Lagree Fitness and What Is It?

 When your 62 years old like I am, you want to stay relatively active, or it will go south. This January I noticed a new place in town called Collective Studios and decided to join. That 50-minute class, the classes are called Megaformer 50, was literally a whole-body workout, and I used muscles I haven't used in a very long time!  Yes, I was sore!

What is Lagree Fitness? Lagree Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact workout method that combines strength, endurance, core, cardio, balance, and flexibility training into a single session. It was developed by Sebastien Lagree and is performed on a specially designed machine called the Megaformer, which provides constant tension and resistance to target muscles effectively.  He noticed people after taking Pilate classes would take weight training & cardio classes.

How It Works

The Megaformer uses spring-based resistance, pulleys, and adjustable platforms to create slow, controlled movements that engage muscles to their maximum potential. Exercises are designed to be low-impact, which makes them safe for joints while still being very challenging.

What You Should Know Before You Take A Lagree Method Class

1. Arrive early.  Really, at least15 minutes early, and definitely DON'T BE LATE. This should be standard for anytime you go to a new studio or new class, as there are often waivers to sign, and this is a great time to get oriented to the space or alert the instructor of any injuries or considerations with your body. Some studios will not let you in if you're late.                            The machine is different and there are a lot of parts to learn: which is the front, back, how the carriage moves, how to adjust the springs, etc. will help you feel less lost.                                                                                              
2. Bring grippy socks.   Many studios require them. These kinds of socks are for safety, as the machine can get slippery when you sweat all over it. The grip will help your feet stay in place when you're pushing or pulling the carriage.  
3. Slow down.  The Lagree method is focused on slow, even counts of the movement for what they call “effective tempo” or the “Lagree count”—when you perform a move for no less than eight counts (four on the way out, four on the way in). This removes momentum from the equation and forces you to work in a slow and controlled manner. This isn't a class where you try to get as many reps as you can; it's actually the opposite: The challenge here comes from really slowing the movement down. 
4. It's normal for your muscles to shake. The workout is hard and meant to overload a given muscle group. You're in moves for a long time, and you're often stacking them to get the overload effect. This may make you shake. Make sure you breathe and definitely hydrate and refuel after class.
5. Don't expect breaks -- but feel free to make your own if you need one. There are no schedule breaks; the work is straight through. The Lagree method is for 50 minutes and emphasizes very quick transitions from exercise to exercise to maximize the time in class.  If you leave class, you cannot come back in.                             
6. Don't show up on an empty stomach - or a full one. Much like yoga, being in a pike position with a full belly doesn't feel great. You might find yourself a bit nauseous if you do some of Lagree moves when you're full. Time your meal or snack appropriately. This varies for everyone, but at least 30 minutes before class works is a general rule.
7. Bring your humility.   Lagree is much harder than it looks, and if you are used to working the larger muscle groups, chances are that your stabilizing muscles don't get same love. It's normal for you to feel pretty sore, possibly in places you didn't know you could be sore. Since you are activating all those stabilizers and using your core in various ways the entire class, you will feel it. So, to reiterate, what are the benefits of Lagree Fitness?

Benefits of Lagree Fitness

1. Full-Body Workout 
   Lagree targets all major muscle groups in one session, ensuring a balanced approach to fitness.

2. Strengthens Core
   Almost every movement incorporates core stabilization, which helps improve posture, balance, and overall strength.

3. Low-Impact, Joint-Friendly
   Unlike traditional high-impact workouts, Lagree is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people with joint pain or injuries.

4. Improved Muscle Tone
   The slow, controlled movements build lean muscle and improve muscle definition without adding bulk.

5. Enhanced Flexibility and Balance
   Many Lagree exercises emphasize stretching and balance, which helps increase flexibility and coordination.

6. Time Efficiency
   Classes typically last 50 minutes, making it an effective option for those with busy schedules.

7. Boosts Metabolism
   The combination of strength and cardio elements helps burn calories both during and after the workout, enhancing metabolic activity.

8. Increased Endurance
   Lagree pushes muscles to fatigue in a controlled manner, which builds endurance over time.

9. Customizable for All Fitness Levels
   The Megaformer machine can be adjusted to accommodate beginners, advanced practitioners, or even those rehabbing from injuries.

10. Mind-Body Connection
    The focus on precision and control encourages mindfulness during the workout, promoting mental clarity and stress relief.

Who Can Benefit?

Lagree Fitness is ideal for anyone looking to build strength, improve endurance, and tone their body while avoiding high-impact movements. It’s particularly popular among people who enjoy Pilates but want a more intense, calorie-burning workout.