Latest news with #LagreeMethod
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I Tried Pilates for 30 Days to Boost My Squat PR—Here's What Happened
Men's Fitness aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. I Tried Pilates for 30 Days to Boost My Squat PR—Here's What Happened originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Men's Fitness aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Pilates is all the rage these days. But for the guys who think it's just for the girls, let us introduce you to Lagree: a method that looks like Pilates, but is a whole different beast—blending bodybuilding exercises, progressive overload, and high-intensity moves. Trust us, Lagree workouts will leaving your muscles shaking and your ego humbled. As someone who usually sticks to heavy lifts at the gym, I didn't expect this type of training to have an impact on my strength in the squat rack. But after 30 days on the Lagree Micro Pro, I walked away with better mobility, improved stability, and yes, a stronger squat. I'm no powerlifter, but I did manage to boost my one-rep max from 185 pounds to 205 pounds—a goal I'd been chasing for months—after just a few weeks of consistent cross-training with the Micro Pro. Even if you don't know what Lagree is, you'll probably recognize its trademark piece of equipment, the Megaformer—a long, spring-loaded machine with platforms on each end and a gliding carriage in the middle. It resembles a Pilates reformer, but is designed for higher-intensity training. Sebastien Lagree is the creator of the Lagree Method. He developed the method in the early 2000s to create a workout that builds strength, stability, and muscular endurance without the wear and tear of traditional weightlifting. Today, the Lagree Method is used in hundreds of fitness studios worldwide and continues to evolve with new equipment and training styles. "It prevents you from using momentum and cheating the work in the movement. Moving slower is less impactful and less inflammatory on the connective tissue and the joints," he says about the movements programmed in Lagree workouts. Lagree and Pilates might look similar at first glance—they both use spring-loaded machines and focus on control—but they're built for very different goals. Lagree fuses bodybuilding principles with high-intensity, low-impact training, using progressive overload and slow, grueling movements to build muscular endurance. Pilates, on the other hand, is lower intensity and doesn't emphasize overload, focusing more on alignment and gentle control than fatigue. The Micro Pro is a smaller version of Lagree's classic Megaformer, designed for users who want a more permanent, elevated setup at home. While it doesn't need to be bolted down, it's best suited for a dedicated workout space since it's not the easiest machine to move around. Lagree workouts should be done barefoot or in grip socks for greater traction and control. And while the Micro Pro is smaller than traditional reformers, it's still on the heavier side and not easily portable, making it best placed in a permanent area. The tempo of the movements are intentionally slow to keep your muscles under tension and push them to fatigue. Form, balance, and stability are everything here, so if you rush or lose control, you're not getting the full benefit and could risk injury. Even when you're targeting a specific muscle group, your entire body—especially your core and stabilizers—is working the whole time. Unlike traditional strength training, Lagree doesn't rely on heavy weights, but instead uses resistance springs and precise movement to overload your muscles. The Micro Pro comes with four resistance springs, but accessories like handles—useful for balance—and the rear platform are sold separately. It also sits low to the ground, so if you prefer a higher setup for accessibility or comfort, you'll need to buy the lift kit. The setup is simple and straightforward, as the Micro Pro arrives mostly pre-assembled. Lagree also offers a number of helpful instructional videos on their YouTube channel and website to guide you through the process. To get started, you'll attach the front platform to the base using screws, and the grip handles clip onto loops on the base via carabiners. After that, you just need to load the springs, and you're ready to go. Lagree On Demand offers a vast library of online workouts, exercise breakdowns, and courses. Whether you're looking for full-body routines or specific muscle-targeting exercises, there's something for every fitness level. Lagree On Demand is available for $3.99 per week, $9.99 per month, or $99.99 for the year. The spring resistance on the Lagree MicroPro is a key factor in customizing your workout. The machine comes with four springs, each offering different levels of resistance to adjust the intensity of your movements. To get the most out of your workout, it's important to understand the spring settings: a lighter