ago by Eddie Jiminez, a certified nutritionist and Pilates instructor, has gained popularity with Tri-Citians looking to improve all facets of their health within a holistic wellness-minded community.

Though the studios also will offer cardio, functional strength training and hot mat Pilates classes, the Lagree classes have become Bluecarrot’s signature offering, leading to stacked wait lists.

Lagree Fitness is the maker of the Miniformer machine, part of a new generation of exercise equipment that aims to take workouts to the next level.

Participants practice classic Pilates moves on a non-stationary platform with adjustable incline. The instability forces users to engage muscles in all parts of their body to maintain balance and complete exercises.

“The Lagree method is based on Pilates principles but with an added strength component. ... It’s high intensity with low impact versus low intensity and low impact with regular Pilates,” Jiminez said.

He added that workouts are 40 minutes long, conducted in small 10- to 12-person classes.

“It’s a challenging workout but it is for everyone, all you have to do is show up. We have members who are age 16 up to 78 is our oldest.” Jiminez said, adding that the workouts are adaptable for those just beginning their fitness journey and seasoned athletes alike.

First location

He introduced the first six Miniformers to the 500-square-foot workout space at his original Kennewick location, WELL. by Bluecarrot at 4827 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 130, now a dedicated smoothie bar and lounge space.

“It got busy and full really quick. People were noticing the difference. They could immediately feel the difference, which is like working out at the gym but without all the equipment,” Jiminez said.

He noted that 99% of Bluecarrot’s members and instructors are women, though he emphasized the workouts are just as effective for men. 

Class demand soon exceeded the original space and Jiminez spotted an opportunity to expand right around the corner on Edison Street at the new blue-roofed retail strip across the street from Kamiakin High School.

When a prolonged permitting process stalled building out the 4,800-square-foot two-story studio at 825 N. Edison St., Jiminez wasted no time waiting.

He bought six more Lagree Miniformers and pivoted to an available suite formerly occupied by Pedego Electric Bikes at 1084 George Washington Way in Richland, as a temporary spot to support the rollout of more classes.

“I was the only instructor at the time,” Jiminez said, while his partner, Bruce Jolliff, ran the smoothie bar and managed the finances and accounting.

The Kennewick studio is expected to open in March.

Black and white checkerboard tile covers the floor of the Lagree room upstairs and a lavish chandelier hangs from the ceiling in the Richland studio.

| Photo by Laura Kostad

Social wellness club

Bluecarrot’s Richland location soon took off and moved to offering 50 classes a week, which quickly filled, many becoming waitlisted.

“Finally, I was able to hire employees with five of my own members becoming certified (to instruct),” Jiminez said.

Bluecarrot is currently home to 400 members and over 700 repeat customers and has grown to support 18 employees.

In past business ventures, Jiminez said, “I used to pay marketing agencies to get leads, but here it has been 100% organic. We build connections, they see the results, then they tell other people.”

After a nearly yearlong wait, Bluecarrot’s newest social wellness club is set to open at the end of this month.

Jiminez wants to emphasize that it’s more than just a fitness studio.

“People get healthy through movement, nutrition and community. Our focus is bringing community together with the right recipe,” he said.

“Everything we do is around improving the nervous system. Mental health comes first and regulating the nervous system. Physical health is the side effect,” he said.

He said building connections is key: “I tell my instructors to be there for them, that building that human connection is important.”

With a strong, like-minded team handling classes, Jiminez has been able to devote himself to the minute details of the new space – and it doesn’t look like the average gym.

Black and white checkerboard tile covers the floor of the Lagree room upstairs and a lavish chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Mirrors line the dark walls and the windows are shaded.

“Every design is intentional; it’s moody. I want people to feel present and not focus on what everyone else is doing. Your focus is on you. That’s why every room is dark with some low lighting.

“It’s a social setting, but you’re also working on yourself while supporting each other. A lot of people have a hard time going to the gym because they might feel self-conscious. ... It’s the environment you create that makes people get better or worse,” Jiminez said.

The Edison Street social wellness club will offer about 30 classes a day from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

First-time participants can get a three-class trial pack for $49.

After that, drop-ins are $35, with many options in between, up to $269 per month unlimited membership. 

West Pasco location

Following the Kennewick studio is Bluecarrot’s west Pasco social wellness club, located in the newly constructed 3,300-square-foot space at 9707 Saint Thomas Drive near Camping World off Broadmoor Boulevard.

Once completed, the Richland studio will move to the new Pasco location, which is set to open in May.

“We’ll come back to Richland eventually,” Jiminez said.

Nutrition program

As the new locations come online, he said he looks forward to reintroducing Bluecarrot’s nutrition program. 

As business rapidly grew on the fitness class front, Jiminez’s nutritional consults had to be sidelined while the company scaled to meet demand.

“I’m going to be adding nutrition coaches at the new location,” he said.

He added that nutrition workshops and post-workout social gatherings at the Kennewick - Clearwater WELL. wellness lounge are also in the works.

He will continue to hire staff to support the new locations. Resumes are accepted at [email protected].

Despite the traction Bluecarrot has gained, Jiminez said, “it’s not an overnight success. It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time,” tracing a winding road back to his departure from medical school 12 years ago to pursue holistic health and introduce its healing powers to more people.

“I’ve started and failed and started and failed like eight businesses – the timing wasn’t right, I wasn’t ready, not the right recipe – but something I’ve learned over the years is that you haven’t failed until you stop trying.”

He was pleased to add, “Now, we’re just getting started.”

Bluecarrot Wellness Clubs:

• Kennewick: 825 N. Edison St., Suite 160.
• Pasco: 9707 Saint Thomas Dr., Suites E and F.
• Richland: 1084 George Washington Way.

WELL. by Bluecarrot Smoothie Bar and Wellness Lounge: 4827 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 130, Kennewick.