The 80’s ushered in some serious bounce with aerobics. The 90s introduced a confusing contraption known as the Thigh Master. The early 2000s brought about the minimally exotic and maximally embarrassing strippercise.
Lagree Fitness, an exercise routine gaining popularity in this decade, is constructed around long, slow movements. Though it may have a fate similar to the exercise trends that have come before, its adherents argue that it is here to stay.
Fitness guru Sebastien Lagree developed this innovative approach to a full-body workout in 2001, according to the Lagree Fitness website. In full, the routine combines strength training, endurance, balance, flexibility, cardio and core into one session.
The only studio currently offering Lagree Fitness classes in Boulder is BOCO FIT, owned and operated by Margaret Shutze.
Shutze said she wanted to bring Lagree Fitness to Boulder because the people in this town would really be able to appreciate the routine.
“It’s pretty much the most unique, complete fitness routine that you can do,” Shutze said.
Cielo Busch, a Lagree Fitness instructor at BOCO FIT, attests to Shutze’s words calling it “the most combined exercise of cardio and strengthening exercise that is out there.”
Since its inception, Lagree Fitness has been established in over 60 different cities across the globe, according to the BOCO FIT website. Los Angeles alone has over 40,000 registered Lagree Fitness members.
“It [the worldwide expansion] shows that [Lagree Fitness] is not a trend,” Busch said.
Shutze called Sebastien Lagree an “innovator” who is always working toward perfection. In 13 years, he’s already invented four different machines for the class: the Proformer, Megaformer, Supraformer and Iformer, she said.
“He’s continuing to go along with the science of fitness,” Busch said. “Therefore, it will keep growing into that, and there is no end to that. Just the ability to keep at the height of the fitness world.”
BOCO FIT utilizes the Megaformer M3, which is the fourth version of the Megaformer patented by Sebastien Lagree, Shutze said.
The Megaformer M3 includes a center carriage that slides up and down the length of the machine on a spring system of varied resistance. The machine also allows for the attachment of accessories, like straps and bungee cords, at either end.
Though Lagree Fitness classes vary depending on the studio and the instructor, the goal of each class is the same: to lengthen and strengthen the muscles by way of slow and controlled movements at constant tension, Shutze said.
An average class would begin with each client at their own Megaformer M3 machine. Fashioned in Toesox – colorful socks that expose all ten toes and prevent slipping with small grips on the bottom – each client would mount the machine to prepare for an intense, exhausting work out.
To start, the instructor might ask the clients to kneel at the head of the machine, place a hand on either side of the carriage, and ever so slowly shift their arms and core forward until the body is in a planking position parallel to the ground.
Once there, they would hold the position for a few seconds before slowly pulling the carriage back toward their knees. This motion would be repeated anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes.
The instructor would quickly transition the clients from this movement to the next; hardly allowing them time to wipe the sweat from their brow.
The second movement might require clients to stand atop the machine, with one foot on the stationary platform and the other on the carriage. The clients would be asked to gradually push the foot on the carriage away from their body until they are in a squatting position with each of their legs at a 90-degree angle.
Once that position has been reached, they will slowly use their leg and core muscles to pull the carriage back toward their body. Again, this motion would be repeated from 30 seconds to two minutes
In its entirety, a Lagree Fitness class consists of a multitude of these movements for 40-45 minutes.
The day after taking a Lagree Fitness class, the body will hurt – hurt so good.
When asked of the level of difficulty of the routine, Cecilia Leung, a client of BOCO FIT, said it is easy to learn, but definitely not an easy work out.
“You target specific parts of your body that you probably wouldn’t with other exercise,” Leung said.
Busch said that this routine holds the body to muscle fatigue while simultaneously strengthening, lengthening and increasing heart rate.
Furthermore, there is no impact and a low risk of injury, Busch said.
Joanna Fu, another client of BOCO FIT, said that was her favorite part about the routine.
“I think the benefits [of Lagree Fitness] are that you’re building muscle, but in a controlled way,” Leung said. “I think it would be very difficult to injure yourself doing Lagree.”
Additionally, due to the amount of oxygen the body takes on during muscle fatigue, your metabolism will spike up and start working at higher levels after the routine, Busch said.
“It’s amazing how quickly your body reacts to this kind of workout,” Shutze said.
According to the BOCO FIT website, Lagree Fitness was awarded the Best of Boulder 2013 Most Efficient Workout. The website also includes a number of celebrity and athlete testimonials promoting the routine.
With so many positive reviews, it seems as though Lagree Fitness is on the way to gaining the popularity necessary to become a staple in the fitness world.
“There are definitely trends that come and go,” Leung said. “I would love for it to stick around. I hope it does!”
About BOCO FIT
BOCO FIT is the only fitness studio in Boulder, CO featuring Lagree Fitness. This 40-minute heart-pumping, revolutionary workout will absolutely transform your body. Combining strength training, cardio, endurance, balance, core and flexibility, BOCO FIT offers a fitness routine suited for everyone. The program uses the M3 Megaformer, a special machine designed to work multiple muscles with controlled movements and constant tension to effectively burn more calories through muscle elongation. Visit us at 2100 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO or at http://www.bocofitness.com.
Sebastien Lagree opened his first studio (called Pilates Plus) in September 2001. His program quickly gained popularity, especially amongst celebrities and top athletes. On the premise of “less time with more intensity,” Lagree Fitness seamlessly fuses the elements of strength training, cardio, endurance, balance, core and flexibility into each movement. Lagree Fitness allows for maximum muscular effort while minimizing the stress on the joints, the connective tissues and the spine. Since September 2001, Lagree Fitness has expanded to over 60 cities worldwide. There are currently over 40,000 registered members in Los Angeles alone. To learn more, visit http://www.lagreefitness.com.
By Devin Blomquist | Release provided by Catie Mayer