resistance is ideal for endurance-focused moves, while heavier resistance will challenge your strength and stability. Overall, the Lagree Micro Pro is a serious piece of equipment packed into a compact design. It delivers a brutal, full-body workout that emphasizes slow, controlled movements to build muscular endurance, core strength, and stability. The Micro Pro is especially great if you're looking to switch up your exercise routine or break through a strength plateau. The focus on muscular endurance, stability, and time under tension makes it a solid complement to traditional weightlifting or cardio. Most of us don't get nearly enough stability or balance work—and those are some of the first things to decline as we age. The Micro Pro forces you into this underutilized training through core engagement and intentional movements. While it takes some getting used to—especially if you're coming from traditional lifting—the intensity is no joke, and the results speak for themselves. The on-demand workouts are convenient and well-structured, and the machine itself is sturdy and well-built. That said, it's not cheap, not very portable, and some key accessories are sold separately. But if you're looking for a home workout option that challenges you in a new way, the Micro Pro delivers. Low-impact and joint-friendly: Great for people with joint issues or those who want to avoid high-impact training all together. Builds muscular endurance: The slow tempo and constant tension shock your muscles in a different way if you're used to lifting weights or cardio-heavy workouts. Versatile workout options: You can target your legs, core, glutes, and upper-body with one machine. Progressive overload built-in: The different springs allow you to increase resistance as you get stronger or decrease for a modification. Steep learning curve: The slow, controlled pace and unique movements can take time to master—especially if you're a beginner. Limited load for strength gains: While great for endurance and stability, it may not fully replace heavy resistance training for strength or hypertrophy goals. Requires balance and stability: Many moves demand coordination and control, which can be challenging without guidance. Heavy and difficult to move: While compact, it's relatively heavy and can be a hassle to move around, making it less portable than other Lagree reformers. Dimensions: 78″ x 18.5″ x 6″ Weight: 103 lbs Price: $1,990 I've taken countless in-person reformer classes and used to coach group fitness classes myself, so I'm no stranger to how different methods can affect strength, mobility, and overall performance. My experience spans across a wide range of fitness techniques, and I've seen firsthand how the right kind of cross-training can make a noticeable impact, whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting out.I Tried Pilates for 30 Days to Boost My Squat PR—Here's What Happened first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
South China Morning Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘If Pilates and bodybuilding had a baby,' it would be the Lagree Method workout
Sebastien Lagree would like to make one thing clear: 'This. Is. Not. Pilates.' Advertisement The global fitness entrepreneur is talking about the Lagree Method, his patented workout. About 50 studios in Southern California currently license rights to use Lagree equipment, many of which are in Los Angeles. Peer into their windows and you will see machines that look like hulking, extra-large Pilates Reformers – so-called Megaformers – atop which clients are moving between platforms on a modular, sliding carriage, positioning their body parts to execute slow but extra-strenuous squats, rows and lunges. So, like, harder Pilates, yes? No. They didn't feel like they got a workout doing Pilates Sebastien Lagree explains why he began modifying the Pilates method 'It's totally different,' Lagree says on the phone from Shanghai, where he is meeting fitness studios and manufacturers of his machines. 'Not Pilates. That's a misconception I've been trying to fight for the past 25 years.' Advertisement
Los Angeles Times
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Don't call it Pilates. Inside the exercise trend that's like ‘if Pilates and bodybuilding had a baby'
