Situated in the heart of Downtown Wake Forest, amid a thriving community, you'll find Nourish Studios—a boutique fitness haven for women. Founded by Amanda Dickerson, Nourish is more than just a gym; it's a vision realized through passion, dedication, and a manifestation to empower women to become the best versions of themselves.
Dickerson's journey to creating Nourish began years ago, fueled by her experiences as a fitness enthusiast and a desire to fill a gap in the local fitness scene. "Nourish has been a vision in my head for at least five years," says Dickerson. "It evolved from me being a member at most of the local gyms over the past 16 years and seeing a need to have a smaller, women's-only studio with lots of variety and top-of-the-line trainers."
Central to Nourish's offerings is the Lagree fitness method, a unique approach to fitness that caught Amanda's attention after trying it herself. Lagree, performed on a specialized reformer, blends bodybuilding techniques with low-impact movements, promising rapid results.
Despite using similar equipment, Lagree and Pilates differ significantly in their focus and execution. "While Pilates is rooted in principles of breathing, concentration, and flow, Lagree takes a more dynamic approach, prioritizing range of motion, tempo, duration, effective sequences, transitions, and time under tension," explains Dickerson. This approach makes Lagree more intense and cardio-centric. By offering both methods, Nourish Studios caters to a broad spectrum of fitness preferences, from those seeking a low-impact, meditative workout to those who prefer a high-energy, muscle-building experience.
But what truly sets Nourish apart is its intimate setting and community-focused. "Nourish is not your typical gym," Amanda says. "We're small, our group fitness class holds no more than 15 people, and our Lagree class maxes out at 6. In addition, we only have classes, so we're not a walk-in and workout on your own type of place. Group fitness breeds community and accountability."
This sense of community extends beyond the studio walls, with Nourish actively collaborating with local businesses and organizations to promote wellness within Wake Forest. From workshops tailored to women in different stages of life, like the Red HOT Mamas series, to pop-up events with neighboring establishments, Nourish is deeply integrated into the fabric of the community. “We have been lucky enough to have local leaders collaborate with us for our workshop such as Dr. Yas, MD Menopause Specialist, OBGYN Dr.Danielle Vaughan, PT, DBT, Vestibular & Women’s health therapist, Lori Ragsdale, RDN, LDN, CLT, Dietitian/ Nutritionist, and Lorraine Miano, Holistic Health Coach and local author of The Magic of Menopause,” says Dickerson. “We also have pop-ups planned with Run n Tri, Main Squeeze, Project Lean Nation, Inner Health Chiropractic, Jubilation Spa, Pinup Studio, and talking to more.”
Nourish's impact goes beyond fitness, contributing to the economic development of Downtown Wake Forest. Through renovations and employing local tradespeople, the studio has revitalized its building along South White Street. Moreover, with a team of 19 experienced trainers and collaborations with local businesses, Nourish stimulates the local economy while nurturing a culture of wellness.
While still in its early days, Nourish’s impact on its members is already palpable. The studio has become a haven for women seeking holistic wellness. "We've had many women walk in stating that menopause has not been kind to them, and they're ready to feel better,” says Dickerson. “I see these women showing up to classes consistently, signing up for workshops, and actively doing 'the work'."
At Nourish, fitness classes are just one component of a holistic approach to health and wellness. Personal training, health and nutrition coaching, and life and recovery coaching services complement the diverse range of classes, ensuring that members receive comprehensive support on their wellness journey.
As Nourish continues to flourish, Dickerson’s vision of creating a space where women can thrive both physically and mentally is becoming a reality. “I bring the perspective of a client, and my staff brings their fitness expertise to make it happen,” says Dickerson. “My husband, Hill, brings a wealth of business knowledge and experience, while my ‘Coach Mentor’, Aubrey Miller, is my right hand. She is a fitness expert and has so much knowledge of the body. So we all balance each other out. We make a pretty good team if you ask me.”
“Nourish Studios stands out for its exceptional mix of high-quality fitness classes, personalized coaching, and close-knit community,” says Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP). “Amanda and her team are leading the way in Wake Forest, inspiring our community's women to take care of their bodies, minds, and spirits, all while cultivating the economic vitality of Downtown.”
Photo Credits to Wild Belle Photography
