Aspen’s only Lagree Method studio

Author: Jen Metcalf

How is Lagree different from Pilates?

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

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

Why is Pilates good for back pain?

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

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

Stretch and Restore with Pilates

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

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.

Kaylee Kleidon

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Instructors.

Hometown: Three Rivers, Michigan

Certifications: Lagree

Favorite Lagree Exercise: Runner’s Lunge

When I’m not teaching you can find me: Hiking

Bree DiBernardo

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Instructors.

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

 

Get Ski Fit with Lagree

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

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.

Pilates Reformer | Group Class: Survival Guide

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

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!

  1. Let the Pilates instructor know this is your first class. This will allow us to walk you through the use of the Pilates Reformer, so you will be a pro by the end of the workout!
  2. Discuss any injuries, or limitations you may have with the instructor prior to the start of class. This will give the instructor a heads up, and allow them to guide you through modifications of any of the Pilates exercises performed during class in order to keep you safe and injury free.
  3. Bring your Pilates socks! We have a wide selection of grippy socks for sale at the studio. Although not required for our Pilates classes, wearing grip socks adds stability for clients on the Reformer, and helps us keep our studio clean.

We hope to see you soon in a Pilates Reformer class!

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain Pilates

Our Top Pilates Prop Picks of the Month

Written by Jen Metcalf on . Posted in Blog.

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

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

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 soon!

Love, and Planks!

Higher Terrain

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601 E. Hyman Ave.
Aspen, CO 81611
Entrance on S. Hunter St.
Basement Level

Contact Us

info@higherterrainfitness.com
970.230.5816

HIGHER TERRAIN

Aspen's only Lagree Method Megaformer studio.
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