Sebastien Lagree would like to make one thing clear: 'This. Is. Not. Pilates.' The global fitness entrepreneur is talking about the Lagree Method, his patented workout. You may be familiar: About 50 SoCal studios currently license rights to use Lagree equipment, many of which are in Los Angeles. Their door shingles boast his name: There's Lagree 213 in downtown L.A., Lab Lagree in Glendale and Live Lagree in Brentwood, to name a few. Peer into their windows and you'll see machines that look like hulking, extra-large Pilates Reformers — so-called Megaformers — atop which L.A.'s fittest are moving between platforms on a modular, sliding carriage, positioning their body parts just so to execute slow but extra-strenuous squats, rows and lunges. So, like, harder Pilates, yes? No. 'It's totally different,' Lagree says on the phone from Shanghai, where he's meeting with fitness studios and manufacturers of his machines. 'Not Pilates. That's a misconception I've been trying to fight for the past 25 years.' To set the record straight, Lagree is eager to go back to the beginning. With his chiseled jaw, sonorous voice and bodybuilder's frame, Lagree could be the love child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Fabio Lanzoni. He grew up in Paris and, after earning a master's in business from Seattle University, he moved to Los Angeles in 1998 to become — what else? — an actor. To support himself, he worked as — what else? — a personal trainer at a West Hollywood gym. His preferred mode of exercise was bodybuilding, but his work had him teaching Pilates on the Reformer, an exercise that was new to him. After sessions, he says, clients would often want to do more cardio. 'Because they didn't feel like they got a workout doing Pilates. I said 'Is it OK if I modify the method?' Because they're not feeling anything.' Lagree added hand weights and incorporated compound gym movements like push-ups, squats, lunges and planks on the Reformer. Eventually, he bought four Pilates Reformers and began teaching out of his living room. He'd been in L.A. just three years at this point, but many of his students were Hollywood makeup artists, stylists and private chefs to the stars and word got out. Soon celebrities were showing up to his home studio. David Schwimmer, Gabrielle Reece, Molly Sims and Elizabeth Hurley all visited his West Hollywood apartment before he got kicked out. 'I didn't have a license. It was all underground,' Lagree says. In 2003, he opened his first commercial studio on Melrose Avenue — he called it Pilates Plus — but says the Pilates machines 'couldn't handle the workout I teach.' He decided to design his own supersized version of a Pilates Reformer, and in 2005, the Proformer was born. It had added cables as well as platforms and foot bars on either end, allowing users to target different muscle groups such as the chest, triceps and shoulders. 'People just loved the Proformer,' Lagree says. 'We got inquires to open studios, so I decided to license out the system. And it took off from there.' But Lagree soon felt the need to distance himself, altogether, from any association with Pilates. 'In 2008 I changed the name because 'Pilates' was misleading — it wasn't that.' The Megaformer debuted in 2010. Whereas the Proformer was a hunk of steel that weighed nearly 500 pounds, the original Megaformer was 200 pounds lighter and came shipped in two parts, so it traveled easier. The design was simplified too, with a narrower carriage that had holes on the rear edge, providing better stability as well as varying grip points. The foot bar was redesigned into split handle bars, allowing for even more versatile exercise. 'The split handle bars, it allows you to do so many more movements,' Lagree says. 'It changed the game.' Over the next decade, demand for the Megaformer became so intense that the sole California manufacturer couldn't make the machines fast enough. In 2019, the Lagree Method was named the fastest-growing fitness trend in the U.S. by the exercise-booking app ClassPass. By 2023, exacerbated by post-pandemic supply chain issues, there was an 18-month wait to receive a machine. Lagree has since moved the manufacturing operations to China and Vietnam, reducing the back-ordering windows. Lagree experiments constantly, tweaking his exercise method and machines. He says he has amassed 200 patents. In addition to the original Proformer, there's also been the EVO and EVO II, the Supra, the Miniformer and Miniformer Pro, the Microformer and Microformer Pro — the last four meant to maximize space. The Megaformer, too, has gone through about a dozen iterations, a dizzying alphabet scramble that includes the M1, M2, M2S, M3, M3S, M3K, M3K+, M3X, M3E, M3. Each features design tweaks. A change in spring location in one model, for example, allows users to transition between exercises faster; more holes in the platform or carriage of another model allow users more anchor points to grip while exercising. 'The machines evolve with the method to further distinguish us from Pilates,' says the company's community relations director and senior master trainer, Heather Perren. 'Lagree is a science-backed method, a live method.' Through it all, the Megaformer has remained the star of the enterprise, a behemoth at the center of the most intense non-Pilates, Pilates-adjacent exercise out there. How different, really, is it from a Pilates Reformer? Both machines use carriages and spring tension — the springs are easier on the body's connective tissue, making exercise low-impact. But that's largely where the similarities end. Pilates, which was invented for rehabilitative purposes and which focuses on core strength, flexibility and balance, is generally low-intensity; the Lagree Method is high-intensity. It combines strength training, cardiovascular exercise and muscular endurance, with exercises performed at a very slow tempo, so muscles experience more time under tension. Many of the exercises are done kneeling or standing up. It's not unusual to see participants sweating and huffing, their limbs trembling, at the end of a set. 