Skip to main content

Month: May 2022

What is the Lagree Method?

The Lagree Method is revolutionizing the world of fitness! It’s a dynamic fitness and training method that combines the benefits of Pilates, functional training, and cardio into one high intensity, low impact workout. It is designed to create overall muscle balance by developing both core strength and by training weaker muscles, resulting in improved tone, balance and fitness.

Similar to Pilates, the Lagree method works to strengthen and lengthen muscles with less stress on the joints and tendons, thereby creating more muscular endurance and strength. The Lagree method uses specialized equipment like the Pilates Reformer and MegaformerTM machines.

Let’s get into the details…

The Lagree Method is a high intensity, low impact, full-body workout method performed on a uniquely effective, spring-loaded, momentum free machine called the Megaformer. The basic design of the Megaformer™ was inspired by the Pilates Reformer but features a few more bells and whistles, allowing for a much more intense workout than in a traditional Pilates class.

The Lagree Method exercises combine strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance into one of the most efficient, and low impact workouts in the fitness industry. Higher Terrain is a licensed Lagree Method studio and is the only studio in Aspen, Colorado offering the Megaformer™ workout.

High-Intensity, Low-Impact Workouts

We use the term ‘high intensity, low impact workouts’ often because this is, fundamentally, the basis for both the Lagree method and traditional Pilates. The Lagree Method, with its use of the megaformer, offers intense exercise with low joint stress by using adjustable resistance and springs that enable users to control their workout while minimizing overall joint pressure.

A Megaformer™ is a machine designed to help you get an intense full-body workout. It utilizes the Lagree Method, a unique and highly effective fitness system developed by Sebastien Lagree. The Megaformer is a low-impact machine and is suitable for virtually any fitness level.

During a Lagree class, you will use your body weight to move through a wide range of exercises and poses. You’ll alternate between short bursts of intense exertion and gentle recovery periods, activating different muscles within the targeted group. Each move is designed to sculpt your body and challenge your stability.

This combination of dynamic and static movements intensifies the effectiveness of your workout to help you achieve optimal results. A typical Lagree Method class will have you move through a sequence of about 30-60 different exercises that are customized to meet your specific fitness goals.

The combination of dynamic exercises, slow and controlled transitions, and isometric holds create a sweat- fueled, intense workout that uses strength training and cardio elements to really burn calories.

The Benefits of the Lagree Method

Engaging in this effective and time-saving workout offers a wide range of benefits. The Lagree Method effectively targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making it a highly efficient workout. With each exercise, participants engage their core, arms, legs, and back, working toward improving overall strength and muscle tone, getting a full body workout in one session.

The stretching and lengthening movements incorporated into the workout also help improve overall flexibility, leading to increased range of motion and improved posture, both of which directly impact each individual’s natural biomechanics. The result is greater balance and control, and reduced risk of injury from improper motion or mechanics.

Again, like Pilates, the Lagree method is suitable for beginners and experts alike. For those that are new structured fitness regimes, both offer excellent ways to develop strength and muscle control while placing minimal pressure on the joints.

For this reason, the Lagree method is also very effective as a complementary regime to other forms of exercise that may be more impact related, like running, strength training, skiing, etc.

In both cases, the Lagree method is a great solution for those looking for a balanced, effective workout that provides visible results.

Overall, the Lagree Method and the Megaformer machine offer a great way to get an effective, full-body workout with minimal impact on the joints and muscles.

Try it out and experience the amazing benefits for yourself!

What is the Megaformer workout?

The science behind the Lagree Method is constant tension. The Megaformer™ uses both resistance and counter resistant to maintain constant tension on muscles during each exercise. Designed by Sebastien Lagree, each exercise is performed for 1-2 minutes at a slow, laser focused pace.

The combination of slow pace, and long duration target slow twitch muscle fibers, also known as endurance muscle fibers, allows for a uniquely efficient, intense workout, that is low impact on joints. Our Megaformer™ classes utilize this science to deliver the best workout for long, lean muscle development, and deep muscle strength.

How do unlimited passes work?

If you have purchased an Unlimited Weekly Lagree Pass, you can book up to one (1) Lagree Method class a day. If you cancel or don’t show up to class you will be charged a $25 late fee.

How do auto-renew memberships work?

Our studio memberships are designed for our locals, and require a 12 month commitment. You can book up to one (1) class per day, and can take the specified number of Lagree classes each month. Unused classes do not roll over. You can freeze your membership for up to 2 months annually. To do this, please email info@higherterrainfitness.com.

Please note: If you have a Founders Membership, you will not be able to get this rate again after canceling.

Can I take a class if I’m pregnant?

If you are pregnant or postpartum and have been cleared by your doctor to exercise, please arrive early before your class to meet with the instructor and go over modifications. We recommend previous experience in Pilates, and Lagree to attend class while pregnant.

How do I book my class?

All class bookings must be prepaid, and need to be made online. To book a class, you must first create a MINDBODY account and purchase a single class, class package, or monthly membership beforehand. We require an active credit card on file to attend classes. If you fail to pay, or don’t have a card on file your spot may be canceled.

What is the cancellation policy?

Any cancellations or changes can happen up to 24 hours before the class starts. All cancellations must be completed online by going to Schedule > My Account > and clicking “cancel” next to your reservation. This includes changing from one class time to another in the same day within 24 hours of your originally scheduled class.

A Late Cancel Fee of $25 will occur if you cancel in less than 24 hours of the class start. This includes students who have memberships, unlimited passes, and introductory offers.

If cancellations are made before the 24-hour window, the class credit will go back to your account to be used in the future.

How does the waitlist work?

If you have selected to be on the waitlist for a class, you will be notified at least 60 minutes prior to class if a spot has opened via text or email. Please make sure you have opted in to receive notifications by going to Schedule > My Account > Settings. If you unsubscribe from notifications from the studio when creating your profile or at any time after, you will not receive a notification from our system that you made it off the waitlist. Please make sure to keep notifications active on your account. If you can no longer attend this class, please cancel your reservation ASAP so that your spot can be given to the next person on the waitlist.

What if I’m late for class?

Out of respect for our instructors, and other students – If you do not show up for your reserved spot within 5 minutes of the start of class, it may be given to a standby student who is on the waitlist.

I’m recovering from an injury. Which class is best?

If you’re recovering from an injury, our Pilates Reformer | Classic class is the best class type to modify for injuries in a safe environment. However, all classes are designed for all levels. Please let the instructor know if you have an injury, and they will help give you modifications. We also offer, and recommend one-on-one private sessions to students who have injuries, or are new to Pilates, and Lagree.