Pilates is booming world wide, in 2025 being the most booked group class around the globe, with still a niche Lagree Method classes close behind. So which group fitness class is right for you? A Pilates class focuses on core, alignment, breath, and mobility. But don’t be fooled, it is a workout, just under a lower intensity environment. A Lagree Method class is designed to build strength, and endurance using many full body, functional movements that allow zero rest in a higher intensity workout. Looking to get fit, and stay strong in 2026? Try a Pilates or Lagree class with us and find the best workout in Aspen for you!
Love, and Planks
Higher Terrain team
So you’re ready to sign up for a Classic Pilates Reformer class in Aspen at Higher Terrain, great. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your workout for our Pilates newbies!
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!
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.
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!
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
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:
Be sure to sit your hips back to keep your knee stacked right over the ankle of the moving leg.
Keep your chest lifted, and take a full pause at the bottom of the squat.
Focus on pressing down through your heel to fire up those gluts.
Point the toes of foot that’s on the carriage to remind yourself to stay light on the foot.
Go slow to maximize muscle recruitment and get more out of each repetition.
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!
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
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
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
Higher Terrain studio owner Jen Metcalf, a Miami native, was brought to Aspen as a physical therapist and quickly became addicted to the healthy lifestyle in Colorado. When not in the studios she can be found spending time with her 2 kids, hiking, running, and skinning in the mountains.
What inspired you to open Higher Terrain studio?
I wanted to open a Pilates studio that offers workouts that are both challenging, and form focused. Pilates, and Lagree are both amazing methods that can practiced in compliment to all the outdoors sport we do here in Aspen whether you’re looking for a workout, or rehabbing an injury.
How many times a week do you get to practice on the Megaformer?
I try to make Pilates or Lagree a part of my weekly exercise regimen. With 2 busy studios, it doesn’t always happen but I try to spend at least 2-3 workouts a week on the Megaformer. It’s such an efficient way to maintain core strength, and you can get an amazing workout in a short amount of time!
Where’s your favorite spot to grab a pre/post Pilates snack?
I love to grab a smoothie from Spring Cafe, or a Turmeric shot or protein ball at Jus Cafe!
What’s your favorite method to teach, Pilates or Lagree?
Both! I was a personal trainer before being introduced to Pilates, and I find it really inspiring to create contemporary, athletic classes on the Pilates Reformer where you can get a great workout, but have the support of the Pilates equipment. Lagree is equally fun to teach, and is so different to Pilates. Any legit Pilates studio, or certified instructor wouldn’t confuse the two methods. I generally teach Lagree to my clients who are looking for that intense workout, that leaves your muscles shaking that you can only get on the Megaformer!
Everyone dreads that first Lagree class after being out of town, and missing your regular Megaformer workouts. Stay Lagree fit while hitting the road this summer with these 3 Lagree Moves you can do anywhere!
Equipment: sliders ( or even a dish towel or paper plates! )
Bear – Get into a plank, with sliders under your feet. Slowly draw your knees under you hips, and extend back into a plank. Perform for 1 minute!
Single Leg Squat – Stand with slider under your right foot. Bend your left leg, and slide the right leg out to the slide keeping that leg straight. Push down through your left leg in order to stand up. Perform for 1 minute !
Single Sided Bear – Get into a plank position, with one slider under both feet, bend your knees and aim them toward one elbow, perform 30 seconds on one side, then switch!
Whether on the Pilates Reformer, or Megaformer follow these tips to have the perfect plank!
1. Keep your shoulder stacked right behind your wrists, this will allow you take the weight off the wrist and bring it into your core.
2. Look slightly forward in order to maintain proper neck alignment. Students tend to drop the head, as they get tired. Think of focusing your eyes past your hands to keep the pressure out of the neck.
3. Keep your hips in alignment with your shoulders. Maintaining proper spine alignment is key to protecting your lower back. If you feel your hips are dropping in your plank, drop to your knees, and tuck your tailbone slightly to fire up those core muscles.
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.
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.
