Image: Instagram
If you’re looking to shake up your workouts and try something totally new, Lexy Panterra has got you covered. Training can get boring, and maybe even something you resent, if you’re not putting your heart and soul into it. You need to have passion in order to have a purpose, and that’s exactly the experience you’ll get taking one of Lexy’s dance classes.
After creating her own company, LTOFitness, which stemmed from her love of dancing, Lexy traveled the world training other instructors to teach her TwerkOut method. Twerking, a type of dance that entered the hip hop music scene in the 1980s, has gained momentum through the modern music culture. Lexy loves how it empowers her, and her goal is to inspire other women to celebrate their bodies too.
Many celebrities have taken after the trend, and looked to Lexy for advice to tone up their bodies, get in shape, and gain confidence through movement. The dancer has also personally trained Spice Girls star Mel B., who couldn’t get enough!
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Mel B’s been one of my favorites. When I started TwerkOut classes, Mel B was one of my clients. I went to her house. She invited me, and I’m like, ‘Am I going to a Spice Girls house?!’ I’m freaking out!” Lexy told Hollywood Life about working with the pop icon at her Los Angeles home. “I went there and I go in, and she’s super cool, she’s super nice. It feels very comfortable. I wasn’t super starstruck, and she has a really cool vibe. I went in there and just memorabilia on the walls, and the Spice Girls dolls! And she is such a good twerker. Like, her butt is so nice and she’s super good at it. I was shocked about it. It was wonderful.”
Lexy’s A-list roster also includes Snoop Dogg, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, Christina Millian, Karreuche, Adrienne Bailon, Tamera Mowry, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai, Bella Thorne, and many more. GLAMOUR spoke exclusively to the businesswoman about training the stars, how she came up with the TwerkOut concept, her goal to spread awareness about body positivity, and how she’s staying fit during lockdown.
Image:Ron Mey
GLAMOUR: What sets dance apart from other workouts?
Lexy Panterra:
It feels more free! You can feel the music in every move, and it completely energies you and wakes up your body. You move in a different way than if you were running or going for a bike ride. Dance is personal, and it’s all about self-expression.
GLAMOUR: What inspired you to start your company and take Twerkout global?
LP:
I just get an instant feeling of, ‘Oh, I want to try to change the world a little with this idea.’ I do that with most things I do, and I find inspiration everywhere. Plus, money is inspiring! I turned my passion into a business plan.
GLAMOUR: How can exercise - dance particularly - improve both your physical and mental health in lockdown?
LP:
Dancing is healing. Mental health wise, think of it as medicine. When you close your eyes and feel the beat, you go into this beautiful, made up world where everything just feels right. Let the songs make you feel something. People say that you should dance like nobody’s watching, but how many people have actually tried that? When you really let go, it’s liberating, and you get to know yourself in a completely new way. Physically, this challenges your body to try something new, push limits, and become more open-minded. Dance is great for the soul, but it also is incredible for cardio, core strength and muscular development and endurance. You’re body will change in a very unique way and you’ll tone down quickly!
GLAMOUR: What are your favorite go-to indoor workouts?
LP:
Plank position, and tapping my knees to my elbows and my shoulders, like a mini crunch. My trainer, Mario Guevara, has perfect indoor workouts for me too, which mostly involve working with his PHLEXX bands. But putting music on and breaking it down in a mini skirt and bathing suit and doing some LTOFitness is the way to go for some cardio. Get in the mindset of feeling confident, sexy, and in control. Manifest that energy and become the person you want to be. Dare yourself to go the extra mile, sweat a little harder, dig a little deeper, and move your body. The simplest of workouts will make a huge difference. Planking is the most underrated workout and it does wonders for your core and helping you lean out.
GLAMOUR: What do you recommend people do in lockdown to stay accountable health wise - what has worked for you?
LP:
You have to workout. If you aren’t working out, even now, I don’t know what to tell you! There are no excuses. Get that lady ass up and move it, because you need to be healthy and happy to move forward! Endorphins should be your lifeline. Jump out of your comfort zones ASAP. Now is the time. Come out of this a new you. A better you! It’s a unique opportunity to realign yourself with your goals and become more focused, so make it happen. Don’t sit this one out.
GLAMOUR: How do you work through constant societal pressure to look perfect?
LP:
I used to let bullies get me down, and really feel upset when people in industry acted too tough and tried to change me. But I don’t give one damn anymore. I learned that being myself works best. I wish more girls would appreciate their assets and work with what they have. Just be your best self. We have to uplift and support each other, which is what TwerkOut aims to do. Proving a community of women to be vulnerable with, share yourself, and spread the energy. Show up and be you, because you’re perfect just as you were made. Surround yourself with people who never let you forget that.
GLAMOUR: What’s your favorite part of your body and why?
LP:
I think it’s always been my torso, although it’s super long. I love stomachs! I think they are sexy. But other than that, I’ve been loving my heart. It’s getting smarter and wiser and kinder.
GLAMOUR: There are a ton of celebrity TwerkOut fans, like Mel B and Snoop Dogg. How did that come about and what was it like showing them TwerkOut?
LP:
It started with my friend Christina Millian. She spread the word a bit as well, and it caught the attention, naturally, of more celebs. I’ve always loved and respected that girl for that. She loves it! And working with everyone was a really cool experience.
GLAMOUR: How has it been transitioning from dance to music?
LP:
Hard as hell. Near impossible! But this new song, “OnlyFans,” and rap project, “The Savagery,” will be lit and hopefully well-received! I’ve never been happier and more confident. In who I am. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, and why not try your hand at everything that inspires you? We shouldn’t limit ourselves.
GLAMOUR: As a dancer, you’re all about empowering women - by becoming a rapper, how do you hope to continue doing that?
LP:
I hope I can make girls feel powerful enough to have them jump up and down, and do whatever it is they need to do to make it, to survive, and do what makes them feel sexy and powerful. I’ve learned by watching inspiring people, and it’s shaped me into who I am and what values I stand for. I want to inspire others now more than ever and be a role model, push boundaries, and set a new standard.
GLAMOUR: You’ve joined Only Fans, but not for the reason other people do. You’re using it to teach dance classes and further monetize your brand. How does doing this promote body positivity and female empowerment?
LP:
OnlyFans gives women a power of feeling worth more than people’s thoughts and opinions. Men always say sex sells, no? Well, some of us women are a little smarter. We’re playing the game right back, and taking opportunities to cash in. Social media doesn’t pay the bills the way people think. 7 million followers is awesome, but I decided to get creative and dare myself to be bold. Meghan the Stallion and Beyonce referenced OnlyFans in the “Savage” remix, so I think I’m onto something here!
Got a fitness question? Email Sebastien at [email protected] for his expert opinion!
