How Switching from Arketa Positioned BODICORE for Its Next Stage of Growth

BODICORE is on a mission to bring the Lagree Method to Maryland. Founded by Lagree Master Trainer Amaris Umbarger, the boutique fitness studio combines high-intensity, low-impact strength training with a strong sense of community, helping members build both physical and mental resilience. 

For Amaris, this purpose is deeply personal. After years of managing scoliosis and while recovering from a knee injury, she discovered Lagree while traveling for work. The method helped her build strength without pain, and she quickly realized there was nothing like it in her local market. 

Determined to continue her practice, she purchased a Microformer and began training out of her basement. As friends and family started joining her workouts, she began to see an opportunity to introduce Lagree to a wider audience. 

Today, BODICORE has grown into one of Maryland’s fastest-growing Lagree studios, fueled by a loyal community and a vision for long-term growth. 

Scaling a growing brand requires strong business insights 

As BODICORE continues to grow, having access to meaningful business insights becomes increasingly important. But on its previous software, Arketa, Amaris struggled to get the information she needed to make informed decisions. 

“Reporting on Arketa was confusing,” she recalls. “I knew how many members I had, but diving deeper was manual and cumbersome. It was like a black hole to me.” 

As someone who naturally gravitates toward data, Amaris wanted a clearer understanding of how the business was performing. 

“I didn’t have a really good vision of forecasting,” she adds. “I needed to understand utilization rates, how individual classes were doing, and how much revenue they were generating.” 

Without that visibility, planning for future growth became increasingly difficult. As BODICORE prepared to expand beyond a single location, Amaris needed a clearer picture of what was working, where opportunities existed, and how to confidently scale the business. 

Building community beyond the studio walls using Mariana Tek 

When evaluating software, Amaris wasn’t just looking for operational tools. She also wanted a platform that could deliver the BODICORE experience beyond the studio itself. 

After switching to Mariana Tek, feedback was immediate. The app was sleek, user-friendly, and representative of the BODICORE brand. 

“They absolutely loved it,” says Amaris. “Our members constantly told us how cute and easy to use the app was, and our instructors were so excited to see their profiles.” 

One of the features the community embraced most was gamification. BODICORE members actively participate in challenges, track streaks, celebrate milestones, and follow leaderboards. 

“It gives them another reason to keep coming back,” she shares. “People love seeing their progress and it creates accountability in a really fun way.” 

The platform has also helped BODICORE strengthen the connection between members and instructors. Through instructor profiles featuring social media links and Spotify playlists, clients can engage with the teachers they love in a more personal way. 

“I love the fact that on the employee profile there are links to Instagram and Spotify,” says Amaris. “Previously, a lot of people would come to class and ask if we could share the playlist and now, they can find it right on the app. It’s a great way to connect with our members.” 

Creating a growth engine that runs in the background 

While those features enhanced the member experience, Mariana Tek also helped BODICORE create more efficient systems for growth behind the scenes. 

As a studio owner balancing teaching, sales, marketing, and studio operations, Amaris needed systems that could help her stay connected with prospective and current members without requiring constant manual effort. Automations quickly became one of the most valuable tools. 

“We use automations heavily,” says Amaris. “With that always-on support, we can follow up quickly without having to call each person individually. It’s such a gamechanger.” 

Instead of relying on manual outreach, the team uses automated campaigns to deliver the right message at the right time, helping convert interest into long-term membership. Automations are set up to nurture first-time visitors, prospective members who have created an account but haven’t yet booked a class, and more. 

Those efforts are already translating into measurable results. This year, BODICORE has experienced an 119% increase in total purchasers. 

“I wholeheartedly believe that changing platforms, automating more of our member communications, and getting serious about follow-up played a big role in our growth,” says Amaris. “Retention is especially important for us because Lagree is still relatively new in our market. We have to balance bringing new people in with creating an experience that keeps them coming back.” 

Making decisions with confidence 

As BODICORE prepares for its next phase of expansion, reporting has become one of the studio’s most valuable strategic tools. On Mariana Tek, Amaris can now evaluate performance trends, understand member behavior, and identify future opportunities. 

Location reporting has become especially valuable as the team prepares to expand. 

“It’s going to shape future decision-making,” Amaris explains. “Now I know where people are coming from, whether there’s demand for a new location in a specific area, and which class times and formats are most likely to succeed.” 

What’s next for BODICORE 

“A year ago, people weren’t even thinking about Lagree. They weren’t looking us up,” says Amaris. “Now we are starting to build that brand recognition.” 

As awareness continues to grow, BODICORE is preparing for its next chapter. The team is expanding its original Perry Hall studio, opening a second location in Bel Air, and laying out the groundwork for future growth across Maryland. 

With a second location on the horizon and plans for continued expansion, BODICORE is just getting started. 

Set your studio up for long-term success with Mariana Tek 

Whether you’re opening your first location or preparing to expand, Mariana Tek helps boutique fitness brands create exceptional member experiences, strengthen retention, and grow with ease. Book a demo to see how it can support your vision.