Isiah Pettigrew and Shard Bullard opened the doors of Trap Lab in 2023. Located at 1646 S.Dashpoint Road, Suite A in Federal Way, this boutique fitness studio is a physical representation of two sisters’ quest to find a place to build positive physical abilities. . Mental health practices in a welcoming and culturally appropriate environment.
If they couldn’t find it, they created it.
The studio offers classes such as kickboxing, yoga and dance fitness, as well as mental health events. “Trap” refers to the type of music that brings energy to a class, but for the sisters it has a deep double meaning.
Trap Labs asks, “Are you ready to change your formula?” Mr. Pettigrew said. “When we talk about this formula, we’re talking about getting out of the mindset of getting stuck in a routine and not prioritizing self-care.”
Together, participants and instructors strive to help each other break out of this trapped mindset.
“Changing the formula involves pushing someone into a place where they feel uncomfortable, but on the other hand, we provide them with the tools and resources to break down any barriers they may have. That’s also true,” Pettigrew said.
The path to creating a space began with a diagnosis three years ago.
Pettigrew was diagnosed with diabetes by her doctor and prescribed insulin without “any conversation about health or wellness” or how to manage her condition other than medication.
The appointment left her “feeling trapped and defeated,” Ms. Pettigrew said. She made an appointment with another health care provider who provided information and resources to try to manage her symptoms by increasing her movement and changing her nutrition.
This led her to the door of a large chain gym, where she didn’t feel welcome, overwhelmed, and completely devoid of any fun elements.
“I wanted a space that not only focused on weight loss, but also focused on body positivity and made people feel like they were part of a sisterhood,” Pettigrew said.
Bullard had a similar experience when she began exploring yoga and meditation, struggling to find a comfortable space during her journey. She had a background in dance and fitness, but after experiencing a personal death in her family, she stepped away from her fitness routine and she needed to find something more.
“Once I realized my body was changing, and most importantly my mental health was changing, everything had to change,” Bullard said. Returning to her workout, she said: I really wanted to be the best and healthiest version of myself that I could be. And I had to start mentally. ”
Pettigrew asked her sister to help her with her fitness journey, and the two began working out, then renting space and holding classes so others could join.
“We thought, let’s just have a class, let’s bring our culture, let’s bring music that people want to hear. And let’s just have fun,” Pettigrew said. .
Rather than focusing on goals such as weight or a certain level of activity, they argue that “health looks different for everyone” and that there is a need to “come together, reflect on ourselves, and become who we are meant to be.” Focused on sexuality.
When it comes to fitness and personal growth in general, Pettigrew and Bullard say a supportive community can create a safe space to work through the discomfort necessary for change. When people train there, “we’re working with you. We’re working as hard as you,” Bullard said.
intergenerational health
Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Bullard also helped found the local nonprofit Phenomenal Sea, whose headquarters are in the same complex in Federal Way. The organization focuses on supporting young women and girls, especially young women of color, through mentorship and activism.
The Trap Lab provides space for Phenomenal Sea’s dance team to practice and offers classes for youth, but it’s also a space where families, especially those of the girls who participate in Phenomenal Sea, can stay healthy.
One of these comprehensive services includes activities with culturally competent therapists and mental wellness events. Part of the reason, Pettigrew said, is because seeking therapy is often “taboo” in her community.
“The first thing they think about therapy is that you have to go behind closed doors and into an office where it’s cold and no one can understand what you’re saying. So get the therapist involved. “Being able to do this has opened a lot of doors for girls and women in the community,” she said.
“We can create a space for our moms, we can make space for our grandmas, we can make spaces for our aunts, because it all trickles down,” says Pettigrew, adding that for the girls at Phenomenal Sea, a comfortable He pointed out how important it is to be able to own a home. “I’ve grounded.”
The sisters are interested in finding more community partners around health and holistic wellness in Federal Way, and creating space for education and community conversations on everything from nutrition to mental health. is the goal.
“We want to come together and build a healthier Federal Way,” Pettigrew said.
First class is free, and guests can also drop in for $20. Class packages and 3-month subscriptions are also options.
This space will also be used as a practice and meeting area for the Phenomenal She dance team. They will perform at the Seattle Majestics women’s football game against the Los Angeles Legends on May 11 at 7 p.m. at French Field, Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent.
Tuesday night class after a high energy workout at Trap Lab.Photo: Keelin Everly-Lang / Mirror
Trap Lab’s Tuesday night classes are cardio classes with fun, uplifting music and instruction to keep you energized. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang/The Mirror.
Co-founder Icea Pettigrew cheers on and gets the class going from the front of the classroom during Trap Lab’s Tuesday night classes. Photo: Keelin Everly-Lang/Mirror.
Class participants encourage each other during Tuesday night classes at Trap Lab in Federal Way. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang/The Mirror
A sisterhood active in the Trap Lab in Federal Way.
Co-founder Icea Pettigrew cheers on and gets the class going from the front of the classroom during Trap Lab’s Tuesday night classes. Photo: Keelin Everly-Lang/Mirror.
Jayden Bullard fixes Lorna Grant Giles’ hat during a Tuesday night class break at Trap Lab. Founders Icea Pettigrew and Shard Bullard say the boutique fitness studio was founded as a place of support and sisterhood.