'It's like if Pilates and bodybuilding had a baby,' says Natalie Grimsley, owner of Plankhaus in Santa Monica, which teaches the Lagree Method as well as mindfulness workshops. I stopped by Lagree's West Hollywood studio on a recent afternoon and was struck by the size of the Megaformer. It's a massive contraption, like a Pilates Reformer on steroids. It's more than 10 feet long and weighs 395 pounds (by comparison, the more petite Pilates Reformer generally weighs up to 150 pounds.) The carriage's panels are numbered, so you can precisely position your feet and hands to execute exercises correctly. Place your knees on 0 and your hands on 1 and 3, for example. Now you're in the proper alignment to do a modified plank. A bit intimidating? Yes. But I gave the workout my best shot. Still, it was so intense at points, I did not make it through the entire 50-minute session. Deep house music filled the room, which was dimly lit and bathed in lavender light. About 20 women, many of whom looked like aspiring actors, knelt on the numbered panels, while hinging at the waist and pulling a cable to execute a tricep press. They moved surprisingly slowly and deliberately, and the exercise got increasingly difficult. We'd been forewarned: A red neon sign by the bathroom glowed 'It's Not Pilates It's Lagree.' 'Sliiiiide, ignite your core, use your butt cheeks,' instructor Sam Rabon said. 'Slower, deeper, a little more intention!' 'It's a total package, very effective,' Rabon told me after class. 'We were standing up a lot — definitely not Pilates.' Two days later, my thighs and glutes still ache. Lagree now has four of his own studios in L.A., in West Hollywood, Brentwood, Studio City and Santa Monica, and one in Miami. Seven hundred licensed studios — in 45 countries — pay $3,990 annually to use the Megaformer and teach the method (that doesn't include the cost of buying or leasing the machine). 'But there are so many copycats out there who don't want to pay for the license,' Lagree says. 'They buy copycat machines that don't work as well and call it Pilates. 'Oh, it's Pilates, but more intense.' That's where the confusion is coming from, the people in the gray area.' It's not like Lagree hates the P-word — he thinks Pilates is valuable, especially for restorative purposes. 'I've always promoted the benefits of Pilates,' he says. 'I tell people you'll get the best results if you mix and match Pilates and Lagree.' Then he sighs heavily, adding: 'They're just different — we're not Pilates.'
Emirates Woman
25-03-2025
- Health
- Emirates Woman
Your ultimate 2025 guide to ice baths in Dubai
After an intense workout routine, ice baths are the most efficient way of recovering after a long day. They offer numerous benefits, including reduced muscle soreness, faster recovery, and decreased inflammation by constricting blood vessels and flushing out metabolic waste. The cold exposure also triggers the release of endorphins and norepinephrine, improving mood, focus, and resilience to stress. Regular ice baths may boost circulation, strengthen the immune system, and enhance brown fat activation, which supports metabolism and heat regulation. Additionally, they can improve sleep quality by lowering core body temperature. However, they should be approached with caution, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions. Here are five of the best ice bath spots to visit in Dubai to calm your muscles and to ensure you're ready for the next HITT or spin class. The PEAQ Club PEAQ offers a diverse range of services, including high-intensity workouts like Lagree Method, rejuvenating recovery treatments like ice baths and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and calming practices such as breathwork and sound healing. Beyond physical wellness, PEAQ fosters social connections through its in-house café, providing a welcoming environment for members to relax, work, and socialize. By combining cutting-edge fitness techniques with traditional healing practices and a strong sense of community, PEAQ redefines the concept of wellness, offering a transformative experience for those who seek a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. A single cold plunge session is priced at Dhs130. For more information visit PLUME Studio View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plume (@ This is a haven exclusively for women—a sanctuary where empowerment meets elegance and transformation is woven into every detail. Located in