Erica Leonard has spent more than two decades in the wellness and movement industry, specializing in Pilates, the Lagree method and fascia decompression. Her passion has always been helping people reconnect with their bodies, building strength from the inside out, and experiencing true alignment and healing.

Erica is the founder of Core954 and the proud mother of two daughters, Everly and Isla. Her partner, John “Buck” Buckmaster, has also been an incredible source of support. Together, they’re the heart behind everything she does and the inspiration for the community that she has built.

Core954 began from a very personal place in her life. “Movement had always been my anchor, but it wasn’t until I experienced my own challenges with physical pain, stress, and misalignment that I realized how deeply the body holds our experiences. As I learned how to heal my fascia, restore my posture and regulate my nervous system, everything in my life began to shift – physically, emotionally and spiritually,” Erica explained.

She opened Core954 over 10 years ago because she wanted to create a space where others could experience that same transformation. “I knew there needed to be a studio that didn’t just offer a workout, but a method that helped people reconnect with their bodies, release tension and rebuild their strength from the inside out,” Erica emphasized. “The mission of Core954 is simple: to help people feel better in their bodies, move through life with more ease and heal what stress and time have tried to take away.”

This studio was built from Erica’s own journey, her resilience and her desire to create a healing space for her community – and it continues to evolve with that purpose at its core.

Core954 is the only studio in Fort Lauderdale that offers both the Lagree method and Block Therapy — two transformative modalities that work together to build strength, decompress fascia, clean the lymphatic system, and realign the body from the inside out.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to true healing. We focus on slow, intentional, safe movement rather than the fast, nightclub-style atmosphere that has become common in the fitness world,” Erica said. The classes are small and personalized, allowing the team to work closely with each client to improve posture, mobility and overall nervous system health.

Core954 is licensed in the authentic Lagree method using the Megaformer — not a copycat version — and combines that with fascia decompression, breathwork, and alignment cues that help clients release stored tension and feel immediate results. Core954 isn’t just a workout. It’s a healing studio. A place where strength, breath and alignment come together to create long-term transformation.

Like many small businesses, Core954 faced tremendous challenges during the COVID years. Navigating closures, uncertainty, and the responsibility of keeping her community safe pushed Erica to adapt quickly and operate with a level of strength and creativity that she had never needed before. What most people did not see is that Erica was managing both the business and her own personal battles behind the scenes.

Those years tested Erica as a mother, a business owner, and a leader. But, they also clarified her purpose and transformed the way that she shows up for her clients. “The growth that came from that period was powerful,” Erica says. “Core954 emerged stronger, more aligned, and more committed to healing-centered fitness than ever before. We refined our methods, elevated our educational focus and built an even deeper connection with our community. The challenge became the catalyst — it sharpened my vision and reaffirmed why Core954 exists: to help people rebuild from the inside out, no matter what life throws at them.”

As Core954 enters its next evolution, Erica’s vision is to expand the studio into a full holistic wellness center that supports the mind, body and fascia on every level. A major part of this future is growing the Block Therapy program, as fascia decompression has become one of the most life-changing tools that she offers.

“I want this method to reach more people — in person, in workshops, and eventually through a global online platform,” Erica stresses. “We are also exploring opportunities to expand Core954 into additional locations throughout Fort Lauderdale, offering authentic Lagree Fitness with a healing-centered approach that doesn’t exist anywhere else in our area.”

As more people discover the power of intentional movement, the need for studios that focus on alignment, breath, and nervous system regulation continues to grow — and Erica is excited to lead that movement. In addition to expanding the physical locations, Erica is developing transformational wellness retreats that are designed to help people reset, reconnect and realign on a deeper level.

“These retreats will bring together movement, fascia decompression, breathwork, and holistic healing in a way that allows participants to experience profound shifts from the inside out. The future of Core954 is rooted in healing, expansion, and impact — creating spaces, experiences, and resources that help people transform their bodies and their lives,” Erica says.

She believes everything that she’s building now is laying the foundation for something truly powerful.

“My advice is simple: take care of your body now so it can take care of you for a lifetime. Most of us live in a constant state of tension, stress, and misalignment without realizing how much it affects our energy, our mood, our sleep, and our overall health. Slow down. Breathe deeper. Move with intention,” Erica emphasizes. "Small, consistent choices create the biggest long-term shifts. Whether it’s strength training, fascia decompression, mindful breathing, or simply carving out time each day to reconnect with yourself, your body responds to how you treat it. Healing isn’t complicated — it just requires awareness and consistency. When you prioritize your well-being, everything in your life improves: your posture, your confidence, your relationships, your resilience, and your ability to show up fully. Start where you are. Your body will meet you there."

At her core, Erica is someone who believes deeply in the body’s ability to heal and in the strength we gain from taking life’s challenges and turning them into purpose.

“Everything I teach comes from lived experience, continuous education, and a genuine passion for helping others feel at home in their bodies,” Erica says. “Core954 is more than my business — it’s the extension of my life’s work, my resilience, and my belief that healing is possible for everyone. I’m honored to share that work with this community.”