Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Middleton.
Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up struggling with my health and my relationship to my body. In college, I weighted over 220 pounds and avoided fitness altogether. I was beyond out of shape and treated my body so poorly, overeating so much processed foods and drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol almost daily. With little to no movement, I was at my very lowest. I never ever thought I’d be where I am today.
After college and moving to Los Angeles for a random job, I began discovering fitness in a new way. I ate whole foods, hiked constantly, swam in the ocean every single chance I could get and suddenly I knew what it felt like to be healthy. I was empowered and motivated to find my own fitness routine. I took spin classes almost every morning, did yoga in the park, and walked a lot.
The pandemic was a huge turning point, as it was for many of us. I fell out of my routine and began making poor choices in my nutrition again. When I (thankfully) noticed I was working my way back down a dangerous path, I knew I had to make some serious choices. I eventually cut out alcohol completely, AND I decided to try something new, outside my comfort zone. So in January 2022, I tried my first Lagree class ever – holy sh*t! It was so hard but I had never felt so rewarded leaving a workout. I knew right away this method would completely change my body and mind forever. I fell in love with Lagree! I genuinely wanted to get better at it, so I went to my besties classes multiple times a week and my body changed before my eyes. With the encouragement of my best friend (who is also a superstar LA Lagree instructor), I pushed past many fears and became a certified Lagree instructor myself. I’ve been teaching at Megaformer Studios Brentwood – the largest Lagree studio in the world – for over two and a half years now, and it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of my life. I also pride myself in having some fire playlists to get us all through the temporary discomfort… It’s electric in that room. Teaching to a class full of people who want to get stronger and trust me to help them get there, will never get old! I moved to Orange County in summer 2024, essentially for love (lol). And I still make the drive 3 days a week to teach in Brentwood. I just love this studio with all my heart, the bond I have with my clients here is special! There’s nothing like it.
In the last few years, my passion for strength training also grew alongside Lagree. I realized I wanted to offer something even more personalized; a space where people could get my undivided attention to better their form and get stronger in any modality of fitness. I recently launched my own business, ABSXABS Personal Training, out of my garage gym in San Clemente, CA. I now offer one-on-one personal training, strength coaching and wellness support – helping others find the freedom and joy in fitness that changed my life.
It’s been a full-circle journey: from feeling completely lost in my body to finding my deepest mind-body connection through Lagree, finding power, purpose and a career helping others feel strong in their beautiful bodies!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest struggle was, and truthfully still sometimes is, imposter syndrome. Because of where I started, on the other side of the spectrum of health, I still find it hard to believe I am teaching others how to optimize their own health. To be transparent, when I first started teaching group fitness, I did not think people would trust me. It was all based on superficial insecurities and also some deep rooted trauma that I honestly am still working through, I think we’ve all been there. But after reaching such poor health in my body almost a decade ago, I still have wounds that are hard to push through somedays. It’s all worth it because I’m better for it and more importantly, so are my clients.
*insert before photo here*
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a personal coach and Lagree instructor, passionate about helping people build sustainable strength, confidence and a proud connection with their bodies. I specialize in Lagree – a high-intensity, low-impact workout method done on a machine called a Megaformer. It combines strength training, deep core work and cardio all into one workout by using slow, controlled movements that keep your muscles under tension for extended periods of time.
My teaching is special because I truly believe I have built such a community through my group classes. The energy in the room is always palpable, its addicting. I think everyone feels it and it’s such a huge component of working out hard. Its a domino effect. If Sally in the corner is going so slow, it will trickle over all the way to George and inspire everyone in between to fight their hardest to go SLOWER. I’m known for my hands-on adjustments, always prioritizing form. I will tell you in any class you take with me “your top priorities are: form! tempo! duration! ” The goal is to optimize form, get the body shakey and fight to stay in the movements, to build muscular endurance, yes! But I always say more importantly, you’re building mental resilience.
I think what sets me apart from others is my inherit nature to connect on a human-to-human basis first. I am not perfect and I have come from a place where I could not even do a squat if you paid me to. I see you and I will always give you my all so you can feel safe wherever you’re at NOW.
How do you think about luck?
I think I am lucky to have friends who pushed me and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, along with friends who help & inspire me to this day (s/o Halle). I am lucky to have recognized the damage I was doing to my body when I did. I think I am lucky to have started out at a studio that values me and honestly, prioritizes the quality of Lagree that is taught more than any other studio. I think I am lucky to have a partner who goes to the gym every single morning to maintain his own fitness and motivates me too. But I’d be lying if I said I was here because of luck, I hustled (those 23 classes per week days were not for the faint of heart) and I’m beyond grateful for every part of it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @abbymidds + @absxabs
Image Credits
Gail Garberg – @gailinfocus