the prestigious neighborhood of Jumeirah 2, Plume redefines luxury fitness with a holistic approach that integrates movement, mindfulness, and strength. Guests can avail of the class credits package that can be used towards the sauna and ice bath sessions. For more information visit BEIT SISU Each session at BEIT SISU takes place in a private suite, allowing clients to focus on their well-being without distractions – unless they choose to bring a friend. Rooms are equipped with a tv (Netflix and Prime Video), bluetooth speakers, shower, and Aesop amenities. BEIT SISU's infrared saunas utilize advanced light therapy to generate heat from within, leading to a deeper and more effective detoxification process. This is a dry sauna. This therapy supports mental health, improves sleep, and boosts the immune system. The studio offers contrast therapy that combines cold plunge baths, infrared saunas and red light therapy towers. Benefits include: burning up to 600+ calories in a 60min session, produces collagen production, reduce inflammation, improves cardiovascular health and boosts focus, motivation and mood. The studio offers contrast therapy that combines cold plunge baths, infrared saunas and red light therapy towers. Benefits include: burning up to 600+ calories in a 60min session, produces collagen production, reduce inflammation, improves cardiovascular health and boosts focus, motivation and mood. It's located in Arjaan by Rotana. The sessions are priced at Dhs160 for 30 minutes. For more information visit Embody Fitness Embody Fitness offers state-of-the art recovery suites, Olympic standard gym equipment, sport therapy treatment rooms, luxury changing rooms and a healthy café. For expert sports therapy, customers can utilise the modern recovery suite including infrared saunas, ice baths and sports therapy treatment rooms to improve their performance to the next level. Located in ICD Brookfield, the session is priced at Dhs130 for 60 minutes and Dhs1,200 for unlimited sessions per month. For more information visit Contrast Guests can experience an immersive ice bath to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, aid muscle recovery and strengthen mental resilience, making it the perfect modality to complement the sauna experience. As a sanctuary for recovery, visitors can soothe, switch off, rest and recharge. With both hot and cold therapy, guests have the choice to promote relaxation and detoxification. Located at Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, the Ice Bath is priced at Dhs95 per 30-minute session. For more information visit ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Plunge into the icy cool waters at the Ice Bath at ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. After quickly becoming one of the top wellness treatments, this cold-water immersion action has an array of epic benefits including faster muscle recovery, improved sleep patterns, stress reduction and even boosting immunity. Expect reduced stress and anxiety levels, an increased metabolic rate to aid with weight loss and cellulite, plus the ultimate sports recovery for those post-workout muscle aches. Post-treatment, you can expect a deeply relaxed state for improved sleep. At ReFIVE Spa, the Ice Therapy treatment represents the epitome of this fusion, providing you with an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery, revitalization, and transformation. Rediscover yourself at ReFIVE Spa, where the power of Ice Therapy meets the art of well-being. Immerse yourself in a world of renewal and embrace the cold as your ally on the path to a healthier, happier you. Each session is priced at Dhs125 per person. Boxica Guests can opt for this regimented training technique to regulate the nervous system and train the vagus nerve which is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. Beneficial to anyone, ice baths are recommended to be between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This experience is designed to improve mood, completemental clarity, reduce inflammation, muscle soreness and conquer fear. Located in Dubai Studio City, the sessions are priced at Dhs100 for Boxica members and Dhs150 for non-members. For more information visit Longevity Wellness Hub Longevity offers a variety of wellness treatments focused on athletic recovery and performance, including infrared saunas, sports massages, yoga, stretching, and mobility treatments, in addition to ice baths. Founder Dani Afiouni is a passionate mountaineer with extensive experience in endurance sports and brought his expertise to Dubai to allow athletes and health enthusiasts to use cold water immersion to unlock their bodies' recovery potential. Located at Umm Suqeim, Warehouse #S6, the cold dip is priced at Dhs115 per session. For more information visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
London's toughest workouts: have you tried any of the most hardcore classes in the capital?
