Here are our top picks for a plant based boost before or after your Pilates workout in downtown Aspen, Colorado! These favorite, locals spots are right around the corner from Higher Terrain studio!
Hope to see you in a Pilates, or Lagree class soon!
Love, and Planks!
Higher Terrain
Lagree is not Pilates, and Pilates is not Lagree. While both methods have their amazing benefits, and fit different students, they are two completely different methods, performed on different machines.
Pilates was a method developed by Joseph Pilates, originally for rehabilitation. It became popular among celebrities in NYC, and quickly hit mainstream fitness as an amazing exercise method that targets and strengthens your core, improves posture, and flexibility. Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates Reformer, Cadillac, Chair as well as other apparatus which are currently used when teaching the Pilates Method.
Sebastien Lagree came to the fitness scene long after Joseph Pilates, developing the Megaformer™, and a completely different method, the Lagree Method, involving super slow movement, and a time under tension based workout utilized to target slow twitch muscles, and focus on complete muscle fatigue.
The two methods are amazing workouts, and fit any level of fitness enthusiasts. We offer both Pilates, and Lagree at Higher Terrain. Try both classes. Become educated, and learn the difference!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain studio
We’ve all heard how beneficial Pilates exercise can be for back pain, but why is that exactly? “We spend so much time sitting, or performing flexion based movements”, say physical therapist and studio owner Jen Metcalf. “Over time, this can cause a break down of the disks in the spine, in addition to a forward head posture”. Pilates focuses on strengthening core muscles which include muscles that attach to the spine. Incorporating exercises that include spinal extension will help keep your back muscles strong, will decrease pain, and improve posture. Join us for a Pilates class, or private session!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain
Calling all athletes in Aspen, Colorado! Prevent injuries, and muscle over use by spending time stretching after hitting the trails and slopes hard. ” Many of the outdoor sports we participate in here in Aspen shorten lower body muscles,” says studio owner and physical therapist Jen Metcalf. “Pilates is a great way to incorporate stretching to help prevent muscle imbalances, and maintain proper alignment during activities such as skiing, running, and hiking”. The Pilates Cadillac, and Reformer can be used to focus on stretching hip flexors, hamstrings, and quads in a supported environment, allowing you to get more from your workout, and restore after hitting it hard outside in the mountains.
Hometown: Three Rivers, Michigan
Certifications: Lagree
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Runner’s Lunge
When I’m not teaching you can find me: Hiking
Hometown: Bree is from Boca Raton, Florida and moved to Colorado in 2013.
Certifications: Lagree, taught Yoga for 7 years before falling in love with Lagree
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Standing Inner Thighs | Elevator Lunge
When I’m not teaching you can find me: Skiing down. or skinning up the mountain, or hiking in the summer
Winter is in the air, and the ski lifts are about to open in Aspen. “Lagree is one of the best ways to strengthen your lower body, and work on functional strength and endurance,”says studio owner and physical therapist Jen Metcalf. “Keeping your quads, hamstrings, and gluts strong will help protect your joints, and reduce wear and tear during your outdoor sport activities, whether skiing, skinning, or hitting the nordic trails.”
Lagree Exercise | Runners Lunge
Lagree’s Runners Lunge is a great way to work the endurance of your quads in preparation for carving ski turns, and pushing through powder. Be sure to keep the front knee aligned directly over the ankle, and the back knee behind your hip.
Pro Tip: Place your fingertips on the high bars of your Megaformer™ to maintain the depth of the bend in your front knee.
So you’re ready to sign up for a Pilates Reformer | Classic class at Higher Terrain, great. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your workout for our Pilates newbies!
We hope to see you soon in a Pilates Reformer class!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain Pilates
We love to use props in our Pilates Reformer classes to increase the intensity, and get more from each Pilates exercise. Engage more muscles, and ramp up your Pilates routine with our Pilates instructors favorite props of the month!
~Ultra Fit Circle: Used for upper, and lower body exercises, this little prop can be used to target abs, gluts, and arms
https://www.pilates.com/store/accessories/rings-circles/ultra-fit-circle
~Bala Bangles: Used to turn your leg work into a glut burner
https://www.shopbala.com/products/bala-bangles/?weight=1-lb&color=charcoal
~Lateral Band: Our teachers love a good side series with the booty band in play to turn it up a notch
https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Mini-Band?color=124&resistance=14&custcol18=56&custcol29=5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmouZBhDSARIsALYcouqtVfTmI4Xa_IgZoATfs6jG4p8uRyHIFlZZhnH6x_wXd92-fF__3CEaAgDNEALw_wcB
We hope to see you soon on the Reformer!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain studio
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:
See you soon at the studio!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain studio