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Aspen’s only Lagree Method studio

Month: August 2022

Woman exercising

Lagree Exercise Break Down : Single Leg Squat

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

Form and alignment is key when you’re in a Lagree class at Higher Terrain. Follow these tips to get the most out of your workout on the Megaformer™!

The Single Leg Squat is a Lagree move that targets the gluts, hamstrings, and quads of the moving leg. It can be performed on the front or back of the Megaformer™.

Form Check:

  1. Be sure to sit your hips back to keep your knee stacked right over the ankle of the moving leg.
  2. Keep your chest lifted, and take a full pause at the bottom of the squat.
  3. Focus on pressing down through your heel to fire up those gluts.
  4. Point the toes of foot that’s on the carriage to remind yourself to stay light on the foot.
  5. Go slow to maximize muscle recruitment and get more out of each repetition.

See you soon at the studio!

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain studio

Image of a woman doing a Pilates exercise

Pilates Has Your Back | 3 Reformer Exercises for a Strong Back

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

Everyone knows that Pilates is one of the best ways to strengthen your core, but did you know that your core isn’t just your abs? ” Your core is made up of your abdominals, gluts, and back muscles,” says physical therapist and studio owner Jen Metcalf. “If a student has lower back issues, it’s important to strengthen the muscles that actually attach to the spine, not just work on your 6 pack!” Try out these 3 Pilates exercises that anyone can do on the Pilates Reformer to improve strength, and mobility in your spine!

  1. Swan Stretch : Start by lying on your stomach on top of the long box facing the foot bar. Press away from the bar to straighten the arms, keep your arms straight and direct the box inward towards the football creating extension thru the spine. Be sure to keep your hips pressed down into the box. Repeat 10 repetitions
  2. Pulling Straps : This is the same set up as Swan, but facing the other direction. Hold your Pilates loops on the outside of the Reformer with your arms straight. Press your arms back, and raise your chest. Keep your chin tucked slightly to maintain good neck alignment. Repeat 10 repetition
  3. Bridge with Hamstring Curl: Lie on your back with your feet hip distance apart on your Reformer footbar. Roll your hips and spine up into a bridge, then slowly extend the Reformer carriage out, draw the carriage back in and roll down one vertebra at a time. Repeat 10 repetitions

We hope to see you in a Pilates Reformer Class in Aspen soon!

Love, and Planks!

Higher Terrain