London has some of the world's toughest classes on offer, with top trainers like Tracy Anderson (who has worked as PT to celebrities from Gwyneth Paltrow to Jennifer Lopez) opening up studios, and increasing boutique offerings, such as the soon-to-open The Method in Notting Hill. There's something for everyone from dance classes to strength training, tech-motivated score boards to military-inspired workouts. But don't forget: a tough session doesn't always have to complicated or fancy. Here are the ones we think are the most hardcore in the capital: FRAME has just launched three new 'HIGH ON HORMONES' super classes designed to complement your hormones (not something all gyms take into account). The sweatiest is Strong AF, which, as co-founder Pip Black says, is designed from when you're feeling 'a bit all over the place, lacking focus, hormonal, or perimenopausal.' She adds, 'you'll leave feeling pretty invincible - and smug about your fast progress.' A unique class that urges you to work with your body for max results. Tracy Anderson has trained celebrities from Gwyneth Paltrow to J. LO and Tracey Ellis Ross – and now has her first studio in the UK at SURRENNE in Belgravia featuring her muscle-quivering signature Tracy Anderson Method workouts, designed to minimises impact on joints, but burns triple the calories. This is an exclusive class: Membership is £10,000 a year, with an initial £5,000 joining fee. Rucking – walking or jogging with a weighted vest on - is one of the biggest fitness trends this year – as promoted by health podcasters including Peter Attia who notes its benefits for bone density, muscle mass as well as brain health. GYMBOX has taken it to the next level, with a class that combines pounding the streets with a pack on (progressing up to 10kg), as well as a sweaty session on the rig, at three of its London gyms. The aim, according to Hannah Curtis Nunn, Group Fitness Director at Gymbox, is that members will be inspired to 'take on the Three Peaks challenge and want to summit the three biggest mountains in the UK.' Lofty ambitions for you and your glutes. The Lagree Method, also known as the Megaformer Workout, is the most booked class in its native US with fans including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Aniston and Meghan Markle. It's a low-impact, high-intensity method that incorporates bodybuilding principles and moves on a reformer Pilates machines that tightens and tones supposedly in as little as 20-minutes – but don't think it's an easy option. You'll be left shaking – but hopefully with the arms of the former First Lady. Famous for pushing you to your fitness limits, Barry's is a high-intensity, and seriously demanding interval training (HIIT) workout that alternates between treadmill sprints and weight training with fit-mad celeb fans including David Beckham (who goes to the Euston branch, FYI). From this week they've just launched a collaboration between the functional mushroom brand DIRTEA and HERMOSA the protein powder to create an exclusive recovery shake. Try it, you'll need all the help you can get. A class doesn't have to be complicated or in a fancy studio to bring on a mega burn. Strength training at the east London studio E7 Movement takes place in its cosy railway arch - but be prepared to sweat – hard. Expect burpees, planks and weighted glute work to push you to the max. Torn between weights and sprinting? 1Rebel's Reshape class combines both. It inspires lovers and haters in equal measure – but no one denies that it is a HARD class, swapping between hardcore sprints (sometimes with a 'parachute' to increase resistance, sometimes up steep hills) and heavy weights sets. Expect to get stronger but also faster – excellent news for runners with a PB in mind. F45 is notorious for its fast and tough functional group training classes that focuses on improving strength, endurance, and overall fitness. The classes rotate between different exercises that work your full body, combining HIIT, circuit training, are typically split into 2-3 people teams, and last 45 minutes (hence the name). It's tech-driven: you see results in real time on a big screen to spur you on. If you're craving a night out without the booze or late bedtime, Kobox could scratch that itch: it blends high-intensity, authentic boxing with functional training in a nightclub atmosphere (think dark rooms and loud beats). The 50-minute sessions (and you'll feel every minute) alternate between learning its signature six-punch system along with functional exercises that build a boxer's strength, endurance, and agility. Trainers estimate you can burn up to 600 calories in a sweaty session. The Method is founded with positivity – not punishment – at its core. The luxe state of the art gym features classes which fuse techniques from the worlds of ballet, yoga, dance, HIIT and Pilates. But don't be fooled into thinking they're easy. Blast is a revolutionary full-body workout that strengthens the body – while dancing along to banging beats, meaning you leave feeling high on endorphins. You just have to wait until February 3 for its grand opening.
