Stepping Up the Game: Lori Mitchell’s TRAP STEP Revolutionizes the Dallas Fitness Scene
In the world of Dallas fitness, it’s not easy to stand out. Yet Lori Mitchell has managed to carve out a niche that’s as dynamic as it is distinctive. As a TRAP STEP instructor at Jambox, Lori isn’t just leading classes—she’s creating a movement. Combining the beats of hip-hop, R&B, and trap music with the high-intensity energy of step aerobics, Lori’s classes are a full-body experience that’s drawing in fitness enthusiasts from all over the city.
The Birth of TRAP STEP: Lori Mitchell's Fitness Journey
Lori’s journey with TRAP STEP began as a student. “Meagan, another instructor, introduced TRAP STEP to Jambox, and I started taking classes in 2020,” Lori recalls. “I loved the class format—it was different from anything else in Dallas. The music was a big draw for me, too. After taking the class for about three years, I realized I loved it so much that I wanted to become an instructor myself.”
Jambox, with its vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere, proved to be the perfect environment for Lori to make her mark. Each class at Jambox is a safe space where participants are encouraged to be themselves, no matter their fitness level. “It’s okay if you don’t have the moves down right away,” Lori says with a smile. “Our focus is on having a safe, fun class where everyone feels welcome. We especially love our first-timers—they bring a fresh energy to the room.”
Creating Community: The Heartbeat of Lori's Classes
For Lori, teaching is about more than just getting a good workout; it’s about ensuring everyone, regardless of their fitness level, feels comfortable and challenged. She structures her classes so that the same playlist and routines are used throughout the month, giving participants the chance to build muscle memory and see their progress over time. “By the end of the month, you can really see how far you’ve come,” she notes. “I always tell first-timers not to stress about getting the moves down right away—just enjoy the playlist and keep moving.”
Music plays a crucial role in Lori’s classes. Her playlists are carefully curated to match the high energy of the workout, with a mix of upbeat tracks and slower-tempo songs for controlled movements. “I love incorporating popular, high-energy songs,” Lori explains. “Social media trends often influence my playlists, and I like to mix in throwbacks to keep things interesting. The playlists do contain explicit music, which surprisingly gets everyone even more hyped. It’s the perfect release after a long day at work.”
But it’s not just the music or the workout that keeps participants coming back—it’s the sense of community Lori fosters in her classes. “Community is extremely important at Jambox,” Lori says. “We encourage our participants to network and get to know one another, and they do a great job of making first-timers feel welcomed. We’ve seen many friendships form in the studio, and we often hang out outside of the gym. Jambox even doubles as an event space, so we sometimes host post-class gatherings like wine nights or juice sampling events. It’s all about building that connection.”
“Community is extremely important at Jambox, We encourage our participants to network and get to know one another, and they do a great job of making first-timers feel welcomed. We’ve seen many friendships form in the studio, and we often hang out outside of the gym.”
The Power of Music: How Playlists Elevate the Workout Experience
Lori has seen firsthand how TRAP STEP can transform someone’s fitness journey. She recalls one participant who was hesitant to try the class at first but became a regular after seeing enough videos and photos on social media. “Their first time was an adjustment, but they kept coming back week after week,” Lori says. “Now, they’re so comfortable and good at step, they always have to have their front-row spot. They’ve even been called up on stage to help lead the class. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come.”
For anyone intimidated by the idea of step aerobics or high-intensity cardio, Lori has some simple advice: “We’ve all started somewhere, and we’ve all been first-timers. This is a safe space and a non-judgment zone. If anything, people are more focused on themselves than on you. If you mess up, it’s okay—just keep moving and have fun. The skill and technique will come with consistency, just like anything else in life.”
Looking Ahead: Lori’s Vision for TRAP STEP and Beyond
As an instructor, Lori knows the importance of balancing physical and mental well-being. “Rest is crucial,” she emphasizes. “Working out consistently is important, but so is recovering your mind and body. During cooldowns at the end of class, we do an easy two-step on the board to popular R&B songs to bring the heart rate down. I use a stretching series from my dancing days that targets all the parts of the body we use in class, especially the legs. I also remind everyone to keep breathing—it calms the mind and regulates the body. At the end of class, I always ask everyone to give themselves a round of applause for showing up and working hard.”
Looking to the future, Lori has big plans. She hopes to build her classes to the point where she can travel and do pop-up TRAP STEP sessions in cities where this type of workout is less common. She’s also in training to become a spin instructor, excited to contribute to class growth in that format as well.
What makes Lori’s coaching style truly unique is her connection with her participants. “I interact with everyone like we’re the best of friends,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t just stay on stage—I join them on the floor, share the board with them when it’s safe, and make sure they’re enjoying the class. I’m also very receptive to feedback. If someone wants to hear a specific song or try a certain move, I make it happen. Allowing participants to tailor the playlist and routines to their liking means they’ll enjoy the class even more—and that’s what I love to see.”
In Lori Mitchell’s TRAP STEP classes, you’re not just stepping into a workout—you’re stepping into a community. With every beat, every move, and every moment, Lori is not just leading a class—she’s leading a revolution in the Dallas fitness scene. And if you’re looking for a high-energy, fun-filled workout that challenges you while making you feel right at home, Lori’s TRAP STEP is the place to be.
a quote to live by:
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
a song to push you:
fast facts on lori:
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Cycling!
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Burpees (don’t tell them I said that lol)
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Upper Body
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In Texas?? Indoor me please.
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